JP2020106347A - Measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress problems as much as possible caused by increase of the size of substances attaching to the measuring device.SOLUTION: The initial zero-point weight of a clear measuring unit free from attachment before start of a measurement operation is stored as a reference zero-point. After that, when the amount of change of the zero-point weight from the zero-point weight in the measuring unit during a measurement operation becomes larger than an attachment detection threshold value, that will be notified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a weighing device for weighing an object to be weighed.

A weighing device, for example, a combination weigher that combines and weighs an object to be weighed within a predetermined weight range and discharges it, is generally provided with a plurality of weighing hoppers and is supplied with a plurality of weighing hoppers. Select the combination of weighing hoppers in which the combined weight of various combinations of object weights is equal to the target combined weight or is within the predetermined weight range closest to the target combined weight, and the objects to be weighed are discharged from the selected weighing hoppers. To do. Usually, a combination scale is used together with a packaging machine, and objects to be weighed within a predetermined weight range, which are weighed by the combination scale, are discharged from the combination scale, put into the packaging machine, and packaged by the packaging machine to be one product. ..

When the object to be weighed is, for example, a confectionery such as salty beans or natto, a seasoning such as salt or sugar or a piece of the object to be weighed adheres to the inner wall of the weighing hopper.

In the weighing hopper, since such an attached matter is also weighed, the actual weight of the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper is reduced by the amount corresponding to the attached matter.

In this way, in the weighing hopper, the zero weight of the weighing hopper, that is, the weight when there is no object to be weighed in the weighing hopper due to an increase in the amount of deposits, etc. Along with that, the value gradually changes to a size that cannot be ignored, that is, a zero point change occurs. Therefore, the supply of the objects to be weighed to the weighing hopper is periodically prohibited for one weighing cycle, the weighing hopper is emptied, and the zero-point weight of the hopper in this empty state is measured to correct the zero-point fluctuation. Yes, so-called zero correction is performed.

In Patent Document 1, when the adherence of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper progresses and the increased adhered matter is separated from the weighing hopper and falls, the weighing hopper is detected and the combination weighing of the detected weighing hoppers is performed. A device is disclosed that prohibits participation in the.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-53976

In Patent Document 1 described above, although it is possible to detect the weighing hopper from which large deposits have been peeled off and prohibit participation in the combination weighing, it is possible to prevent large deposits attached to the weighing hopper from peeling off and dropping. There is no disclosure of the configuration for.

If the object to be weighed is, for example, confectionery such as salty beans or sweet natto, the adhesion of seasonings such as salt and sugar to the weighing hopper progresses, and the lumps of salt and sugar that have become large adherents, If the product peels off from the weighing hopper, falls, and is packaged by a packaging machine, the quality of the product becomes poor. In addition, since this product contains large dropped substances, it is selected as an excessive amount of defective products exceeding the predetermined weight range by a weight checker that checks and sorts the weight of the product at the latter stage of the packaging machine.

The weighing hopper is equipped with a discharge gate that is opened to discharge the objects to be weighed.If the amount of deposits on the inner surface of this discharge gate becomes large, a large attachment will occur when the discharge gate is opened. If the kimono interferes with the discharge of the objects to be weighed, it may not be possible to completely discharge the objects to be weighed within the opening period of the discharge gate, and some of the objects to be weighed may remain. is there. In this case, the product in which the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper are packed is sorted by the weight checker as a defective product having a light weight below a predetermined weight range.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such an actual situation, and an object thereof is to suppress as much as possible a defect caused by an increase in an adhered matter adhered to a weighing device.

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

(1) The present invention relates to a weighing device that weighs an object to be weighed supplied to a weighing unit,
A zero-point weight measuring unit that measures a zero-point weight, which is the weight of the weighing unit in a state in which an object to be weighed is not supplied to the weighing unit, and the weighing unit before the start of weighing operation, which is measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit. An initial zero point weight of the storage unit that stores the zero point weight as a reference zero point, and the amount of variation from the reference zero point of the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation, which is measured by the zero point weight measuring unit, falls within the regulation range. A weighing error determining unit that determines whether or not the amount of variation from the reference zero point is a deposition determination unit that determines whether or not a deposition detection threshold value included in the regulation range is greater than or equal to the weighing amount. When it is determined that the error determination unit is not within the regulation range, a measurement error notification unit that notifies that the measurement error is present, and the measurement error determination unit determines that the measurement error is within the regulation range, and An adhesion informing unit for informing that the adhered matter of the object to be weighed adhered to the weighing unit is to be removed when the adhesion determination unit determines that the adhesion detection threshold value is exceeded.

