JP2014089146A - Weighing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a period of time required in weighing processing by suppressing combination failure in combination weighing of an object to be weighed having a comparatively large object weight.SOLUTION: Objects to be weighed sorted into a plurality of weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L by a weight sorting machine 20 are stored in a plurality of stock parts 30a-30d, respectively and are thrown into weighed object input ports 401 of a combination balance 40 divided into groups A, B, C and D so as to correspond to the respective stock parts 30a-30d. Thereby, the combination balance 40 can perform combination operation combining the objects to be weighed of the plurality of weight ranks S, M1, M2 and L to easily obtain combinations and reduce the number of change times of the objects to be weighed due to combination failure to shorten a period of time required in weighting processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a weighing system, and more particularly to a weighing system that sorts objects to be weighed for each weight rank and discharges the selected objects to be weighed in combination so as to have a weight within a predetermined weight range.

  A combination weigher that weighs and weighs the objects to be weighed within a specified weight range, and has a plurality of weighing units for weighing the objects to be weighed. Various combinations of weights are performed, a combination calculation is performed to select a combination of weighing units within which the combined weight is within a predetermined weight range, and an object to be weighed in the weighing unit selected by the combination calculation is discharged.

  As such a combination weigher, a fully automatic combination weigher that automatically supplies all the objects to be weighed to a plurality of weighing units and discharges the objects to be weighed from the weighing units selected by the combination calculation, In addition to the semi-automatic combination weigher in which the operator only loads the weighing object into the weighing unit and the weighing object loading operation, the operator also takes out the weighing object from the weighing unit selected by the combination calculation. There is a manual combination weigher.

  In combination weighers, depending on the supply status of the objects to be weighed to each weighing unit, etc., the combined weight of various weighings weighed by each weighing unit is within the allowable weight range with the target combination weight as the lower limit. A combination that falls within a predetermined weight range may not be established.

  When weighing an object to be weighed that is sufficiently smaller than the target combination weight, such as a fully automatic combination weigher, a small amount of the object to be weighed is placed in the weighing unit with the smallest measured value. It is possible to cope with the combination failure by additionally inputting, acquiring the measurement value again, and performing the combination calculation.

  Semi-automatic combination weighers manually put the objects to be weighed into the combination weigher, so that the weight of the unit is relatively large and irregular, or the objects that are difficult to handle by machines, such as chicken (broiler), etc. It is suitable for handling raw meat, squid, octopus and other seafood or agricultural products, but weighs weighing objects that have a large unit weight (for example, weighing objects that reach the target combined weight with 5-7 pieces) Therefore, it is difficult to adopt additional input of objects to be weighed when the combination is not established. This is because even if one unit of an object to be weighed is added to the weighing unit having the smallest measurement value, the measurement value of the weighing unit greatly fluctuates. For this reason, in a semi-automatic combination weigher, when a combination is not realized, it respond | corresponds by replacing a to-be-measured object (for example, refer patent document 1).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-31380

  In the semi-automatic combination weigher, an operator selects an object to be weighed supplied and stored in one place, puts it in the combination weigher, and supplies it to each weighing unit. For this purpose, it is necessary to select the objects to be weighed and put them into the combination scale so that the weights of the objects to be weighed in the respective weighing units vary moderately.

  However, in the conventional semi-automatic combination weigher, the objects to be weighed are stored in one place. Therefore, the objects to be weighed are selected so that the weight varies appropriately from the objects to be weighed in this one place. It is not easy to put into a combination weigher. For this reason, a combination may not be established in combination weighing. When the combination is not established, it is necessary to replace the objects to be weighed as described above, and it takes time for the replacement, and the time required for the weighing process becomes longer. In addition, when the object to be weighed is a fresh food, the freshness is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in combination weighing such as an object to be weighed having a relatively large single unit weight, the time required for weighing processing is suppressed by preventing the combination from being established. The purpose is to shorten.

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

(1) The weighing system of the present invention includes a weight sorter that sorts and sorts objects to be measured into a plurality of weight ranks, a plurality of weighing units, and a weighing object supplied to each weighing unit. A combination weigher that combines the weights to perform a combination operation for selecting a combination of the weighing units within a predetermined weight range, and discharges an object to be weighed from the selected weighing unit,
A plurality of stock units for storing objects to be weighed according to weight ranks by the weight sorter are provided, and the objects to be weighed in each stock unit are supplied to the combination weigher.

  According to the weighing system of the present invention, the objects to be weighed which have been sorted into a plurality of weight ranks by the weight sorter are respectively stored in the plurality of stock parts, and therefore the objects to be weighed in each stock part are respectively supplied to the combination weigher. Thus, in the combination weigher, it is possible to perform a combination calculation combining a plurality of objects to be weighed having different weight ranks.

  This makes it easier to establish a combination by combination calculation compared to the conventional example in which objects to be weighed in one place are supplied to a combination weigher without being sorted by weight rank. The time required for the weighing process can be shortened by reducing the number of times of replacement.

