JP3439525B2 - Combination weigher with priority processing device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combination weigher with a preferential treatment device in which articles (stagnation articles) that are likely to remain without being ejected can be preferentially participated in the combination and ejected. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A combination weigher automatically or manually weighs the weight of articles supplied to each weighing hopper, and a combination calculation means variously combines the weights of the respective articles to obtain a predetermined total target weight. Select a set equal to or close to. Then, when the total weight of the set selected by the combination calculating means satisfies a predetermined condition, the discharging means discharges the articles of the set from the corresponding weighing hoppers. That is, the weighing of the supplied articles by the weighing hopper, the combination selection, and the discharging of the selected articles are repeated.

However, in the above-mentioned combination scale, if the weight of the articles supplied to the weighing hopper is too heavy or too light as compared with a predetermined weight, the articles may remain without being discharged from the weighing hopper. As a result, there is a problem in that the weighing hoppers containing such articles cannot sequentially weigh new articles.

Therefore, the applicant has invented a combination weigher with a staying article processing device which solves this problem (Japanese Patent Application No. 2-30).
No. 5679). That is, among the articles weighed by the respective weighing hoppers, the articles that participated in the combination calculation, for example, twice (may be 1, 3, or 4 times other than 2 times), but are not discharged from the weighing hopper. When the staying article detecting unit detects (staying article) and the staying article detecting unit detects the staying article, the total weight of the combinations of weights including the weight of the staying article is equal to or close to the target weight. Select a pair. Then, when the total weight of the selected group satisfies the predetermined condition, the discharging means discharges the group of articles from the corresponding weighing hoppers. In other words, in the combination calculation, when there is a group including staying articles and a group not including staying articles, and the total weight of each is within the allowable weight range,
Even if the total weight of the set not including the staying article is closest to the target weight, the set including the staying article is preferentially selected and discharged.

[0005]

However, according to the above-mentioned combination weigher equipped with a stagnant article processing device, for example, articles that have participated in two combinations but are not discharged from the weighing hopper are detected as stagnant articles. It is unclear whether the weight of the staying articles is a weight that is difficult to select for the combination.
The weight that is difficult to be selected for this combination is a weight having a relatively large weight difference from the reference weight B described later. That is,
In the conventional staying article processing apparatus, when there are many articles whose weights are easily selected as a combination, such articles may stay in the weighing hopper without being discharged, and are detected as staying articles a. Sometimes. As a result, such a staying article a and a weight combination including the staying article b that is staying because the weight is hard to be selected for the combination are preferentially selected. There is a problem that the number of weight combinations is reduced by the priority inclusion, which reduces the possibility that the total weight of the selected group satisfies the predetermined condition (condition of being within the allowable weight range). is there.

In the conventional accumulated article processing apparatus, the articles that participated in the two combinations but are not discharged from the weighing hopper are detected as the retained articles, and after the accumulated articles are detected, the combination including the retained articles is detected. It preferentially selects and tries to discharge when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, from the time when the staying article is supplied to the weighing hopper to the time when the staying article is discharged, a combination operation for detecting the staying article and at least one combination operation for selecting the staying article are performed. The problem is that it takes time. As a result, the weighing hopper for accommodating the accumulated articles has a problem that the weight of a new article cannot be weighed in the meantime, and a weighing hopper that cannot weigh such a new article is generated. There is a problem that the processing capacity of the scale is lower than that at the beginning.

An object of the present invention is to provide a combination weighing machine with a preferential processing device capable of improving the processing capacity for producing a combination of a proper amount of articles and bringing a total weight closer to a target weight than ever before.

[0008]

A first aspect of the present invention is to combine a plurality of weighing tanks for weighing articles supplied to each of them with various weights of the articles weighed by the respective weighing tanks so that the total weight is predetermined. A combination having combination calculation means for selecting a set equal to or close to a target weight, and discharge means for discharging articles of the set when the total weight of the set selected by the combination calculation means satisfies a predetermined condition. In the balance, an average weight calculating means for calculating the average weight W _A by dividing the total weight of the weights of the articles in the respective weighing tanks in the loaded state by the number of the weighing tanks in the loaded state, and the target weight in various ways. Of the weights obtained by this division and selecting a natural number N that gives a weight equal to or close to the average weight W _A , and the target weight is divided by the natural number N. Preferential weight for selecting one or more preferential weights W _Y having the largest or relatively large weight difference from the reference weight B obtained by the lever division from the respective weights of the articles in the respective weighing tanks in the above-mentioned loaded state. total weight are selected and prioritized combination calculation means for selecting whether or close pairs equal to the target weight, by the combination calculation means from among the selection means and, above the weight of the combination containing a priority weight W _Y mentioned above selected Discharge control means capable of controlling the discharge means so as to preferentially discharge the set of articles including the priority weight W _Y selected by the priority combination calculation means instead of the set of articles. It is characterized by that.

