JP2018040664A - Combination balance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize an object to be measured conveyed from a dispersion feeder to a straight advance feeder as much as possible by making it possible to quickly remove even if the to-be-measured object with high viscosity attaches to a conveyance surface of the dispersion feeder.SOLUTION: A combination balance determines whether an amount of conveyance of an object to be measured from a dispersion feeder to a straight advance feeder is enough on the basis of a weight change of the object to be measured at the dispersion feeder before and after driving the dispersion feeder, and drives the dispersion feeder at larger amplitude strength if not, which allows the object to be measured to be conveyed to the straight advance feeder by removing attachment at an early time point when the to-be-measured object with high viscosity starts attaching to a conveyance surface of the dispersion feeder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weigher.

  In general, in a combination weigher, an object to be weighed is supplied from a supply device for supplying an object to be measured to a conical central portion of the dispersion feeder, and the vibration-type dispersion feeder is supplied to a plurality of linearly-advanced feeders arranged radially around the periphery. The objects to be weighed are transported by vibration, and the plurality of linear feeders transport the objects to be weighed to a plurality of supply hoppers. The plurality of supply hoppers temporarily hold the objects to be weighed, and the objects to be weighed are supplied to the plurality of weighing hoppers arranged below the weighing hoppers. By selecting the combination of weighing hoppers that is the closest to or equal to the target combination weight, the weighing hopper to be weighed is selected for this combination. Is discharged and put into a packaging machine through a collecting chute.

  As a control device for a dispersion feeder in such a combination weigher, Patent Document 1 detects the weight of an object to be weighed on an electromagnetic vibration type dispersion feeder, and determines the natural frequency of the dispersion feeder according to the detected weight value. An apparatus is described in which a magnet is excited and driven at an optimum driving frequency in response to a change.

JP-A-5-256682

  In the combination weigher as described above, when the object to be weighed supplied to the conical dispersion feeder is an object to be weighed with high adhesion, the object to be weighed adheres to and adheres to the transport surface of the dispersion feeder. The object to be weighed accumulates and grows into a lump. However, in Patent Document 1 which controls only the driving frequency of the dispersion feeder, sufficient vibration amplitude cannot be obtained, and the object to be weighed is sufficiently conveyed to the linear feeder. May be difficult.

  The objects to be weighed that adhere to the transport surface of the dispersion feeder, accumulate, and grow into a lump are transported all at once to the surrounding linear feeder so that they fall down due to their own weight. Until then, the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder becomes insufficient, while when it grows into a lump and is conveyed to the linear feeder all at once, the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder The amount of goods transported becomes excessive. For this reason, the quantity of the objects to be weighed supplied from the linear feeder to the weighing hopper via the supply hopper is not stable, and the weighing accuracy and operating rate of the combination weigher are lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even if a highly sticky object to be weighed adheres to the transport surface of the dispersion feeder, the dispersion feeder can be quickly released. The purpose is to stabilize as much as possible the transport amount of the object to be transported from the machine to the linear feeder.

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

(1) The combination weigher of the present invention is a combination weigher including a vibration-type dispersion feeder that conveys the objects to be weighed to a plurality of surrounding linear feeders,
A weight detection unit that detects the weight of an object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder, and a control unit that controls the driving of the dispersion feeder based on the detection output of the weight detection unit;
The control unit stores a first table for associating the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder and a driving frequency for driving the dispersion feeder, and a second table for associating the type and the amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder. Part
The control unit includes a driving frequency of the first table corresponding to the weight of the object to be measured detected by the weight detection unit, and an amplitude intensity of the second table corresponding to the type of the object to be weighed. Then, the dispersion feeder is driven, and the object to be weighed is transported from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder corresponding to before and after the driving of the dispersion feeder. It is determined whether or not the amount is insufficient. When it is determined that the amount is insufficient, the dispersion feeder is driven with an amplitude strength stronger than the amplitude strength of the second table.

  The driving of the dispersion feeder with the amplitude intensity stronger than the amplitude intensity of the second table may be to re-drive the dispersion feeder immediately after determining that the dispersion feeder is insufficient, or is insufficient. The dispersion feeder may be driven in the next weighing cycle after the determination.

  According to the combination weigher of the present invention, based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder before and after the driving of the dispersion feeder, it is determined whether the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient. Therefore, after driving the dispersion feeder, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient. The dispersion feeder can be driven with increased strength.

  As a result, for example, when adhesion of a highly weighed object to the conveying surface of the dispersion feeder begins and the amount of object to be weighed from the dispersing feeder to the linear feeder becomes insufficient, the amplitude intensity is immediately increased. Since the dispersion feeder can be driven, it is possible to release the adhesion of the object to be weighed and convey it to the linear feeder at the initial stage when the object to be weighed on the conveying surface of the dispersion feeder is started. Therefore, the object to be weighed attached to the conveying surface of the dispersion feeder can be prevented from accumulating and growing into a lump, and the amount of object to be weighed to the linear feeder can be made a sufficient conveying amount.