The regulation range is a regulation range of the variation amount from the reference zero point for determining whether or not there is a measurement error, and when the variation amount is not within the regulation range, it cannot be used as a weighing device. , Automatic zero correction is not performed. This regulation range is, for example, a range of ±4% of the weighing amount.

The adhesion detection threshold value is a threshold value within the regulation range and is a threshold value for detecting the adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit.

According to the present invention, the zero-point weight of the weighing unit in the state where there is no adherence of the object to be weighed before starting the weighing operation and the object to be weighed is not stored is stored as a reference zero point, and the weighing object is fed during the weighing operation. When it is determined that the variation amount of the zero-point weight of the weighing unit measured in the state where the object is not supplied from the reference zero point is not within the regulation range, it is notified that there is a weighing error.

Further, the zero point weight of the weighing unit, the amount of variation from the reference zero point, when it is determined that the adhesion detection threshold value included in the regulation range or more, adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit proceeds, If the adhered matter is large, it notifies that the adhered matter should be removed.Therefore, the large adhered matter that adheres to the weighing unit may peel off from the measuring unit or hinder the movement of the measured subject. Before the operation, the operator can clean the weighing unit to remove the deposits.

(2) In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the plurality of weighing units are a plurality of weighing hoppers that respectively weigh the object to be weighed, and the weighing error determination unit determines that the weighing units are within the regulation range. And a zero point correction unit for performing zero point correction of the weighing hopper.

According to this embodiment, the amount of change from the reference zero point of the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation, which is measured by the zero point weight measuring unit, is determined by the weighing error determination unit to be within the regulation range, Since the zero point of the weighing hopper is corrected by the zero point weight measured by the zero point weight measuring unit, it is possible to perform the zero point correction of the weighing hopper while making the determination of the adhering matter on the weighing hopper.

(3) In one embodiment of the present invention, the variation amount from the reference zero point is provided with a permission determination unit that determines whether or not the variation amount is within an allowable error range that does not include the adhesion detection threshold value. When the determination unit determines that the adhesion error is within the allowable error range, the adhesion determination unit does not perform the determination.

The allowable error range is a narrow range in which the adhesion detection threshold value is not included, and is a range in which the variation amount from the reference zero point, which is caused by unexpected vibration or the influence of wind, falls within the allowable error range.

Although the zero point weight of the weighing unit measured by the zero point weight measuring unit slightly changes due to unexpected vibration and wind, according to this embodiment, the zero weight from the reference zero point accompanying the slight change in the zero point weight is When the variation amount is within a narrow allowable error range that does not include the adhesion detection threshold value, it is possible to prevent the adhesion determination unit from performing the determination because it is meaningless to perform the detection determination of the adhesion object.

(4) In another embodiment of the present invention, a size determining unit that determines whether or not the zero-point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation, which is measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit, is greater than the reference zero point, The size determination unit includes an inspection notification unit that notifies that the weighing unit should be inspected when it is determined that the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation is not greater than the reference zero point.

Normally, since the object to be weighed adheres to the weighing unit, the zero point weight of the weighing unit measured by the zero point weight measuring unit should be larger than the reference zero point. According to this embodiment, when the zero point weight of the weighing section measured by the zero point weight measuring section is not larger than the reference zero point, some abnormality in the weighing section, for example, damage to the weight sensor, improper mounting of the weighing hopper, etc. If it is happening, we will inform you that the weighing section should be inspected. Thereby, the abnormality of the weighing unit can be known at an early stage and the inspection can be performed.

