JP3691598B2 - Constant weight weighing method and constant weight weighing device - Google Patents

Description

となる。
【００４２】
即ち、いずれの重量ランクの組合せ（１）〜（３）においてもその計量値の和は、１００±５ｇの範囲となる。一方、作業者が目標重量Ｃを５０ｇとして勘でネギを２回取り上げたときの重量は、
Ｍｉｎ３５ｇ＋Ｍｉｎ３５ｇ＝Ｍｉｎ ７０ｇ
Ｍａｘ６５ｇ＋Ｍａｘ６５ｇ＝Ｍａｘ１３０ｇ
となり、計量値の和は、１００±３０ｇの範囲となり、上記取り出し方法は作業者の勘で取り出した場合のばらつきの約６倍（３０／５＝６）の精度となる。
【００４３】
次に、上記の予め定めた重量ランク（１と６）、（２と５）、（３と４）の各組合せを構成する物品の合計重量のばらつきｒを式で表すと、
ｒ＝２Ｒ／ｎ ・・・・（１）
と表すことができる。ただし、Ｒは、作業者の勘によって１回に取り上げた物品の計量値のばらつきであり、図５の例では３０ｇである。ｎは、重量ランクの数である。
（１）式より、ランク数ｎを多くすれば計量精度が向上するし、作業者が１回に取り上げる物品の重量のばらつきＲが小さくなってきたときに各重量ランクの重量範囲の幅を狭めることによっても計量精度が向上することを意味する。
【００４４】
また、上記例では、合計目標重量ＴＷ＝１００ｇに対して誤差が±５ｇとするアベレージシステムとして説明したが、計量値の下限を規制するいわゆるミニマムシステムとして管理する場合は、１回取り出しの目標重量ＣをＴＷ／２（合計目標重量／２）よりプラス側にｅ／２だけずらせばよい。即ち、
１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝ＴＷ／２＋ｅ／２ ・・・・（２）
とすればよい。
【００４５】
次に、上記計量理論を適用したこの実施形態に係る定重量計量装置を各図を参照して説明する。この実施形態の定重量計量装置は請求項１２に係る発明と対応している。図１は平面図、図２は正面図、図３は側面図である。図に示す８は減算式ランク秤、９（９−１〜９−６）は排出コンベアである。
減算式ランク秤（以下、単に「ランク秤」という。）８は、被計量物であるネギ４を保持する計量容器１０と、この計量容器１０内のネギの重量を計量する計量部１１と、ランク判定手段とを具備している。
計量容器１０は、多量のネギが揃えて載置されている容器である。
計量部１１は、１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃをねらって作業者が計量容器１０内からネギ４を取り出したときにその取り出されたネギ４の重量Ｗを計量することができるものである。この計量部１１は、図６に示すように、ロードセル１２及びＣＰＵ（中央演算処理装置）１３を備えており、ロードセル１２の出力信号をＡ／Ｄ変換器１４を介してＣＰＵ１３に入力させ、このＣＰＵ１３で演算処理して計量信号を生成する。
ランク判定手段は、その１回で取り出されたネギ４の重量（計量信号）が上述した重量ランク１〜６のうちいずれの重量ランクに属するかを判定してその判定結果を出力すると共に、いずれの重量ランクにも属していない場合はその旨を示す信号を出力するものである。なお、この重量ランクを判定するプログラムは、図６に示す記憶部１５に記憶されており、この判定プログラムに基づいてＣＰＵ１３が重量ランクの判定を行う。
【００４６】
排出コンベア９は、図１に示すように、６台設けられており３台ずつ２列に並べてある。各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６には重量ランク１〜６の各ネギの束が夫々供給される。そして、排出コンベア（９−１と９−６）、（９−３と９−４）、（９−２と９−５）は互いに向かい合うように配置してある。そして、図１に示す６台の排出コンベアのうちの左端の２台の排出コンベア９−１と９−６に重量ランク１と６のネギ４の束が供給されると、この重量ランク１と６のネギ４の束が各排出コンベア９−１と９−６の先端部に送られて排出され、その下方に設けられている集合コンベア１６上に落下して図１の右方向に搬送されて所定の排出位置に排出されるようになっている。同様に、図１に示す６台の排出コンベアのうちの中央又は右端の各２台の排出コンベア（９−３と９−４）又は（９−２と９−５）に重量ランク（３と４）又は（２と５）のネギ４の束が供給されると、この重量ランク（３と４）又は（２と５）のネギ４の束が各排出コンベアの先端部に送られて排出され、その下方に設けられている集合コンベア１６上に落下して図１の右方向に搬送されて所定の排出位置に排出される。
【００４７】
なお、重量ランク１〜６の各重量範囲は、図５に示すように、３５〜４０ｇ、４０〜４５ｇ、４５〜５０ｇ、５０〜５５ｇ、５５〜６０ｇ、６０〜６５ｇである。ただし、各重量ランクの境界重量は、軽量側の重量ランクに含めている。
【００４８】
各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６は、図３に示すように、モータが接続する駆動プーリ１７と従動プーリ１８にコンベアベルト１９が掛けられており、このコンベアベルト１９の搬送面には各プーリ１７、１８と平行する方向に沿って互いに所定の間隔を隔てて７枚のゴム製の仕切り板２０が突設されている。このコンベアベルト１９の搬送面と互いに隣合う２枚の仕切り板２０、２０がネギ４の束を保持する保持部２１を形成している。この保持部２１に対して、作業者がランク秤８から１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃをねらって取り出したネギ４の束を、その重量ランクと対応する排出コンベアの各保持部２１に供給する。その際、作業者は、その各保持部２１に供給したネギ４の束を仕切り板２０に沿う方向に揃えるようにしている。各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６は、保持部２１を１ピッチずつ先端部に向かう方向に駆動する。なお、各排出コンベアは、図３に示すように、先端部に向かって高さが低くなるように傾斜している。これによって、作業者が排出コンベアにネギ４の束を供給し易くしている。
【００４９】
図３に示す２２は光電式の検出器である。この検出器２２は、６台の各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６の先端部の上方に設けられており、各排出コンベアの先端部に移動している保持部２１内にネギ４の束が供給されていない場合に排出コンベアを駆動し、ネギ４の束を収容する保持部２１が排出コンベアの先端部に移動してきた時にそのネギ４の束を検出して排出コンベアを停止させてネギ４の束を排出する為の待機状態を維持することができる。そして、互いに向かい合う１組の排出コンベア（９−１と９−６）、排出コンベア（９−３と９−４）又は排出コンベア（９−２と９−５）の両方の先端部にネギ４の束を収容する保持部２１が移動してきた時に、その２台の排出コンベアを駆動して両方の保持部２１に収容されているネギ４の２つの束を集合コンベア１６上に排出させるように作動する。ただし、ネギ４の束を集合コンベア１６上に排出するタイミングは、前回排出したネギ４の束と今回排出するネギ４の束が混在しないように、又は後段の包装機（図示せず）のタイミングと合うように所定の時間間隔がおかれている。
【００５０】
図２及び図３に示す２３−１〜２３−６（２３−１、２３−３は図には現れていない。）は照明器具である。この照明器具２３−１〜２３−６は、作業者がランク秤８から取り出したネギ４の束をどの排出コンベア９−１〜９−６上に供給すべきかを示す為のものである。つまり、各照明器具２３−１〜２３−６は、６台の各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６の夫々の上方に設けられており、ランク判定手段による判定結果に基づいてその判定された重量ランクのネギ４の束が供給されるべき排出コンベアの上方に設けられている照明器具が点灯し、その照明器具の光がその下方の排出コンベアの上面を照射することができる。図１に示す排出コンベア９−４上に円で描かれている部分は、その排出コンベア９−４の上方に設けられている照明器具２３−４が照射している状態を示している。従って、排出コンベア９−４が照明器具２３−４によって照射されているときは、その取り出したネギ４の束が重量ランク４に属しているので、作業者は、そのネギ４の束をその光が照射されている排出コンベア９−４上に供給すればよい。
【００５１】
なお、ランク秤８から取り出したネギ４の束をどの排出コンベア上に供給すべきかを示すものとして、照明器具２３−１〜２３−６以外にも表示部２４、及びスピーカ２５も設けられている。表示部２４は、ランク秤８から取り出されたネギ４の束の重量と対応する重量ランクを表示することができるし、スピーカ２５は重量ランクを音声によって作業者に知らせることができる。作業者は、これら照明器具２３−１〜２３−６、表示部２４、及びスピーカ２５のうち所望の１又は２以上の器具を自由に選択して使用することができる。
【００５２】
図６は、この定重量計量装置の電気回路を示すブロック図である。同図に示す２６は入力部である。この入力部２６を操作して重量ランクのランク数ｎ、各重量ランクの重量範囲等を入力することができる。２７はコンベア制御部、２８はコンベア駆動回路であり、これらは排出コンベア９−１〜９−６を駆動させるためのものである。
【００５３】
次に、上記構成の定重量計量装置の動作を説明する。ここで、１パックに包装するネギ４の合計目標重量ＷＴを１００ｇとし、ランク秤８からの１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃを５０ｇとする。まず、作業者がランク秤８に載置されている多量のネギから１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝５０ｇをねらってネギ４の束を取り出す。すると、ランク判定手段がその取り出されたネギ４の束の重量の属する重量ランク（例えば重量ランク４）を判定し、この判定結果に基づいてその重量ランク４と対応する照明器具（例えば照明器具２３−４）が点灯してその照明器具２３の下方に配置されている排出コンベア（例えば排出コンベア９−４）に光を照射する。作業者は、この光が照射されている排出コンベア９上の空の保持部２１のうち先端部に近い保持部から順にそのネギ４の束を供給する。これで待機状態となる。ただし、ネギ４の束を供給した保持部２１よりも先端部に近い側に空の保持部２１があると、その排出コンベア９が駆動してそのネギ４の束が供給された保持部２１を排出コンベアの先端部に向かって移動させ、検出器２２がそのネギ４の束を検出した時に停止する。これで待機状態となる。また、ネギ４の束の供給された保持部２１を先端部側に搬送する為の排出コンベア９の起動は、例えば作業者がスイッチ（図示せず）をその都度操作してもよいし、ランク秤８の計量が終了した時から所定時間経過時に自動的に所定時間だけ駆動させるようにしてもよい。以降、同様にして、作業者がランク秤８に載置されているネギ４から１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝５０ｇをねらってネギを取り出し、照明器具２３が光を照射している排出コンベア９上の空の保持部２１のうち先端部に近い保持部２１から順にその取り出したネギ４の束を供給することを続ける。
【００５４】
そして、図１に示すように、互いに向かい合う排出コンベア（９−１と９−６）、排出コンベア（９−３と９−４）又は排出コンベア（９−２と９−５）の両方の先端部の保持部２１にネギ４の束が供給されている状態となった時は、その両方の排出コンベアが駆動して各先端部から合計２束のネギ４を集合コンベア１６上に排出する。集合コンベア１６上に排出された２束のネギ４はこの集合コンベア１６によって搬送されて後段の包装機（図示せず）に供給される。このようにして集合コンベア１６に纏めて排出されて包装機に供給される各ネギの束の重量は、予め定めた組をなす重量ランク（１と６）、重量ランク（３と４）又は重量ランク（２と５）の夫々の合計重量であり、これら各合計重量は、図５を参照して説明したように、１００±５ｇとなる。
【００５５】
このように、上記定重量計量装置によると、作業者によってランク秤８から取り出されたネギ４の束を供給すべき排出コンベア９が照明器具２３によって光が照射されるので、作業者は、ネギ４の束を供給すべき排出コンベア９を探す必要がなく、その光を目当てにして簡単に素早くネギ４の束を対応する排出コンベア９に供給することができる。また、この照明器具２３によらなくても、表示部２４に表示されている重量ランクを見たり、スピーカ２５の音声を聞くことによって対応する排出コンベア９にそのネギ４の束を簡単に素早く供給することもできる。つまり、各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６に対して各重量ランク１〜６が予め定められているので、ネギ４の束の重量ランクを表示部２４等によって認識することができれば対応する重量ランクの排出コンベア９を特定できるから、そのネギ４の束を速やかに対応する排出コンベア９に供給することができる。
【００５６】
そして、排出コンベア（９−１と９−６）、排出コンベア（９−３と９−４）、排出コンベア（９−２と９−５）のように、組み合わせられる重量ランクのネギ４の束を保持する対の排出コンベアの先端部を互いに接近して設けてあるので、これら組み合わせられる２束のネギ４を纏まった状態で集合コンベア１６上の一か所に排出することができ、これによって、１つの組をなす２束のネギ４を一か所に纏めるための搬送時間を省略することができる。即ち、図１５に示す従来の半自動式組合せばかりでは、各計量ホッパ１−１、１−２、１−３、１−４、１−５、１−６、１−７からネギ４の束を集合コンベア５上にばらばらに排出された場合は、これらの７束のネギ４を集合コンベア５から排出するためにはこの集合コンベア５の全長の距離を移動させる時間を必要とするが、この搬送時間を省略することができる。そして、２束のネギ４を纏まった状態で集合コンベア１６上の一か所に排出しているので、この集合コンベア１６の出口に排出された際に改めて束ねる必要もなく、従って、計量速度の向上と作業の簡単化を図ることができる。
【００５７】
ただし、各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６に対して夫々照明器具２３−１〜２３−６を設けたが、これら照明器具の代わりに１台の照明装置２９を設けた構成とすることができる。この照明装置２９は、図３、図４に示すように、１台の照明器具３０を内枠３１に設けてあり、この内枠３１が互いに平行する２辺の各外面に突設されている軸３２、３２を中心にして回動自在に外枠３３に支持されている。この外枠３３は、互いに平行する２辺の各外面に突設されている軸３４、３４を中心にして回動自在に支持板３５、３５に支持されている。この支持板３５は例えば天井３６に固定して設けられている。そして、外枠３３に設けた各軸３４は、天井面に対して平行すると共に、集合コンベア１６の搬送方向３７とも平行する方向に配置されており、内枠３１に設けた各軸３２は、天井面に対して平行すると共に、集合コンベア１６の搬送方向３７に対して直角をなす方向に配置されている。また、外枠３３に設けられている一方の軸３４にはモータ３８の回転軸３９が連結しており、このモータ３８の駆動によって外枠３３が軸３４を中心にして所望の角度を揺動する。そして、内枠３１に設けられている一方の軸３２にはモータ４０の回転軸４１が連結しており、このモータ４０の駆動によって内枠３１が軸３２を中心にして所望の角度を揺動する。
【００５８】
次に、この照明装置２９の作用を説明する。この照明装置２９の照明器具３０は常時点灯しており、ランク秤８の計量容器１０を照射する方向をホームポジションとしている。まず、作業者がランク秤８から１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝５０ｇをねらってネギ４の束を取り出すと、ランク判定手段がその重量ランクを判定し、この判定信号に基づいて照明装置２９の２台のモータ３８、４０が駆動する。このモータ３８の駆動によって照明器具３０の照射方向が変更してその照射光が目標とする重量ランクと対応する排出コンベア９に向かって移動する。そして、その目標とする排出コンベア９の上面を所定時間だけ照射した後に元のホームポジションを照射する方向に戻る。このように、この照明装置２９によると、ホームポジションを照射する照射光が目標とする排出コンベア９に向かって移動するので、作業者は、その照射光の移動を目で追いかけるだけでその取り出したネギ４の束を供給すべき排出コンベア９を見つけることができ、従って、排出コンベア９へのネギ４の束の供給を容易に素早く行うことができる。
【００５９】
なお、この定重量計量装置は、作業者がランク秤８から取り出したネギ４の束を対応する排出コンベア９に供給する速度によって計量速度が決まるので、計量速度を上げようとする場合は、図１に示す排出コンベア９−１の側方に上記と同等の別個のランク秤８をもう１台配置して、別の作業者にこのランク秤８を使用させて上記と同様にしてネギ４の束を各排出コンベア９−１〜９−６に供給させるとよい。
【００６０】
次に、上記計量理論を適用した第２実施形態に係る定重量計量装置を各図を参照して説明する。この実施形態の定重量計量装置は請求項１５に係る発明と対応している。図７はこの定重量計量装置の構造を示す概略縦断面図である。図に示す４２はランク秤、４３−２、４３−３、４３−４、４３−６は保持ホッパ、４４−１〜４４−３は集合ホッパ、４５−１〜４５−３は補助集合ホッパである。