  (2) In a preferred embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, when the control unit drives the dispersion feeder with the strong amplitude strength, the amplitude strength of the second table of the storage unit is set to the strong amplitude strength. Update to

  When the dispersion feeder is driven with a strong amplitude intensity, the amplitude intensity of the second table of the storage unit is updated to the strong amplitude intensity, so that the strong amplitude of the updated second table is the next time the dispersion feeder is driven. Driven by strength, it is determined whether or not the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the rectilinear feeder is insufficient.

  According to this embodiment, the control unit determines that the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient, and disperses with an amplitude strength stronger than the amplitude strength of the second table of the storage unit. When the feeder is driven, the amplitude intensity of the second table is updated to a strong amplitude intensity. Therefore, the amplitude intensity of the second table stored in the storage unit is changed from the distributed feeder to the linear feeder in the actual operation operation. The amplitude is corrected to an appropriate amplitude intensity according to the state of conveyance of the object to be weighed, and the dispersion feeder is driven with the amplitude intensity of the appropriately corrected second table.

  (3) In another embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, a conveyance amount notification unit is provided, and the control unit determines that the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient. When the driving of the dispersion feeder continues for a predetermined number of times, the conveyance amount notification unit is controlled to notify that the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient.

  As described above, when the dispersion feeder is driven with a strong amplitude intensity, the amplitude intensity of the second table of the storage unit is updated to the strong amplitude intensity. The table is driven with a strong amplitude intensity, and by this driving, it is determined whether or not the transport amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient. If determined to be insufficient, the dispersion feeder is driven with a stronger amplitude intensity, and the process of updating the amplitude intensity of the second table of the storage unit to the stronger amplitude intensity is repeated.

  According to this embodiment, the determination after driving the dispersion feeder is a determination that the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient, and the determination is performed a predetermined number of times. When it is continuous, that is, when the dispersion feeder is driven a predetermined number of times with increasing amplitude intensity sequentially, the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder remains insufficient, the amplitude intensity is increased. Even if the dispersion feeder is driven to strengthen, the stagnation of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion feeder cannot be resolved, and the conveyance amount notification unit is controlled so that the amount of objects to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient. Is notified.

  As a result, the operator can take appropriate measures so that the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder is smoothly conveyed to the linear feeder, for example, the adhesion of the object to be weighed attached to the conveying surface of the dispersion feeder is released. Measures can be taken.

  (4) In another embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, an amplitude intensity notification unit is provided, and the control unit is configured to output the amplitude intensity notification unit when the strong amplitude intensity is greater than or equal to an upper limit of a settable amplitude intensity. To notify that the amplitude intensity is greater than or equal to the upper limit.

  The amplitude intensity notification unit may also serve as the transport amount notification unit.

  When the dispersion feeder is driven with a strong amplitude strength, the amplitude strength of the second table of the storage unit is updated to a strong amplitude strength, so that the amplitude strength of the second table is sequentially updated to be settable amplitude strength. However, according to this embodiment, the amplitude intensity notification unit is controlled to notify that the amplitude intensity is equal to or higher than the upper limit. That can be grasped. Thereby, the operator can take an appropriate measure, for example, a measure such as extending the driving time of the distributed feeder.

  (5) In a preferred embodiment of the combination weigher of the present invention, the control unit includes the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder corresponding to before the dispersion feeder is driven, and the dispersion corresponding to after the dispersion feeder is driven. The weight of the object to be weighed in the feeder is compared, and it is determined whether or not the amount of object to be weighed from the distributed feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient.

  According to this embodiment, the weight of the object to be weighed in the corresponding dispersion feeder before the operation of the dispersion feeder is compared with the weight of the object to be weighed in the corresponding dispersion feeder after the operation of the dispersion feeder. The weight of the object to be weighed conveyed to the feeder can be grasped. Thereby, it is possible to determine after the dispersion feeder is driven whether or not the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient.

  According to the present invention, based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder before and after the driving of the dispersion feeder, it is determined whether or not the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient. Immediately after the dispersion feeder is driven, it can be determined whether or not the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient, and if it is determined that the amount is insufficient, the amplitude intensity is increased. The dispersion feeder can be driven.

  As a result, for example, when an object to be weighed with high tackiness starts to adhere to the conveying surface of the dispersion feeder and the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder becomes insufficient, it is detected immediately. Since the dispersion feeder is driven with a stronger amplitude intensity, the adhesion of the object to be weighed is released and it is smoothly conveyed to the linear feeder in the initial stage until the object to be weighed accumulates and grows into a lump. Can do.

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 the configuration of the control system of the combination weigher. FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the driving of the dispersion feeder. FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining re-driving of the distributed feeder. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the combination weigher. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the distributed feeder control of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing subsequent to FIG.

  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. In this combination weigher, an electromagnetic vibration type dispersion feeder (main feeder) 2 is provided in the center of the upper part of the apparatus, and the objects to be weighed and dropped from the supply device 1 are distributed and conveyed radially by vibration.

  The objects to be weighed are not particularly limited, but are suitable for, for example, confectionery and foods that are not individually packaged.

  The dispersion feeder 2 includes a conical top cone 3 and a vibration device 4 that drives the top cone 3 to vibrate.

  Around the dispersion feeder 2, a plurality of linearly-feeding feeders 5 that linearly convey the objects to be weighed that have been conveyed to the peripheral edge of the top cone 3 further outward are arranged radially. The linear feeder 5 includes a trough (feeder pan) 6 on which an object to be weighed is placed, and a vibration device 7 that drives the trough 6 to vibrate.