  (2) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the combination weigher is a semi-automatic combination weigher having a plurality of loading ports into which the objects to be weighed supplied to the plurality of weighing units are manually loaded, The plurality of inlets are grouped so as to correspond to the plurality of stock sections.

  According to this embodiment, the plurality of inlets of the semi-automatic combination weigher into which the objects to be weighed are manually input are grouped so as to correspond to the respective stock parts in which the objects to be weighed by weight rank are respectively stored. Therefore, the objects to be weighed with different weight ranks are input for each group of input ports.

  (3) In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the combination weigher is a semi-automatic type comprising a plurality of weighing conveyors each of which weighs and feeds the objects to be weighed by the plurality of weighing units. The plurality of weighing conveyors are grouped so as to correspond to the plurality of stock units.

  According to this embodiment, the plurality of weighing conveyors of the semi-automatic combination weigher to which the objects to be weighed are manually supplied are grouped so as to correspond to the respective stock units in which the objects to be weighed according to the weight ranks are respectively stored. Therefore, the objects to be weighed in different weight ranks are supplied for each group of weighing conveyors.

  (4) In another embodiment of the present invention, the combination weigher calculates an average weight of the objects to be weighed based on the result of the combination calculation, and transmits the average weight to the weight sorter. The boundary weight value for sorting into the plurality of weight ranks is corrected based on the received average weight of the objects to be weighed.

  For example, the average weight of the objects to be weighed based on the result of the combination calculation is calculated by calculating the average weight of the objects to be weighed based on the combination target weight and the number of weighing units selected by the combination calculation. You may make it calculate the average weight of a to-be-measured object based on the combination weight selected by calculation, and the number of the selected measurement parts.

  According to this embodiment, the combination weigher calculates the average weight of the objects to be weighed based on the result of the combination operation and transmits it to the weight sorter, and the weight sorter based on the received average weight of the objects to be weighed. Thus, the boundary weight value for sorting into the weight rank is corrected, so that the weighing object can be sorted into the weight rank according to the actual weight of the weighing object.

  (5) In still another embodiment of the present invention, the combination weigher has an operation unit that is operated in order to eliminate the retention of an object to be weighed that is retained in the stock unit, Based on the operation of the operation unit for eliminating the stay, the combination calculation with a condition for preferentially selecting the weighing unit to be supplied with the weighing object of the weight rank staying in the stock unit. I do.

  According to this embodiment, when the object to be weighed stays in the stock part, and the operator operates the operation part, the condition for preferentially selecting the weighing part that stays in the stock part and is supplied with the object to be weighed in the weight rank is selected. Since the combination calculation with a mark is performed, the weight rank object to be weighed is preferentially selected and discharged in the combination calculation, and according to this, the weight rank of the weight rank staying in the stock section is discharged. As a result of the preferential supply of the objects to be weighed to the combination weigher, retention of the objects to be weighed is eliminated.

  (6) In the embodiment of the above (5), the combination weigher performs a combination calculation with the condition canceled when the combination is not established by the combination calculation with the condition.

  According to this embodiment, in a conditional combination calculation that preferentially selects the objects to be weighed in the stock section, if the combination is not established, the combination is established by canceling the condition. Therefore, the weighing process can be performed smoothly.

  (7) In another embodiment of the present invention, the weight sorter sorts the objects to be weighed in the plurality of weight ranks and the objects to be weighed outside the weight rank, and the objects to be weighed outside the weight rank are selected. , Distribution to other than the plurality of stock parts.

  Weighing objects that are outside the weight rank, such as weighing objects that are lighter than the lightest weight rank of multiple weight ranks, or weighing objects that are heavier than the heaviest weight rank of multiple weight ranks The combination is difficult to establish, but the objects to be weighed out of the weight rank are distributed to other than the plurality of stock parts, so that they are not supplied to the combination weigher, and this facilitates the combination in the combination weigher. .

  According to the present invention, since the objects to be weighed sorted into a plurality of weight ranks by the weight sorter are respectively stored in the plurality of stock parts, by feeding the objects to be weighed in each stock part to the combination weighers, In the combination weigher, it is possible to perform a combination calculation combining a plurality of objects to be weighed having different weight ranks.

  This makes it easier to establish a combination by combination calculation compared to the conventional example in which objects to be weighed in one place are supplied to a combination weigher without being sorted by weight rank. The number of replacements can be reduced to shorten the time required for the weighing process, and when the object to be weighed is a fresh food, it is possible to prevent a decrease in its freshness.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a weighing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the main body of the combination weigher of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the metering system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the combination weigher of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the combination weigher of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a weighing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a weighing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The weighing system 10 of this embodiment includes a semi-automatic combination weigher 40. In the semi-automatic combination weigher 40, in order to reduce the time required for the weighing process by suppressing the occurrence of combination failure. In addition, a weight sorter 20 is provided in the preceding stage, and a plurality of stock parts 30a to 30d in which to-be-measured objects (not shown) sorted in a weight rank of four stages in this example are stored by the weight sorter 20 are provided. Provided.