ランク秤４２は、被計量物であるネギ４を保持する計量ホッパ４６と、この計量ホッパ４６内のネギの重量を計量する計量部と、ランク判定手段と、を具備している。
計量ホッパ４６は、作業者が多量のネギ４が揃えて載置されている溜容器４７から１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝５０ｇをねらって取り出したネギ４の束がその作業者によって投入されるホッパである。
【００６１】
計量部は、計量ホッパ４６に投入されたネギ４の束の重量Ｗを計量することができるものである。この計量部１１は、図８に示すように、ロードセル４８及びＣＰＵ（中央演算処理装置）４９を備えており、ロードセル４８の出力信号をＡ／Ｄ変換器１４を介してＣＰＵ４９に入力させ、このＣＰＵ４９で演算処理して計量信号を生成する。
ランク判定手段は、計量ホッパ４６に１回で投入されたネギ４の束の重量（計量信号）が上述した重量ランク１〜６のうちいずれの重量ランクに属するかを判定してその判定結果を出力すると共に、いずれの重量ランクにも属していない場合はその旨を示す信号を出力するものである。なお、この重量ランクを判定するプログラムは、図８に示す記憶部５０に記憶されており、この判定プログラムに基づいてＣＰＵ４９が重量ランクの判定を行う。
【００６２】
保持ホッパ４３−２、４３−３、４３−４、４３−６、集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３、及び補助集合ホッパ４５−１〜４５−３は、図７に示すように、互いに組み合わされて全体の輪郭形状が菱形に形成されている。そして、この菱形は、合計９つの小さい菱形に区画されており、この９つの小さい菱形は、外側の輪郭を形成する大きい菱形の互いに対向する各辺を３等分する各点のうち互いに向かい合う点どうしを結ぶ合計４本の直線とその大きい菱形の４つの辺によって区画されている。そして、上部にある１つの小さい菱形及びこの菱形の下部と隣接する２つの小さい菱形の３つの各区画は、夫々が中央の仕切り板５１によって左右に仕切られて小三角形に区画されている。このようにして、この大きな菱形は、６つの小三角形と６つの小菱形に区画されている。そして、上部の１段目の２つの小三角形の各区画は、左から重量ランク３、４に属するネギ４の束を保持する為の保持ホッパ４３−３、４３−４が形成されており、その下側の２段目の４つの小三角形の各区画は、左から重量ランク６、３、４、２に属するネギ４の束を保持する為の保持ホッパ４３−６、４３−３、４３−４、４３−２が形成されており、その下側の３段目の３つの小菱形の各区画は、左から重量ランク１と６、３と４、２と５に属する両方の重量ランクのネギ４の束を集合させて保持する為の集合ホッパ４４−１、４４−２、４４−３が形成されている。そして、その下側の４段目の２つの小菱形の各区画は、左から重量ランク（１と６又は３と４）、又は（３と４又は２と５）に属する両方の重量ランクのネギ４の束を集合させて保持する為の補助集合ホッパ４５−１、４５−２が形成されており、最下部の５段目の１つの小菱形の区画は、重量ランク（１と６）、（３と４）、又は（２と５）に属する両方の重量ランクのネギ４の束を集合させて保持する為の補助集合ホッパ４５−３が形成されている。この補助集合ホッパ４５−３から排出されたネギ４の束は、包装機（図示せず）の受入れ部に直接投入される。
【００６３】
また、図７に示すように、計量ホッパ４６により重量が計量されて重量ランクが判定されたネギ４の束を、その重量ランクと対応する各保持ホッパ４３、集合ホッパ４４、補助集合ホッパ４５を通して最終的に最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３から排出することができるように、計量ホッパ４６の左側と右側の各下方位置、及び各ホッパにゲート５２−１〜５２−２８を設けてある。そして、同図に示す５３−１、５３−２は排除ホッパである。この排除ホッパ５３−１、５３−２は、いずれの重量ランクにも属していないランク外重量の計量済みのネギ４、及び今回計量したネギ４の束が投入されるべき重量ランクの保持ホッパに既に前回計量済みのネギ４の束が投入されている場合（満杯である場合）にその今回計量されたネギ４の束が供給される。この排除ホッパ５３−１、５３−２は、いずれか一方を省略してもよい。
【００６４】
なお、重量ランク１〜６の各重量範囲は、第１実施形態と同様に、図５に示すように、３５〜４０ｇ、４０〜４５ｇ、４５〜５０ｇ、５０〜５５ｇ、５５〜６０ｇ、６０〜６５ｇである。ただし、各重量ランクの境界重量は、軽量側の重量ランクに含めている。従って、集合ホッパ及び補助集合ホッパに夫々保持されているネギの重量は、第１実施形態と同様に１００±５ｇとなり、この重量精度で計量されたネギ４の束を包装機に供給することができる。
【００６５】
また、計量ホッパ４６から排出されたネギ４の束がそのネギ４の束の重量ランク、例えば３又は４と対応する保持ホッパ４３−３又は４３−４に投入されると、その保持ホッパの下方に設けられている同重量ランクの保持ホッパ４３−３又は４３−４を通過させてその下方の集合ホッパ４４−２に投入されるようになっている。そして、集合ホッパ４４−２に組を構成する２種類の重量ランク３と４のネギ４の束が投入されると、その下方に設けられている補助集合ホッパ４５−１又は４５−２を通過させて最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３に投入されるようになっている。
【００６６】
そして、計量ホッパ４６から排出されたネギ４の束がそのネギ４の束の重量ランク６と対応する保持ホッパ４３−６に投入されると、その保持ホッパの下方に設けられている集合ホッパ４４−１に投入されるようになっている。そして、この集合ホッパ４４−１には重量ランク１と対応する重量のネギ４の束も投入されるようになっている。そして、集合ホッパ４４−１に組を構成する２種類の重量ランク１と６のネギ４の束が投入されると、上記と同様にしてその下方に設けられている補助集合ホッパ４５−１を通過させて最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３に投入されるようになっている。
【００６７】
更に、計量ホッパ４６から排出されたネギ４の束の重量ランク２又は５とすると、そのネギ４の束は、対応する集合ホッパ４４−３に投入されるようになっている。そして、集合ホッパ４４−３に組を構成する２種類の重量ランク２と５のネギ４の束が投入されると、上記と同様にしてその下方に設けられている補助集合ホッパ４５−２を通過させて最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３に投入されるようになっている。
【００６８】
上記のようにして、最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３に組を構成する２種類の重量ランクのネギ４の束が投入されると、所定のタイミングで包装機にそのネギ４の束を投入するようになっている。ただし、各保持ホッパは、計量ホッパ４６から１回計量分のネギ４の束が投入されている場合にはその後の計量分のネギ４の束が投入されないようになっており、同様に、集合ホッパ４４及び補助集合ホッパ４５も、１組の予め定められている２種類の重量ランクのネギ４の束が投入されている場合にはその後の計量分のネギ４の束が投入されないようになっている。つまり、作業者が、１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝５０ｇをねらって取り出したネギ４の束を計量ホッパ４６に投入すると、自動的に対応する２種類の重量ランクのネギ４の束が組み合わされて包装機に投入される。
【００６９】
図８は、この定重量計量装置の電気回路を示すブロック図である。同図に示す２６は入力部である。この入力部２６を操作して第１実施形態と同様に重量ランクのランク数ｎ、各重量ランクの重量範囲等を入力することができる。そして、同図に示すように、ＣＰＵ４９には、ゲート制御部５４を介してゲート駆動回路５５が接続しており、このゲート駆動回路５５には各ゲート５２−１〜５２−２８を開閉させるエアーシリンダ等の駆動部（図示せず）が接続している。ＣＰＵ４９は、記憶部５０に記憶されている所定のプログラムに従って各ゲート５２−１〜５２−２８を所定のタイミングで開閉するように駆動部を駆動させることができる。
【００７０】
次に、上記構成の定重量計量装置の動作を説明する。ここで、１パックに包装するネギ４の合計目標重量ＷＴを１００ｇとし、１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃを５０ｇとする。まず、作業者が溜容器４７に載置されている多量のネギ４から１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝５０ｇをねらって１束のネギ４を取り出してその取り出したネギ４の束を計量ホッパ４６に投入する。すると、ランク判定手段がその取り出されたネギ４の束の重量に基づいてその重量の属する重量ランク、例えば重量ランク１を判定すると、ゲート５２−１、５２−３、５２−７、５２−１４を順に開閉してそのネギ４の束を集合ホッパ４４−１に投入する。次に、計量ホッパ４６に投入されたネギの重量ランクを６と判定すると、ゲート５２−１、５２−３、５２−８、５２−１５を順に開閉してそのネギ４の束を集合ホッパ４４−１に投入する。これでこの集合ホッパ４４−１に予め定めた重量ランク１と６に属する各ネギ４の束が投入されたので、ゲート５２−２１、５２−２５を順に開閉してその２束からなる１組のネギ４を最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３に投入し、所定のタイミングで排出ゲート５２−２７、５２−２８を開閉してネギ４を包装機に投入することができる。
【００７１】
同様にして、計量ホッパ４６に投入されたネギ４の束の重量ランクを３と判定すると、ゲート５２−１、５２−４、５２−９、５２−１６を順に開閉してそのネギを集合ホッパ４４−２に投入し、次に計量ホッパ４６に投入されたネギの重量ランクを４と判定すると、ゲート５２−２、５２−５、５２−１０、５２−１７を順に開閉してそのネギ４の束を集合ホッパ４４−２に投入する。重量ランクを２、５と判定した場合も、同様にして集合ホッパ４４−３に投入することができる。このようにして各集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３に投入されたネギ４の束は、上記と同様にして所定のタイミングで排出ゲート５２−２７、５２−２８を開閉してネギ４の束を包装機に投入することができる。このようにして包装機に投入された各ネギ４の重量は、予め定めた組をなす重量ランク（１と６）、（３と４）、（２と５）の夫々の合計重量であり、図５を参照して説明したように、１００±５ｇとなる。
【００７２】
このように、上記定重量計量装置によると、作業者が１台の計量ホッパ４６にネギ４の束を順次供給するだけで、計量ホッパ４６に供給されたネギ４の束が自動的に予め定められた重量ランクどうしが組み合わされて最下部の保持集合ホッパ４５−３から所定のタイミングで包装機に投入される。これによって、図１５に示す従来の半自動式組合せ秤のように作業者がネギ４の束を投入する計量ホッパ４６を探す作業が不要であるし、広い範囲に亘って配置された１４台の各計量ホッパ１−１〜１−１４にネギ４の束を投入する作業も不要であるので、作業が簡単で容易に行うことができる。つまり、計量速度の向上を図ることができる。
【００７３】
そして、図７に示すように、計量ホッパ４６、保持ホッパ、集合ホッパ、及び補助集合ホッパは、夫々の底に設けられているゲート５２−１〜５２−２８の先端部でネギ４の束を保持するが、これらゲートの先端部は略真っ直ぐに形成され、その長さがネギ４の長さよりも少し長い目に形成されている。従って、計量ホッパ４６に投入されたネギ４の束は、ゲートの先端部に沿う纏まった状態で保持ホッパ、集合ホッパ、及び補助集合ホッパに順次投入されてその纏まった状態で包装機に投入することができる。
【００７４】
また、組合せを構成する重量ランク（１と６）、（３と４）、（２と５）のネギ４の束を最下部の１台の補助集合ホッパ４５−３に投入し、この１台の補助集合ホッパから１組の重量が約１００ｇのネギ４の束を包装機に投入することができる。従って、図１５に示す従来の半自動式組合せ秤では必要とする１つの組を構成する複数の束のネギ４を取り出し位置７の一か所に纏めるための搬送時間を省略することができるし、集合コンベア５の取り出し位置７に排出されたネギ４を纏める作業も不要とすることができ、これによっても計量速度の向上と作業の簡単化を図ることができる。
【００７５】
更に、図７に示すように、２台の補助集合ホッパ４５−１、４５−２は、３台の各集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３から排出されたネギ４の束を傷付けずに、絡み合わないようにして最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３に供給する役目を果たすと共に、略合計目標重量ＴＷに組み合わされたネギ４を溜めておき、途切れないように順次これらのネギ４を最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３から包装機に投入することができるようにしてこの定重量計量装置の計量速度の向上を図る役目を果たしている。ただし、構造を簡単にする為に、この２台の補助集合ホッパ４５−１、４５−２を省略し、３台の各集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３から排出されるネギ４の束を最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３で受け入れることができるようにこの最下部の補助集合ホッパの上方にシュートを設けた構成とすることができる。
【００７６】
勿論、図７に示すように、組み合わせられる重量ランクのネギ４の束を保持する保持ホッパ４３−３と４３−４を互いに隣接させて設けたが、互いに離れた位置に設けてもよい。要は、組み合わせられる重量ランクのネギ４の束を集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３に投入することができるように、保持ホッパと集合ホッパとを接続した構成とすればよい。
【００７７】
そして、第２実施形態において、３台の補助集合ホッパ４５−１〜４５−３を設けたが、この３台の補助集合ホッパを省略して、図９（ａ）に示すように、３台の集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３の下方に集合コンベア１６を設けた構成としてもよいし、図９（ｂ）に示すように、これら３台の集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３の下方にバケットコンベア５６を設けた構成としてもよい。各バケット５７には、略合計目標重量ＴＷに組み合わされたネギ４が投入される。
【００７８】
第３実施形態を図１０を参照して説明する。第３実施形態の定重量計量装置は、図７に示す第２実施形態の定重量計量装置の保持ホッパ４３−６、４３−３、４３−４、４３−２と集合ホッパ４４−１〜４４−３との間に各重量ランク１、６、３、４、２、５に属する重量のネギ４の束を保持する為の上記と同等の保持ホッパ４３−１、４３−６、４３−３、４３−４、４３−２、４３−５を各重量ランクごとに２台ずつ設けた構成としたものであり、これ以外は第２実施形態と同等であり、同様に動作する。このように、保持ホッパ４３を増加させた目的は、予め定めた重量ランクのネギ４の束の組合せのできる確率が小さくなった状況においては組合せの成立しないネギ４の束を対応する各保持ホッパで溜めておき、組合せのできる確率が高くなった状況においてこれら保持ホッパに溜めてあるネギ４の束を排出できるようにする為である。これによって、この定重量計量装置の稼働率を高めることができる。なお、この増設した保持ホッパ４３に設けられているゲートは第２実施形態の保持ホッパに設けられているゲートと同様に適切なタイミングで開閉する。
【００７９】
第４実施形態を図１１を参照して説明する。第４実施形態の定重量計量装置と図７に示す第２実施形態の定重量計量装置と相違するところは、第２実施形態では、１台のランク秤４２を設けた構成としたのに対して、第４実施形態では、２台のランク秤４２を設け、この２台の各ランク秤４２を構成する各計量ホッパ４６と４６により計量されて重量ランクの判定されたネギ４の束を第２実施形態と同等の各保持ホッパ、集合ホッパ、補助集合ホッパを介して包装機に投入する構成としたところである。これ以外は第２実施形態と同等であるので詳細な説明を省略する。
【００８０】
第４実施形態の定重量計量装置によると、計量ホッパ４６（ランク秤４２）を２台設けてあるのでネギ４の束の計量能力を第２実施形態の定重量計量装置の約２倍に上げることができる。
【００８１】
第５実施形態を図１２を参照して説明する。第５実施形態の定重量計量装置と図７に示す第２実施形態の定重量計量装置と相違するところは、計量ホッパ４６及び保持ホッパの配置を変更したところである。これ以外は第２実施形態と同等であるので詳細な説明を省略する。