  A supply hopper 8 is provided below the outer end portion of each linear feeder 5, and a weighing hopper 9 is provided below each supply hopper 8.

  Discharge gates 8 a and 9 a that can be opened and closed are provided below the supply hopper 8 and the weighing hopper 9, respectively. The supply hopper 8 receives and temporarily holds the object to be weighed that is transported by the linear feeder 5 and dropped and discharged from the end of the transport, and opens the discharge gate 8a when the weighing hopper 9 disposed below is empty. Then, the object to be weighed is dropped and discharged into the weighing hopper 9. Each weighing hopper 9 is connected to a weight sensor 10 such as a load cell that detects the weight of an object to be weighed in the hopper, and weighing data from each weight sensor 10 is output to the control device 11.

  A combination of the weighing hoppers 9 to which the objects to be weighed are to be discharged is obtained from the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 by the combination calculation by the control device 11, and the objects to be weighed are discharged from the weighing hoppers 9 corresponding to the combination. The discharged objects to be weighed are put into the collecting hopper 14 through the collecting chute 12 and the collecting funnel 13 and temporarily stored, and thereafter, the discharging gate 14a of the collecting hopper 14 is controlled to be opened and put into the packaging machine 15. Is done.

  In this embodiment, the weight of the object to be weighed supplied from the supply device 1 onto the top cone 3 is detected by the weight sensor 16 for the top cone, and the detection output is given to the control device 11 as a control unit.

  Based on the detection output of the weight sensor 16 for the top cone as the weight detection unit, the control device 11 drives the supply device 1 when the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 becomes less than a predetermined value. Then, the supply operation of the object to be weighed is started, and when the value exceeds a predetermined value, the driving of the supply device 1 is stopped to stop the operation of supplying the object to be weighed. The predetermined value is set in advance by operating the operation setting display unit 23.

  As another embodiment, the control device 11 may control the supply device 1 so that an object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is kept within a preset weight range. That is, when the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 becomes less than the lower limit based on the detection output of the weight sensor 16 for the top cone, the control device 11 drives the supply device 1 to be weighed. The supply operation of the object is started, and when the value exceeds the upper limit value, the driving of the supply device 1 is stopped to stop the supply operation of the object to be weighed. Thereby, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is kept within the weight range defined by the lower limit value and the upper limit value.

  The control device 11 performs operation control of the supply device 1 and overall operation control of the combination weigher, and performs combination calculation. In the combination calculation, the weight which is the sum of the weight values of the objects to be weighed among the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 is equal to the target combination weight or closest to the target combination weight within the allowable range as described above. One appropriate amount combination is selected.

  The setting operation for the control device 11 is performed by the operation setting display unit 23. The operation setting display unit 23 is configured by using, for example, a touch panel, etc., and performs operation of the combination weigher, setting of its operation parameters, and the like. Display speed, combination weighing value, etc. on the screen.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the combination weigher of this embodiment, and parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 11 includes a CPU unit 17 as a calculation control unit, a memory unit 18, an A / D conversion circuit unit 19, a gate drive circuit unit 20, a vibration control circuit unit 21, and a packaging machine 15. A connected I / O circuit unit 22 is provided, and an operation setting display unit 23 is connected.

  The CPU unit 17 as a calculation control unit controls each unit and performs a combination calculation. The memory unit 18 as a storage unit stores an operation program for the combination weigher, operation parameters to be set, first and second tables to be described later, and serves as a work area for operations on the CPU unit 17. . The A / D conversion circuit unit 19 includes analog signals from the weight sensor 16 for detecting the weight of the object on the top cone 3 and the weight sensor 10 for detecting the weight of the object to be measured in the weighing hopper 9. Is converted into a digital signal and output to the CPU unit 17.

  The gate drive circuit unit 20 controls the opening / closing of the discharge gate 8a of the supply hopper 8, the discharge gate 9a of the weighing hopper 9, and the discharge gate 14a of the collecting hopper 14 based on a control signal from the CPU unit 17. To do. The vibration control circuit unit 21 controls the supply device 1, the vibration device 4 of the distributed feeder 2, and each vibration device 7 of each linear feeder 5 based on a control signal from the CPU unit 17.

  The control device 11 controls the operations of the supply device 1 and the entire combination weigher by the CPU unit 17 executing the operation program stored in the memory unit 18.

  In the combination weigher, it is necessary to set a large number of operation parameters in order to perform the above-described operation. The operator performs the setting using the operation setting display unit 23, and the set operation parameter value is the CPU unit. 17 and stored in the memory unit 18. The operation parameters include a target combination weight that is a target value in the combination calculation, an allowable range for the target combination weight, an amplitude intensity corresponding to the vibration amplitude of each feeder 2, 5, a driving time, and the like.

  Next, the amplitude intensity corresponding to the driving frequency and the vibration amplitude, which are the driving conditions of the dispersion feeder 2 of this embodiment, will be described.

  First, the drive frequency of the dispersion feeder 2 will be described.

  In this embodiment, an appropriate drive frequency of the dispersion feeder 2 is determined according to the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 and stored in advance in the memory unit 18 of the control device 11 as a table.