  In the weighing system 10 of this embodiment, the operator takes the objects to be weighed from the stock parts 30a to 30d in which the objects to be weighed in each of the four stages are stored, and the stock part of the semi-automatic combination weigher 40. It inputs into the to-be-measured object insertion port 401 corresponding to 30a-30d. Therefore, in the semi-automatic combination weigher 40, the combination calculation is performed on the objects to be weighed in each of the four stages of the weight rank.

  Therefore, the combination can be easily established by the combination calculation of the combination weigher 40 as compared with the conventional example in which the operator selects the objects to be weighed in one place and puts them in the combination weigher without being sorted by weight rank. Thus, compared to the conventional example, it is possible to reduce the number of times the objects to be weighed are replaced due to the failure of the combination.

  In general, in combination calculation, an object to be weighed in the vicinity of the center of the average weight of the object to be weighed, an object to be weighed lighter than the weight near the center, and an object heavier than the weight near the center. By combining with the weighing object, the combination is easily established.

  In this embodiment, the weight rank M1 that is lighter than the average weight and close to the average weight, the weight rank M2 that is heavier than the average weight and close to the average weight, and the weight rank as described below, centering on the average weight of the objects to be weighed. Since the combination calculation is performed by combining the four weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L of the weight rank S that is lighter than M1 and the weight rank L that is heavier than the weight rank M2, the combination is more easily established.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of this embodiment will be described in detail.

  The weight sorter 20 includes a carry-in conveyor 201, a weighing conveyor 202, a sorting conveyor 203, sorting arms 204a to 204d, and transport conveyors 205a to 205d classified by weight rank, and weighs objects to be weighed (not shown). The weight rank is determined and assigned to the corresponding distribution position.

  In this embodiment, the objects to be weighed are weighed and sorted into four ranks of weight ranks of S rank, M1 rank, M2 rank, and L rank, and other unranked articles, and weighed in each of the four rank ranks. The goods are distributed to the transport conveyors 205a to 205d according to the weight ranks and transported to the corresponding four stock units 30a to 30d, while the non-rank products are ranks arranged at the end of the distribution conveyor 203 in the transport direction. It is conveyed to the external product storage box 206.

  The objects to be weighed are comparatively large and undefined objects to be weighed and objects to be weighed that are difficult to handle by machines, for example, raw meat such as chicken (broiler), seafood such as squid and octopus, or agricultural products.

  An operation setting display unit 207 is provided in the vicinity of the weighing conveyor 202. The operation setting display unit 207 is a touch panel type, and various settings for operating the weight sorter 20 are performed. Information is displayed.

  By operating the operation setting display unit 207, for example, the boundary weight value of the weight rank is set. The four-level weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L are set as follows. In other words, the average weight of the objects to be weighed is set to be a slightly lighter M1 rank, a slightly lighter S rank, a slightly heavier M2 rank, and a considerably heavy L rank, with the average weight as a central value. An object to be weighed lighter than the S rank and an object to be weighed heavier than the L rank are regarded as non-rank products. In this case, as the boundary weight values for dividing the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L, the boundary weight values serving as the central values for dividing the weight rank M1 and the weight rank M2, the weight rank M1 and the weight rank S, Boundary weight value for classifying weight rank M2, Boundary weight value for classifying weight rank L and weight rank L, Boundary weight value for classifying weight rank S and non-ranked product, and Classifying weight rank L and non-ranked product There are five boundary weight values for boundary weight values.

  When the average weight of the object to be weighed as the center value is unknown, an appropriate number of samples may be arbitrarily selected from the objects to be weighed in advance.

  In this embodiment, as described later, in the semi-automatic combination weigher 40, the average weight of the objects to be weighed is calculated based on the result of the combination calculation obtained by starting the actual weighing process, and the average weight is calculated. The weight sorter 20 automatically corrects the boundary weight values of the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L according to the received average weight of the objects to be weighed. The weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L are selected according to the weight of the weighing object.

  In the weight sorter 20, the object to be weighed is carried into the weighing conveyor 202 by the carry-in conveyor 201 that conveys the object to be measured in the direction of the arrow p1, and the weight is weighed while being conveyed in the direction of the arrow p2 by the weighing conveyor 202. And its weight rank is determined. The objects to be weighed by the weighing conveyor 202 are transferred onto the sorting conveyor 203.