(5) In still another embodiment of the present invention, the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range, and the size determination unit determines that the zero-point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation is: When it is determined that it is larger than the reference zero point, and the adhesion determination unit determines that the amount of variation from the reference zero point is not greater than or equal to the adhesion detection threshold value, adherence of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit. An adhesion progress notification unit is provided to notify that the adhesion is in progress.

According to this embodiment, the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range, the size determination unit determines that the zero-point weight is greater than the reference zero point, and the adhesion determination unit determines that the variation amount from the reference zero point is the adhesion amount. If it is determined that the measured value is not equal to or more than the detection threshold value, it is not a weighing error or abnormality of the weighing unit, and the situation is such that the adhesion to the weighing unit is in progress, so that it can be notified.

According to the present invention, the zero-point weight of the weighing unit in the state where there is no adherence of the object to be weighed before the start of the weighing operation and the object to be weighed is not supplied is stored as a reference zero point and measured during the weighing operation. When it is determined that the variation amount of the zero-point weight of the weighing unit from the reference zero point is not within the regulation range, a weighing error is notified. Further, when it is determined that the variation amount of the zero point weight of the weighing unit from the reference zero point is equal to or more than the adhesion detection threshold value included in the regulation range, the attachment of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit proceeds, If the size of the kimono is large, a notification is sent to the effect that the adherence of the object to be weighed is to be removed, so large adherent matter that adheres to the weighing unit may peel off from the weighing unit or prevent movement of the object to be weighed. Before, the operator can clean the metering unit to remove the deposits.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the weighing device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the deposit detection processing of the weighing device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the adhesion detection determination process of FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of a weighing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the weighing device of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a weighing device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

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

In this embodiment, as a weighing device, a combination weigher will be described.

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, at the center of the upper part thereof, a dispersion feeder 2 is provided which dispersively conveys the objects to be weighed 28 dropped and supplied from the supply device 1 by vibration in a radial manner.

The object to be weighed 28 is not particularly limited, but is suitable for foods such as confectionery which are not individually packaged.

The dispersion feeder 2 includes a conical top cone 3 and a vibrating mechanism 4 that vibrates and drives the top cone 3.

Around the dispersion feeder 2, a plurality of linear feeders 5 are radially arranged to linearly convey the object 28 to be weighed, which has been vibrated and conveyed to the peripheral portion of the top cone 3, further outward. The linear feeder 5 includes a trough (feeder pan) 6 on which an object to be weighed 28 is placed, and a vibrating mechanism 7 that vibrates and drives the trough 6.

Below the peripheral edge of the trough 6 of the linear feeder 5, a plurality of supply hoppers 8, weighing hoppers 9 and memory hoppers 10 are provided correspondingly, and are arranged in a circle.

Under the supply hopper 8 and the memory hopper 10, gates 8a, 8a for discharging and gates 10a, 10a for discharging that can be opened and closed are provided, respectively. A discharge gate 9a that can be opened and closed on the side of the memory hopper 10 and a discharge gate 9b that can be opened and closed on the side of the collecting chute 11 are provided at the bottom of the weighing hopper 9, and the objects 28 to be weighed can be appropriately stored in the memory hopper. 10 or the collecting chute 11 can be selectively supplied.

The supply hopper 8 receives the object to be weighed 28 sent from the trough 6 of the linear feeder 5, and when the weighing hopper 9 arranged below it is empty, opens the discharge gates 8a, 8a to the weighing hopper 9. The object 28 to be weighed is introduced. In addition, each weighing hopper 9 is supported by a weight sensor 12 such as a load cell that measures the weight of the object 28 to be weighed in the weighing hopper 9, and the weight value of each weight sensor 12 is output to the control device 13.

The weighing hopper 9 can selectively discharge the objects to be weighed 28 to the memory hopper 10 and the collecting chute 11 as described above. The memory hopper 10 is disposed diagonally below the weighing hopper 9, and when it is empty, the object 28 to be weighed is loaded from the weighing hopper 9. By the combination calculation by the control device 13, a combination of hoppers (hereinafter, referred to as “discharging hoppers”) from which the object to be weighed 28 should be discharged is obtained from the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 and the memory hoppers 10, and the packing machine 22 requests discharging. When a signal is input, the objects 28 to be weighed are discharged from the discharge hopper corresponding to the combination to the collecting chute 11, and further discharged to the packaging machine 22 via the discharging chute 14 and the collecting hopper 25 located therebelow.