  Specifically, the operation setting display 23 is operated to enter a table creation mode, a weight of a known weight, for example, is attached on the top cone 3, and the dispersion feeder 2 is driven by changing the drive frequency of the dispersion feeder 2. To do. At this time, the natural frequency of the dispersion feeder 2, which is the drive frequency that vibrates most from the amplitude peak of the vibration waveform displayed on the operation setting display unit 23, is determined visually.

  Since the vibration is not stable at the natural frequency of the dispersion feeder 2, a frequency close to the natural frequency is determined as the drive frequency of the dispersion feeder 2.

  By performing this for each of a plurality of weights having different known weights, the weight range of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 and the appropriate driving frequency of the dispersion feeder 2 are associated with each other. These tables are created and stored in the memory unit 18. In the example of Table 1, the driving frequency of the dispersion feeder 2 is defined for each fixed weight range centered on the known weight of the weight.

この表１では、例えば、トップコーン３上の被計量物の重量が、０〜Ｗ１（ｇ）であるときには、分散フィーダ２を、駆動周波数ｆ０で駆動し、トップコーン３上の被計量物の重量が、Ｗ１〜Ｗ２（ｇ）であるときには、分散フィーダ２を、駆動周波数ｆ１で駆動し、以下同様に、トップコーン３上の被計量物の重量に応じた駆動周波数で分散フィーダ２を駆動する。

In Table 1, for example, when the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is 0 to W1 (g), the dispersion feeder 2 is driven at the driving frequency f0, and the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is When the weight is W1 to W2 (g), the dispersion feeder 2 is driven at the driving frequency f1, and similarly, the dispersion feeder 2 is driven at the driving frequency corresponding to the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3. To do.

  The first table for associating the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 and the driving frequency of the dispersion feeder 2 is created by the manufacturer of the combination weigher, and stored in the memory unit 18 of the control device 11 as an initial value. Is done.

  During operation, the control device 11 drives the dispersion feeder 2 at a drive frequency corresponding to the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 according to the first table stored in the memory unit 18.

  Next, the amplitude intensity corresponding to the vibration amplitude of the dispersion feeder 2 will be described.

  The vibration device 4 of the dispersion feeder 2 includes an electromagnet, a movable body, a leaf spring, and the like, and a repulsive force based on the attraction force of the electromagnet and the spring action of the leaf spring is applied to the electromagnet intermittently. Are used to vibrate the top cone 3 and convey the object to be weighed on the top cone 3.

  In this embodiment, the vibration amplitude of the top cone 3 is controlled by the pulse width of the drive pulse with respect to the electromagnet, and the maximum pulse width is equally divided into 99, corresponding to amplitude amplitudes in 100 steps from “0” to “99”. I am letting. The amplitude intensity “0” corresponds to a stop in which the vibration amplitude is “0”, that is, the dispersion feeder 2 is not vibrated.

  The amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder 2 is determined by supplying the object to be weighed to the combination weigher on the user side along with the driving time of the dispersion feeder 2, the amplitude intensity of the linear feeder 5, the driving time, etc. A suitable amplitude intensity is determined.

  Specifically, for each product type corresponding to the product name or target combination weight of the object to be weighed, the object to be weighed with that product name is actually supplied to the combination weigher, and the combination calculation with the target combination weight is performed to obtain an appropriate amount combination Adjust the amplitude strength and driving time of the dispersion feeder 2 and the amplitude strength and driving time of the straight feeder 5 so that the average value of the number of weighing hoppers 9 to be selected is the average number of hoppers suitable for the combination. The amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder 2 and the like are determined every time.

  At this time, the driving frequency of the dispersion feeder 2 is automatically controlled according to the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 detected by the weight sensor 16 for the top cone according to the first table.

  When the average number of hoppers is appropriate for the combination, the number of effective combinations increases and the accuracy of the combination is improved. Is supplied to the combination weigher, and the amplitude strength and the like of the dispersion feeder 2 and the linear feeder 5 are adjusted.

  Since the average value of the number of the weighing hoppers 9 selected as an appropriate amount combination by the combination calculation is displayed in the data at the time of the test run displayed on the operation setting display unit 23, is the average number of hoppers suitable for the combination? It can be determined whether or not.

  As described above, for example, a second table as shown in Table 2 below is created by associating the amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder 2 with each product type corresponding to the product name and target combination weight of the object to be measured. Is stored in the memory unit 18.

この図２の例では、４つの品種Ａ〜Ｄについての振幅強度ａ〜ｄをそれぞれ示している。第１，第２のテーブルは、１つのテーブルとして纏めてもよい。

In the example of FIG. 2, amplitude intensities a to d for four types A to D are shown, respectively. The first and second tables may be combined as one table.

  The driving time of the distributed feeder is also stored as a table in the memory unit 18 of the control device 11.

  In this embodiment, a normal operation operation is performed after the second table is created and stored in the memory 18 of the control device 11 by the trial operation as described above.