即ち、第５実施形態の定重量計量装置は、図１２に示すように、計量ホッパ４６を重量ランク３と４のネギ４の束を保持する為の集合ホッパ４４−３の上方に設け、この集合ホッパ４４−３と計量ホッパ４６の間であって右側に重量ランク４に属する重量のネギ４の束を保持するための保持ホッパ４３−４が縦に７台設けられている。この７台の保持ホッパの左側に重量ランク３、５、２、６、１に属する重量のネギ４の束を夫々保持するための保持ホッパ４３−３、４３−５、４３−２、４３−６、４３−１が縦に６台、５台、４台、３台、２台ずつ順に設けられている。なお、重量ランク３、５、２、６、１と対応する各保持ホッパの各列の上端部には５枚の振分けゲート５８を設けてあり、この振分けゲート５８は、計量ホッパ４６から排出されたネギ４の束を対応する重量ランク３、５、２、６、１の保持ホッパに振り分けることができる。
【００８２】
このように構成された定重量計量装置によると、図１２に示すように、作業者と計量ホッパ４６との間には保持ホッパ４３、集合ホッパ４４、補助集合ホッパ４５が設けられていないので、作業者がネギ４の束を計量ホッパ４６に投入し易く、これによって時間当たりにネギ４の束を計量ホッパ４６に投入する回数の増加を図ることができ、その結果、計量速度の向上を図ることができる。
【００８３】
そして、この定重量計量装置は、第２実施形態と同様に、作業者が１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ（＝５０ｇ）を狙って取り出したネギ４の束を計量ホッパ４６に投入すると、そのネギ４の束の重量ランクを判定してその重量ランクと対応する最上端の保持ホッパにそのネギ４の束を投入する。最上端の保持ホッパに投入されたネギの束は、各ゲートの開閉によりその下方に設けられている集合ホッパに投入され、集合ホッパに予め定めた２種類の重量ランクのネギ４の束が投入されると、その集合ホッパのゲートが開閉して最下部の補助集合ホッパ４５−３を介して所定のタイミングで包装機に投入される。なお、保持ホッパ、集合ホッパからネギが排出されない状態でその保持ホッパ、集合ホッパに投入すべき重量ランクのネギ４の束が計量ホッパ４６から排出されると、そのネギ４の束を順次排除ホッパ５３−１に溜めておくことができる。
【００８４】
第６実施形態を図１３を参照して説明する。第６実施形態の定重量計量装置は、減算式ランク秤８と、載置台５９と、集合コンベア６０と、からなっている。
減算式ランク秤８は、第１実施形態のものと同等であり、多量のネギ４が揃えて載置されている計量容器１０と、１回取り出しの目標重量Ｃ＝５０ｇをねらって作業者がこの計量容器１０内からネギ４の束を取り出したときにその取り出されたネギ４の束の重量Ｗを計量する計量部１１（図には現れていない。）と、その１回で取り出されたネギ４の束の重量が重量ランク１〜６のうちいずれの重量ランクに属するかを判定してその判定結果を出力すると共に、いずれの重量ランクにも属していない場合はその旨を示す信号を出力するランク判定手段と、を具備している。
なお、この減算式ランク秤８には、第１実施形態と同等の表示部２４とスピーカ２５が設けられている。表示部２４は、ランク秤８から取り出されたネギ４の束の重量と対応する重量ランクを表示することができるし、スピーカ２５は重量ランクを音声によって作業者に知らせることができる。
【００８５】
載置台５９は、重量ランクの判定されたネギ４の束を載せておくための台であり、この載置台５９の上面は、図１３に示すように左から重量ランク１、６、３、４、２、５に属するネギ４の束を１束ずつ載置できるように仕切り棒６１、・・・・で６つの区画６２−１〜６２−６に区画されている。この６つの区画は、互いに組み合わせられる重量ランク（１と６）、（３と４）、（２と５）の区画が隣合わせに配置されている。載置台５９のこれら区画６２−１〜６２−６した部分が保持手段である。
【００８６】
集合コンベア６０は、ベルトコンベアであり、図１３に示すようにコンベアベルトの搬送面に各プーリと平行する方向に沿って互いに所定の間隔を隔てて多数のゴム製の仕切り板６３、・・・・が突設されている。このコンベアベルトの搬送面と互いに隣合う２枚の仕切り板６３、６３により形成された受入部に予め定めた組を構成する重量ランクのネギ４の束が供給される。この集合コンベア６０が、請求項５に記載の受入れ手段である。
【００８７】
次に、上記定重量計量装置を使用して合計目標重量ＴＷ（＝１００ｇ）のネギを計量する手順を説明する。この際、作業者を、図１３に示すようにランク秤８の横側に１人と、載置台５９と集合コンベア６０の間に１人を配置する。まず、作業者６４がランク秤８に集積されたネギ４の中から１回取り出し目標重量Ｃの５０ｇに近い重量のネギ４の束を取り上げる。すると、その取り上げたネギ４の束の重量ランク、例えば重量ランク３が表示部２４に表示されるので、その表示を見て載置台５９の上面に予め定められている６つの重量ランクの区画６２−１〜６２−６うちからそのネギ４の束の重量ランク３と対応する区画６２−３内に載せる。このようにして重量ランクが判定されたネギ４の束が載置台５９上に順次載置されると、別の作業者６５がその載置台５９上に載置されたネギ４の束を、予め定めた重量ランク（１と６）、（３と４）又は（２と５）のものどうしを手で纏めて持ち上げて後方の集合コンベア６０に形成されている空の受入部に順次供給する。これを順次行うことにより、合計重量が１００±５ｇのネギ４を計量して集合コンベア６０で送り出すことができる。
【００８８】
この定重量計量装置は、第１実施形態のものと比較して６台の排出コンベアを省略することができ、これによって装置の構造が簡単となり、装置のコストを下げることができる。
【００８９】
ただし、第１乃至第６の実施形態において、図５に示す重量ランクの判定された各ネギ４の束の平均重量が、重量ランク１〜６に対して予め定めた重量範囲（３５〜６５ｇ）の中心重量Ｃ（＝５０ｇ）から重い側又は軽い側にずれると、予め定めた重量ランクの組合せの（１と６）、（３と４）及び（２と５）に属するネギの夫々の束数に違いが生じ、組み合わせられずに排出コンベア９又は保持ホッパ４３に残留するものが増加し、最終的にはこの定重量計量装置を停止させることがある。そこで、このような不都合を回避するために、重量ランクが判定された各ネギ４の束の平均重量が、中心重量Ｃ（＝５０ｇ）の重い側に予め定めた上限重量以上となった場合、又は軽い側に予め定めた下限重量以下となった場合に、その旨を表示部２４に表示させると共に、スピーカ２５により警報させて作業者に知らせる構成とするとよい。この表示部２４やスピーカ２５が請求項８に記載の警報手段である。このように構成すると、作業者がこの表示を見て又は警報を聞くことによりランク秤８から取り上げるネギ４の束の重量、又は計量ホッパ４６に投入するネギ４の束の重量を中心重量Ｃ（＝５０ｇ）に近づけることによりこの定重量計量装置が停止することを回避させることができ、ひいては計量速度の低下を防止することができる。なお、ネギ４の束の重量を中心重量Ｃ（＝５０ｇ）に近づけることができるように、作業者がランク秤８から取り上げたネギ４の束の重量、又は計量ホッパ４６に投入したネギ４の束の重量を表示部２４に表示されるようにしてあり、作業者はこの表示を見てネギ４の束の重量を調整することができる。
【００９０】
そして、第１乃至第６の実施形態において、ランク秤８により重量ランクの判定されたネギ４の束を、作業者がそのネギ４の束の重量ランクと対応する排出コンベア９に供給する際に、その排出コンベア９の全ての保持部２１にネギ４の束が供給されている状態であり、そのネギ４の束をその排出コンベア９に供給することができない事態が生じることがある。また、計量ホッパ４６に投入されたネギ４の束の重量ランクが判定され、そのネギ４の束を対応する保持ホッパ４３に投入する際に、その保持ホッパ４３の全てにネギ４の束が供給されている状態であり、そのネギ４の束をその保持ホッパ４３に投入することができない事態が生じることがある。このような事態が生じるとこの定重量計量装置を停止させることがある。そこで、このような事態を回避する為に、予め定めた重量ランクの組を構成する一方の重量ランクのネギ４の束が計量されている場合に、この組を構成する他方の重量ランク（不足する重量ランク）を表示部２４に表示させたり、スピーカ２５により音声で作業者に知らせる構成とすると良い。この表示部２４やスピーカ２５が請求項１０に記載の出力手段である。このように構成すると、作業者がこの表示を見て又は音声を聞いてランク秤８から取り上げるネギ４の束の重量、又は計量ホッパ４６に投入するネギ４の束の重量を調整することができ、表示部２４に表示されている重量ランクのネギ４の束を排出コンベア９又は計量ホッパ４６から保持ホッパ４３に投入させることができる。その結果、予め定めた２種類の重量ランクのネギ４の束が揃うのでそれを排出させることができる。これによって、定重量計量装置の停止を回避することができ、計量速度の向上を図ることができる。
【００９１】
また、第１乃至第６の実施形態において、重量ランクの判定された各束のネギ４の重量ばらつきの拡大又は縮小に応じて各重量ランクの夫々の重量範囲の幅を拡大又は縮小するランク幅変更手段を設けた構成とすることができる。このランク幅変更手段が請求項９に記載のランク幅変更手段である。即ち、ランク幅変更手段は、ランク秤８から取り上げられた１束のネギ４の計量値、又は計量ホッパ４６に投入された１束のネギ４の計量値を予め設定された計量回数分だけ自動的に記憶部に記憶し、そしてこの記憶した計量値の標準偏差σを演算して例えば３σ（２σ〜３σの範囲内で設定されている。）を全体のばらつきＲとみなし、次に、このＲを予め設定されている例えば重量ランク数６（＝ｎ）で除算して各重量ランク１〜６の重量範囲の幅として設定を自動的に変更するようにしたものである。これを式で表すと、
重量範囲の幅ｅ＝Ｒ／ｎ＝３σ／ｎ
となる。ただし、アベレージシステムの場合は、合計目標重量ＴＷ＝中心重量Ｃであるので中心重量Ｃを変更する必要はないが、ミニマムシステムの場合は、
中心重量Ｃ＝ＴＷ＋ｅ／２
としているので、上式を代入すると、
中心重量Ｃ＝ＴＷ＋（３σ）／（２ｎ）
となり、σが変化した分だけ中心重量Ｃを自動的に変更するようにする。
なお、簡易的には、標準偏差σを演算する代わりに、予め設定された数十回の計量により得られた計量値のばらつきをＲとして使用することができる。
【００９２】
このように構成することにより、例えば重量ランクの判定されたネギ４の束の計量値のばらつきが拡大していずれの重量ランクにも属しないネギ４の束が計量された場合に、各重量ランク１〜６の夫々の重量範囲の幅を拡大させて計量値がいずれかの重量ランクに属すこととなるようにして、予め定めた重量ランクの組合せを構成するネギ４の組合わせを排出できる確率の低下を防止することができ、これによって計量能率の低下を防止することができる。そして、作業者の慣れにより計量値のばらつきが縮小して重量ランク６や重量ランク１に属する物品が例えば殆ど計量されなくなった場合に、各重量ランク１〜６の重量範囲の幅を縮小して各重量ランクに計量値が属すこととなるようにする。そして、このように各重量ランクの重量範囲の幅を縮小することにより、組み合わされたネギ４の束の合計重量値のばらつきをその縮小した分だけ小さくすることができ、これによって計量精度の向上を図ることができる。
【００９３】
更に、第１乃至第６の実施形態において、図５に示すように、重量ランク１〜６の各重量範囲の幅を全て同一の５ｇとしたが、図１４に示すように、重量ランク３と４を１つの重量ランク（３−４）に統合してこの重量ランク（３−４）の重量範囲の幅を１０ｇとし、他の重量ランク１、２、５、６の重量範囲の幅を５ｇとした構成としてもよい。即ち、中心の重量ランク（３−４）の重量範囲を４５〜５５ｇとする。この場合、重量ランク（３−４）に属する重量のネギ４の束を２束組合わせて合計目標重量ＴＷ（＝１００ｇ）とするのネギ４の束を作ることとする。この場合でも、組み合わされたネギ４の合計重量は１００±５ｇとなり、上記実施形態と同様である。つまり、第１乃至第６の実施形態では、重量ランク３と４のうちのいずれか一方の重量ランクに属するネギ４の束が２回以上計量されてもそれら同種類の重量ランクのネギを組合わせて排出することができないが、上記構成とすると、その重量ランク３と４のうちのいずれか一方の重量ランクに属するネギが２回以上計量された時にそれら同種類の重量ランクのネギを組合わせて排出することができる。これによって、計量能率が向上し、計量速度を上げることができ、しかも計量精度の低下はない。
【００９４】
次に、第１実施形態において、重量ランク３と４を１つの重量ランク（３−４）に統合した場合について説明する。図１に示すように、排出コンベア９−３に重量ランク３を対応させ、排出コンベア９−４に重量ランク４を対応させてあるが、排出コンベア９−３と９−４の両方を１つの重量ランク（３−４）に対応させ、この重量ランク（３−４）に属するネギ４の束が計量された時は、そのネギ４の束を排出コンベア９−３と９−４に交互に供給することとし、両方の排出コンベア９−３と９−４の先端にネギ４の束が搬送されたときにこの２束のネギ４を集合コンベア１６上に排出させるようにする。
【００９５】
また、他の例として、図１に示す重量ランク３と４に対応する２台の排出コンベア９−３と９−４のうちのいずれか１台、例えば排出コンベア９−３を省略し、残した排出コンベア９−４に重量ランク（３−４）に属するネギ４の束を供給してもよい。この場合、排出コンベア９−４の各保持部２１に計量済みのネギ４の束を２束ずつ供給することとし、排出コンベア９−４の先端に２束のネギ４が収容されている保持部２１が搬送されたときにこの２束のネギ４を集合コンベア１６上に排出するようにする。なお、排出コンベア９−４の先端に移動している保持部２１内にネギ４が１束供給されているか、又は２束供給されているかを判定する為に、その保持部２１内のネギ４の嵩（高さ）を検出する検出器を設けることとする。
【００９６】
次に、第２実施形態において、重量ランク３と４を１つの重量ランク（３−４）に統合した場合について説明する。図７に示すように、２台の保持ホッパ４３−３に重量ランク３を対応させ、２台の保持ホッパ４３−４に重量ランク４を対応させてあるが、４台の各保持ホッパ４３−３、４３−４を重量ランク（３−４）に対応させ、この重量ランク（３−４）に属するネギ４の束が計量された時は、そのネギ４の束を保持ホッパ４３−３と４３−４に交互に投入することとし、保持ホッパ４３−３と４３−４にネギ４の束が投入されたときにこの２束のネギ４を集合ホッパ４４−２に投入して補助集合ホッパ４５−３を介して包装機に供給するようにする。
【００９７】
また、他の例として、図７に示す重量ランク３と４に対応する各保持ホッパ４３−３、４３−４に重量ランク（３−４）に属するネギ４の束を２束ずつ投入してもよい。この場合、保持ホッパ４３−３又は４３−４に２束のネギが投入されたときにこの２束のネギ４を集合ホッパ４４−２に投入するようにする。なお、各保持ホッパ４３−３、４３−４にネギ４が１束投入されているか、又は２束供給されているかを判定する為に、その投入回数を記憶部に記憶して２回の投入があったときに集合ホッパ４４−２に投入するようにする。
【００９８】
【発明の効果】
第１及び第２の発明に係る定重量計量方法によると、物品を各重量ランクごとに保持するので、重量ランクの判定された物品を供給すべき保持位置が定まっており、従って物品をその供給すべき保持位置に速やかに供給することができるという効果がある。そして、予め定めた組を構成する重量ランクの物品を排出させるのであるから、この組を構成する重量ランクの物品を互いに接近して保持して溜めておくことにより、これら組を構成する物品を纏まった状態で一か所に排出することができ、これによって、１つの組をなす物品を一か所に纏めるための搬送時間を省略することができるし、改めて束ねる必要もなく、従って、計量速度の向上と作業の簡単化を図ることができるという効果がある。
【００９９】
第５及び第６の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、物品を各重量ランクごとに対応する保持手段により保持するので、重量ランクの判定された物品を供給すべき保持手段が定まっており、従って物品をその供給すべき保持手段に速やかに供給することができるという効果がある。そして、予め定めた組を構成する重量ランクの物品を保持手段から排出させるのであるから、この組を構成する重量ランクの物品を保持する保持手段を互いに接近して設けておくことにより、これら組を構成する物品を纏まった状態で一か所に排出することができ、これによって、１つの組をなす物品を一か所に纏めるための搬送時間を省略することができるし、改めて束ねる必要もなく、従って、計量速度の向上と作業の簡単化を図ることができるという効果がある。
【０１００】
第３及び第４の発明に係る定重量計量装置は、例えば作業者が組を構成する物品を対応する保持手段から取り出して受入手段に供給することができ、これによって排出手段を省略した簡易な定重量計量装置を提供することができる。
【０１０１】
第７の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、物品の平均計量値と予め設定されている中心重量との差が予め定めた重量差以上となったときに警報信号を出力する構成としたことにより、重量の重い側と軽量側の互いに対称関係にある２つの各重量ランクに属する計量値の個数を互いに略等しくすることができる。これによって合計重量が目標重量又はそれに近い重量となる物品の組を排出できる確率を高めることができるので、計量能率の向上が図られ、これによって計量速度を速めることができる。そして、計量能率が向上するので作業者の労力の軽減を図ることができる。
【０１０２】