Based on the output of the weight sensor 16 for the top cone that measures the weight of the object to be weighed 28 supplied from the supply device 1 onto the top cone 3, the control device 13 preliminarily detects the object to be weighed 28 on the top cone 3. The supply device 1 is controlled so as to be maintained within the set range.

The operation setting display unit 24 is configured by using, for example, a touch panel, performs an operation of a combination scale and an operation parameter setting operation thereof, displays an operating speed, a combination measurement value, and the like on a screen, and further, as described later. The display unit has a function as an informing unit for making various notifications.

The control device 13 controls the operation of the supply device 1 and the entire operation of the combination weigher, and also performs combination calculation. In the combination calculation, the weight of the object 28 in the weighing hopper 9 is weighed by the weight sensor 12, and the obtained weight is used as the weighing value of the weighing hopper 9. The weighing value of the weighing hopper 9 is stored in the memory unit of the control device 13, and when the weighing object 28 in the weighing hopper 9 is loaded into the corresponding memory hopper 10, the stored weighing value is It is used as a weighing value of the memory hopper 10. From the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 and the memory hopper 10, one combination of the above-mentioned discharge hoppers in which the total weighing value of the objects to be weighed 28 is within the predetermined weight range is obtained.

The controller 13 performs the above-described combination calculation and also performs zero point correction in the weighing hopper 9, and functions as a zero point weight measuring unit that measures the zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 in an empty state. In addition, it has a function as a determination unit that performs various determinations described below.

The zero point correction of the weighing hopper 9 is the same as the conventional one. After discharging the object 28 to be weighed from the weighing hopper 9, prohibiting the introduction of a new object to be weighed for one weighing cycle to make the weighing hopper 9 empty. The zero point weight which is the weight of the weighing hopper 9 at that time is measured, and the zero point correction is performed to update the measured zero point weight as a new zero point, which is sequentially performed for each weighing hopper 9.

This zero point correction is performed at short time intervals at the beginning of the operation when the elapsed time from the start of the weighing operation is short and the adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 is fast, and thereafter, the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 is weighed. Since the adhesion of the substance is slowed down, it is performed at a long time interval. This time interval can be set in advance by operating the operation setting display 24.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 13 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, a packaging machine 22. A connected I/O circuit section 23 is provided, and an operation setting indicator 24 is connected.

The CPU section 17 as an arithmetic control section controls each section and performs combination calculation, zero point correction of the weighing hopper 9, and the like. The memory unit 18 stores an operation program of the combination weigher, operation parameters to be set, and the like, and serves as a work area for the CPU unit 17 to perform calculations and the like. The A/D conversion circuit unit 19 includes the weight sensor 16 for the top cone that detects the weight of the object 28 to be weighed on the top cone 3 and the weight sensors 12 that detect the weight of the object 28 to be weighed in the weighing hopper 9. The analog signal of is converted into a digital signal and output to the CPU section 17.

The gate drive circuit section 20 is based on a control signal from the CPU section 17, and discharge gates 8a, 8a of the supply hopper 8, discharge gates 9a, 9b of the weighing hopper 9, and discharge gates 10a, 10a of the memory hopper 10. , And opening/closing of the discharge gates 25a, 25a of the collecting hopper 25 are controlled. The vibration control circuit unit 21 controls the supply device 1, the vibration mechanism 4 of the dispersion feeder 2, and the vibration mechanism 7 of each linear feeder 5 based on a control signal from the CPU unit 17.

The control device 13 controls the operations of the supply device 1 and the entire combination weigher by causing the CPU unit 17 to execute 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, and the setting is performed by the operator using the operation setting display 24, and the set operation parameter values are set by the CPU unit 17. And is stored in the memory unit 18. The operation parameters include a target combination weight which is a target value in the combination calculation, an allowable range for the target combination weight, the amplitude of each feeder 2, 5 and a driving time (one vibration continuation time).