  The sorting conveyor 203 is provided with four sorting arms 204a to 204d that swing in the horizontal direction and sort the objects to be weighed on one side in the width direction along the conveying direction indicated by the arrow p3. ing. Also, on the other side in the width direction of the sorting conveyor 203, transport conveyors 205a to 205d for each weight rank are arranged corresponding to the sorting arms 204a to 204d. Further, as described above, the non-ranked product storage box 206 for storing the objects to be weighed that have not been sorted by the sorting arms 204a to 204d as non-ranked products is disposed at the end of the sorting conveyor 203 in the transport direction. Yes.

  The objects to be weighed transferred from the weighing conveyor 202 to the sorting conveyor 203 are sorted by the sorting arms 204a to 204d according to the weight rank, and transferred from the sorting conveyor 203 to the corresponding conveying conveyors 205a to 205d. And is conveyed in the direction of the arrow p4 by the conveyors 205a to 205d.

  That is, the objects to be weighed that are determined as S rank are distributed to the transfer conveyor 205a corresponding to the S rank by the distribution arm 204a, and are transferred to the stock unit 30a corresponding to the S rank and stocked. Further, the objects to be weighed determined as M1 rank are distributed to the transfer conveyor 205b corresponding to the M1 rank by the distribution arm 204b, and are transferred to the stock unit 30b corresponding to the M1 rank and stocked.

  Similarly, objects to be weighed determined as M2 rank and objects to be weighed as L rank are distributed to transfer conveyors 205c and 205d corresponding to M2 rank and L rank by distribution arms 204c and 204d, respectively. , L are respectively conveyed to the stock units 30c and 30d corresponding to the L rank.

  In addition, the objects to be weighed that are determined to be out-of-rank products are transported to the end by the sorting conveyor 203 without being sorted by the sorting arms 204a to 204d, and are stored in the non-ranked product storage box 206.

  In the stock sections 30a to 30d, the objects to be weighed in the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L are transported and stocked by the transport conveyors 205a to 205d of the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L, respectively.

  The semi-automatic combination weigher 40 has a plurality of, or in this example, 10 weighing object input ports 401 into which the objects to be weighed stocked in the stock units 30a to 30d are manually inserted, and are linearly arranged at predetermined intervals. It is installed. Further, a touch panel type operation setting display unit 405 is provided on one side (left side of FIG. 1) of the combination weigher 40, and the operation setting display unit 405 allows the operation of the combination weigher 40 and the setting of its operation parameters. Etc., and the operation speed, the combined measurement value, etc. are displayed on the screen.

  The objects to be weighed 401 correspond to the four stock sections 30a to 30d, that is, the four groups A, B, C so as to correspond to the four stages of the weight ranks S, M1, M2, L, respectively. , D. The group A objects to be weighed 401 are three in the vicinity of the S-rank stock section 30a, and the group B objects to be weighed 401 are two in the vicinity of the M1-rank stock section 30b. The group C weighing object input ports 401 are two in the vicinity of the M2 rank stock portion 30c, and the group D weighing object input ports 401 are three in the vicinity of the L rank stock portion 30d. Appropriate displays are attached to the object insertion ports 401 of the groups A to D so that the operator can recognize the groups.

  In this embodiment, the operator puts one of the objects to be weighed in the four stock parts 30a to 30d into the corresponding object input ports 401 of the four groups A, B, C and D, respectively. throw into.

  The operator basically puts the objects to be weighed in the stock units 30a to 30d into the corresponding object insertion ports 401 of the corresponding groups A, B, C, and D, but they are different. You may make it throw in into the to-be-measured object insertion port 401 of a group. For example, when the amount of the objects to be weighed in the weight ranks M1 and M2 is extremely larger than the amount of the objects to be weighed in the weight rank S and the weight rank L, the objects to be weighed in the weight ranks M1 and M2 are used. The weights S and L may be loaded into the weighing object insertion ports 401 of the groups A and D.

  In addition, the weighing object input port 401 does not necessarily have to be grouped in correspondence with the stock units 30a to 30d, and the objects to be weighed stocked in the stock units 30a to 30d You may make it throw in into the opening | mouth 401. FIG.

  Below each weighing object input port 401, as shown in the schematic side view of the main body of FIG. 2, ten supply hoppers 402 for receiving the objects to be weighed are arranged in a row and below that. Are arranged with ten weighing hoppers 403 for weighing the objects to be weighed supplied from the respective supply hoppers 402.

  Each supply hopper 402 includes double-open discharge gates 402a and 402b. Each of the supply hoppers 402 has one of the gates 402a and 402b opened in the direction of the arrow p5 so that an object to be weighed is one of the weighing hoppers 403 divided into two weighing chambers 403a and 403b. It supplies to one measurement chamber 403a, 403b.

  Each weighing hopper 403 is connected to each weighing sensor (not shown) formed of a load cell or the like provided inside the main body, and the weight of an object to be weighed in each weighing hopper 403 is measured by each weighing sensor. .

  Since the object to be weighed is supplied from the supply hopper 402 to one of the two weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403, each of the weighing units as each weighing unit is based on the change in the weight value detected by each weighing sensor. The weight of the objects to be weighed supplied to the measuring chambers 403a and 403b can be measured.

