JP2012185049A - Combination balance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress deceleration of weighing speed and reduction of yield by suppressing variation in the quantity of objects 20 to be weighed supplied from a top cone 3 to a linear feeder pan 6.SOLUTION: The supply of objects 20 to be weighed from a supplying device 1 is controlled in such a manner that the quantity of objects 20 to be weighed in the top corn 3 becomes between a lower limit value and an upper limit value. On the basis of the situation of conveying the objects 20 to be weighed in the linear feeder pan 6 detected by a weighed object sensor 7, The lower limit value is changed and controlled that is a threshold value for starting supplying the objects 20 to be weighed from the supplying device 1 to the top corn 3. The quantity of objects 20 to be weighed supplied from the supplying device 1 to the top corn 3 is adjusted in such a manner that the quantity of objects 20 to be weighed supplied from the ton corn 3 to the linear feeder pan 6 becomes a suitable quantity.

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weigher for weighing objects to be weighed such as vegetables, fruits or confectionery.

  Generally, objects to be weighed such as vegetables and fruits that have been weighed with a combination weigher to have a predetermined weight are packaged by a packaging machine, for example.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a conventional combination weigher of Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG.

  In this combination weigher, an object to be weighed is supplied from a supply device 30 to the center of a main feeder (dispersion feeder) 31, and the main feeder 31 sends out the object to be weighed toward the peripheral portion by vibration, and around the main feeder 31. It conveys to the several linear feeder 32 installed radially.

  A vibration device is attached to the plurality of linear feeders 32, and each linear feeder 32 is vibrated to convey an object to be weighed and put into the plurality of supply hoppers 33. The plurality of supply hoppers 33 temporarily hold the objects to be weighed, open the discharge gate 34, and put the objects to be weighed into the weighing hoppers 35 disposed below the supply hoppers 33. In each weighing hopper 35, the weight of the object to be weighed is measured by the weight sensor 36, and a control unit (not shown) performs a combination operation based on the measured value, so that the total of the measured values matches the combined target weight. The closest combination of the weighing hoppers 35 is obtained, the discharge gate 37 of the weighing hopper 35 selected in this combination is opened, the objects to be weighed are discharged, and the packaging hopper 39 is inserted through the collecting chute 38, Packaging is performed by a packaging machine 39.

  In such a conventional combination weigher, a level detector for detecting the level of the object to be weighed is provided above the main feeder 31, and an allowable upper limit and an allowable lower limit are set, respectively, so that the object to be weighed on the main feeder 31 is allowed. When it is detected that the lower limit has been reached, supply of the objects to be weighed to the main feeder 31 by the supply device 30 is started, and when it is detected that the objects to be weighed on the main feeder 31 have reached the allowable upper limit, There is one in which the supply of an object to be weighed to the main feeder 31 by the supply device 30 is stopped (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 62-1113024 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-179616

  In the combination weigher described in Patent Document 2, the amount of the object to be weighed on the main feeder is controlled so as to be between the allowable lower limit and the allowable upper limit, but the supply device for supplying the object to be weighed on the main feeder Is, for example, a belt conveyor in which a plurality of containers are arranged in a row on an endless belt, or a trough with a vibration device attached thereto. The supply amount is large, and some fluctuations in the amount of objects to be weighed on the main feeder are inevitable.

  Further, for example, when the allowable lower limit setting is not appropriate and low, the supply of the objects to be weighed from the supply device onto the main feeder is delayed, and as a result, the main feeder is supplied to each linear feeder. The objects to be weighed are insufficient, the objects to be weighed on the linear feeder become discontinuous, and the objects to be weighed cannot be supplied to the supply hopper temporarily or periodically. For this reason, a weighing hopper in which an object to be weighed is not introduced from the supply hopper is generated, the number of effective hoppers that can participate in the combination calculation is reduced, the combination accuracy is lowered, and the yield is deteriorated. In addition, the linear feeder must be restarted and the object to be weighed must be re-entered into the supply hopper, which reduces the weighing speed.

  In Patent Document 2, since only the amount of the object to be weighed on the main feeder is detected, it is difficult to cope with a decrease in measuring speed and yield due to the discontinuity of the object to be weighed on the linear feeder. It is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in measurement speed and a decrease in yield due to discontinuous conveyance of an object to be measured.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) The combination weigher of the present invention includes a dispersion unit that disperses an object to be weighed supplied from a supply device, a detection unit that detects the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit, and a periphery of the dispersion unit. A plurality of conveyance units that are respectively disposed in the distribution unit and are to be distributed by the dispersion unit and discharged from the conveyance end, and are arranged corresponding to the respective conveyance units and discharged from the conveyance end. A plurality of supply parts for holding the objects to be weighed and supplying the objects to be weighed downward, and corresponding to each supply part, and holding the objects to be weighed supplied from each supply part, When the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit becomes less than a lower limit based on a plurality of weighing units for weighing the weight of the held object to be measured and the detection output of the detection unit, the supply device Starts the operation to supply the object to be weighed, and the value exceeds the upper limit. Sometimes, the supply operation of the object to be weighed by the supply device is stopped to control the supply of the object to be weighed by the supply device, and the combination calculation is performed based on the measurement value of the object to be weighed measured by the weighing unit. A combination weigher comprising an arithmetic control unit,
A weighing object sensor for detecting a weighing object at each conveyance end of each conveyance unit;
The arithmetic control unit controls the driving of the transport unit, and the lower limit for controlling the start of the supply operation of the weighing object by the supply device based on the detection output of the weighing object sensor. Notification is made to change the value or to prompt the change of the lower limit value.