A second aspect of the invention is a combination weigher with a preferential treatment device according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein when the reference weight B is within the range of variation in the weight of the articles in each of the weighing tanks in the above-mentioned loaded state, The discharge control means preferentially discharges a group of articles including the priority weight W _Y selected by the priority combination calculation means instead of the group of articles selected by the combination calculation means. It is characterized by having a configuration capable of controlling the.

A third aspect of the present invention is the combination weigher with a preferential treatment device according to the first aspect, wherein the reference weight B is within the range of variation in the weight of the articles in each of the weighing tanks in the above-mentioned loaded state, and When the absolute value of the weight difference between the average weight W _A calculated by the average weight calculation means and the reference weight B exceeds the allowable limit weight, the discharge control means is selected by the combination calculation means. It is characterized in that the discharging means can be controlled so as to preferentially discharge the group of articles including the preferential weight W _Y selected by the preferential combination computing means instead of the group of articles. It is a thing.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the average weight W _A is averaged by dividing the total weight of the articles in each weighing tank in which the articles are supplied and loaded by dividing the total weight by the number of the weighing tanks in the loaded state. The numerical value selecting means selects the natural number N which is calculated by the calculating means, divides the target weight by various natural numbers, and obtains a weight equal to or close to the average weight W _A from the weights obtained by this division. Then, the target weight is divided by a natural number N, and one or more priority weights W _Y having the largest or relatively large weight difference from the reference weight B obtained by this division,
The priority weight selecting means selects from among the weights of the articles in the respective weighing tanks in the loaded state, and the total weight is equal to or close to the target weight from the combination of the weights including the selected priority weight W _Y. Is selected by the priority combination calculation means. Thereafter, the discharge control means may control to discharge the set of articles including the priority weight W _Y selected by the priority combination calculation means in preference to the set of articles selected by the combination calculation means. it can.

The combination calculating means variously combines the weights of the articles weighed by the respective weighing tanks, selects a set whose total weight is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight, and the discharging means uses the combination calculating means. When the total weight of the set selected by means of satisfying a predetermined condition, the set of articles is discharged.

When the reference weight B is within the range of variation in the weight of the articles in each weighing tank in the loaded state, the total weight of the set made by combining the weights of the articles in each weighing tank is included. It is likely that there will be a set equal to or close to the predetermined target weight, and thus it can be said that the combination weighing can be continuously performed. According to a second aspect of the invention, in such a case, the discharge control means controls the discharge means such that the set of articles including the priority weight W _Y is preferentially discharged, thereby suppressing the generation of stagnant articles. That is, when the total weight of the set including the priority weight W _Y has a possibility of satisfying a predetermined condition (condition within the allowable weight range), the set of articles including the priority weight W _Y is preferentially discharged, This suppresses the generation of accumulated articles.

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, the reference weight B is within the range of variation in the weight of the articles in each weighing tank in the loaded state.
And the average weight W calculated by the average weight calculation means
_When the absolute value of the weight difference between _A and the reference weight B exceeds a predetermined allowable limit weight, the discharge control means preferentially discharges the set of articles including the priority weight W _Y. The generation of stagnant articles is suppressed by controlling That is, when the weight difference between the average weight W _A calculated by the average weight calculation means and the reference weight B is equal to or less than the predetermined allowable limit weight, the articles in the weighing hopper are sequentially selected and discharged in combination. Therefore, in such a case, the articles of the set including the priority weight W _Y are not preferentially discharged.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to an automatic combination weigher, and as shown in FIG. 3, it comprises a dispersion feeder 1 and a crosshead feeder 2 for supplying articles onto the dispersion feeder 1. A plurality of (P) linear feeders 3-1 3-2, ...
Is provided, and when the vibrator 4-1 vibrates, the article supplied from the dispersion feeder 1 is conveyed to the tip side thereof. The linear feeders 3-1 ... Are provided with feed hoppers 5-1 .. These feed hoppers 5-
Below 1, ..., Weighing hoppers 6-1 ...
Are provided, and when these are empty, the feed hopper 5-1
The gates 7-1 of ... are opened and the articles are supplied. Each of these weighing hoppers 6-1, ... Is provided with a weight detector 8-1 ,.
The weight of the article supplied to 1 ... is detected after a predetermined stabilization time has elapsed. And these weighing hoppers 6-1 ...
The combination calculation or the priority combination calculation is performed on the weight values of the articles in (the calculation is performed by the calculation control unit 16) to determine from which weighing hopper the article is discharged, for example, the weighing hopper 6- When it is determined to discharge the articles from the item 1, the gate 10-1 of the weighing hopper 6-1 is opened, and the articles are separated from the lower chute 12 of the weighing hopper 6-1 and the collecting chute 13 having an inverted truncated cone shape. And is supplied to the lower packaging machine 14 and the like.