In such a combination scale, in the case where the object to be weighed 28 is, for example, a confectionery which is not individually packaged, for example, a confectionery such as salted beans or natto, salt is placed on the inner wall of the weighing hopper 9 during the weighing operation. Seasoning such as sugar and sugar, or fragments of the object to be weighed adhere.

Such a deposit on the object to be weighed becomes large and peels off from the inner wall of the weighing hopper 9 and falls, or the discharge of the object to be weighed 28 is hindered. In order to prevent this from occurring, this embodiment has the following configuration.

That is, in this embodiment, before the start of the weighing operation, the operation setting display unit 24 is operated to set the zero-point weight of the weighing hopper 9 in a clean and empty state in which the objects to be weighed 28 are not loaded and there is no deposit. The measured zero point weight is stored in the memory unit 18 as a reference zero point. After that, when the metering operation is started, the zero point correction is performed as in the conventional case, and at each time point when the zero point correction is performed, the variation amount of the measured zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 from the reference zero point is calculated. This fluctuation amount is not the fluctuation amount of the zero point in the period from the time of the previous zero correction to the time of the current zero correction, but the period from the time before the start of the metering operation in which the reference zero is stored to the time of the current zero correction. Is the amount of fluctuation of the zero point at.

Since the zero point correction is sequentially performed for each weighing hopper 9, the calculation of the variation amount of the zero point from the reference zero point is also sequentially performed for each weighing hopper 9 simultaneously with the zero point correction.

When the calculated fluctuation amount of the zero point is not within the regulation range, for example, not within the regulation range of ±4% of the weighing amount, it is determined that there is a weighing error, and the fact is displayed on the operation setting display unit 24 to notify it. .. In this weighing error state, automatic zero correction is not performed and the weighing machine cannot be used as a combination weighing machine. Therefore, the operator stops the weighing operation and performs inspection and maintenance of the weighing unit and the like.

Further, when the calculated variation amount of the zero point exceeds the preset adhesion detection threshold value included in the regulation range, the adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 proceeds after the weighing operation is started, If the amount of adhered matter becomes large, the operation setting display unit 24 gives a notification that the adhered matter of the object to be weighed adhered to the weighing hopper 9 should be removed. This display may directly notify that the adhered matter should be removed, for example, "clean the weighing hopper 9 or the like to remove the adhered matter", or indirectly. The notification may be made, for example, "the deposit on the weighing hopper is growing."

The adhesion detection threshold value is within the regulation range and is smaller than the limit threshold value that defines the upper limit value of the regulation range.

The notification that the adhered matter should be removed is not limited to the display by the operation setting display 24, and may be, for example, a sound notification, a notification light, or the like, or a combination thereof.

By this notification, the operator can recognize that it is time to clean the weighing hopper 9 and remove the adhering matter.

This notification may be performed for each of the plurality of weighing hoppers 9, or the operation of only the notified weighing hopper 9 may be stopped, the weighing hopper 9 may be detached, cleaned, and then re-mounted.

Alternatively, when the amount of fluctuation of the zero point of a predetermined number or more of the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 becomes equal to or more than a preset adhesion detection threshold value, a notification is given, and in this case, the weighing of the combination scale is performed. The operation may be stopped and the hoppers 8, 10, 25 including the weighing hopper 9 and the troughs 6 of the feeders 5 may be washed.

The adhering detection threshold value is set such that the adhering matter that has adhered to the weighing hopper 9 becomes large and peels off from the weighing hopper 9 and falls, or does not hinder the discharge of the objects to be weighed. Is set in advance by taking into consideration the properties of the object to be weighed and the like.

The operator determines that it is time to clean the weighing hopper 9 according to the notification of the operation setting display 24, and stops the operation of only the notified weighing hopper 9 as described above, and removes and cleans the weighing hopper 9. Then reattach. Alternatively, assuming that the memory hopper 10 and the like other than the weighing hopper 9 are also adhering, the weighing operation of the combination weigher is stopped, and the hoppers 8, 10 and 25 including the weighing hopper 9 and the troughs 6 and the like of the feeders 5 and the like. To wash.