  The notification is preferably a message prompting a change, voice output, print output, or a combination thereof.

  The lower limit value may be changed automatically by the combination weigher, or the operator may change the lower limit value based on the notification.

  According to the combination weigher of the present invention, the calculation control unit that controls the driving of the conveyance unit is provided with the detection output of the measurement object sensor that detects the measurement object at each conveyance end of each conveyance unit. It can be determined whether or not the object to be weighed is conveyed to the conveyance end by driving.

  For example, the amount of objects to be weighed from the supply unit to the dispersing unit is insufficient, the objects to be weighed supplied from the dispersing unit to each conveying unit are insufficient, and the objects to be weighed in the conveying unit become discontinuous, If the object to be weighed cannot be transported to the transporting end periodically or periodically, and therefore the object to be weighed cannot be supplied from the transporting end to the supply unit and from the supply unit to the weighing unit Can do. Therefore, in such a case, a lower limit value that is a threshold value for starting the supply of the objects to be weighed from the supply device to the dispersion unit is changed, for example, a notification for increasing the lower limit value or prompting the increase of the lower limit value is issued. It can be carried out. By increasing the lower limit value, the supply amount of the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply device to the dispersing unit is increased, the objects to be weighed supplied from the dispersing unit to the conveying unit are increased, and the objects to be weighed in the conveying unit are increased. The shortage is eliminated, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a supply unit to which the object to be weighed is not supplied, and the measurement unit to which the object to be weighed is not supplied, and to prevent a decrease in measurement speed and yield.

  On the contrary, the supply amount of the object to be weighed from the supply device to the dispersion unit is too large, and the object to be weighed supplied from the dispersion unit to each conveyance unit becomes excessive, and the conveyance unit supplies the supply unit. If there is an excessive amount of objects to be weighed and the combination accuracy decreases and the yield deteriorates, the lower limit value that is the threshold for starting the supply of objects to be weighed from the feeding device to the dispersion unit is set. Change, for example, to lower the lower limit value or to notify the reduction, and by reducing the lower limit value, the supply amount of the objects to be weighed from the supply device to the dispersion unit can be reduced and appropriate. It can be a supply amount.

  Thus, according to the combination weigher of the present invention, the supply of the object to be weighed from the supply device is controlled so that the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersing unit is between the lower limit value and the upper limit value, and the object to be weighed is Since the lower limit, which is a threshold value for starting the supply of the objects to be weighed from the supply device to the dispersion unit, is controlled based on the state of conveyance of the objects to be weighed in the conveyance unit detected by the sensor, It is possible to adjust the supply amount of the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply device to the dispersion unit so that the supply amount of the objects to be weighed supplied to the device becomes an appropriate amount. As a result, it is possible to prevent the objects to be weighed in the transport unit from becoming discontinuous, resulting in the supply unit from which the objects to be weighed are not supplied from the transport unit, and the weighing unit from which the objects to be weighed are not supplied. A decrease in yield can be prevented.

 (2) In a preferred embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, the calculation control unit is configured such that, based on the detection output of the detection unit, the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit becomes less than the lower limit value. A start signal for starting the operation of supplying the object to be weighed to the supply device is output, and the object to be weighed by the object sensor after the predetermined time has elapsed or the transport unit has been driven a predetermined number of times is output. The lower limit value is increased based on a detection output in a non-detection state that has not been detected.

  For a predetermined time, after the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersing unit becomes less than the lower limit value and a start signal for starting the feeding operation of the object to be weighed is output to the feeding device, the peripheral part of the dispersing unit is transferred to the conveying unit. This is the time required for the supplied weighing object to be conveyed to the conveying end.

  The predetermined number of times means that the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersing unit becomes less than the lower limit value, and after the start signal for starting the feeding operation of the object to be weighed to the feeding device is output, the conveying unit from the peripheral part of the dispersing unit This is the number of times the conveyance unit is driven to be conveyed to the conveyance end.

  After the predetermined time has elapsed, or after the transport unit has been driven a predetermined number of times, the weighing object sensor in the dispersing unit is less than the lower limit value, and the feeding operation of the weighing object to the feeding device is performed. After outputting a start signal for starting, an object to be weighed that is supplied from the peripheral edge of the dispersing unit to the transport unit and transported to the transport end is detected.

  The detection output of the non-detected state in which the weighing object sensor does not detect the weighing object means that the weighing object sensor does not detect the weighing object at the conveyance end, that is, there is no weighing object at the conveyance end. This is the detection output that indicates that.

  Therefore, the detection output in the non-detection state in which the object to be weighed by the object sensor to be measured has not been detected after the predetermined time has elapsed or the transport unit has been driven a predetermined number of times is determined by the supply device After starting the object supply operation, the object to be weighed supplied from the peripheral part of the dispersing unit to the transport unit is not transported to the transport end, and the detection output indicates that the object to be weighed does not exist at the transport end. .

  According to this embodiment, the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit is reduced to less than the lower limit value, and after the start signal is output to the supply device to start the operation of supplying the object to be weighed, the material is conveyed from the peripheral part of the dispersion unit. Indicates that the object to be weighed does not exist at the transport end after the elapse of a predetermined time required for the object to be supplied to the section to reach the transport end or after the transport section has been driven a predetermined number of times. Based on the detection output of the non-detection state of the weighing object sensor, the amount of the weighing object supplied from the dispersion unit to the conveyance unit is insufficient, and the distribution device disperses that the weighing object does not reach the conveyance end. The lower limit, which is a threshold for starting the supply of the object to be weighed to the section, is increased. Thereby, the supply amount of the objects to be weighed to the dispersion unit can be increased, and the shortage of objects to be weighed supplied from the dispersion unit to the transport unit can be solved.