Further, this embodiment has a weighing unit A as shown in FIG. Although not shown in the figure,
The weighing unit A is actually provided in a plurality of sets (P sets). The weighing unit A has a weighing hopper 6-1 equipped with a weight detector 8-1 such as a load cell and a feed hopper 5-1. The weighing signal of the weight detector 8-1 is amplified by an amplifier (not shown), and then is amplified by an A / D converter 1 of the control unit B via a multiplexer (not shown).
5, is converted into a digital signal here, and is supplied to the arithmetic control unit 16. When a predetermined activation signal is input from the operation setting display unit 17, the arithmetic control unit 16 sequentially inputs the digital weighing signals of the articles supplied to the weighing hoppers 6-1 ..., and based on these signals. Perform a combination operation,
Determine which items to eject. In addition, the feed hopper 5-
When the gates of the weighing unit A are opened and closed when the articles in the weighing hopper 6-1 are discharged, the gate driving device 18 of the weighing unit A is driven by the drive circuit 19. . Further, the vibration control circuit 20 drives the dispersion feeder 1, the linear feeders 3-1, ... Further, a storage unit 21 and a timer 22 are connected to the arithmetic control unit 16. The storage unit 21 includes a RAM and a PROM, and stores a program corresponding to a flowchart described below and various operating numbers of the combination scale. The timer 22 is composed of a plurality of counters that count down clock pulses from set values that are respectively proportional to the set time, and when the count value becomes 0, the set time is reached.

The programs corresponding to the later-described flow charts stored in the calculation control unit 16 and the storage unit 21 are combination calculation means, average weight calculation means, numerical value selection means, priority weight selection means, priority combination calculation means, and discharge. It comprises and constitutes control means. The combination calculation means is to variously combine the weights of the articles contained in the respective weighing hoppers and select a group whose total weight is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight T. Although the condition for selecting the set is set such that the total weight is equal to or close to the target weight T, for example, the condition that the total weight is larger than the target weight T can be added to this condition.

The average weight calculation means calculates the average weight W _A by dividing the total weight of the articles in each loaded weighing hopper by the number of these loaded weighing hoppers. The numerical value selecting means divides the target weight T by various natural numbers, and selects a natural number N that gives a weight equal to or closest to the average weight W _A from the weights obtained by this division.

The priority weight selection means divides the target weight T by the natural number N and obtains one priority weight W _Y having the largest weight difference from the reference weight B obtained by this division in each weighing hopper currently loaded. The weight of each item is selected. The number of weights selected as the priority weight W _Y may be changed to two or more depending on the number of weighing hoppers, the degree of variation in the weight of the articles to be weighed, and the like. Priority combination calculation means selects a set total weight to or near equal to the target weight T from among the combinations of the weight including the priority weight W _Y selected. Although the condition for selecting the set is set such that the total weight is equal to or close to the target weight T, for example, the condition that the total weight is larger than the target weight T can be added to this condition.

The discharge control means has the reference weight B within the range of variation of the weight of the articles in the respective weighing hoppers in the loaded state, and the average weight W _A calculated by the average weight calculation means and the reference weight B. When the absolute value of the weight difference exceeds the allowable limit weight, priority is given to the group of articles including the priority weight W _Y selected by the priority combination computing means instead of the group of articles selected by the combination computing means. The discharging means can be controlled so as to discharge. The discharging means determines whether or not the total weight of the set selected by the combination calculating means or the priority combination calculating means satisfies a predetermined condition, that is, whether or not the total weight is an appropriate amount. The articles forming the set are discharged from the corresponding weighing hoppers.