After restarting the weighing operation after stopping the weighing operation and cleaning the weighing hopper 9 and the like, the operation setting indicator 24 is operated to measure the zero point weight which is the weight of the weighing hopper 9 in a clean and empty state, The measured zero point weight is updated and stored in the memory unit 18 as a reference zero point, and the same process as above is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the variation amount of the measured zero-point weight of the weighing hopper 9 from the reference zero exceeds the adhesion detection threshold value, the attachment of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 progresses. Since it is notified that the adhered matter is large, the operator can clean the weighing hopper 9 to remove the adhered matter. As a result, the adhered matter on the weighing hopper 9 becomes large, does not peel off from the weighing hopper 9 and fall, and does not hinder the discharge of the object to be weighed 28. It can be prevented from occurring.

Next, the processing for detecting the adhering matter due to the above-mentioned zero point fluctuation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, before starting the metering operation, the operation setting indicator 24 is operated to perform zero adjustment (step S1). In this zero adjustment, the zero-point weight, which is the weight of the weighing hopper 9 in a clean state in which the object to be weighed 28 is not loaded and in which there is no deposit, is measured. The measured zero point weight is updated and stored in the memory unit 18 as the reference zero point (step S2), and the process proceeds to the adhesion detection determination process (step S3).

In the adhesion detection determination process, as shown in FIG. 4, when the automatic weighing operation is started (step S10), automatic zero point correction is performed as in the conventional case (step S11).

In this automatic zero point correction, as described above, after the object 28 to be weighed is discharged from the weighing hopper 9, the introduction of a new object to be weighed is prohibited for one weighing cycle, the weighing hopper 9 is emptied, and the weighing at that time is performed. The zero point weight, which is the weight of the hopper 9, is measured, the measured zero point weight is set as a new zero point (new zero point), and it is determined whether or not the amount of variation of this zero point from the reference zero point is within the regulation range. (Step S12). Specifically, the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero from the new zero is within the range of the allowable zero correction as the regulation range in which the zero correction is allowed, for example, within ±4% of the weighing amount. Determine whether there is. When the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero point from the new zero point is not within the allowable zero correction range, it is determined that there is a weighing error and the fact is displayed on the operation setting display 24 to notify it (step S20), and the adhesion detection The determination process ends.

When the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero point from the new zero point is within the allowable zero correction range, the zero point is updated with the new zero point to perform zero point correction (step S13), and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined that the slight fluctuation of the zero-point weight due to the unexpected vibration or the influence of the wind is within the allowable error range, and the determination process of the adhesion detection is ended. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero from the new zero is within the allowable error range, and if it is within the allowable error range, it may be due to unexpected vibration or the influence of wind. Assuming that the zero point has changed, the adhesion detection determination process ends. This allowable error range is narrow, and the adhesion detection threshold value is not included in this allowable error range.

If the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero from the new zero is not within the allowable error range, it is determined whether the new zero is larger than the reference zero (step S15). Normally, the adherence of the objects to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 progresses, so the measured zero-point weight of the weighing hopper should be greater than the reference zero point. When it is determined in step S15 that the new zero point is not larger than the reference zero point, the operation setting display unit 24 displays a display recommending inspection of the weighing hopper 9 and the like, which indicates that some abnormality has occurred in the weighing unit. The notification is performed (step S19), and the adhesion detection determination process ends. In response to this inspection recommendation, the operator checks whether the weight sensor 12 is damaged, the weighing hopper 9 is not properly attached, or the like.

When it is determined in step S15 that the new zero is larger than the reference zero, the variation amount of the new zero from the reference zero, specifically, the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero from the new zero is the adhesion detection threshold α or more. It is determined whether or not (step S16).
When the value is equal to or more than the adhesion detection threshold value α, the operation setting display unit 24 displays a display recommending cleaning of the weighing hopper 9 and the like, assuming that the adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 progresses and the amount of the adhered object becomes large. The notification is performed (step S17), and the adhesion detection determination process ends.