  (3) In another preferred embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, the calculation control unit is configured to cover the object sensor after the predetermined time has elapsed or the transport unit has been driven a predetermined number of times. When the detection output in the non-detection state in which the weighing object is not detected continues, or when the detection output in the non-detection state occurs periodically, the lower limit value is increased within a predetermined range.

  The predetermined range of the lower limit value is preferably the following range.

(Combined target weight x number of times the conveyance unit is driven until the object sensor is not detected) ≤ lower limit value <upper limit value Here, the number of times the conveyance unit is driven until the object sensor is not detected is the predetermined time The number of times the transport unit is driven until the detection output of the weighing object sensor becomes a non-detection state in which the measurement object is not detected after the conveyance unit is driven a predetermined number of times. The upper limit value is an upper limit value for controlling the stop of the supply operation of the object to be weighed by the supply device.

  If the supply amount of the object to be weighed from the supply device to the dispersion unit is insufficient, the supply amount of the object to be weighed supplied from the dispersion unit to the conveyance unit is insufficient, and the object to be weighed in the conveyance unit becomes discontinuous, However, according to this embodiment, the detection output of the non-detection state of the object sensor is detected continuously or periodically when it is detected. Since the lower limit, which is a threshold value for starting the supply of the objects to be weighed from the supply device to the dispersion unit, is increased, the supply amount of the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply device to the dispersion unit is increased. The shortage of objects to be weighed can be solved.

  (4) In another embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, the dispersion unit includes a main feeder that disperses the object to be weighed by vibration, and the transport unit includes a linear feeder that conveys the object to be weighed by vibration. The supply unit is a supply hopper that inputs the held object to be weighed into the weighing unit, and the weighing unit is a weighing hopper that measures the weight of the object to be weighed by a weight sensor, and the calculation control unit Controls the driving of the main feeder and the linear feeder.

  According to this embodiment, there is a shortage of the objects to be weighed supplied from the main feeder to each linear feeder, the objects to be weighed in the linear feeder become discontinuous, and the objects to be weighed are not supplied from the linear feeder. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a weighing hopper in which an object to be weighed is not charged, and it is possible to prevent a reduction in weighing speed and yield.

  (5) In another embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, when the lower limit value is changed, a notification means for notifying that effect is provided.

  The notification means preferably notifies the fact that the lower limit has been changed by display, voice, printing, or a combination thereof.

  When the lower limit value is changed, the supply amount of the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply device to the dispersion unit will change, but according to this embodiment, the operator is notified that the lower limit value has been changed. The operator can know that the change in the supply amount is due to the change in the lower limit value.

  According to the present invention, the lower limit value, which is a threshold value for starting the supply of the objects to be weighed from the supply device to the dispersion unit, is changed and controlled based on the condition of the objects to be weighed in the transfer unit detected by the object sensor. Therefore, the supply amount of the weighing object supplied from the supply device to the dispersion unit can be adjusted so that the supply amount of the weighing object supplied from the dispersion unit to the transport unit becomes an appropriate amount. As a result, it is possible to prevent the objects to be weighed in the transport unit from becoming discontinuous, and the supply unit from which the objects to be weighed are not supplied from the transport unit, and the weighing unit from which the objects to be weighed are not charged, from being generated. A decrease in yield can be prevented.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combination weigher of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the combination weigher. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of the supply device control of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the linear feeder control of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the linear feeder control of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the metering control of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen example of the operation setting display unit. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional combination weigher.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention. The combination weigher of this embodiment has a conical top cone 3 that radially disperses the objects 20 to be weighed supplied from the supply device 1 at the center of the apparatus, and a main feeder that vibrates the top cone 3. (Dispersion feeder) 4 is provided.

  The object to be weighed 20 is not limited, but is suitable for weighing vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and potatoes, fruits such as oranges and apples, or confectionery packed in pillows, and in particular, combination weighing. It is suitable for manufacturing a net packaged product or the like containing several pieces.

  The supply device 1 conveys an object to be weighed 20 such as bell pepper supplied from a belt conveyor (not shown) by vibration and supplies it to the central portion of the top cone 3. In the top cone 3, the object to be weighed 20 supplied from the supply device 1 to the central portion thereof is conveyed toward the peripheral portion by vibration. Around the top cone 3, a plurality of linear feeder pans 6 for conveying the objects 20 to be weighed sent from the top cone 3 to a plurality of supply hoppers 12 and a plurality of linear feeder pans 6 for vibrating the linear feeder pans 6. Feeders 8 are provided radially. A plurality of supply hoppers 12 serving as supply units are provided below the peripheral edge of the linear feeder pan 6, and a weighing hopper 13 serving as a weighing unit is provided below the supply hopper 12. It is arranged in a circle.

  Under the supply hopper 12 and the weighing hopper 13, a closing gate 12 a and a discharging gate 13 a that can be opened and closed are respectively provided.

  The supply hopper 12 receives the object 20 to be weighed 20 which is transported by the linear feeder pan 6 and dropped and discharged from the transport end 6a which is the leading end thereof. When the weighing hopper 13 disposed below the empty hopper 13 becomes empty, the supply gate 12a Is opened to drop and discharge the object 20 to be weighed into the weighing hopper 13. Each weighing hopper 13 is connected to a weight sensor 10 such as a load cell for measuring the weight of the object 20 in the weighing hopper 13, and a measured value from each weight sensor 10 is output to the control device 9.