  In the semi-automatic combination weigher 40, the weights of the objects to be weighed in the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 which have been supplied and are weighed by the weighing sensor at the timing of the combination calculation at regular time intervals are measured. Various combinations, and among these combinations, the combination weight (total weight) is within a predetermined weight range that is an allowable weight range with the target combination weight as a lower limit, and is equal to or equal to the target combination weight. A combination calculation for selecting the combination of the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the closest weighing hopper 403 is performed. By opening the gates 403c and 403d for discharging the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 of the combination selected by the combination calculation, the objects to be weighed are discharged onto the lower set conveyor 404. By the collective conveyor 404, for example, it is conveyed to a subsequent apparatus such as a packaging machine.

  Thus, when the objects to be weighed are discharged from the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the empty weighing chambers 403a and 403b from the supply hopper 402 thereabove. The As a result, the next object to be weighed is thrown into the empty supply hopper 402 by the operator through the object weighing port 401.

  As described above, the objects to be weighed in the weight ranks M1 and M2, which are relatively close to the average weight of the objects to be weighed, the objects to be weighed in the weight rank S that is considerably lighter than the average weight of the objects to be weighed, and the average of the objects to be weighed Since an object to be weighed having a weight rank L that is considerably heavier than the weight is thrown into the object to be weighed inlet 401 of the semi-automatic combination weigher 40 by the operator, these four stages of weight ranks S1, M1, M2 , L to be weighed, the combination calculation is performed, and the semi-automatic combination weigher is selected by the operator from the objects to be weighed that are not sorted into the weight ranks stored in one place. Compared to the conventional example, the combination calculation is more easily established, and the time required for the weighing process can be shortened.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weighing system 10 of FIG.

  The weight sorter 20 conveys and weighs the object to be weighed, and distributes the object to be weighed, calculates the weight of the object to be weighed, determines the weight rank, and controls each part. The control part 209, the above-mentioned operation setting display part 207, and the communication part 210 for communicating between the semiautomatic combination scales 40 are provided.

  The main body 208 includes conveyors 201 to 203, 205a to 205d, distribution arms 204a to 204d, etc., and in response to conveyance from the control unit 209, distribution commands, etc., the conveyors 201 to 203, 205a to 205d, The sorting arms 204 a to 204 d are driven, and the weight of the object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 202 is measured, and a weighing signal is output to the control unit 209. The control unit 209 includes, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a CPU and a memory that stores various data and control programs necessary for the control operation of the CPU. The control unit 209 communicates with the semi-automatic combination weigher 40 to Control necessary for weight selection.

  The semi-automatic combination weigher 40 supplies and weighs the objects to be input, and discharges the objects to be weighed in combination, and the weight of the objects to be weighed. A control unit 407 that performs combination calculation and controls each unit, the above-described operation setting display unit 405, a communication unit 408 for communicating with the weight sorter 20, and a subsequent apparatus 410 such as a packaging machine And an interface (I / O) unit 409.

  The main body 406 includes a supply hopper 402, a weighing hopper 403, a collective conveyor 404, etc., and in response to a command from the control unit 407, discharge gates 402 a and 402 b for the supply hopper 402 and discharge for the weighing hopper 403. The gates 403c and 403d, the collective conveyor 404, and the like are driven, and a weighing signal measured by the weighing hopper 403 is output to the control unit 407. The control unit 407 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a CPU and a memory that stores various data and control programs necessary for the control operation of the CPU.

  The control unit 407 opens the discharge gates 403c and 403d of the weighing hopper 403 selected by the combination calculation, discharges them onto the collective conveyor 404, and responds to the input of a discharge command signal from the subsequent apparatus 410 such as a packaging machine. Then, the collective conveyor 404 is driven, and the objects to be weighed are carried out to the subsequent apparatus 410. When the delivery of the objects to be weighed to the subsequent apparatus 410 ends, the driving of the collective conveyor 404 is stopped and a discharge completion signal is transmitted to the subsequent apparatus 410.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the boundary weight values of the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L of the weight sorter 20 are corrected according to the average weight of the objects to be weighed. In the combination weigher 40, every time a combination operation is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, 10 times, the average weight of the objects to be weighed is calculated and transmitted to the weight sorter 20 based on the result of the combination operation. Yes.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the combination scale 40.

  In step n1, the weights of the objects of the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L supplied to the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the plurality of weighing hoppers 403 are variously combined, and the combined weight (total weight) is selected from these combinations. ) Is within a predetermined weight range, which is an allowable weight range with the target combination weight as a lower limit, and is equal to the target combination weight, or the weighing hopper 403 to which an object to be weighed closest to the target combination weight is supplied A combination calculation for selecting a combination of the measuring chambers 403a and 403b is performed. In addition, when the combination is not established by the combination calculation, the objects to be weighed are replaced.