That is, the combination weigher with a preferential treatment device of this embodiment has a total weight out of weights that are difficult to be selected as a combination, that is, a combination of weights including the priority weight W _Y , when predetermined conditions are satisfied. Is equal to or close to the target weight T, and the set is discharged when the total weight of the selected set is an appropriate amount. As a result, the articles of the priority weight W _Y that have participated in the combination but will remain without being discharged from the weighing hopper can be discharged from the weighing hopper before being accumulated, and as a result,
It is an object of the present invention to reduce the number of weighing hoppers that store stagnant articles as compared with the related art, and to improve the throughput of the combination weighing machine as compared with the related art.

Next, the operation procedure of the combination weigher with the priority processing device will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.
First, the operator operates the operation setting display unit 17 to set various operation constants (parameters) such as the target weight T and the priority weight W.
The number of _Ys (for example, one) is set (S100). Next, the dispersion feeder 1 and the linear feeder are driven, the gate of the feed hopper is opened / closed, the articles are weighed, and the gate of the weighing hopper is opened / closed (S102). Then, it is determined whether it is the timing of the combination calculation (S104),
When the timing for starting the combination calculation comes, priority combination calculation or combination calculation is performed to determine whether or not the total weight of the selected set is an appropriate amount (S106). Step 1
Details of 06 are shown in FIG. 1, and the operation procedure will be described later. Next, when the total weight of the set selected in step 106 is determined to be an appropriate amount, the discharge command signal from the packaging machine 14 is waited for (S108), and when the discharge command signal is input, it is determined to be the appropriate amount. The articles forming the set are discharged from the corresponding weighing hoppers (S110). Then, the process returns to step 102 and the above steps are repeatedly executed.

However, if the total weight of the selected set is not an appropriate amount and NO is determined in step 106, it is determined in step 106 whether a defective weighing hopper (described later) is specified ( S112), if it is determined that the defective weighing hopper is not specified, step 1
Returning to 02, the above steps are repeatedly executed. When it is determined that the defective weighing hopper is identified, the reject mechanism (not shown) is set to ON (S
114), the articles contained in the defective weighing hopper identified as the defective are discharged (S116), and then the process returns to step 102 to execute the above steps.
Note that the reject mechanism is, for example, a gate provided at the discharge port of the collecting chute 13 shown in FIG. 3, and the articles stored in the defective weighing hopper identified as defective are not provided on the packaging machine 14 side but on another side. It is a mechanism for discharging to the side.

Next, the details of step 106 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in each weighing hopper that stores articles and is in a loaded state, the total weight W of the weight of the articles stored in each weighing hopper.
Calculate _T (S200). Then, the calculated total weight W _T is divided by the number of weighing hoppers in the loaded state, and the average weight W _{A of the} articles accommodated in each weighing hopper is calculated.
Is calculated by the average weight calculating means (S202). Next, the target weight T is divided by various natural numbers, and from the weights obtained by this division, the numerical value selecting means selects the natural number N that gives the weight equal to or closest to the average weight W _A (S204). . Then, the threshold value A = T / (N + 1),
Threshold B = T / N and threshold C = T / (N-1) are calculated (S206). However, T is the target weight and N is
It is a natural number selected by the numerical selection means. And the threshold B
Is the reference weight B calculated by the priority weight selection means. Next, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the weight difference between the average weight W _A and the threshold value B is within a predetermined first allowable range (not shown) (S208). Then, when it is determined that the absolute value of the weight difference is within the predetermined first allowable range, the variation in each weight of the articles obtained by weighing is regarded as pattern 1 or 2 shown in FIG. A combination calculation is performed by the combination calculation means (S234).

Here, FIG. 5 will be described. Figure 5
9 shows variations (distributions) of respective weights of the articles obtained by weighing, which are divided into patterns 1 to 8. Note that the weight of the articles is normally distributed. Patterns 1 and 2
Shows the case where the absolute value of the difference between the average weight W _A (center of variation) of each weight of the article and the threshold value B = T / N is within a predetermined first allowable range. And pattern 1
Is the case where the threshold A and the threshold C are outside the range of the weight variation of the article, and the pattern 2 is the case where the threshold A and the threshold C are within the range of the weight variation of the article. That is, pattern 1,
In Fig. 2, since the average weight W _{A of} each weight and the threshold value B = T / N substantially match, each weight obtained by weighing the article is N
The total weight of the individual combinations is approximately equal to the target weight T, and the respective articles obtained by weighing are sequentially combined in appropriate amounts and discharged. Therefore, in the case of an article having a weight variation of pattern 1 or 2, there is an extremely low possibility that an article having a weight that will stay is present, so that the priority weight W
_It is not necessary to select _Y to discharge such an article at an early stage, and therefore an appropriate amount of combinations is selected from the combinations of the weights of the articles weighed by the respective weighing hoppers. Therefore, when it is determined in step 208 that the pattern is 1 or 2, the combination calculation is performed without performing the priority combination calculation.