  The plurality of linear feeder pans 6 and the plurality of linear feeders 8 that respectively vibrate the respective linear feeder pans 6 constitute a plurality of transport units that transport the objects to be weighed 20 to the corresponding supply hoppers 12.

  The weighing hopper 13 can discharge the objects 20 to the collecting chute 14. When a combination of the weighing hoppers 13 from which the objects to be weighed 20 are to be discharged is obtained from the plurality of weighing hoppers 13 by the combination calculation by the control device 9, and a discharge request signal is input from the packaging machine 15, it corresponds to the combination. The objects 20 to be weighed are discharged from the weighing hopper 13 to the collecting chute 14 and further discharged to the lower packaging machine 15.

  In this embodiment, the amount of the weighing object supplied from the supply device 1 to the top cone 3 is measured by the top cone weight sensor 5 supporting the top cone 3 and the main feeder 4, and the measured value is controlled. It is given to the device 9. In the control device 9, based on the weight of the weighing object 20 on the top cone 3 measured by the top cone weight sensor 5, the amount of the weighing object 20 on the top cone 3 is kept within a preset range. Thus, the supply device 1 is controlled. That is, the control device 9 outputs a supply start command to the supply device 1 when the amount of the weighing object 20 on the top cone 3 becomes less than the lower limit value based on the detection output of the top cone weight sensor 5. Then, the supply operation is started, and when the value exceeds the upper limit value, a supply stop command is output to the supply device 1 to stop the supply operation. The lower limit value and the upper limit value are set in advance by operating the operation setting display unit 11. Further, in this embodiment, the lower limit value is changed as described later.

  The operation setting display unit 11 is configured using, for example, a touch panel or the like, and performs operation of the combination weigher, setting of operation parameters thereof, and the like, and displays an operation speed, a combination measurement value, and the like on a screen.

  The control device 9 performs operation control of the supply device 1 and overall operation of the combination weigher, and performs combination calculation. In the combination calculation, the weight of the weighing object 20 in the weighing hopper 13 is measured by the weight sensor 10, and the measured value is set as the weight of the weighing object 20 in the weighing hopper 13. From the plurality of weighing hoppers 13, one combination is obtained in which the combined weight that is the sum of the weight values of the objects to be weighed 20 is equal to the combined target weight or the closest weight within the allowable range.

  As described above, when the object 20 on the top cone 3 becomes less than the lower limit value, the control device 9 outputs a supply start command to the supply device 1 to start the supply operation. The lower limit value is set low and inappropriate, or is supplied from the supply device 1 onto the top cone 3 of the main feeder 4 due to fluctuations in the supply of the objects to be weighed on the top cone 3 from the supply device 1. In some cases, the amount of the weighing object 20 decreases, and the amount of the weighing object 20 supplied from the top cone 3 onto each linear feeder pan 6 is insufficient.

  In such a case, the weighing object 20 on the linear feeder pan 6 becomes discontinuous, and the weighing object hopper 13 that can temporarily or periodically supply the weighing object 20 to the supply hopper 12 and can participate in the combination calculation. In addition, the linear feeder 8 must be restarted and the object to be weighed 20 must be reintroduced into the supply hopper 12, resulting in a decrease in weighing speed and yield.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the weighing object 20 from being supplied to the supply hopper 12 due to an insufficient amount of the weighing object 20 supplied from the top cone 3 onto each linear feeder pan 6, The lower limit value, which is a threshold value for controlling the supply start of the object to be weighed 20 by the supply device 1, is changed.

  That is, in this embodiment, a plurality of objects to be weighed 7 for detecting the objects to be weighed 20 at the conveyance ends 6a which are the tips of the plurality of linear feeder pans 6 are provided, and the control device 9 includes the objects to be weighed 7 When the weighing object 20 is not detected at the conveyance end 6a of the linear feeder pan 6 based on the detected output of the linear feeder pan 6, the supply amount of the weighing object 20 to the linear feeder pan 6 is insufficient and the conveyance end 6a is reached. Assuming that the object to be weighed 20 is not being conveyed, the lower limit value which is a threshold value for starting the supply of the object to be weighed 20 from the supply device 1 to the top cone 3 is increased.

  In this embodiment, the control device 9 determines that the amount of the object to be weighed 20 in the top cone 3 becomes less than the lower limit value based on the detection output of the weight sensor 5 for the top cone and supplies the object to be weighed 20 to the supply device 1. Of the non-detected state in which the object 20 of the object sensor 7 is not detected after the start signal for starting the supply operation is output and the linear feeder 8 is driven a predetermined number of times over the driving time. The lower limit value is increased based on the output.

  The predetermined number of times is the number of times the linear feeder 8 is driven to be supplied to the linear feeder pan 6 and transported to the transport end 6a by the object 20 on the peripheral edge of the top cone 3.

  Accordingly, the weighing object sensor 7 after the amount of the weighing object 20 in the top cone 3 becomes less than the lower limit value and starts the feeding operation by the feeding device 1 and drives the linear feeder 8 a predetermined number of times. After starting the operation of supplying the weighing object 20 to the top cone 3, the weighing object 20 supplied from the peripheral edge of the top cone 3 to the linear feeder pan 6 and conveyed to the conveying end 6a is detected. .