As a result, the operator stops the operation of only the notified weighing hopper 9, removes the cleaning hopper 9, cleans it, and reloads it. Alternatively, the weighing operation of the combination weigher is stopped, and the hoppers 8, 10, 25 including the weighing hopper 9 and the troughs 6 of the feeders 5 are washed.

When it is determined in step S16 that the amount of change of the new zero point from the reference zero point is not greater than or equal to the adhesion detection threshold value α, the adhered matter on the weighing hopper 9 or the like needs to be washed on the weighing hopper 9 or the like. Although not yet reached, the fact that the adhesion to the weighing hopper 9 is progressing is displayed on the operation setting display unit 24 to notify it (step S18), and the adhesion detection determination process is ended.

The zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 is measured, the variation amount from the reference zero point is calculated, and the determination process as to whether the calculated variation amount exceeds the adhesion detection threshold value α is performed at a time other than the zero point correction. For example, it may be performed in response to the operation of the operator.

As another embodiment of the present invention, before the start of the weighing operation, the zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 in a clean and empty state in which no objects to be weighed have been input and no deposit is measured, and the memory unit is set as a reference zero point. A dedicated operation switch or the like for storing in 18 may be provided.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of hopper groups including the supply hopper 8, the weighing hopper 9, and the memory hopper 10 are applied to a so-called circular array combination scale in which a plurality of hopper groups are arrayed in a circle around the dispersion feeder 2. Is not limited to a combination weigher having a circular arrangement, but a plurality of weighing hoppers are arranged so as to be aligned in a straight line, a so-called horizontal arrangement weighing device, for example, as described in JP-A-2018-77074. The same can be applied to the weighing device.

5 and 6 show an example of the weighing device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-77074, FIG. 5 is a side view of the weighing device, and FIG. 6 is a partial supply unit. It is a top view of the weighing device which moved 32 away.

A center base body 30 is fixedly arranged at the center of the weighing device. On both sides of the center base body 30, a plurality of linear weighing units 31 are arranged.

On the outside of the weighing unit 31 group, a supply unit 32 that supplies various kinds of objects to be weighed to the upper portion of each linearly arranged weighing unit 31 is arranged close to the weighing unit group 31 so as to face each other. Has been done.

As shown in FIG. 5, each series of weighing units 31 holds a supply hopper 33 that temporarily holds and discharges the object to be weighed conveyed from the supply unit 32, and a object to be weighed discharged from the supply hopper 33. It has a structure in which the weighing hoppers 34 for performing the weighing and the memory hoppers 35 for holding the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hoppers 34 are arranged in vertical rows.

The supply unit 32 is configured to include a storage hopper 36 that stores the objects to be weighed, and a supply feeder 37 that vibrates and conveys the objects to be weighed that have been fed from the lower ends of the storage hoppers 36 toward the weighing unit 31. ..

Each supply feeder 37 includes first and second linear feeders 37a and 37b.

In this weighing device, a combination calculation is performed based on the weights of the articles in the weighing hoppers 34 and the memory hoppers 35 of the respective weighing units 31, the objects to be weighed are discharged from the selected hoppers, and the collecting chutes 38, 39 and the like are used. And put it in a packaging machine (not shown).

The present invention can also be applied to a horizontal type weighing device in which the plurality of weighing hoppers 34 are linearly arranged in this manner.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned automatic combination scales in which the supply and the discharge of the objects to be weighed are automatically performed. For example, as shown in FIG. The discharge of the weighing object can also be applied to a semi-automatic combination weigher that is automatically performed.

In FIG. 7, (a) is a plan view of a semi-automatic combination weigher, (b) is a front view thereof, and (c) is a side view thereof.

In this semi-automatic combination weigher, an operator manually feeds an object to be weighed from a plurality of feed ports 40 ₁ to 40 ₈ to a plurality of feed hoppers 41 _{1 to} 41 ₈ arranged below the feed ports 40 ₁ to 40 ₈ . Each feed hopper 41 _{1-41 8} is provided with a gate _{41 1 a~41 8 a, 41 1} b~41 8 b for discharging the casement, one of the gate 41 ₁ a~41 ₈ a (or 41 ₁ b to 41 ₈ b) are opened as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7C, so that the objects to be weighed are separated into two weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a, 42 ₁ b to 42 _8. It supplies to one of the weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a (or 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b) of _{one of the} plurality of weighing hoppers 42 _{1 to} 42 ₈ divided into b.