第８の発明に係る定重量計量装置は、物品の計量値のばらつきの拡大又は縮小に応じて各重量ランクの夫々の重量範囲の幅を拡大又は縮小する構成である。従って、例えば計量値のばらつきが拡大していずれの重量ランクにも属しない過重量又は不足重量の物品が計量された場合に、各重量ランクの夫々の重量範囲の幅を拡大させて計量値がいずれかの重量ランクに属すこととなるようにして合計重量が目標重量又はそれに近い重量となる物品の組を排出できる確率の低下を防止することができ、これによって計量能率の低下を防止することができる。そして、計量値のばらつきが縮小して最大重量ランクや最小重量ランクに属する物品が例えば殆ど計量されなくなった場合に、各重量ランクの重量範囲の幅を縮小して各重量ランクに計量値が属すこととなるようにする。そして、このように各重量ランクの重量範囲の幅を縮小することにより、１つに組合わされた物品の合計重量のばらつきをその縮小した分だけ小さくすることができ、これによって計量精度の向上を図ることができる。
【０１０３】
第９の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、予め定めた重量ランクの組合せを構成する物品のうち不足する物品があるために保持手段から排出できない場合に、その不足する物品の属する重量ランクを示す信号を出力手段が出力する構成である。従って、その出力信号を例えば表示手段に表示させることにより、作業者が表示手段に表示されている重量ランクを見て、次回以降に計量される物品の重量がその表示手段に表示されている重量ランクに属する重量となるように計量手段に供給される物品の重量を調整することができ、これによってその不足する重量ランクに属する物品が計量されることとなり、予め定めた組を構成する各物品を保持手段から排出させることができる。これによって、物品を排出できないために保持手段が満杯となってこの定重量計量装置が停止することを防止することができる。
【０１０４】
第１０の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、１つの組として排出される各物品が収容されている保持手段を互いに接近して設けた構成としたので、保持手段から組を構成する物品を纏まった状態で一か所に排出することができる。これによって、物品を排出位置に搬送するための搬送時間を短縮することができるし、物品を例えば包装する際に、あらためて束ねたり纏める必要がなく、従って、この束ねたり纏める作業の手間と時間を解消することができるという効果がある。そして、保持手段から纏まった状態で排出された物品をその纏まった状態で包装機に供給することができる。
【０１０５】
つまり、図１５に示す従来の半自動式組合せ秤では、例えば４台の計量ホッパ１−１〜１−７内のネギ４が組合せに選択されて集合コンベア５上に排出されると、これらのネギ４は集合コンベア５の右端から左端までの略全域に亘って分散するので、ネギ４を排出位置７に搬送するための搬送時間が長く掛かり搬送能率が悪いし、集合コンベア５の右端から左端までの略全域に亘って分散するネギ４が集合コンベア５によって排出位置７に搬送された時に、ネギ４の４つの束を作業者が１つに纏める必要もある。これに対して、第１１の発明によると、１つの組を構成する各物品を纏まった状態で一か所に排出することができるので、搬送時間を短縮することができるし、物品を纏める手間も掛からないという効果がある。
【０１０６】
第１１及び第１２の発明に係る定重量計量装置は、第５及び第６の発明に係る定重量計量装置と同等の効果を奏する。
【０１０７】
第１３の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、ランク判定手段により重量ランクの判定された物品を供給すべき排出コンベアに光を照射する構成としたので、作業者は、例えば表示部に表示される重量ランクを見る必要がなく、光の照射された排出コンベアに物品を供給すればよい。これによって、物品を供給すべき排出コンベアを簡単に見つることができるので作業が容易となる。
【０１０８】
第１４の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、作業者は、所定箇所を照射する光の移動する方向を目で追うことによって物品を供給すべき排出コンベアを極めて簡単に見つけることができる。従って、作業者は、物品を供給すべき対応する排出コンベアに極めて簡単にその物品を供給することができる。
【０１０９】
第１５の発明に係る定重量計量装置は、第５及び第６の発明に係る定重量計量装置と同等の効果を奏する。
【０１１０】
第１６の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、１つの組として排出される各物品が収容されている保持ホッパを互いに接近して設け、この保持ホッパから排出された物品を集合ホッパに受け入れて保持する構成としたので、集合ホッパから組を構成する物品を所望のタイミングで纏まった状態で一か所に排出することができる。これによって、この定重量計量装置の後段に包装機を設けた場合に、定重量の物品を適切なタイミングで各組ごとに包装機に供給することができる。
【０１１１】
第１７の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、集合ホッパに収容されている物品を補助集合ホッパに受け入れて溜めておくことができる構成としたので、定重量計量装置の後段に例えば包装機を設けた場合に、この定重量計量装置の計量速度が包装機の包装速度よりも速くなった際には余剰となった物品を補助集合ホッパに溜めておくことができるし、定重量計量装置の計量速度が包装機の包装速度よりも遅くなった際には補助集合ホッパ内の物品を供給することができ、これによって、定重量計量装置と包装機の稼働率の向上を図ることができる。
【０１１２】
第１８の発明に係る定重量計量装置によると、ランク外物品を排除ホッパに供給して溜めておくことができる構成としたので、計量ホッパ内に投入したランク外物品を取り出す必要がなく、順次新たな物品の計量を行うことができ、これによってこの定重量計量装置の停止時間を短縮して稼働率の向上を図ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の第１実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の平面図である。
【図２】同第１実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の正面図である。
【図３】同第１実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の側面図である。
【図４】同第１実施形態に係る定重量計量装置に設けられている照明器具の他の例を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は底面図である。
【図５】同第１実施形態に係る定重量計量装置に予め設定されている重量ランクの組合せを示す図である。
【図６】同第１実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の電気回路を示すブロック図である。
【図７】同発明の第２実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の概略構成を示す図である。
【図８】同第２実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の電気回路を示すブロック図である。
【図９】（ａ）は同第２実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の補助集合ホッパを省略した例を示す図、（ｂ）は更に他の例を示す図である。
【図１０】同発明の第３実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の概略構成を示す図である。
【図１１】同発明の第４実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の概略構成を示す図である。
【図１２】同発明の第５実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の概略構成を示す図である。
【図１３】同発明の第６実施形態に係る定重量計量装置の概略構成を示す平面図である。
【図１４】同発明に係る定重量計量装置に予め設定されている重量ランクの組合せの他の例を示す図である。
【図１５】（ａ）は従来の半自動式組合せ秤の平面図、（ｂ）は同組合せ秤の横断面図、（ｃ）は同組合せ秤の縦断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ ランク秤
９ 排出コンベア
１０ 計量容器
１１ 計量部
１２ ロードセル
１６ 集合コンベア
２０ 仕切り板
２１ 保持部
２２ 検出器
２３ 照明器具
２４ 表示部
２９ 照明装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention particularly relates to a constant weight measuring method and a constant weight measuring apparatus for weighing vegetables such as leeks, leek and the like, fruits, marine products, livestock products, etc. at a constant weight.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, when packaging green onions in a pack of 100 g each, first, the operator puts the green onions on the platform scale by hand, and the amount of the onions on the platform scale is adjusted so that the display of the platform scale is within a predetermined allowable weight range. Weigh about 100g of green onion by hand. Then, the weighed leeks are packaged one by one by hand or with a packaging machine, thereby completing the leek of 100 g per pack.
[0003]
However, the above-described manual weighing method has a low efficiency, so that it takes a considerable time from weighing the onion to packaging it for the first time. There is also a problem that a large number of workers are required and a large labor cost is required.
[0004]
To solve this problem, there is a method using a fully automatic combination weigher. However, when a fully automatic combination weigher is used, it is necessary to automatically supply the objects to be weighed to this combination weigher and the objects to be weighed to each weighing hopper. It may be necessary to change the supply device used according to the shape, properties, weight, etc. of the weighing object. In this way, when using a fully automatic combination weigher, there are few types of objects to be weighed by one fully automatic combination weigher. There is a problem that it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of fully-automatic combination weighers of different types according to the type of the weighing object, which increases costs.
[0005]
Therefore, it is possible to use a semi-automatic combination weigher that can measure relatively many kinds of objects to be weighed and is relatively inexpensive. As shown in FIG. 15, the semi-automatic combination weigher includes a total of 14 weighing hoppers 1-1 to 1-14 provided to be inclined. Each weighing hopper 1-1 to 1-14 is supported by load cells 2-1 to 2-14, and discharge gates 3-1 to 3-14 are provided in the lower part. When using this semi-automatic combination weigher to measure 100 g of leeks 4 as a set, first, the operator puts, for example, about 25 g of leeks 4 into each weighing hopper. Then, the weight of the leek put into each weighing hopper is weighed, and a central processing unit (not shown) provided in the combination weigher variously combines these measured values so that the total weight becomes the target weight. A combination of weighing values in the range of 100 g or an allowable weight range is selected, and the onions corresponding to the selected weighing values are discharged from the weighing hoppers and dropped onto the collective conveyor 5. The collective conveyor 5 can convey the leek 4 having a total weight of about 100 g selected for this combination in the direction of the arrow 6 in FIG. The operator can bundle the leeks 4 sent to the take-out position 7 and put them on a packaging machine (not shown).