  If the detection output of the weighing object sensor 7 is in a non-detection state where the weighing object 20 is not detected, the weighing object 20 does not exist at the transport end 6a, and the supply device 1 moves to the top cone 3. After the feeding operation of the weighing object 20 is started, the weighing object 20 supplied from the peripheral edge of the top cone 3 to the linear feeder pan 6 is not conveyed to the conveying end 6a. There is a shortage of the objects to be weighed 20 and the state is discontinuous.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the detection output of the object sensor 7 after the linear feeder 8 is driven a predetermined number of times is in the non-detection state, the non-detection state is continued, or the non-detection state is cyclic. If the weighing object 20 on the linear feeder pan 6 is insufficient and is in a discontinuous state, the weighing object 20 is not conveyed to the conveying end 6a temporarily or periodically. The lower limit value, which is a threshold value for controlling the start of supply of the object to be weighed 20, is increased within a predetermined range.

  Continuing the non-detection state means that the detection output of the weighing object sensor 7 remains in the non-detection state even when the linear feeder 8 is driven a plurality of times over the drive time. This means that the linear feeder pan 6 This is a state where the upper objects 20 are insufficient and the objects 20 are not temporarily transported.

  The non-detection state periodically occurs when the linear feeder 8 is driven twice over the driving time, for example, every time the detection output of the object sensor 7 is in the non-detection state, In a state where the objects 20 to be weighed on the linear feeder pan 6 are insufficient and there is a space between the objects to be weighed 20 on the linear feeder pan 6 and the objects to be weighed 20 are not periodically conveyed to the conveying end 6a. is there.

  The predetermined range of the lower limit value to be increased is preferably the following range.

(Combined target weight × number of times the linear feeder 8 is driven until the object sensor 7 is not detected) ≦ lower limit <upper limit value Here, the number of times the linear feeder 8 is driven until the object sensor 7 is not detected Means the number of times the linear feeder 8 is driven after the linear feeder 8 is driven a predetermined number of times until the detection output of the object sensor 7 is in a non-detection state where the object 20 is not detected.

  Further, the upper limit value is an upper limit value for controlling the stop of the supply operation of the object 20 by the supply device 1.

  In this embodiment, for example, a photoelectric sensor is used as the weighing object sensor 7 that detects the weighing object 20, but the photoelectric sensor is not limited, and an image captured by a weight sensor such as a load cell, a limit switch, or a camera is used. Other sensors such as an image sensor to be processed may be used.

  In this embodiment, the detection output of the weighing object sensor 7 after driving the linear feeder 8 a predetermined number of times is used. However, as another embodiment of the present invention, the time required to drive the linear feeder 8 a predetermined number of times is used. The detection output of the object sensor 7 after the predetermined time has elapsed may be used as the predetermined time.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system of the combination weigher in this embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 9 includes a CPU unit 16 as an arithmetic control unit, a memory unit 17, an A / D conversion circuit unit 18, a gate drive circuit unit 19, a vibration control circuit unit 21, An I / O circuit unit 22 connected to the packaging machine 15 and an I / O circuit unit 25 to which a detection output of the object sensor 7 is given.

  The CPU unit 16 serving as a calculation control unit controls each unit and performs a combination calculation. The memory unit 17 stores an operation program for the combination weigher, operation parameters to be set, and the like, and serves as a work area for operations on the CPU unit 16.

  The A / D conversion circuit unit 18 includes a weight sensor 5 for detecting the weight of the weighing object 20 on the top cone 3 and a weight sensor 10 for detecting the weight of the weighing object 20 of each weighing hopper 13. The analog signal is converted into a digital signal and output to the CPU unit 16. The CPU 16 is also provided with detection output from the above-mentioned object sensor 7 for detecting the object 20 to be measured at the conveyance end 6 a of each linear feeder pan 6 via the I / O circuit unit 25.

  The gate drive circuit unit 19 controls the opening / closing of the supply gate 12 a of the supply hopper 12 and the discharge gate 13 a of the weighing hopper 13 based on a control signal from the CPU unit 16. The vibration control circuit unit 21 controls each vibration operation of the supply device 1, the main feeder 4, and each linear feeder 8 based on a control signal from the CPU unit 16. The CPU unit 16 is connected so as to be able to communicate with the operation setting display unit 11.

  The control device 9 controls the operation of the supply device 1 and the entire combination weigher by the CPU unit 16 executing the operation program stored in the memory unit 17.

  In the combination weigher, it is necessary to set a large number of operation parameters for performing the operation as described above, and the setting is performed by the operator using the operation setting display unit 11, and the value of the set operation parameter is the CPU unit. 16 and stored in the memory unit 17. The operation parameter includes a combination target weight which is a target value in the combination calculation and an allowable range thereof, vibration amplitude and driving time (one vibration duration time) of each of the feeders 4 and 8, the predetermined number of times described above, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the entire processing operation of the combination weigher of this embodiment.

  First, the control device 9 performs ON / OFF control of the supply device 1 based on the detection output of the top cone weight sensor 5 to control the supply amount of the object 20 to be measured on the top cone 3. (Step s1).

  Next, the main feeder control for supplying the object 20 to the linear feeder pan 6 by controlling the driving of the main feeder 4 for vibrating the top cone 3 to disperse the object 20 on the top cone 3 to the surroundings is performed. (Step s2).

  Next, the driving of the linear feeder 8 that vibrates the linear feeder pan 6 is controlled, and the linear feeder pan 6 corresponding to the empty supply hopper 12 is vibrated so that the weighing object 20 on the linear feeder pan 6 is moved to the empty feeder hopper 6. Linear feeder control for supplying to the supply hopper 12 is performed (step s3).