  In this normal operation, the dispersion feeder 2 is driven at a driving frequency corresponding to the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 based on the detection output of the weight sensor 16 for the top cone according to the first table. And the dispersion feeder 2 is driven with the amplitude intensity corresponding to the product corresponding to the object to be weighed according to the second table.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the driving timing of the dispersion feeder 2. FIG. 3A is a driving state of the dispersion feeder 2, FIG. 3B is a driving state of the straight feeder 5, and FIG. ) Shows the open / close state of the discharge gate 8a of the supply hopper 8, and FIG. 4 (d) shows the open / close state of the discharge gate 9a of the weighing hopper 9.

  First, in the weighing cycle T1, the discharge gate 9a of the weighing hopper 9 selected as an appropriate combination by the combination calculation of the previous weighing cycle responds to the discharge command signal from the packaging machine 15 in FIG. The object to be weighed held in the weighing hopper 9 is discharged as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the discharge command signal from the packaging machine 15 is representatively shown only for the weighing cycle T1.

  The discharge gate 8a of the supply hopper 8 is opened and closed as shown in FIG. 3C with respect to the weighing hopper 9 which has been emptied by discharging the object to be weighed, and the substrate held by the supply hopper 8 is opened. A sample is put into the weighing hopper 9. In order to supply the object to be measured to the supply hopper 8 which has been emptied by putting the object to be weighed into the weighing hopper 9, the linear feeder 5 is driven as shown in FIG. In synchronization with the driving of the feeder 5, the distributed feeder 2 is driven as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the weighing cycle is a series of cycles in the combination weigher, from loading of the objects to be weighed into the weighing hopper 9, weighing of the objects to be weighed in the weighing hopper 9, combination calculation, and discharging of the objects to be weighed in the weighing hopper 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), an object to be weighed is discharged from the supply hopper 8 after discharging the gate 9 a for discharging the weighing hopper 9 and starting the discharge gate 9 a as an appropriate combination. Is input and weighed, and is a series of operations from when the combination calculation is again selected as an appropriate combination to start opening the discharge gate 9a of the weighing hopper 9.

  The subsequent weighing cycles T2 and T3 are the same as the weighing cycle T1.

  In the combination weigher, when the object to be weighed is an object to be weighed such as confectionery that is not individually packaged, and is an object to be weighed such as gummy candy, for example, it is a distributed feeder. 2 adheres to the top cone 3 and deposits to form a lump.

  In this embodiment, even if such highly sticky objects to be weighed adhere to the top cone 3 which is the conveying surface of the dispersion feeder 2, in order to be able to release it quickly, the following configuration is provided. doing.

  That is, after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven over the drive time with the drive frequency and amplitude intensity according to the first and second tables, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 before the drive Based on the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 after being driven, whether or not the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient. Judgment is made.

  Specifically, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 before driving the dispersion feeder 2 detected by the weight sensor 16 for the top cone and the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 after driving the dispersion feeder 2 are detected. The weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 before the dispersion feeder 2 is driven is compared with the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven. It is determined whether or not it is larger. When the weight is larger than the predetermined weight, it is determined that the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is not insufficient, and when not larger than the predetermined weight, the material is conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5. It is determined that the conveyed amount of the object to be weighed is insufficient.

  The predetermined weight is determined according to the property of the object to be weighed, the target combination weight, and the like, and can be set by operating the operation setting display unit 23.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the dispersion feeder 2 is driven for each weighing cycle in which the objects to be weighed are discharged from the weighing hopper 9 selected as an appropriate combination that has a weight substantially equal to the target combination weight. Ideally, the transport amount of the object to be transported to the straight feeder 5 is a weight close to the target combination weight.

  Therefore, the predetermined weight for determining whether or not the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient is a certain upper and lower limit around the target combination weight. The weight is preferably within the range.

  When the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 before driving the dispersion feeder 2 is larger than the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 after driving the dispersion feeder 2 by a predetermined weight or more, Since the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 before driving is much larger than the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 after driving the dispersion feeder 2, the weight on the top cone 3 before driving the dispersion feeder 2 is The weight of the object to be weighed may be determined based on whether or not the weight of the object to be weighed is much larger than the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven.

  Note that when the object to be weighed is supplied from the supply device 1 to the dispersion feeder 2, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 cannot be accurately detected. When the object to be weighed is supplied to the feeder 2, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 before and after the driving of the dispersion feeder 2 is not taken in, and the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 It is not determined whether the transport amount is insufficient.

  Based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 before and after the operation of the dispersion feeder 2, the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient. Since it is determined whether or not there is, it is basically determined whether or not the transport amount of the object to be transported transported from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 every time the dispersion feeder 2 is driven is insufficient. Can be determined.

  As a result, for example, an object to be weighed with high tackiness starts to adhere to the top cone 3 that is the conveying surface of the dispersion feeder 2, and the amount of object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 becomes insufficient. When it happens, it can be detected immediately.

  In this embodiment, after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven at the drive frequency and amplitude intensity according to the first and second tables, the objects to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 before and after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven are displayed. When it is determined that the transport amount of the object to be weighed transported from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient based on the change in weight, the amplitude intensity is increased by one step, that is, the above “0” to “0” The value of “99” is increased by one, and the dispersion feeder 2 is driven again as shown in (a) of the timing chart of FIG. 4 and the amplitude intensity of the second table is increased by one step. The amplitude intensity is updated. When it is determined that it is extremely insufficient, for example, when it is continuously restarted or when the weight deviation before and after driving continues to be close to “0”, the amplitude intensity may be increased several steps at a time. .