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the semi-automatic combination weigher shown in FIG. 15, an operator searches for a weighing hopper that has been emptied after the leeks 4 are discharged, and puts the leeks into the empty weighing hopper. Since it is impossible to predict the weighing hopper that has been selected and emptied, searching for this emptied weighing hopper is a heavy burden on the operator and is one of the causes of a decrease in the weighing speed. . For example, when the leeks 4 in the four weighing hoppers 1-1 to 1-4 are selected as combinations and discharged onto the collective conveyor 5, these four bundles of leeks 4 are moved from the right end to the left end of the collective conveyor 5. The time required for all these leeks 4 to reach the discharge position 7 takes time to travel substantially the entire distance of the collective conveyor 5 and the transport efficiency is poor, and this is also measured. This is one of the causes of the decrease in speed. Furthermore, it is necessary for an operator to bundle the leeks 4 discharged from the respective weighing hoppers and conveyed to the discharge position 7, and the weighing time is substantially extended by the bundling time. Thus, even the method of weighing with this semi-automatic combination weigher has a problem that the weighing speed is relatively slow and much labor is required.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to provide a constant-weight weighing method and a constant-weight weighing device capable of reducing the labor of an operator with a relatively high weighing speed.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  1st inventionThe constant weight weighing method is based on a predetermined center weight on the heavy side and the light side respectively.The same numberThe number of weight ranks is determined in advance, and the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. Determining the weight rank to which the weight of the article belongs among the ranks, holding each article for each weight rank, and the heavier side of the weight so that the total weight of the articles is equal to or close to the target weight. Discharging the articles belonging to each of the two weight ranks in a symmetrical relationship on the lightweight side.
[0010]
  Second inventionThe constant weight weighing method is based on a center weight rank determined to include a predetermined center weight, and on the heavy side and lighter side based on the center weight rank.Multiple and identicalThe number of weight ranks is determined in advance, and the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. Determining the weight rank to which the weight of the article belongs among the ranks, holding each article for each weight rank, and the heavy side of the weight so that the total weight of the articles is equal to or close to the target weight. And discharging an article belonging to each of the two weight ranks which are symmetrical to each other on the lightweight side, or an article belonging to the central weight rank.
[0011]
  1st and 2nd inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing method according to the above, the weight rank to which the weight of the article belongs is determined, each article is held for each weight rank, and the articles of the weight rank constituting the predetermined set are discharged as one set. . The total weight of the discharged articles is a target weight or a weight close thereto.
[0013]
  5th inventionThe constant weight weighing device according to the present invention includes weighing means for weighing the article, and a heavy weight side and a light weight side based on a predetermined center weight.Multiple and identicalThe number of weight ranks is determined in advance, and the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. Rank determining means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the above-mentioned weighed article belongs among ranks, holding means provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the article of the corresponding weight rank, and the total weight of the articles is the target weight Or a discharging means for discharging articles belonging to each of the two weight ranks, which are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the lightweight side, as a set from the holding means so as to have a weight close to that. It is a feature.
[0014]
  6th inventionThe constant weight weighing device according to the present invention comprises a weighing means for weighing an article, a center weight rank determined to include a predetermined center weight, and a heavier side and a lighter side based on the center weight rank. EachThe same numberThe number of weight ranks is determined in advance, and the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. Rank determining means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the above-mentioned weighed article belongs among ranks, holding means provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the article of the corresponding weight rank, and the total weight of the articles is the target weight Or the articles belonging to each of the two weight ranks, which are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the light side, or the articles belonging to the central weight rank are discharged from the holding means as one set so that the weight is close to that. And a discharging means.
[0015]
  5th and 6th inventionThe constant weight weighing device according to the present invention measures the weight of an article by the weighing means, the rank determining means determines the weight rank of the article based on the weight of the article, and the determined article corresponds to the weight rank. To be supplied. And the article of the weight rank which comprises the predetermined group is discharged | emitted from a holding means. The total weight of the discharged articles is a target weight or a weight close thereto.
[0016]
  The constant weight weighing device according to the third invention is provided with weighing means for weighing the article, and a plurality of the same number of weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side on the basis of a predetermined center weight. The weight ranges of the respective weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. Rank determination means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the item belongs, holding means provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the article of the corresponding weight rank, and the total weight of the articles so as to become the target weight or a weight close thereto. Receiving means for receiving, from the holding means, one set of articles belonging to two weight ranks that are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the lightweight side. It is intended. A constant weight weighing device according to a fourth invention is a weighing means for weighing an article, a center weight rank determined to include a predetermined center weight, and a weight heavier than that based on the center weight rank. A plurality of the same number of weight ranks are determined in advance on each of the light weight side and the light weight side, and the weight ranges of the heavy weight side and the light weight side are substantially symmetrical with respect to the center weight. And a rank determination means for determining a weight rank to which the weight of the weighed article belongs among the plurality of weight ranks, and a holding unit provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the corresponding weight rank. Means and an article belonging to each of the two weight ranks that are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the light side so that the total weight of the article is equal to or close to the target weight, or Articles belonging to the weight ranks as one set is to anda receiving means for receiving from said holding means.
[0017]
  3rd and 4thAccording to the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the invention, the receiving means can receive articles constituting a combination of predetermined weight ranks as a set from the corresponding holding means.
[0018]
  7th inventionThe constant weight weighing device3rd, 4th, 5th or 6thIn the constant weight weighing device of the invention, there is provided a warning means for outputting a warning signal when the difference between the average weight value of the articles weighed by the weighing means and the center weight exceeds a predetermined weight difference. It is characterized by.