  Next, the process proceeds to the supply hopper control in step s4. In this supply hopper control, the input gate 12a of the supply hopper 12 corresponding to the empty weighing hopper 13 is opened, the object 20 is introduced into the empty measurement hopper 13, and the process proceeds to step s5.

  In step s5, when the weighing object 20 is inserted into the weighing hopper 13, the weight of the weighing object 20 charged into the weighing hopper 13 is measured by the corresponding weight sensor 10, and the measured value is sent to the control device 9. Perform the weighing control.

  Next, based on the weight of the weighing object 20 put in the weighing hopper 13, combination calculation is performed, and whether the combined weight, which is the total weight of various weights of the weighing object 20, is equal to the combination target weight? Alternatively, an optimum combination that is a combination of the weighing hoppers 13 that is heavier than the combination target weight and close to the combination target weight is selected (step s6).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a discharge request signal is input from the packaging machine 15 (step s7). If there is a discharge request signal input, the discharge of the weighing hopper 13 of the optimum combination selected by the combination calculation is performed. Weighing hopper control for opening the gate 13a and discharging the object 20 to be weighed is performed (step s8), and the process returns to step s1. Thereafter, the weighing object 20 of the optimum combination is discharged to the packaging machine 15 by repeating the same weighing cycle as described above.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of the supply device control in step s1 of FIG.

  First, the measured value of the weighing object 20 on the top cone 3 by the top cone weight sensor 5 is input as an input (step s100), and it is determined whether or not the measured value is less than the lower limit value (step s101). When it is less than the value, the drive signal for the supply device 1 is turned on to instruct the start of supply of the object 20 (step s102), and the process proceeds to step s103. Thereby, the supply apparatus 1 starts the supply operation of the weighing object 20.

  Next, the number k for specifying the plurality of objects to be measured sensors 1 to n is set to the initial value “1” (step s103). The number k identifies the workpiece sensor 7 and also identifies the corresponding linear feeder 8, linear feeder pan 6, supply hopper 12, and weighing hopper 13.

  Next, whether or not the weighing object sensor 7 (k) for detecting the weighing object 20 at the conveying end 6a of the linear feeder pan 6 (k) is turned on, that is, the detection of the weighing object sensor 7 (k). It is determined whether or not the output is in a detection state (ON) in which the workpiece 20 at the conveyance end 6a of the linear feeder pan 6 (k) is detected (step s104), and when the detection output is ON The process proceeds to step s106. In step s104, when the detection output of the weighing object sensor 7 (k) is in a non-detection state (off) where the weighing object 20 at the conveyance end 6a of the linear feeder pan 6 (k) is not detected, the linear feeder. The transfer state check flag for checking the transfer state of the workpiece 20 of the linear feeder pan 6 (k) by 8 (k) is turned on, and the process proceeds to step s106 (step s105).

  In step s106, the number k is incremented by 1, and it is determined whether or not the number k is n + 1 (step s107). If not, the process returns to step s104 to detect the next object sensor 7. Similar processing is performed based on the output. If n + 1 in step s107, the process returns to step s100.

  In step s101, if the measured value is not less than the lower limit value, it is determined whether or not the measured value is greater than or equal to the upper limit value (step s108). If the measured value is greater than or equal to the upper limit value, the drive signal for the supply device 1 is turned off. The supply stop of the weighing object 20 is commanded (step s109), and the process returns to step s100. As a result, the supply device 1 stops the supply operation of the weighing object 20.

  In step s103, when the measured value is not equal to or higher than the upper limit value, the process returns to step s100.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing details of the linear feeder control in step s3 of FIG.

  First, the number k for specifying the plurality of linear feeders 1 to n is set to an initial value “1” (step s300).

  In step s301, it is determined whether or not a driving flag indicating that the linear feeder 8 (k) is being driven is on. If it is on, a timer for measuring the driving time is subtracted (step s302). ), It is determined whether or not the time is up (step s303). When the time is up in step s303, the driving flag is turned off (step s304), the driving of the linear feeder 8 (k) is turned off (step s305), and the transfer state check flag of the linear feeder (k) is turned on. It is determined whether or not there is (step s306). In step s306, when the transfer state check flag is on, the count value of the drive number counter is increased (step s307), and it is determined whether or not the count value of the drive number counter has reached a predetermined number (step s308). When the predetermined number of times is reached, the process proceeds to step s309 in FIG.

  The predetermined number of times is set to the number of driving times required for the workpiece 20 supplied from the peripheral edge of the top cone 3 to the linear feeder pan 6 to be transported to the transport end 6 a of the linear feeder pan 6. For example, when the green pepper as the object 20 to be weighed on the linear feeder pan 6 is to be put into the supply hopper 12 one by one every time the linear feeder 8 is driven over the driving time, the green pepper moves on the linear feeder pan 6. If the six pans are usually placed on the feeder pan 6 during normal transport, the predetermined number of times is set to six.

  By driving the linear feeder 8 a predetermined number of times over the driving time, the bell pepper which is the weighing object 20 supplied to the linear feeder pan 6 from the peripheral edge of the top cone 3 moves on the linear feeder pan 6. It is conveyed and reaches the conveyance end 6a.

  When the time is not up in step s303, when the transfer state check flag of the linear feeder 8 (k) is not turned on in step s306, and when the count value of the driving number counter has not reached the predetermined number of times, Each moves to step s318 in FIG.