  When the combination is established in step n1 and the combination calculation is completed, the process proceeds to step n2, and the cumulative memory is obtained by using the number of weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 participating in the selected combination as the number of combination participating hoppers. And the process proceeds to step n3. For example, if the number of weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 selected by the combination calculation is four, “4” is accumulated in the accumulation memory and updated.

  In step n3, “1” is added to the counter that counts the number of combination calculations in which the combination is established, and it is determined whether or not the count value of the counter has reached a predetermined value, for example, 10 (step n4).

  When the count value of the counter reaches a predetermined value, for example, 10 times, assuming that 10 combination calculations are established, the accumulated value of the accumulated memory in which the number of combination participating hoppers in each combination calculation is accumulated is calculated by the counter. By dividing by a predetermined value that is a numerical value, for example, 10 times, an average value of the number of combined participating hoppers selected in one combination operation is calculated, and the process proceeds to step n6 (step n5).

  As described above, since one object to be weighed is input to the object input port 401 of the combination weigher 40, the average value of the number of combination participating hoppers selected in one combination operation is one time. This is the average number of objects to be weighed selected in the combination calculation.

  In each combination calculation, since the combination of the objects to be weighed is selected so as to be the target combination weight, in Step n6, the target combination weight is determined by the average value of the number of participating hoppers, that is, the average number of objects to be weighed. Divide and calculate as the average weight of the object to be weighed.

  Next, at step n7, the accumulated memory is cleared, the counter is further cleared (step n8), and the process proceeds to step n9. In step n9, the average weight of the object to be weighed calculated in step n6 is transmitted to the weight sorter 20.

  As described above, the weight sorter 20 sets the boundary weight values of the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L with the average weight of the objects to be measured as the center value. The average weight of the weighing object is received, and the boundary weight value is corrected using the received average weight of the weighing object as a new center value. For example, if the average weight of an object to be weighed shifts to the heavy side, the boundary weight value is shifted to the heavier side, and if the average weight of the object to be weighed shifts to the light side, the boundary weight value is accordingly increased. Will be shifted to the lighter side. Based on the corrected boundary weight value, the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L of the objects to be weighed are determined.

  Thus, since the boundary weight value of the weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L is corrected based on the weighing process of the object to be weighed, the object to be weighed has the weight ranks S, M1, and M2 corresponding to the actual weight. , L will be selected.

  The calculation of the average weight of the object to be weighed is not limited to FIG. 4. For example, every time a combination calculation is established, the weight of the object to be weighed is divided by the number of hoppers participating in the combination. An average weight may be obtained, and a predetermined number of the temporary average weights may be averaged to obtain the average weight of the objects to be weighed.

  As described above, the weighing object input port 401 of the semi-automatic combination weigher 40 has an intermediate weight that is relatively close to the average weight of the objects to be weighed, weights M1 and M2, and a weight lighter than the intermediate weight. Since an object to be weighed in rank S and an object to be weighed in weight rank L that is heavier than the intermediate weight rank are input, these weight ranks S, M1. The combination calculation is performed by combining the objects to be weighed M2 and L, and the combination is easily established. As a result, the number of replacements of the objects to be weighed when the combination is not established can be reduced, the time required for the weighing process can be shortened, and when the objects to be weighed are fresh food, A decrease in freshness can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the weight ranks S, M1. The extremely light or extremely heavy objects to be weighed other than M2 and L are discharged as non-ranked products to the non-ranked product storage box 206 and not supplied to the combination scale 40. Thus, the time required for the weighing process can be further shortened.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the four rank ranks S, M1. Among weighing objects of M2 and L, weighing objects of a specific weight rank, for example, weighing objects of weight rank L are selected as a combination compared to weighing objects of other weight ranks S, M1 and M2. Therefore, when the object to be weighed with the weight rank L stays in the stock portion 30d with the weight rank L, this stay can be eliminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the combination weigher 40 for eliminating the retention of the objects to be weighed.

  An object to be weighed is input by an operator into an object input port 401 corresponding to an empty supply hopper 402 of the combination weigher 40 (step n10).

  The discharge gates 402a and 402b of the supply hopper 402 are controlled, the discharge gates 402a and 402b of the supply hopper 402 corresponding to the measurement chambers 403a and 403b of the empty measurement hopper 403 are opened, and the object to be weighed is opened. The supply hopper supplied to the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 is controlled (step n11).

  Next, the objects to be weighed supplied to the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 are weighed (step n12).

  When an object to be weighed having a specific weight rank stays in the stock section, the worker can perform stay processes corresponding to the respective weight ranks S, M1, M2, and L displayed on the operation setting display section 405 of the combination weigher 40. Turn on the switch. When the stay is eliminated, the worker turns off the stay processing switch.

  In step n13, it is determined whether or not the stay switch is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step n16.