[0019]
  7th inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the present invention, an alarm signal can be output when the difference between the average weighing value of the articles and the predetermined center weight set in advance is equal to or greater than a predetermined weight difference. Can be suppressed to less than the predetermined weight difference. In other words, if the weight difference between the average weight value and the center weight of the article can be kept small, the number of measurement values distributed on the heavy side and the number of measurement values distributed on the light side can be calculated based on the center weight. Since it can be made substantially equal, the number of measurement values belonging to each of the two weight ranks that are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the light side can be made substantially equal to each other. As a result, it is possible to increase the probability that a set of articles whose total weight is equal to or close to the target weight can be discharged.
[0020]
  Eighth inventionThe constant weight weighing deviceThird, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh inventionIn the constant weight weighing apparatus, rank width changing means for expanding or reducing the width of each weight range of each of the weight ranks according to the expansion or reduction of the variation in the measured value of the weighed article by the weighing means is provided. It is characterized by.
[0021]
  Eighth inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing device according to the present invention, the width of the respective weight ranges of the respective weight ranks can be expanded or reduced in accordance with the expansion or reduction of the variation in the weighing value of the article. That is, when the variation of the measured value (the weight of the article) increases, the proportion of the combination is reduced by weighing an overweight or underweight article that does not belong to any of a plurality of predetermined weight ranks, As a result, the weighing efficiency is lowered, and in order to avoid this, the width of each weight range of each weight rank is expanded so that the measured value belongs to one of the weight ranks. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the probability of discharging a set of articles whose total weight is equal to or close to the target weight. If the variation in the measured value is reduced, for example, articles belonging to the maximum weight rank to which the maximum weight belongs or the minimum weight rank to which the minimum weight belongs may not be weighed. The range is reduced so that the weight value belongs to each weight rank. And by reducing the width of the weight range of each weight rank in this way, the variation in the total weight of the articles combined into one is reduced by the reduced amount, and the measurement accuracy can be improved.
[0022]
  Ninth inventionThe constant weight weighing deviceThird, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth inventionOutput means for outputting a signal indicating the weight rank to which articles lacking in the combination belong when there is no combination of articles to be discharged as one set from the holding means. It is characterized by providing.
[0023]
  Ninth inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing device according to the present invention, when there is no combination of articles to be discharged as one set from the holding means, the output means outputs a signal indicating the weight rank to which articles lacking in the combination belong. . That is, if the articles constituting the combination of the predetermined weight ranks are discharged as one set, but cannot be discharged because there are insufficient articles among the articles constituting the set, the weight rank to which the insufficient articles belong A signal indicating is output.
[0024]
  10th inventionThe constant weight weighing deviceThird, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth inventionIn the constant weight weighing apparatus, the holding means corresponding to the weight ranks constituting the combination in which the total weight of the articles becomes a target weight or a weight close thereto is provided close to each other. .
[0025]
  10th inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the present invention, the holding means for storing the articles to be discharged as one set are provided close to each other, so that the articles in the holding means are discharged together in one place. can do.
[0026]
  A constant weight weighing apparatus according to an eleventh invention is provided with weighing means for weighing an article, and a predetermined number of weight ranks on a heavy side and a light side on the basis of a predetermined center weight. The weight ranges of the respective weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. Rank determination means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the item belongs, and a holding unit provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the article of the corresponding weight rank, and the total weight of the articles is a target weight or a weight close thereto The combination of the articles belonging to each of the two weight ranks that are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the lightweight side is determined in advance, and the articles constituting the combination of the weight ranks are described above. When supplied to the lifting unit is for the discharge conveyor for discharging the articles supplied to the holding portion by conveying them holding portion on the distal end side, characterized in that it comprises a. A constant weight weighing apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is a weighing means for weighing an article, a center weight rank determined to include a predetermined center weight, and a weight heavier than that based on the center weight rank. A plurality of the same number of weight ranks are determined in advance on each of the light weight side and the light weight side, and the respective weight ranges of the heavy weight side and the light weight side are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central weight rank. The rank determination means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the weighed article belongs among the plurality of weight ranks, and the articles of the corresponding weight rank provided corresponding to the weight rank are supplied. A set of articles belonging to each of the two weight ranks having a holding portion and having a symmetric relationship between the heavy side and the light side so that the total weight of the article is equal to or close to the target weight. When an article constituting a combination of these weight ranks or an article belonging to the central weight rank is supplied to the holding part, the holding part is conveyed to the front end side to convey the holding part. A discharge conveyor for discharging the articles supplied to.
[0027]
  Eleventh and twelfth inventionsThe constant weight weighing device5th and 6th inventionThe holding means of the constant weight weighing device according to the above is a holding part, and the discharging means is a discharging conveyor,5th and 6th inventionWorks in the same way.
[0028]
  13th inventionThe constant weight weighing device11th or 12th inventionThe constant weight weighing apparatus is characterized in that a light emitting means for irradiating light is provided to the discharge conveyor to which the article whose weight rank is determined by the rank determining means is to be supplied.
[0029]
According to the constant weight weighing apparatus of the thirteenth aspect, light can be irradiated to the discharge conveyor to which the article whose weight rank has been determined by the rank determination means is to be supplied. That is, when the operator looks at the entire discharge conveyors, light is emitted to the discharge conveyor to which the weighed articles are to be supplied, so that the articles can be supplied to the discharge conveyor according to the irradiation of the light.
[0030]
The constant-weight weighing device according to a fourteenth invention is the constant-weight weighing device according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the optical axis of the light emitted from the light-emitting means when the weight rank of the article is determined by the rank determining means. The apparatus is characterized in that it moves in the direction of irradiating the discharge conveyor from which the article is to be supplied from the direction of irradiating a predetermined location.
[0031]
According to the constant weight weighing apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, when the weight determination unit determines the weight rank of the article, the article is removed from the direction in which the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting unit irradiates a predetermined position. It moves in the direction of irradiating the discharge conveyor to be supplied. Therefore, the operator can find the discharge conveyor to which the article is to be supplied and visually supply the article to the discharge conveyor by following the direction in which the light that irradiates the predetermined portion moves.
[0032]
  A constant weight weighing device according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is:In the third, fourth, fifth or sixth invention, the holding means is a holding hopper.It is characterized by.
[0034]
A constant weight weighing apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect is the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the holding hoppers corresponding to the combination of the weight ranks in which the total weight of the articles becomes a target weight or a weight close thereto are brought close to each other. A collecting hopper to which articles are supplied from these holding hoppers is provided below the holding hoppers forming these sets.
[0035]
According to the constant weight weighing device according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the holding hoppers accommodating the articles discharged as one set are provided close to each other, and the articles discharged from the holding hopper are used as the collecting hopper. Supply. As described above, since the articles constituting one set are once held in the collective hopper, the articles constituting the one set are discharged from the collective hopper to one place at a desired timing. Can do.
[0036]
A constant weight weighing apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect is the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein an auxiliary collective hopper to which articles are supplied from the collective hopper is provided below the collective hopper. It is.
[0037]
According to the constant weight weighing device according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, articles stored in the collective hopper can be received and stored in the auxiliary collective hopper.
[0038]
A constant-weight weighing device according to an eighteenth invention is the constant-weight weighing device according to the fifteenth, sixteenth, or seventeenth invention, in which weighed articles of unranked weight that do not belong to any of the weight ranks are supplied. An exclusion hopper is provided.
[0039]
According to the constant weight weighing device according to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, an article with an unranked weight that does not belong to any weight rank can be supplied to the exclusion hopper. In this way, since the non-ranked articles can be supplied to the exclusion hopper and stored, it is not necessary to take out the non-ranked articles put into the weighing hopper, and the articles can be weighed sequentially.
[0040]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A constant weight weighing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This constant weight weighing apparatus uses the constant weight weighing method of the present invention. First, the theory of weighing an article to a constant weight using the constant weight weighing device according to this embodiment will be described.
For example, when measuring a constant weight of 100 g (total target weight TW) of an onion, the operator picks up about 50 g of the half of the accumulated leek twice and makes the total weight about 100 g. There is a method of weighing, but the distribution of the measured value of the leek picked up by the operator at one time is a curve close to a normal distribution curve as shown in FIG. The average weight of this distribution curve is a weight close to 50 g of the target weight C taken out once. This is because the operator has a corrective mind to read the measured value displayed on the scale and pick up the green onion whose weight is as close as possible to the target weight C.
[0041]
Here, the variation R (35 to 65 g) of the measured value is ranked into n = 6 weight ranks (weight ranks 1 to 6). The width (rank width e) of the respective weight ranges of the weight ranks 1 to 6 is 5 g. In the weight ranks 1 to 6, two heavy weight ranks that are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the light weight side with respect to the central weight C, that is, weight ranks 1 and 6, weight ranks 2 and 5, and weight rank 3 And the range of the sum of measured values of articles belonging to 4 is

It becomes.
[0042]
That is, in any combination of weight ranks (1) to (3), the sum of the measured values is in the range of 100 ± 5 g. On the other hand, the weight when the operator picks up the onion twice with the target weight C as 50 g,
Min35g + Min35g = Min 70g
Max65g + Max65g = Max130g
Thus, the sum of the measured values is in a range of 100 ± 30 g, and the above-described extraction method has an accuracy of about 6 times (30/5 = 6) of the variation when the operator takes out with the intuition of the operator.
[0043]
Next, a variation r of the total weight of articles constituting each combination of the above-described predetermined weight ranks (1 and 6), (2 and 5), and (3 and 4) is expressed by an equation:
r = 2R / n (1)
It can be expressed as. However, R is the variation of the measured value of the article picked up at once by the operator's intuition, and is 30 g in the example of FIG. n is the number of weight ranks.
From equation (1), if the number n of ranks is increased, the measurement accuracy is improved, and the width of the weight range of each weight rank is narrowed when the variation R of the weight of the articles picked up by the operator is reduced. This also means that the weighing accuracy is improved.
[0044]
In the above example, the average system has been described with an error of ± 5 g with respect to the total target weight TW = 100 g. C may be shifted by e / 2 to the plus side of TW / 2 (total target weight / 2). That is,
Target weight for one-time removal C = TW / 2 + e / 2 (2)
And it is sufficient.
[0045]
Next, a constant weight weighing apparatus according to this embodiment to which the above weighing theory is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The constant weight weighing device of this embodiment corresponds to the invention according to claim 12. 1 is a plan view, FIG. 2 is a front view, and FIG. 3 is a side view. In the figure, 8 is a subtractive rank scale and 9 (9-1 to 9-6) is a discharge conveyor.
A subtractive rank scale (hereinafter simply referred to as “rank scale”) 8 includes a measuring container 10 that holds a leek 4 that is an object to be weighed, a measuring unit 11 that measures the weight of the leek in the measuring container 10, and Rank judging means.
The measuring container 10 is a container in which a large amount of leek is placed.
The weighing unit 11 can measure the weight W of the leek 4 taken out when the operator takes out the leek 4 from the weighing container 10 aiming at the target weight C to be taken out once. As shown in FIG. 6, the weighing unit 11 includes a load cell 12 and a CPU (central processing unit) 13. The output signal of the load cell 12 is input to the CPU 13 via the A / D converter 14. The CPU 13 performs arithmetic processing to generate a weighing signal.
The rank determination means determines whether the weight (measurement signal) of the leek 4 taken out at one time belongs to any one of the above-described weight ranks 1 to 6 and outputs the determination result. If it does not belong to the weight rank, a signal indicating that is output. The program for determining the weight rank is stored in the storage unit 15 shown in FIG. 6, and the CPU 13 determines the weight rank based on the determination program.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 1, six discharge conveyors 9 are provided, and three discharge conveyors 9 are arranged in two rows. Each discharge conveyor 9-1 to 9-6 is supplied with a bundle of each onion having a weight rank of 1 to 6, respectively. The discharge conveyors (9-1 and 9-6), (9-3 and 9-4), and (9-2 and 9-5) are arranged to face each other. When a bundle of weight onions 4 of weight ranks 1 and 6 is supplied to the two discharge conveyors 9-1 and 9-6 at the left end of the six discharge conveyors shown in FIG. A bundle of six leeks 4 is sent to the leading ends of the discharge conveyors 9-1 and 9-6, discharged onto the collective conveyor 16 provided below, and conveyed to the right in FIG. So that it is discharged to a predetermined discharge position. Similarly, of the six discharge conveyors shown in FIG. 1, the weight rank (3 and 9-2 and 9-5) is set to each of the two discharge conveyors (9-3 and 9-4) or (9-2 and 9-5) at the center or right end. When a bundle of leeks 4 of 4) or (2 and 5) is supplied, the bundle of leeks 4 of weight rank (3 and 4) or (2 and 5) is sent to the tip of each discharge conveyor and discharged. Then, it falls onto the collective conveyor 16 provided below, and is conveyed rightward in FIG. 1 and discharged to a predetermined discharge position.