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, in the driving of the dispersion feeder 2 in FIG. 4A synchronized with the driving of the rectilinear feeder 5 in FIG. 4B in the weighing cycle T <b> 1, the substrate fed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 is transferred. It is determined that the transport amount of the weighing object is insufficient, and immediately after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven, re-driving with increased amplitude intensity is performed.

  Note that as another embodiment of the present invention, immediately after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven, the amplitude is not re-driven again but the amplitude is increased at the drive timing of the original dispersion feeder 2 in the next measurement cycle T2. You may make it drive | increase intensity | strength.

  Thus, based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 before and after the driving of the dispersion feeder 2, the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is: When the dispersion feeder 2 is determined to be insufficient, the dispersion feeder 2 is re-driven by increasing the amplitude intensity. For example, a highly sticky object to be weighed begins to adhere to the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2, and from the dispersion feeder 2. When the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed to the linear feeder 5 becomes insufficient, the dispersion feeder 2 with increased amplitude intensity is immediately re-driven.

  As a result, at the early point when the attachment of the object to be weighed starts, the object can be released and the object to be weighed can be transported to the linear feeder, and the adhered object to be weighed can accumulate and become a lump. Therefore, the amount of the object to be weighed to the linear feeder 5 can be stabilized.

  When the dispersion feeder 2 is re-driven by increasing the amplitude intensity, the amplitude intensity of the second table stored in the memory unit 18 of the control device 11 is updated to the increased amplitude intensity, so the amplitude of the second table The strength is automatically corrected to an appropriate amplitude strength according to the state of conveyance of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 in actual operation.

  Further, the driving of the dispersion feeder 2 after the amplitude intensity of the second table is updated is performed with the updated amplitude intensity of the second table. When the dispersion feeder 2 is driven with the updated amplitude intensity, if it is determined that the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient by driving the dispersion feeder 2, The amplitude intensity is further increased and the dispersion feeder 2 is driven again, and the amplitude intensity of the second table is updated.

  As described above, when it is determined that the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 is insufficient by driving the dispersion feeder 2, the amplitude strength is increased and the dispersion feeder 2 is driven. Since the amplitude intensity of the second table is updated to the increased amplitude intensity, when this is repeated, the amplitude intensity of the second table becomes “99”, which is a settable upper limit value. Is assumed.

  In this embodiment, it is determined that the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient, and the amplitude intensity obtained by increasing the amplitude intensity by one step is the upper limit “99”. ", The operator is informed that the amplitude intensity is the upper limit value.

  This notification is performed by a display by the operation setting display unit 23 as an amplitude intensity notification unit, a blinking display of an alarm light or the like as an amplitude intensity notification unit installed in the vicinity of the operation setting display unit 23, and the like. In addition, you may alert | report with a warning sound, a voice message, etc. not only in a display.

  Further, in this embodiment, the dispersion feeder 2 is re-driven with the amplitude intensity increased, and is conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder before and after the re-drive. When it is determined that the transport amount of the object to be weighed is insufficient, the operator is informed that the transport amount of the object to be weighed transported from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient even when re-driven. I am trying to inform you.

  This notification is performed by a display by the operation setting display unit 23 as a conveyance amount notification unit, a lighting display of the warning light or the like as a conveyance amount notification unit installed in the vicinity of the operation setting display unit 23, and the like.

  As a result, the operator can quickly know that the amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient, and can take appropriate measures such as the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2. It is possible to take measures such as releasing the adhesion of the object to be weighed that has started to adhere so that the object to be weighed is smoothly conveyed.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient, the amplitude intensity is increased step by step, which is the smallest unit. Therefore, it is effective to update the amplitude intensity of the second table of the memory unit 18 to an appropriate amplitude intensity as compared with the case where the intensity is increased by a plurality of stages.

  By updating the vibration strength of the dispersion feeder 2 to an amplitude strength as weak as possible, noise, power consumption, wear, and the like due to vibration of the dispersion feeder 2 can be suppressed to a small level.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the entire processing operation of the combination weigher of this embodiment.

  First, when the power is turned on, initialization is performed (step S1), and it is determined whether or not the operation switch is turned on (step S2). When the operation switch is turned on, the control device 11 Based on the detection output of the weight sensor 16, the supply device control for controlling the drive of the supply device 1 is performed (step S3).

  Next, dispersion feeder control is performed to control the drive of the dispersion feeder 2 and convey the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 to the surrounding linear feeder 5 (step S4).

  Next, linear feeder control is performed to drive the linear feeder 5 corresponding to the empty supply hopper 8 and supply the objects to be weighed on the linear feeder 5 to the empty supply hopper 8 (step S5).

  Next, the discharge gate 8a of the supply hopper 8 corresponding to the empty weighing hopper 9 is opened, the supply hopper control for supplying the object to be measured to the empty measurement hopper 9 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S7 (step S7). S6).

  In step S 7, when an object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing hopper 9, the corresponding weight sensor 10 measures the weight of the object to be weighed supplied to the weighing hopper 9, and takes the measured value into the control device 11. Performs weighing unit control.