Then, in step 208, if the absolute value of the weight difference between the average weight W _A and the threshold value B is outside the first allowable range and NO is determined, the average weight W _A and the threshold value B are determined.
It is determined whether or not the absolute value of the weight difference between and is within a predetermined second allowable range (the range of the allowable limit weight according to claim 3) H / N (S210). Then, when it is determined that the absolute value of the weight difference is within the predetermined second allowable range, it is considered that the variation in each weight of the articles obtained by weighing is the pattern 3 or 4 shown in FIG. A combination calculation is performed by the combination calculation means (S234). However, the second allowable range H / N means that the allowable width H with respect to the target weight T is a natural number N.
Is a range obtained by dividing by, and is a range wider than the first allowable range.

That is, patterns 3 and 4 have an average weight W _A
And the absolute value of the difference between the threshold B and T / N is within the second allowable range. Then, the pattern 3 is a case where the average weight W _A is larger than the threshold value B, and the pattern 4
Is the case where the average weight W _A is smaller than the threshold value B. In these patterns 3 and 4, the absolute value of the weight difference between the average weight W _{A of} each weight and the threshold value B = T / N is the second allowable range H / N.
Therefore, the total weight of N pieces of the respective weights obtained by weighing the articles is within the appropriate amount range (T ± H) of the target weight T, and each of the articles obtained by the weighing has the pattern 1 Like item 2, there is a high possibility that appropriate amounts will be sequentially combined and discharged. Therefore, if it is determined in step 210 that the pattern is 3 or 4, the combination calculation is performed without performing the priority combination calculation.

Then, in step 210, when the absolute value of the weight difference between the average weight W _A and the threshold value B is outside the second allowable range and NO is determined, the maximum weight W _max among the respective weights, The minimum weight W _min is calculated (S212). Next, it is determined whether or not threshold A <W _min and W _max <threshold B (S214). If YES is determined, the weight variation of each article is regarded as pattern 5 and the combination difficulty flag is set to ON (S216), and combination calculation is performed by the combination calculation means (S234). ). Further, when it is determined as NO in step 214, it is determined whether or not threshold values B <W _min and W _max <threshold value C (S218), and when YES is determined, it is obtained by weighing. The variation in each weight of the articles is regarded as the pattern 6, the combination difficulty flag is set to ON (S216), and the combination calculation means performs the combination calculation (S234).

That is, patterns 5 and 6 have an average weight W _A.
And the absolute value of the difference between the threshold value B and T / N is outside the second allowable range, and the threshold value B is outside the range of variation in each weight. And the pattern 5 has an average weight W.
_A is smaller than the threshold value B, and pattern 6 is a case where the average weight W _A is larger than the threshold value B. In these patterns 5 and 6, each weight obtained by weighing the articles is N
The total weight of the individual combinations is out of the appropriate amount range (T ± H) of the target weight T, and it is extremely unlikely that the respective articles obtained by weighing are discharged as appropriate amounts. Therefore, the total weight of the set moistened with such a priority weight W _Y to select a preferred weight W _Y is likely to fall within an appropriate amount range is further reduced, thus, without preferential combination calculation , A combination calculation is performed. Therefore, in the case of patterns 5 and 6, the combination difficulty flag is set to ON and, for example, that effect is displayed on the operation setting display unit 17 to notify the operator or the like to take appropriate measures.

Then, in step 218, the threshold B
<W _min and W _max <When the determination is NO instead of the threshold C, the threshold A <average weight W _A <threshold B, threshold A <
It is determined whether or not W _min and threshold B <W _max <threshold C (S220). When YES is determined, the weight variation of the articles obtained by weighing is regarded as the pattern 7, and the priority weight selection means sets W _min to the priority weight W.
_It is designated as _Y (S222), and the priority combination calculation means performs the priority combination calculation (S228). Also, step 2
When NO is determined in 20, the threshold B <average weight W _A <threshold C, W _max <threshold C, and the threshold A <W
It is determined whether or not _min <threshold value B (S224). If YES is determined, the variation in each weight of the articles obtained by weighing is regarded as the pattern 8, and the priority weight selection means specifies W _max as the priority weight W _Y (S22).
6), priority combination calculation is performed by the priority combination calculation means (S228). However, in step 224, NO
When it is determined that the combination calculation is performed, the combination calculation means performs the combination calculation (S234).