The weighing hoppers 42 _{1 to} 42 ₈ are respectively connected to weighing sensors (not shown), and the weighing sensors measure the weight of the objects to be weighed in the weighing hoppers 42 _{1 to} 42 ₈ .

In this combination weigher, combination calculation is performed based on the weights of the weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a and 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b of the weighing hoppers 42 _{1 to} 42 ₈ . The discharge gates (not shown) of the weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a and 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b of the weighing hoppers 42 _{1 to} 42 ₈ selected by the combination calculation are opened and discharged onto the transport conveyor 43. The transport conveyor 43 transports it to a packaging machine (not shown) arranged on the carry-out end side of the transport conveyor 43, and the items to be weighed are packaged by the packaging machine.

When the objects to be weighed are discharged in this way, the weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a and 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b of the empty weighing hoppers 42 _{1 to} 42 ₈ are located above them. The objects to be weighed are supplied from certain supply hoppers 41 _{1 to} 41 ₈ . As a result, the feed hopper 41 _{1-41 8} becomes empty, the objects to be weighed are fed by hand.

The present invention can also be applied to a semi-automatic combination scale in which the objects to be weighed are manually supplied and the objects to be weighed are automatically discharged.

The present invention is not limited to the weighing hopper and may be similarly applied to other weighing units such as a weighing conveyor and a weighing dish.

2 Dispersion feeder 5 Linear feeder 8 Supply hopper 9 Weighing hopper 10 Memory hopper 13 Controller 17 CPU section 18 Memory section 24 Operation setting indicator

Claims (5)

A weighing device for weighing the object to be weighed supplied to the weighing unit,
A zero-point weight measuring unit that measures a zero-point weight, which is the weight of the weighing unit in a state where the object to be weighed is not supplied to the weighing unit,
A storage unit that stores the initial zero point weight of the weighing unit before the start of weighing operation, which is measured by the zero point weight measuring unit, as a reference zero point,
A measurement error determination unit that determines whether or not the amount of fluctuation of the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation from the reference zero point, which is measured by the zero point weight measurement unit, is within a regulation range,
The amount of variation from the reference zero point, an adhesion determination unit that determines whether or not an adhesion detection threshold included in the regulation range or more,
When it is determined that the measurement error determination unit is not within the regulation range, a measurement error notification unit that notifies that it is a measurement error,
When it is determined that the weighing error determination unit is within the regulation range, and when it is determined that the adhesion determination unit is greater than or equal to the adhesion detection threshold value, the adhesion of the object to be weighed attached to the weighing unit is determined. An adhesion notifying unit for notifying that it should be removed,
A weighing device comprising: A plurality of the weighing units are a plurality of weighing hoppers for weighing the objects to be weighed,
A zero point correction unit that performs a zero point correction of the weighing hopper when the weighing error determination unit determines that it is within the regulation range,
The weighing device according to claim 1. The fluctuation amount from the reference zero point, an allowance determination unit that determines whether or not the adhesion detection threshold is within an allowable error range is not included,
When it is determined that the admissibility determination unit is within the permissible error range, the adhesion determination unit does not make a determination,
The weighing device according to claim 1 or 2. Measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit, the zero-point weight of the weighing unit during weighing operation, a magnitude determining unit that determines whether or not it is greater than the reference zero point,
In the size determination unit, the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation, when it is determined that the zero point is not greater than the reference zero point, an inspection notification unit that notifies that the weighing unit should be inspected,
The weighing device according to claim 1, further comprising: The weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range, and the size determination unit determines that the zero-point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation is greater than the reference zero point, and When the determination unit determines that the amount of variation from the reference zero point is not greater than or equal to the adhesion detection threshold value, an adhesion progress notification unit that notifies that the adhesion of the object to be measured to the measurement unit is in progress. With
The weighing device according to claim 4.

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