  Next, a combination calculation is performed based on the weight of the objects to be weighed supplied to the weighing hopper 9, and the combined weight, which is the total weight of various combinations of the weights of the objects to be weighed, is equal to the target combined weight, or Then, an appropriate combination that is a combination of the weighing hoppers 9 that is heavier than the target combination weight and closest to the target combination weight is selected (step S8). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a discharge command signal is input from the packaging machine 15 (step S9), and when a discharge command signal is input, the discharge gate of the weighing hopper 9 of the appropriate amount combination selected in the combination calculation is determined. 9a is opened, and weighing hopper control for discharging the object to be weighed is performed (step S10).

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the operation switch is turned off. If not, the process returns to step S3. If it is turned off, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off (step S12). If not, the process returns to step S2, and if it is OFF, the process ends.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing details of the distributed feeder control in step S4 of FIG.

  The distributed feeder control program shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is executed at regular intervals, and is started, for example, every 10 msec.

  First, the weight signal from the weight sensor 16 for the top cone is acquired (step S21), the weight signal is filtered (step S22), the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S24 (step S24). Step S23).

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not the calculated weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. As it is necessary to supply the weighing object, an ON signal for driving the feeding device 1 is transmitted to the feeding device 1 (step S25), and the weighing object is being supplied from the feeding device 1 to the top cone 3. Is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S29 in FIG. 7 (step S26). In step S24, when the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is not necessary to supply the object to be weighed from the supplying apparatus 1 onto the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2, and the supplying apparatus 1 7 is stopped (step S27), the supply flag indicating that the object to be weighed is being supplied from the supply device 1 to the dispersion feeder 2 is turned OFF, and the process proceeds to step S29 in FIG. .

  In step S29 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a re-driving flag for re-driving the dispersion feeder 2 is ON. When the re-driving flag is not ON, a driving flag indicating that the dispersion feeder 2 is being driven. Is determined to be ON (step S30). When the driving flag of the distributed feeder 2 is not ON, it is determined whether to drive the linear feeder 5 (step S31), and the linear feeder 5 is driven. Sometimes, in order to drive the distributed feeder 2 in synchronism with the linear feeder 5, the process proceeds to step S32, and when the linear feeder 5 is not driven, the process ends.

  In step S32, in order to drive the dispersion feeder 2, the drive frequency and amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder 2 are read from the first and second tables of the memory unit 18 and set in the vibration control circuit unit 21, and the drive time is set. The data is read and set in the drive timer, and the process proceeds to step S33. As described above, the distributed feeder control program shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is executed at regular intervals, for example, every 10 msec. Therefore, for example, 50 is set as the drive time in the drive timer. Then, the dispersion feeder 2 can be driven over a driving time of 10 msec × 50 = 500 msec.

  In step S33, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 before driving the dispersion feeder 2 is stored, and a driving flag indicating that the dispersion feeder 2 is being driven is turned on (step S34). 2 starts and ends (step S35).

  In step S30, when the driving flag of the distributed feeder 2 is ON, "1" is subtracted from the count value of the drive timer in which the drive time is set (step S36), and whether or not the drive timer has timed up. (Step S37), the process ends when the time is not up, and when the time is up, the driving of the dispersion feeder 2 is stopped assuming that the drive time has passed (step S38), and the object to be weighed is supplied from the supply device 1. It is determined whether or not a supply flag indicating that the supply is being supplied to the distributed feeder is ON (step S39). If the supply flag is ON, the process is terminated and the supply flag is not ON. Sometimes, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the weight value of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 stored before driving the dispersion feeder 2 is much larger than the weight value of the object to be weighed on the corresponding top cone 3 after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven. If it is very large, the distribution feeder 2 is driven, and the conveyance amount of the object to be conveyed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is determined to be not insufficient. Suppose that the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 is inadequate, and the re-driving flag indicating that the dispersion feeder 2 is to be re-driven with increased amplitude intensity is turned on and the process ends. (Step S41).

  In step S29, when the re-driving flag for re-driving the dispersion feeder 2 is ON, it is determined whether or not the re-driving flag indicating that the dispersion feeder 2 is being re-driven is ON (step S29). S42) When the re-driving flag of the distributed feeder 2 is not ON, the amplitude strength of the second table of the memory unit 18 is increased by one step, that is, the second table is updated by increasing the numerical value of the amplitude strength by one step. Then, the process proceeds to step S44 (step S43). For example, when the amplitude intensity of the second table is “0” to “99”, for example, “50”, the amplitude intensity is updated to “51”.

  In step S44, it is determined whether or not the amplitude intensity increased by one level has reached the maximum amplitude intensity, that is, “99”. If the amplitude intensity has not reached the maximum amplitude intensity, the process proceeds to step S46, where the maximum amplitude intensity is obtained. When it is, as described above, the fact that the amplitude intensity is the upper limit value is notified by the operation setting display unit 23, an alarm light or the like, and the process proceeds to step S46 (step S45).

  In step S46, the drive frequency and amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder 2 are read from the table values of the first and second tables of the memory unit 18 and set in the vibration control circuit unit 21, and the drive time is read and set in the drive timer. Then, the process proceeds to step S47. In step S43, the amplitude intensity in the second table of the memory unit 18 has been updated to an amplitude intensity that is one level higher. Therefore, in this step S46, the updated amplitude intensity that is one level larger is read and set. Will be.