That is, patterns 7 and 8 have an average weight W _A.
And the absolute value of the difference between the threshold value B and T / N is outside the second allowable range, and the threshold value B is within the range of variation in each weight. And the pattern 7 has an average weight W.
_A is smaller than the threshold value B, and the pattern 8 is a case where the average weight W _A is larger than the threshold value B. In these patterns 7 and 8, since the threshold value B is within the range of variation of each weight, the total weight of N pieces of each weight obtained by weighing the articles is the appropriate amount range (T ±
H). That is, in the case of pattern 7, it is difficult for the weight on the lighter side to be selected for the combination calculation,
Since there is a high possibility that this lighter weight article will be a staying article, W _min can be selected as a priority weight W _Y and included in the combination so that the lighter weight article can be discharged before staying. I have to. In the case of pattern 8, the weight on the heavier side is less likely to be selected for the combination calculation, and the article with the heavier weight is more likely to be a staying article. Therefore, W _max is selected as the priority weight W _Y and the combination is performed. In addition, the heavy weight articles can be discharged before they accumulate.

As described above, in the case of patterns 7 and 8 shown in FIG. 5, the priority combination calculation means performs the priority combination calculation so that the articles that may become the staying articles can be discharged before they become the staying articles. In the case of patterns 1 to 6, it is not necessary to perform the priority combination calculation by the priority combination calculation means, so that the combination calculation means performs the combination calculation.

Then, in step 228, when the predetermined combination is selected by performing the priority combination calculation, it is determined whether or not the total weight of the combination is an appropriate amount (S230), and when it is determined that the total amount is the appropriate amount, the appropriate amount flag is set. Set to ON (S23
8) When the discharge command signal is input from the packaging machine 14, the articles forming the set are discharged (S108, S11).
0). However, in step 230,
If NO is determined, the weighing hopper accommodating the articles of the priority weight W _Y is set as the defective weighing hopper (S23).
2). Next, the combination calculation means performs combination calculation,
A group whose total weight is equal to or closest to the target weight T is selected (S234), and it is determined whether the total weight of this selected group is appropriate (S236). When it is determined that the amount is appropriate, the articles forming the set are discharged in the same manner as above (S238, S108, S110). As a result, when the preferential weight W _Y exists, but the preferential weight W _Y is not included and a proper amount of the combination exists, the articles forming the proper amount of the set can be discharged. When it is determined in step 236 that the amount is not appropriate, the process proceeds to step 112 shown in FIG. 2 and the above-mentioned processing is performed.

However, if it is determined NO in step 224, that is, if it is determined that the weights obtained by weighing do not correspond to the patterns 1 to 8 shown in FIG. 5, the combination calculation is performed by the combination calculation means. Do (S23
4), the processing is sequentially performed in the same manner as above.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. The second embodiment is one in which the present invention is applied to a semi-automatic combination weigher. The article to be weighed is put into each receiving port 30 provided on the upper surface of the semi-automatic combination scale shown in FIG. 6 by the operator, and each weighing hopper 32 provided below each receiving port 30. Is supplied to. Each weighing hopper 32 weighs the weight of the supplied articles, and the arithmetic control unit 16 (described later) performs the combination calculation or the priority combination calculation based on the weights of the articles as in the first embodiment. If there is an appropriate amount of combination, the articles forming the set are discharged by opening the gates 33, 33 of the corresponding weighing hoppers 32, and the discharged articles are conveyed by a conveyer conveyor provided below the weighing hopper 32. It is conveyed in a predetermined direction by 34 and discharged from this combination scale. However, if an appropriate amount of combinations does not exist, the operator takes out the designated defective weighing hopper 32 or the article in the weighing hopper 32, inserts a new article, and replaces the article as in the first embodiment. Then, the recombining switch 35 is turned on to perform recombining. In this way, the operator can replace the defective weighing hopper 32 or the articles in the weighing hopper 32 with a new one, and can perform the combination calculation or the priority combination calculation again in this replaced state. This is a major feature of the combination scale.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of this semi-automatic combination weigher. The difference between the block diagram of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and the block diagram of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is that in the second embodiment, the structure is achieved by manually supplying articles to each weighing hopper 32. Since it is a simplified device, the dispersion feeder 1, the linear feeder 3-1, the feed hopper 5-1 and the vibration control circuit 20 are not provided, and the transport conveyor 34 for discharging the articles determined to be an appropriate amount is provided. Points are the same as the first embodiment except for this point,
The same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Of course, 16 weighing units A are provided, though not shown in the figure.