[0047]
In addition, each weight range of the weight ranks 1-6 is 35-40g, 40-45g, 45-50g, 50-55g, 55-60g, 60-65g, as shown in FIG. However, the boundary weight of each weight rank is included in the weight rank on the lightweight side.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6 has a conveyor belt 19 hung on a driving pulley 17 and a driven pulley 18 to which a motor is connected. Seven rubber partition plates 20 project from the pulleys 17 and 18 at a predetermined interval along the direction parallel to the pulleys 17 and 18. Two partition plates 20, 20 adjacent to the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 19 form a holding portion 21 that holds a bundle of leeks 4. The bundle of leeks 4 taken out by the operator aiming at the target weight C to be taken out once from the rank scale 8 is supplied to each holding unit 21 of the discharge conveyor corresponding to the weight rank. At that time, the worker aligns the bundle of the leeks 4 supplied to the holding portions 21 in the direction along the partition plate 20. Each of the discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6 drives the holding unit 21 in a direction toward the tip by one pitch. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, each discharge conveyor inclines so that height may become low toward a front-end | tip part. This makes it easier for the operator to supply the bundle of leeks 4 to the discharge conveyor.
[0049]
Reference numeral 22 shown in FIG. 3 is a photoelectric detector. This detector 22 is provided above the tip of each of the six discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6, and a bundle of leeks 4 in the holding part 21 moving to the tip of each discharge conveyor. Is discharged, the discharge conveyor is driven, and when the holding unit 21 that accommodates the bundle of leeks moves to the leading end of the discharge conveyor, the bundle of leeks 4 is detected and the discharge conveyor is stopped. The standby state for discharging the bundle of four can be maintained. And a leek 4 is attached to both ends of the pair of discharge conveyors (9-1 and 9-6), the discharge conveyors (9-3 and 9-4) or the discharge conveyors (9-2 and 9-5) facing each other. So that the two discharge conveyors are driven to discharge the two bundles of the leeks 4 accommodated in both holding portions 21 onto the collective conveyor 16. Operate. However, the timing of discharging the bundle of leeks 4 onto the collective conveyor 16 is such that the bundle of leeks 4 discharged last time and the bundle of leeks 4 discharged this time are not mixed, or the timing of a subsequent packaging machine (not shown). A predetermined time interval is set to match.
[0050]
23-1 to 23-6 (23-1 and 23-3 are not shown in the figure) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures 23-1 to 23-6 are used to indicate on which discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6 the bundle of leeks 4 taken out from the rank scale 8 by the operator is to be supplied. That is, each lighting fixture 23-1 to 23-6 is provided above each of the six discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6, and the determination is made based on the determination result by the rank determination means. The lighting fixture provided above the discharge conveyor to which the bundle of weight-ranked leeks 4 is to be supplied lights up, and the light of the lighting fixture can irradiate the upper surface of the discharge conveyor below. A portion drawn in a circle on the discharge conveyor 9-4 shown in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the lighting fixture 23-4 provided above the discharge conveyor 9-4 is radiating. Therefore, when the discharge conveyor 9-4 is illuminated by the lighting fixture 23-4, the bundle of the leek 4 that has been taken out belongs to the weight rank 4, so that the worker can remove the leek 4 bundle from the light May be supplied onto the discharge conveyor 9-4.
[0051]
In addition to the lighting fixtures 23-1 to 23-6, a display unit 24 and a speaker 25 are also provided to indicate on which discharge conveyor the bundle of leeks 4 taken out from the rank scale 8 should be supplied. . The display unit 24 can display the weight rank corresponding to the weight of the bundle of leeks 4 taken out from the rank scale 8, and the speaker 25 can notify the operator of the weight rank by voice. The worker can freely select and use one or more desired devices among the lighting devices 23-1 to 23-6, the display unit 24, and the speaker 25.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the constant weight weighing device. 26 shown in the figure is an input unit. By operating the input unit 26, the rank number n of the weight rank, the weight range of each weight rank, and the like can be input. 27 is a conveyor control part, 28 is a conveyor drive circuit, These are for driving the discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6.
[0053]
Next, the operation of the constant weight weighing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, the total target weight WT of the leeks 4 packed in one pack is set to 100 g, and the target weight C to be taken out once from the rank scale 8 is set to 50 g. First, an operator takes out a bundle of leeks 4 aiming at a target weight C = 50 g to be taken out once from a large amount of leeks placed on the rank scale 8. Then, the rank determining means determines a weight rank (for example, weight rank 4) to which the weight of the taken leek 4 belongs, and based on this determination result, a lighting apparatus (for example, the lighting apparatus 23) corresponding to the weight rank 4 is determined. -4) is turned on, and the discharge conveyor (for example, the discharge conveyor 9-4) disposed below the lighting fixture 23 is irradiated with light. The operator supplies the bundle of leeks 4 in order from the holding part close to the tip part among the empty holding parts 21 on the discharge conveyor 9 irradiated with this light. This enters a standby state. However, if there is an empty holding part 21 closer to the tip than the holding part 21 to which the bundle of leeks 4 is supplied, the discharge conveyor 9 is driven and the holding part 21 to which the bundle of leeks 4 is supplied It moves toward the tip of the discharge conveyor and stops when the detector 22 detects the bundle of leeks 4. This enters a standby state. In addition, for example, an operator may operate a switch (not shown) each time the discharge conveyor 9 for conveying the holding portion 21 supplied with the bundle of leeks 4 to the front end side is operated. You may make it drive automatically only for the predetermined time when measurement of the balance 8 is complete | finished and predetermined time passes. Thereafter, in the same manner, the operator picks up the onion aiming at the target weight C = 50 g once taken out from the green onion 4 placed on the rank scale 8, and the discharge conveyor 9 on which the lighting fixture 23 irradiates light. It continues supplying the bundle of the leek 4 taken out in order from the holding part 21 close to the tip part among the empty holding parts 21 above.
[0054]
And as shown in FIG. 1, the front-end | tip of both the discharge conveyors (9-1 and 9-6), discharge conveyors (9-3 and 9-4), or discharge conveyors (9-2 and 9-5) which face each other When the bundle of leeks 4 is being supplied to the holding unit 21 of the unit, both the discharge conveyors are driven, and a total of two bundles of leeks 4 are discharged onto the collective conveyor 16 from each tip. The two bundles of leeks 4 discharged onto the collective conveyor 16 are conveyed by the collective conveyor 16 and supplied to a subsequent packaging machine (not shown). In this way, the weight of each leek bundle discharged together on the collective conveyor 16 and supplied to the packaging machine is the weight rank (1 and 6), weight rank (3 and 4) or weight forming a predetermined set. The total weights of the ranks (2 and 5) are 100 ± 5 g as described with reference to FIG.
[0055]
As described above, according to the constant weight weighing device, since the discharge conveyor 9 to which the bundle of the leeks 4 taken out from the rank scale 8 by the operator is to be supplied is irradiated with light by the lighting fixture 23, the operator There is no need to search for the discharge conveyor 9 to which four bundles are to be supplied, and the bundle of leeks 4 can be easily and quickly supplied to the corresponding discharge conveyor 9 by using the light. Even if the lighting fixture 23 is not used, the bundle of leeks 4 can be easily and quickly supplied to the corresponding discharge conveyor 9 by viewing the weight rank displayed on the display unit 24 or listening to the sound of the speaker 25. You can also That is, since the weight ranks 1 to 6 are determined in advance for the discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6, the corresponding weights can be obtained if the weight rank of the bundle of leeks 4 can be recognized by the display unit 24 or the like. Since the rank discharge conveyor 9 can be specified, the bundle of leeks 4 can be quickly supplied to the corresponding discharge conveyor 9.
[0056]
And a bundle of leeks 4 of weight ranks to be combined such as discharge conveyors (9-1 and 9-6), discharge conveyors (9-3 and 9-4), discharge conveyors (9-2 and 9-5) Since the front ends of the pair of discharge conveyors holding the two are provided close to each other, the two bundles of leeks 4 to be combined can be discharged to one place on the collective conveyor 16, thereby The conveyance time for putting together two bundles of leeks 4 forming one set can be omitted. That is, with the conventional semi-automatic combination shown in FIG. 15, a bundle of leeks 4 from each weighing hopper 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7 is removed. When discharged on the collective conveyor 5 apart, it takes time to move the entire length of the collective conveyor 5 in order to discharge these seven bundles of leeks 4 from the collective conveyor 5. Time can be omitted. And since two bundles of leeks 4 are collected and discharged to one place on the collective conveyor 16, there is no need to bundle them again when they are discharged to the exit of the collective conveyor 16. Improvement and simplification of work can be achieved.
[0057]
However, although the lighting fixtures 23-1 to 23-6 are provided for the discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6, respectively, a configuration in which one lighting device 29 is provided instead of these lighting fixtures may be adopted. it can. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lighting device 29 includes a single lighting fixture 30 provided on an inner frame 31, and the inner frame 31 protrudes from outer surfaces of two sides parallel to each other. The shaft 32 is supported by the outer frame 33 so as to be rotatable about the shaft 32. The outer frame 33 is supported by support plates 35 and 35 so as to be rotatable about shafts 34 and 34 projecting from outer surfaces of two sides parallel to each other. The support plate 35 is fixed to the ceiling 36, for example. And each axis | shaft 34 provided in the outer frame 33 is arrange | positioned in the direction parallel to the conveyance direction 37 of the collective conveyor 16 while being parallel with respect to a ceiling surface, Each axis | shaft 32 provided in the inner frame 31 is They are arranged in parallel to the ceiling surface and in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction 37 of the collective conveyor 16. A rotating shaft 39 of a motor 38 is connected to one shaft 34 provided on the outer frame 33, and the outer frame 33 swings around a shaft 34 at a desired angle by driving the motor 38. To do. A rotating shaft 41 of a motor 40 is connected to one shaft 32 provided on the inner frame 31, and the inner frame 31 swings a desired angle about the shaft 32 by driving the motor 40. To do.
[0058]
Next, the operation of the illumination device 29 will be described. The lighting device 30 of the lighting device 29 is always lit, and the direction in which the weighing container 10 of the rank scale 8 is irradiated is the home position. First, when an operator takes out a bundle of leeks 4 aiming at a target weight C = 50 g once taken out from the rank scale 8, the rank determining means determines the weight rank, and based on this determination signal, the lighting device 29 Two motors 38 and 40 are driven. By driving the motor 38, the irradiation direction of the lighting fixture 30 is changed, and the irradiation light moves toward the discharge conveyor 9 corresponding to the target weight rank. Then, after irradiating the upper surface of the target discharge conveyor 9 for a predetermined time, it returns to the direction of irradiating the original home position. Thus, according to this illumination device 29, since the irradiation light that irradiates the home position moves toward the target discharge conveyor 9, the operator simply takes out the movement of the irradiation light with his eyes and takes it out. The discharge conveyor 9 to which the bundle of leeks 4 is to be supplied can be found, and therefore the supply of the bundle of leeks 4 to the discharge conveyor 9 can be carried out easily and quickly.
[0059]
In this constant weight weighing device, the weighing speed is determined by the speed at which the operator feeds the bundle of leeks 4 taken out from the rank scale 8 to the corresponding discharge conveyor 9, so that when the weighing speed is to be increased, 1 is arranged on the side of the discharge conveyor 9-1 shown in FIG. 1, and another operator is allowed to use this rank scale 8 in the same manner as described above. The bundle may be supplied to each of the discharge conveyors 9-1 to 9-6.
[0060]
Next, a constant weight weighing apparatus according to a second embodiment to which the above weighing theory is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The constant weight weighing device according to this embodiment corresponds to the invention according to claim 15. FIG. 7 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the constant weight weighing device. In the figure, 42 is a rank scale, 43-2, 43-3, 43-4 and 43-6 are holding hoppers, 44-1 to 44-3 are collecting hoppers, and 45-1 to 45-3 are auxiliary collecting hoppers. is there.
The rank scale 42 includes a weighing hopper 46 that holds the onion 4 that is an object to be weighed, a weighing unit that measures the weight of the leek in the weighing hopper 46, and rank determination means.
In the weighing hopper 46, a bundle of leeks 4 taken out by a worker with the aim of a target weight C = 50 g taken out once from the storage container 47 on which a large amount of leeks 4 are arranged and placed is put by the worker. It is a hopper.
[0061]
The measuring unit can measure the weight W of the bundle of leeks 4 put into the measuring hopper 46. As shown in FIG. 8, the weighing unit 11 includes a load cell 48 and a CPU (central processing unit) 49. The output signal of the load cell 48 is input to the CPU 49 via the A / D converter 14. The CPU 49 performs calculation processing to generate a measurement signal.