  In step S47, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 before re-driving is stored, and the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, a re-driving flag indicating that the dispersion feeder 2 is being re-driven is turned on. Then, the re-driving of the dispersion feeder 2 is started and finished (step S49).

  In step S42, when the re-driving flag indicating that the distributed feeder 2 is being re-driven is ON, the count value of the drive timer is decremented by “1” (step S50), and whether or not the drive timer has timed out. (Step S51), when the time is not up, the process ends. When the time is up, the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, it is determined that the driving time for re-driving of the distributed feeder 2 has elapsed, the re-driving of the distributed feeder 2 is stopped, the re-driving flag and the re-driving flag of the distributed feeder 2 are turned off (step S53), and the distributed feeder 2 Whether the weight value of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 stored before the re-driving is very large compared to the weight value of the object to be weighed on the corresponding top cone 3 after the dispersion feeder 2 is re-driven. (Step S54), and when it is very large, the transport amount of the object to be transported transported from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 by the re-driving of the dispersion feeder 2 is terminated as not being sufficient, and is very large. If there is not, the operation setting display unit 23 or the like is installed as described above, assuming that the amount of the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 is insufficient. And exit informed by warning lights or the like (step S55).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the dispersion feeder 2 is conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 before and after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven. It is determined whether or not the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed is insufficient. When it is determined that the object is insufficient, the dispersion feeder 2 is re-driven by increasing the amplitude intensity. When an object begins to adhere to the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 and the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 becomes insufficient, the dispersion feeder 2 with increased amplitude strength is redriven. It will be done immediately. As a result, the object to be weighed can be released early and the object to be weighed can be transported to the linear feeder, and the adhered object to be weighed can be prevented from accumulating and becoming a lump. The amount of the object to be weighed to 5 can be stabilized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transport amount of the weighing object conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 based on the change in the weight of the weighing object on the top cone 3 of the dispersion feeder 2 before and after the dispersion feeder 2 is driven. However, when it is determined that the amplitude is insufficient, the amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder 2 is increased by one step. However, the amplitude is not limited to one step, and may be increased by a plurality of steps.

  In the above embodiment, it is determined that the transport amount of the object transported from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 is insufficient by driving the dispersion feeder 2 corresponding to the first time, and the amplitude intensity is increased 2 When it is determined that the transport amount of the object transported from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 is insufficient by the re-driving of the dispersion feeder 2 corresponding to the second time, that is, the second time of the dispersion feeder 2. When it was continuously determined that the transport amount of the object to be weighed transported from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 by the above driving was determined to be insufficient, it was notified that the transport amount was insufficient.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, the object to be weighed conveyed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the rectilinear feeder 5 is driven not by the second notification but also by the third and subsequent driving in which the amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder 2 is increased. When it is continuously determined that the amount is insufficient, it may be notified that the conveyance amount is insufficient.

  That is, notification may be made when the driving of the dispersion feeder 2 determined to have an insufficient amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder 2 to the linear feeder 5 continues for a predetermined number of times.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Feeding device 2 Dispersing feeder 3 Top cone 4 Vibrating device 5 Straight feeder 8 Feeding hopper 9 Weighing hopper 11 Control device 15 Packaging machine 16 Weight sensor for top cone 23 Operation setting display part

Claims (5)

A combination weigher comprising a vibration-type dispersion feeder that conveys the objects to be weighed to a plurality of surrounding linear feeders,
A weight detector for detecting the weight of an object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder;
A control unit for controlling the driving of the dispersion feeder based on the detection output of the weight detection unit;
The control unit stores a first table for associating the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder and a driving frequency for driving the dispersion feeder, and a second table for associating the type and the amplitude intensity of the dispersion feeder. Part
The control unit includes a driving frequency of the first table corresponding to the weight of the object to be measured detected by the weight detection unit, and an amplitude intensity of the second table corresponding to the type of the object to be weighed. Then, the dispersion feeder is driven, and the object to be weighed is transported from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder based on the change in the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder corresponding to before and after the driving of the dispersion feeder. It is determined whether the amount is insufficient, and when it is determined that the amount is insufficient, the dispersion feeder is driven with an amplitude intensity stronger than the amplitude intensity of the second table.
A combination weigher characterized by that. When the control unit drives the dispersion feeder with the strong amplitude intensity, the amplitude intensity of the second table of the storage unit is updated to the strong amplitude intensity.
The combination weigher according to claim 1. A conveyance amount notification unit is provided,
The control unit controls the conveyance amount notification unit when it is determined that the conveyance amount of the object to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the rectilinear feeder is insufficient. And notifying that the amount of objects to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient.
The combination weigher according to claim 2. An amplitude intensity notification unit is provided,
The control unit, when the strong amplitude intensity is greater than or equal to an upper limit of a settable amplitude intensity, controls the amplitude intensity notification unit to notify that the amplitude intensity is greater than or equal to an upper limit.
The combination weigher according to claim 2 or 3. The control unit compares the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion feeder corresponding to before the driving of the dispersion feeder with the weight of the object to be weighed in the corresponding dispersion feeder after the driving of the dispersion feeder, Determining whether the amount of objects to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the linear feeder is insufficient,
The combination weigher according to claim 1.

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