Next, the operation procedure of the semi-automatic combination weigher (combination weigher with a priority processing device) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, similarly to the first embodiment, the operator operates the operation setting display unit 17 to set various operating conditions such as the target weight T, the number of priority weights W _Y (for example, one), etc. (S300). . Next, the operator operates each weighing hopper 32.
Then, the weight detector 8-1 measures the weight of the loaded article (S302). Then, it is determined whether or not it is the timing of the combination calculation (S304), and when it comes to the timing of the combination calculation start, the priority combination calculation or the combination calculation is performed, and whether or not the total weight of the selected group is an appropriate amount. Is determined (S306). Step 30
The operation procedure of No. 6 is shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, since it is equivalent to step 106 of the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted. Next, when the total weight of the set selected in step 306 is determined to be an appropriate amount, the discharge command signal from the packaging machine or the like is waited for (S308), and when the discharge command signal is input, it is determined to be the appropriate amount. Discharge from each of the weighing hoppers 32 that house the articles that make up the set, and convey the conveyor 34.
Is driven to discharge from the combination scale (S310). Then, the process returns to step 302 and the above steps are repeatedly executed.

If the total weight of the selected group is not an appropriate amount and NO is determined in step 306, it is determined in step 306 whether the defective weighing hopper 32 is specified (S312). Bad weighing hopper 32
If it is determined that is not specified, step 302
Then, the above steps are repeatedly executed. And
When it is determined that the defective weighing hopper 32 is specified, the defective weighing hopper 32 is displayed on the operation setting display unit 17, or although not shown in the figure, the defective weighing hopper indicator lamp provided for each receiving port 30 is provided. Is turned on (S314). Then, the operator confirms the display and the like and replaces the article contained in the defective weighing hopper 32 identified as the defective article with a new article, and the recombining switch 35.
Is set to ON (S316). Recombining switch 3
When 5 is set to ON, the process returns to step 302 and the above steps are executed. In this way, the combination weighing of articles is sequentially executed.

However, in the first and second embodiments, the discharge control means has the reference weight B within the variation range of the weight of the articles in each weighing hopper in the loaded state (steps 220 and 224 in FIG. 1). In addition, the weight difference between the average weight W _A calculated by the average weight calculation means and the reference weight B is the allowable limit weight H.
/ N is exceeded (step 210 in FIG. 1), the articles of the set including the priority weight W _Y selected by the priority combination calculation means are given priority in place of the set of articles selected by the combination calculation means. Although the discharging means is controlled so as to discharge, if the reference weight B is within the range of variation in the weight of the articles in each weighing hopper in the loaded state (steps 220 and 224 in FIG. 1), the average weight W _Whether or not the weight difference between _A and the reference weight B exceeds the allowable limit weight H / N, in either case, the priority combination calculation means is selected instead of the set of articles selected by the combination calculation means. The discharging means may be controlled so as to preferentially discharge the set of articles including the selected priority weight W _Y. That is, the first,
In the second embodiment, the priority combination calculation is performed when it is determined that the pattern is 7 or 8, but the patterns 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 are used.
Alternatively, when it is determined to be 8, the priority combination calculation may be performed. This can further reduce the possibility that stagnant articles are generated.

[0040]

According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the priority weight selecting means has a weight that is difficult to select for the combination, that is, 1 or 2.
The configuration is such that a group whose total weight is equal to or close to the target weight is selected from among the combinations of weights including the above-mentioned priority weight W _Y. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the number of combinations is reduced by including the staying article a having a weight that is easily selected as in the conventional art, and as a result, the total weight selected is within a predetermined condition (allowable). There is an effect that the possibility of satisfying the condition (within the weight range) can be improved more than ever before.

Then, as in the prior art, for example, the articles that participate in the combination calculation twice but are not discharged from each weighing hopper are not detected as the staying articles, but the priority weight W _Y is
In this configuration, the weight is selected from among the weights of the articles in the respective weighing tanks in the loaded state. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to discharge the articles of the priority weight W _Y that have participated in the combination but are likely to stay without being discharged from the weighing hopper, before being stored. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of weighing tanks that store the accumulated articles as compared with the conventional case, and it is possible to improve the processing capacity of the combination scale as compared with the conventional case.