  In addition, when the stay switch is turned on, an object to be weighed in the weight rank corresponding to the stay switch stays in the stock section. In order to eliminate the stagnation, a conditional combination calculation is performed as follows.

  That is, one of the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 corresponding to the weighing object inlet 401 belonging to the stock section group of the weight rank of the retention switch is one of the weighing chambers 403a and 403b to which the objects to be weighed are supplied. A combination operation that always includes one is performed (step n14).

  For example, when the stay switch corresponding to the weight rank L is turned on, the object to be weighed with the weight rank L stays in the stock section 30d with the weight rank L shown in FIG. A combination operation that always includes one of the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 corresponding to the weighing object input port 401 belonging to D to which the weighing object is supplied is performed.

  By this conditional combination calculation, it is determined whether or not there is a combination whose combination weight falls within a predetermined weight range, that is, whether or not the combination is established (step n15). When the combination is established, the process proceeds to step n19. To do. If the combination is not established, the process proceeds to step n16, where normal combination calculation without conditions is performed, and it is determined whether there is a combination whose combination weight falls within a predetermined weight range, that is, whether the combination is established. However (step n17), when the combination is not established, the process proceeds to step n18, the process for replacing the objects to be weighed is performed, and the process returns to step n11. In this process of replacing the objects to be weighed, so-called rejection is performed, in which the objects with poor weight that cannot be combined are discharged to the collective conveyor 404, transported in the opposite direction to the subsequent apparatus, and carried out to the collection container.

  When the combination is established, the process proceeds to step n19, where it is determined whether or not there is a discharge command signal from the subsequent apparatus. If there is a discharge command signal, the weighing chambers 403a and 403b of the weighing hopper 403 selected by the combination are determined. The discharge gates 403c and 403d are opened, the weighing hopper control for discharging the objects to be weighed to the collective conveyor 404 is performed, and the process returns to step n11 (step n20).

  In this way, when a weighing object of a specific weight rank stays in the stock section and the operator turns on the staying processing switch of the corresponding weight rank, the weighing object of that specific weight rank is necessarily included. Since the combination calculation is performed, an object to be weighed with a specific weight rank is preferentially selected by the combination calculation, and thereby, the retention of the object to be weighed with a specific weight rank can be eliminated.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, in the above-mentioned step n15, there is no combination of a predetermined weight range in a conditional combination calculation that always includes one to-be-measured object of a weight rank whose stay switch is turned on. That is, when the combination is not established but is repeated a predetermined number of times, the weight of the object to be weighed is transmitted to the weight sorter 20, and the weight sorter 20 determines the object to be weighed based on the weight of the object to be weighed. The boundary weight value may be corrected so that becomes a non-ranked product.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a weighing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  The weighing system 60 of this embodiment includes a weight sorter 20, a stock unit 30, and a semi-automatic combination scale 40.

  In the weight sorter 20 of this embodiment, the weight to be measured is centered on the average weight, and the weight rank M1 is lighter than the average weight and close to the average weight, and the weight rank M2 is heavier than the average weight and close to the average weight. Are classified into the two types of weight ranks, and other unranked products are discharged into the unranked product storage box 225.

  The weight sorter 20 includes a weighing conveyor 220, a sorting conveyor 221, sorting arms 222a and 222b, transport conveyors 223 and 224 classified by weight rank, a non-ranked item storage box 225, and an operation setting display unit 226. Is provided. When the sorting arm 222a is in the solid line position in the sorting conveyor 221, the objects to be weighed are sorted from the weighing conveyor 220 and the sorting conveyor 221 to the transport conveyor 223, and the sorting arm 222a is in the broken line position and the sorting arm. When 222b is in the solid line position, the objects to be weighed are distributed from the weighing conveyor 220 and the sorting conveyor 221 to the transport conveyor 224. When both the sorting arms 222a and 222b are in the broken line positions, the objects to be weighed are discharged from the weighing conveyor 220 and the sorting conveyor 221 to the non-ranked product storage box 225.

  The stock unit 30 stocks the objects to be weighed of the weight rank M1 conveyed by the conveying conveyor 223 of the weight sorter 20, and the stock to stock the objects to be weighed of the weight rank M2 conveyed by the conveying conveyor 224. Part 302.

The semi-automatic combination weigher 40 includes a plurality of weighing objects with a weight rank M1 stocked in the stock unit 301, and in this example, six weighing conveyors 425 _{1 to} 425 ₆ and a stock unit 302. the six weighing conveyor 426 _{1-426 6} which the objects to be weighed are weighed is placed in weight categories M2 are stock, from the weighing conveyor 425 _{1-425 6,} 426 _{1 to 426 6} selected by the combination calculation A collective conveyor 428 that conveys the objects to be weighed to the subsequent apparatus, and an operation setting display unit 427 are provided.