  In step s301, when the driving flag indicating that the linear feeder 8 (k) is being driven is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the driving flag of the linear feeder 8 (k) is turned on (step s314). ) When the driving flag is on, the driving time timer is set to start measuring the driving time (step s315), the driving flag of the linear feeder 8 (k) is turned on (step s316), and the linear feeder The driving of 8 (k) is started and the process proceeds to step s318 in FIG. 6 (step s317).

  In step s309 in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not an object to be measured is detected by the object sensor 7 (k). In this step s309, when the object 20 is not detected by the object sensor 7 (k), the object 20 is smoothly conveyed from the peripheral edge of the top cone 3 to the conveying end 6a of the linear feeder pan 6. However, since the objects to be weighed in the linear feeder pan 6 (k) are insufficient and the transfer is insufficient, the transfer failure flag of the linear feeder 8 (k) is turned on and the process proceeds to step s312 (step s310). In step s309, when the weighing object 20 is detected by the weighing object sensor 7 (k), the weighing object 20 is smoothly conveyed from the peripheral edge of the top cone 3 to the conveying end 6a of the linear feeder pan 6. Assuming that the transfer failure flag of the linear feeder 8 (k) is turned off, the process proceeds to step s312.

  In step s312, the transfer state check flag of the linear feeder 8 (k) is turned off, the drive number counter is cleared (step s313), and the process proceeds to step s318.

  In step s318, the number k is incremented by 1, and it is determined whether or not the number k is n + 1 (step s319). If not, the process returns to step s301 and the same processing is performed for the next linear feeder 8. To do.

  In step s319, when n + 1, it is determined whether or not the linear feeder 8 whose transfer failure flag is on is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (step s320). The process is terminated by increasing the lower limit value, which is a threshold value for controlling the supply start of the article 20, within a predetermined range (step s321). When the lower limit value is increased in step s321, the operation setting display unit 11 displays that effect.

  Thus, by determining whether or not the number of linear feeders 8 whose transfer failure flag is on is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, for example, the objects 20 to be weighed supplied from the top cone 3 to each linear feeder pan 6 are measured. Even if the amount is appropriate, the lower limit value can be prevented from being changed in the case where the object to be weighed 20 is clogged and not conveyed in the carry-in path of one linear feeder pan 6.

  This predetermined number may be, for example, an average value of the number of weighing hoppers selected for the combination.

  As described above, when the supply amount of the weighing object 20 distributedly supplied from the top cone 3 to the linear feeder pan 6 is small and the weighing object 20 on the linear feeder pan 6 is discontinuous, the supply is performed. The lower limit, which is a threshold value for starting the supply of the weighing object 20 from the apparatus 1 to the top cone 3, is increased.

  However, this lower limit value becomes too large, the supply amount of the weighing object 20 from the supply device 1 to the top cone 3 is too large, and the weighing object 20 supplied from the top cone 3 to each linear feeder pan 6 becomes In this embodiment, in order to prevent an excessive amount of the object 20 to be weighed from the linear feeder pan 6 to the supply hopper 12 and further to the weighing hopper 13, resulting in a decrease in the combination accuracy. In the processing, when the lower limit value is too large, the supply amount of the object to be weighed 20 from the supply device 1 to the top cone 3 is reduced to an appropriate supply amount by decreasing the lower limit value.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the metering control in step s5 of FIG.

  First, the total weight memory is cleared (step s500), the addition count is cleared (step s501), and the number k for specifying the plurality of weighing hoppers 1 to n is set to an initial value “1” ( Step s502).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the weighing object is put into the weighing hopper 13 (k) and the weighing is completed (step s503). When the weighing is completed, the addition count is incremented by 1 and the process proceeds to step s506 (step s506). Step s505). If it is determined in step s503 that the object to be weighed is put into the weighing hopper 13 (k) and the weighing is not completed, the process proceeds to step s506.

  In step s506, the number k is incremented by 1, and it is determined whether or not the number k is n + 1 (step s507). If not, the process returns to step s503 and the same processing is performed for the next weighing hopper 13. To do.

  In step s507, when n + 1, the total weight is divided by the added count value to calculate the average weight (step s508), and it is determined whether the average weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined weight (step s509). ) When the average weight is larger than the predetermined weight, the supply amount of the object to be weighed 20 is large, and it is overdone and the lower limit value is decreased and the process ends (step s510), and the average weight is not larger than the predetermined weight. When it ends.

  In this embodiment, the operation setting display unit 11 can display a screen showing the following operation state.

  That is, FIG. 8 is a display screen example of the operation setting display unit 11.

  This display screen is an automatic driving operation setting screen 40 that displays a driving state, is a display screen that is called by touch operation of a “distribution unit” display call touch switch 41 at the bottom of the screen, and is a top that is a distribution unit. The weight level of the object to be weighed on the cone 3 is displayed.

  In this automatic driving operation setting screen 40, a first display area 40a at the top of the screen includes a message display area 42 for displaying various messages, a date / time display area 43 for displaying date and time, a language A selection touch switch 44 is displayed. When the language selection touch switch 44 is touched, a pop-up screen of selectable languages appears (not shown).

  In the automatic driving operation setting screen 40, a “driving start” touch switch 49 and a “driving stop” touch switch 50 for turning on and off the driving are displayed in the second display area 40b on the lower left side of the screen. Is done. In FIG. 8, since the driving state is ON, the “driving stop” touch switch 50 is displayed larger than the “driving start” touch switch 49 to facilitate the operation.