In addition, when the staying articles remaining without being discharged from the weighing hopper are included in the combination and discharged, the staying articles are processed by cutting or dividing, for example. Since it is possible to improve the possibility that the total weight of the stored products satisfies the predetermined condition (the condition of being within the allowable weight range), it is possible to reduce the work of cutting or dividing the staying article as compared with the conventional technique. There is an effect.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the combination weigher can continue the combination weighing, the set of articles including the priority weight W _Y is preferentially discharged to suppress the generation of stagnant articles. Is. In other words, since the reference weight B does not exist within the range of variation in the weight of the articles, the predetermined weight (condition within the allowable weight range) is included in the total weight of each set made by combining the weights of the articles in each weighing tank. ) Is less likely to be satisfied, and in that case, the total weight of the set including the priority weight W _Y is less likely to satisfy the predetermined condition, that is, extremely low. Therefore, the priority combination calculation of the first invention is performed. By performing the combination calculation by the combination calculation means without depending on the means, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the processing capacity of combination weighing.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the reference weight B is within the range of variation in the weight of the articles in the respective weighing tanks in the loaded state, and the average weight W _A and the reference weight B calculated by the average weight calculating means. When the absolute value of the difference in weight from the value exceeds the predetermined allowable weight limit, the discharge control means sets the priority weight W _Y.
The configuration is such that the generation of stagnant articles is suppressed by controlling the ejection means so as to preferentially eject the group of articles including the. That is, the average weight W _A calculated by the average weight calculation means
If the weight difference between the reference weight B and the reference weight B is less than or equal to a predetermined allowable limit weight, accumulated articles are less likely to occur, and therefore the priority weight W
_The group of items containing _Y will not be discharged first.
With this, in such a case, the average weight W _A is calculated,
Since it is possible to omit the selection of the natural number N, the selection of the priority weight W _Y , the priority combination calculation including the priority weight W _Y , and the control of the discharging means, it is possible to shorten the processing time of the combination weighing. There is.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for a combination difficult-to-weight article according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a combination weigher with a preferential treatment device for a combination difficult-to-weight article according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partially omitted external view of the combination weigher according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the combination weigher according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a variation pattern of weights of articles weighed by the combination weigher according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of a combination weigher with a preferential treatment device for a combination difficult-to-weight article according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the combination weigher according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the combination weigher according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the combination weigher according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

6-1 Weighing hopper 16 Arithmetic control unit 17 Operation setting display 21 Memory

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of weighing tanks for weighing the articles supplied to each of them and various combinations of the weights of the articles weighed by the respective weighing tanks, and a group whose total weight is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight is selected. And a discharge means for discharging the articles of the set when the total weight of the set selected by the combination calculation means satisfies a predetermined condition. Average weight W _A divided by the total weight of the articles in
And a numerical selection for selecting a natural number N that gives a weight equal to or close to the average weight W _A from the weights obtained by dividing the target weight by various natural numbers. Means and one or more priority weights W _Y having the largest or relatively large weight difference from the reference weight B obtained by dividing the target weight by the natural number N, and each of the weighing tanks in the loaded state. a priority weight selecting means for selecting from among the weight of the articles within the priority of total weight from among the respective weight of the combination comprising a priority weight W _Y described above selected to select whether or close pairs equal to the target weight a combination calculation means to discharge preferentially a set of articles comprising the priority weight W _Y in place of the set of article selected is selected by the priority combination calculation means by the combination calculation means Priority processing apparatus with a combination weigher which is characterized by comprising a discharge control means, the which can control the urchin the discharge means. 2. The combination control according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control is performed when the reference weight B is within a variation range of the weight of the articles in each of the weighing tanks in the loaded state. The means controls the discharging means so as to preferentially discharge the group of articles including the preferential weight W _Y selected by the priority combination computing means instead of the group of articles selected by the combination computing means. A combination weigher with a preferential treatment device, which is characterized in that 3. The combination weigher with a preferential treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the reference weight B is within the range of variation in the weight of the articles in each of the weighing tanks in the above-mentioned loaded state, and the average weight. The average weight W _A calculated by the calculation means
When the absolute value of the weight difference between the reference weight B and the reference weight B exceeds the allowable limit weight, the discharge control means selects the priority combination calculation means instead of the set of articles selected by the combination calculation means. A combination weighing machine with a priority processing device, characterized in that the discharging means can be controlled so as to preferentially discharge a set of articles including the selected priority weight W _Y.