The weighing conveyor of the combination weigher 40 corresponds to the two stock sections 301 and 302, that is, the weighing conveyors 425 _{1 to} 425 ₆ and the weighing conveyors 425 _{1 to} 425 ₆ so as to correspond to the two weight ranks M1 and M2, respectively. It is divided into two groups, conveyors 426 _{1 to} 426 ₆ .

  Also in the weighing system 60 of this embodiment, an object to be weighed is weighed by the weighing conveyor 220 and the weight rank is determined by the weight sorter 20, and the weight rank M 1 is determined by the distribution arms 222 a and 222 b of the distribution conveyor 221. The products are distributed to the transfer conveyors 223 and 224 corresponding to M2, and the unranked products are discharged into the unranked product storage box 225.

The objects to be weighed with the weight ranks M1 and M2 distributed to the conveyors 223 and 224 are stocked in the stock units 301 and 302. The operator places an object to be weighed in the weight rank M1 stocked in the stock unit 301 on the corresponding weighing conveyors 405 _{1 to} 405 ₆ , and an object to be weighed in the weight rank M2 stocked in the stock unit 302. and it is placed on the corresponding weighing conveyor 406 _{1-406 6.}

Combination weigher 40, the weight of the weighing conveyor 405 _{1-405 6,} 406 _{1 to 406} objects to be weighed on ₆ weighed, combined weight was weighed variously combined weight among these combinations, a predetermined weight range The weighing conveyor combination is selected, and the objects to be weighed are conveyed by the selected weighing conveyor and supplied to the collective conveyor 428. The collective conveyor 428 conveys the supplied objects to be weighed to the subsequent apparatus.

  An operator places the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor that is empty after the objects to be weighed are supplied to the collective conveyor 428.

  Also in this embodiment, the objects to be weighed are classified into two types of weight ranks M1 and M2, and non-ranked articles are excluded. The combination weigher 40 has the objects to be weighed in the weight rank M1 and the objects in the weight rank M2. The weighing object is supplied, and the combination calculation combining these two kinds of weight ranks M1 and M2 is performed, so that the combination calculation is more easily established than the conventional example, and the time required for the weighing process is shortened. be able to.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, one object to be weighed is input. However, the number is not limited to one, and a plurality of objects may be input.

  In the above-described embodiment, the weighing object is supplied to the semi-automatic combination weigher that manually supplies the objects to be weighed. However, the objects to be weighed in the stock units 30a to 30d are automatically transferred to the objects to be weighed by the robot arm, for example. It may be configured in a fully automatic manner, for example, by putting it in

10, 60 metering system 20 Checkweigher 201 input conveyor 202,220,425 _{1-425 6,} 426 _{1 to 426 6} weighing conveyor 203.221 sorting conveyors 204a-204d, 222a, 222b distributing arms 205a-205d, 223 , 224 Conveyor conveyor 30, 30a to 30d, 301, 302 Stock part 40 Semi-automatic combination weigher 401 Weighing object inlet 402 Feeding hopper 403 Weighing hopper

Claims (7)

A combined weight combining a weight sorter that sorts and sorts the objects to be weighed into a plurality of weight ranks and a plurality of weighing units, and combines the weights of the objects to be weighed supplied to each weighing unit is a predetermined weight. A combination weigher that performs a combination operation for selecting a combination of the weighing units to be a range and discharges an object to be weighed from the selected weighing unit;
A plurality of stock parts for storing the objects to be weighed according to weight ranks by the weight sorter are provided, and the objects to be weighed in each stock part are supplied to the combination weigher.
A weighing system characterized by that. The combination weigher is a semi-automatic combination weigher having a plurality of loading ports into which the objects to be weighed supplied to the plurality of weighing units are manually loaded,
The plurality of inlets are grouped to correspond to the plurality of stock parts,
The weighing system according to claim 1. The combination weigher is a semi-automatic combination weigher composed of a plurality of weighing conveyors each of which weighs the objects to be weighed manually supplied by the plurality of weighing units,
The plurality of weighing conveyors are grouped to correspond to the plurality of stock parts,
The weighing system according to claim 1. The combination weigher calculates an average weight of the objects to be weighed based on the result of the combination calculation and transmits it to the weight sorter.
The weight sorter corrects a boundary weight value for sorting into the plurality of weight ranks based on the received average weight of the objects to be weighed;
The weighing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The combination weigher has an operation unit that is operated to eliminate stagnation of the objects to be weighed in the stock unit, and the combination weigher is used to operate the operation unit to eliminate the stagnation. Based on the above-mentioned combination calculation with a condition for preferentially selecting the weighing unit to which the object to be weighed in the weight rank staying in the stock unit is supplied,
The weighing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. When the combination weigher does not hold the combination in the conditional combination calculation, the combination calculation is performed to release the condition.
The weighing system according to claim 5. The weight sorter sorts the objects to be weighed in the plurality of weight ranks and the objects to be weighed outside the weight rank, and distributes the objects to be weighed outside the weight rank to other than the plurality of stock parts;
The weighing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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