  In the third display area 40c on the right side of the second display area 40b, a “circular display” call touch switch 51, the “distributed portion” display call touch switch 41, a “history display” call touch switch 52, and a “total” display. The call touch switch 53 and the “camera” display call touch switch 54 are displayed. When the touch switches 51, 41, 52, 53, and 54 are touched, respective screens are displayed. In the third display area 40c, various display menu switching touch switches 55 for switching touch switches for calling various screens for each group and various display calling touch switches 56 for switching display of the touch switches in each group are displayed. ing.

  In this automatic driving operation setting screen 40, in the third display area 40d between the first display area 40a in the upper part of the screen and the second and third display areas 40b and 4c in the lower part of the screen, the type of the driving and the driving are performed. Program number & product type display area 45 for displaying the program number in which the parameter is stored, weight level display area 46 for displaying the weight level of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3, the combination target weight value and the combination weight A deviation moving average display area 47 for displaying a change in deviation from the value and a weighing speed display area 48 for displaying a change in weighing speed are displayed.

  In the weight level display area 46, the weight level of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is displayed in a graph, and a lower limit value and an upper limit value for ON-OFF control of the supply device 1 are displayed.

  In the deviation moving average display area 47, the deviation shift between the combination target weight value and the combination weight value is displayed together with the ON / OFF timing of the supply device 1. This deviation is a deviation obtained by performing moving average processing for several times.

  In the weighing speed display area 48, the change in the weighing speed according to the number of packages (packs) per minute is displayed together with the ON / OFF timing of the supply device 1.

  When the operation status, for example, the weight level is reduced by the display of the weight level display area 46, the deviation moving average display area 47, and the weighing speed display area 48, the object 20 on the linear feeder pan 6 is reduced and supplied. It can be grasped that re-injection into the hopper 12 increases, the measuring speed decreases, and the yield (combination accuracy) decreases.

  Such weight level, deviation moving average, and weighing speed are stored as an operation history. For example, when a desired operation speed cannot be obtained, an operation history is displayed and the cause is displayed. You may make it use for grasping | ascertaining.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the amount of the object 20 to be weighed on the top cone 3 is detected by the top cone weight sensor 5. However, as another embodiment of the present invention, instead of the weight sensor, above the top cone 3. For example, an ultrasonic type level detector is provided, and the level detector detects the amount of the object 20 on the top cone 3 and controls the amount of the object 20 on the top cone 3. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the lower limit value is automatically changed. However, as another embodiment of the present invention, a message that prompts the lower limit value to be changed is displayed on the operation setting display unit 11, and the operator You may make it perform operation which changes a lower limit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Supply apparatus 3 Top cone 4 Main feeder 5 Top cone weight sensor 6 Linear feeder pan 7 Weighing object sensor 8 Linear feeder 9 Control device 10 Weight sensor 12 Supply hopper 13 Weighing hopper 15 Packaging machine 16 CPU part 20 Weighing object

Claims (5)

A dispersion unit for dispersing the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply device to the surroundings;
A detection unit for detecting the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit;
A plurality of conveyance units that are respectively arranged around the dispersion unit and convey the objects to be weighed dispersed in the dispersion unit and discharge them from the conveyance end;
A plurality of supply units that are arranged corresponding to the respective conveyance units, hold the objects to be weighed discharged from the conveyance end, and supply the held objects to be weighed downward,
A plurality of measuring units arranged corresponding to each supply unit, holding the objects to be weighed supplied from each supply unit, and weighing the weight of the objects to be weighed;
Based on the detection output of the detection unit, when the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit becomes less than the lower limit value, the operation of supplying the object to be weighed by the supply device is started and becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit value. Sometimes, the supply operation of the object to be weighed by the supply device is stopped to control the supply of the object to be weighed by the supply device, and the combination calculation is performed based on the measurement value of the object to be weighed measured by the weighing unit. An arithmetic control unit;
A combination weigher comprising:
A weighing object sensor for detecting a weighing object at each conveyance end of each conveyance unit;
The arithmetic control unit controls the driving of the transport unit, and the lower limit for controlling the start of the supply operation of the weighing object by the supply device based on the detection output of the weighing object sensor. Change the value or notify the user to change the lower limit,
A combination weigher characterized by that. The arithmetic control unit is configured to start the supply operation of the weighing object to the supply device when the amount of the weighing object in the dispersion unit becomes less than the lower limit value based on the detection output of the detection unit. Based on the detection output of the non-detection state in which the object to be weighed of the object to be weighed sensor is not detected after the start signal is output and the predetermined time has passed or the transport unit is driven a predetermined number of times, Increasing the lower limit,
The combination weigher according to claim 1. After the predetermined time has elapsed, or after the conveyance unit has been driven a predetermined number of times, the arithmetic control unit continues to output the detection of the non-detected state in which the object to be measured of the object sensor has not been detected. Or when the detection output in the non-detection state occurs periodically, the lower limit value is increased within a predetermined range,
The combination weigher according to claim 2. The dispersion unit has a main feeder that disperses an object to be weighed by vibration,
The transport unit includes a linear feeder that transports an object to be weighed by vibration,
The supply unit is a supply hopper that inputs a held object to be weighed into the measurement unit,
The weighing unit is a weighing hopper that measures the weight of an object to be weighed by a weight sensor,
The arithmetic control unit controls driving of the main feeder and the linear feeder.
The combination weigher according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the lower limit value is changed, a notification means for notifying that effect is provided.
The combination weigher according to claim 1.

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