The rank determination means determines which weight rank of the above-described weight ranks 1 to 6 the weight (measurement signal) of the leek 4 bundle loaded into the weighing hopper 46 at a time belongs to the determination result. In addition to outputting, if it does not belong to any weight rank, it outputs a signal to that effect. The program for determining the weight rank is stored in the storage unit 50 shown in FIG. 8, and the CPU 49 determines the weight rank based on the determination program.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 7, the holding hoppers 43-2, 43-3, 43-4, 43-6, the collecting hoppers 44-1 to 44-3, and the auxiliary collecting hoppers 45-1 to 45-3 are combined with each other. Thus, the entire contour shape is formed in a diamond shape. And this rhombus is divided into a total of nine small rhombuses, and these nine small rhombuses are points that face each other among the points that equally divide the opposite sides of the large rhombus that forms the outer contour into three equal parts. It is demarcated by a total of four straight lines that connect each other and four sides of the large rhombus. Each of the three sections of one small rhombus in the upper part and two small rhombuses adjacent to the lower part of the rhombus is divided into left and right sides by a central partition plate 51 and divided into small triangles. In this way, the large rhombus is divided into six small triangles and six small rhombuses. And each section of the two small triangles in the upper first stage is formed with holding hoppers 43-3 and 43-4 for holding a bundle of leeks 4 belonging to the weight ranks 3 and 4 from the left, The sections of the four small triangles in the second lower stage are holding hoppers 43-6, 43-3, 43 for holding a bundle of leeks 4 belonging to the weight ranks 6, 3, 4, 2 from the left. -4 and 43-2 are formed, and each of the three small rhombus sections in the lower third stage is weight ranks 1 and 6, 3 and 4, 2 and 5 from the left. Collective hoppers 44-1, 44-2, 44-3 for collecting and holding a bundle of green onions 4 are formed. And the two small rhombus sections in the lower 4th row are the weight ranks (1 and 6 or 3 and 4) or both weight ranks belonging to (3 and 4 or 2 and 5) from the left. Auxiliary collecting hoppers 45-1 and 45-2 for collecting and holding a bundle of leeks 4 are formed, and one small rhombus section in the lowermost fifth stage has a weight rank (1 and 6). , (3 and 4), or (2 and 5), an auxiliary collective hopper 45-3 is formed to collect and hold a bundle of leeks 4 of both weight ranks. The bundle of leeks 4 discharged from the auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3 is directly put into a receiving part of a packaging machine (not shown).
[0063]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a bundle of leeks 4 whose weight rank has been determined by weighing with a weighing hopper 46 is passed through each holding hopper 43, collecting hopper 44, and auxiliary collecting hopper 45 corresponding to the weight rank. Gates 52-1 to 52-28 are provided at the lower positions on the left and right sides of the weighing hopper 46, and at the respective hoppers so as to be finally discharged from the lowermost auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3. Reference numerals 53-1 and 53-2 shown in FIG. The exclusion hoppers 53-1 and 53-2 are used as holding hoppers having weight ranks that have not been assigned to any weight rank and have been weighed, and to which a bundle of leeks 4 that have been weighed this time should be put. When a bundle of leeks 4 that has been weighed last time is already loaded (when full), the bundle of leeks 4 that has been weighed this time is supplied. Either one of the exclusion hoppers 53-1 and 53-2 may be omitted.
[0064]
In addition, each weight range of the weight ranks 1-6 is 35-40g, 40-45g, 45-50g, 50-55g, 55-60g, 60 ~ as shown in FIG. 5 similarly to 1st Embodiment. 65 g. However, the boundary weight of each weight rank is included in the weight rank on the lightweight side. Accordingly, the weights of the leeks held in the collecting hopper and the auxiliary collecting hopper are 100 ± 5 g as in the first embodiment, and a bundle of leeks 4 measured with this weight accuracy can be supplied to the packaging machine. it can.
[0065]
When the bundle of leeks 4 discharged from the weighing hopper 46 is put into the holding hopper 43-3 or 43-4 corresponding to the weight rank of the bundle of leeks 4, for example 3 or 4, the lower part of the holding hopper The holding hopper 43-3 or 43-4 having the same weight rank is passed through and is put into the collecting hopper 44-2 below the holding hopper 43-3 or 43-4. Then, when a bundle of two types of weight ranks 3 and 4 leeks 4 constituting the set is put into the collecting hopper 44-2, it passes through the auxiliary collecting hopper 45-1 or 45-2 provided therebelow. It is made to throw into the lowest auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3.
[0066]
When the bundle of leeks 4 discharged from the weighing hopper 46 is put into the holding hopper 43-6 corresponding to the weight rank 6 of the bundle of leeks 4, the collective hopper 44 provided below the holding hopper. −1. A bundle of leeks 4 having a weight corresponding to the weight rank 1 is also input to the collecting hopper 44-1. Then, when a bundle of two types of weight ranks 1 and 6 leeks 4 constituting the set is put into the collecting hopper 44-1, the auxiliary collecting hopper 45-1 provided therebelow is placed in the same manner as described above. It is made to pass and thrown into the lowest auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3.
[0067]
Further, if the weight rank 2 or 5 of the bundle of leeks 4 discharged from the weighing hopper 46 is set, the bundle of leeks 4 is put into the corresponding collecting hopper 44-3. Then, when a bundle of two types of weight ranks 2 and 5 leeks 4 constituting the set is put into the collecting hopper 44-3, the auxiliary collecting hopper 45-2 provided below the same is installed in the same manner as described above. It is made to pass and thrown into the lowest auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3.
[0068]
As described above, when a bundle of leeks 4 of two kinds of weight ranks constituting a set is put into the lower auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3, the leeks 4 are put into the packaging machine at a predetermined timing. It is supposed to be. However, each holding hopper is configured such that when a bundle of leeks 4 for one measurement is loaded from the weighing hopper 46, a bundle of leeks 4 for the subsequent weighing is not loaded. The hopper 44 and the auxiliary collective hopper 45 are also configured such that when one set of bundles of leeks 4 having two predetermined weight ranks is loaded, a bundle of leeks 4 for the subsequent weighing is not loaded. ing. That is, when an operator puts a bundle of leeks 4 picked up for the target weight C = 50 g to be taken out once into the weighing hopper 46, the bundles of leeks 4 having two corresponding weight ranks are automatically combined. And put into the packaging machine.
[0069]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the constant weight weighing device. 26 shown in the figure is an input unit. By operating this input unit 26, the rank number n of the weight rank, the weight range of each weight rank, and the like can be input as in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, a CPU 49 is connected to a gate drive circuit 55 via a gate control unit 54. The gate drive circuit 55 is connected to an air that opens and closes the gates 52-1 to 52-28. A drive unit (not shown) such as a cylinder is connected. The CPU 49 can drive the drive unit so as to open and close the gates 52-1 to 52-28 at a predetermined timing according to a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 50.
[0070]
Next, the operation of the constant weight weighing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, the total target weight WT of the leeks 4 packed in one pack is set to 100 g, and the target weight C to be taken out once is set to 50 g. First, the operator picks up a bundle of leeks 4 aiming at a target weight C = 50 g to be taken out once from a large amount of leeks 4 placed on the storage container 47, and takes out the bundle of leeks 4 taken out from the weighing hopper 46. In Then, when the rank determination means determines the weight rank to which the weight belongs, for example, the weight rank 1, based on the weight of the bundle of the leek 4 taken out, the gates 52-1, 52-3, 52-7, 52-14. Are opened and closed in order and the bundle of leeks 4 is put into the collecting hopper 44-1. Next, when it is determined that the weight rank of the leeks charged into the weighing hopper 46 is 6, the gates 52-1, 52-3, 52-8, 52-15 are opened and closed in order, and a bundle of the leeks 4 is opened. -1. Since the bundle of each leeks 4 belonging to the predetermined weight ranks 1 and 6 has been put into the collecting hopper 44-1, the gates 52-21 and 52-25 are sequentially opened and closed to form a set of the two bundles. Can be loaded into the lowermost auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3, and the discharge gates 52-27 and 52-28 can be opened and closed at a predetermined timing to load the leek 4 into the packaging machine.
[0071]
Similarly, when it is determined that the weight rank of the bundle of leeks 4 put into the weighing hopper 46 is 3, the gates 52-1, 52-4, 52-9, and 52-16 are opened and closed in order to open the leeks. If it is determined that the weight rank of the leeks charged into 44-2 and then charged into the weighing hopper 46 is 4, the gates 52-2, 52-5, 52-10, and 52-17 are opened and closed in order to open the leeks 4 Is put into the collecting hopper 44-2. Even when the weight rank is determined to be 2 or 5, it can be put into the collecting hopper 44-3 in the same manner. In this way, the bundle of leeks 4 put into the respective collecting hoppers 44-1 to 44-3 is opened and closed at predetermined timings in the same manner as described above, and the bundle of leeks 4 is opened and closed. Can be put into a packaging machine. The weight of each leek 4 put into the packaging machine in this way is the total weight of the weight ranks (1 and 6), (3 and 4), (2 and 5) forming a predetermined set, As described with reference to FIG.
[0072]
As described above, according to the constant weight weighing apparatus, the operator simply supplies the bundle of leeks 4 to one weighing hopper 46 in sequence, and the bundle of leeks 4 supplied to the weighing hopper 46 is automatically determined in advance. The weight ranks thus combined are combined and fed into the packaging machine at a predetermined timing from the lowermost holding hopper 45-3. This eliminates the need for the operator to search for the weighing hopper 46 into which the bundle of leeks 4 is loaded, unlike the conventional semi-automatic combination weigher shown in FIG. 15, and each of the 14 units arranged over a wide range. Since the work of putting the bundle of leeks 4 into the weighing hoppers 1-1 to 1-14 is unnecessary, the work can be performed easily and easily. That is, the measurement speed can be improved.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 7, the weighing hopper 46, the holding hopper, the collecting hopper, and the auxiliary collecting hopper are bundled with the leeks 4 at the tips of the gates 52-1 to 52-28 provided on the respective bottoms. However, the end portions of these gates are formed to be substantially straight, and the length thereof is formed to be slightly longer than the length of the leeks 4. Accordingly, the bundle of leeks 4 put into the weighing hopper 46 is sequentially put into the holding hopper, the collecting hopper, and the auxiliary collecting hopper in a bundled state along the tip of the gate and put into the packaging machine in the bundled state. be able to.
[0074]
In addition, a bundle of leeks 4 of the weight ranks (1 and 6), (3 and 4), and (2 and 5) constituting the combination is put into one auxiliary collective hopper 45-3 at the lowermost position. A bundle of leeks 4 having a weight of about 100 g can be put into the packaging machine from the auxiliary collecting hopper. Therefore, in the conventional semi-automatic combination weigher shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to omit the transportation time for gathering a plurality of bundles of leeks 4 constituting one set required in one place of the takeout position 7, The work of gathering the leeks 4 discharged to the take-out position 7 of the collective conveyor 5 can be made unnecessary, and this can also improve the measurement speed and simplify the work.
[0075]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the two auxiliary collecting hoppers 45-1 and 45-2 do not damage the bundle of leeks 4 discharged from the three collecting hoppers 44-1 to 44-3. In addition to serving to supply to the lowermost auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3 so as not to be entangled, the leeks 4 combined with the substantially total target weight TW are stored, and these leeks 4 are sequentially transferred so as not to be interrupted. It plays the role of improving the measuring speed of the constant weight measuring device by allowing it to be put into the packaging machine from the lower auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3. However, in order to simplify the structure, the two auxiliary collecting hoppers 45-1 and 45-2 are omitted, and a bundle of leeks 4 discharged from each of the three collecting hoppers 44-1 to 44-3. The chute may be provided above the lowermost auxiliary collecting hopper so that it can be received by the lowermost auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3.
[0076]
Of course, as shown in FIG. 7, the holding hoppers 43-3 and 43-4 for holding the bundles of the weight onions 4 to be combined are provided adjacent to each other, but may be provided at positions separated from each other. In short, the holding hopper and the collecting hopper may be connected so that the bundle of the leek 4 having the weight rank to be combined can be put into the collecting hoppers 44-1 to 44-3.
[0077]
In the second embodiment, the three auxiliary collecting hoppers 45-1 to 45-3 are provided. However, the three auxiliary collecting hoppers are omitted, and three auxiliary collecting hoppers are provided as shown in FIG. The collective conveyor 16 may be provided below the collective hoppers 44-1 to 44-3, or as shown in FIG. 9B, below the collective hoppers 44-1 to 44-3. Alternatively, the bucket conveyor 56 may be provided. Each bucket 57 is loaded with the leeks 4 combined with the substantially total target weight TW.
[0078]
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The constant weight weighing device of the third embodiment includes holding hoppers 43-6, 43-3, 43-4, 43-2 and collecting hoppers 44-1 to 44-44 of the constant weight weighing device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, holding hoppers 43-1, 43-6, 43-3 equivalent to the above for holding a bundle of leeks 4 of weights belonging to the respective weight ranks 1, 6, 3, 4, 2, , 43-4, 43-2, 43-5 are provided for each weight rank, and other than this is the same as the second embodiment, and operates in the same manner. As described above, the purpose of increasing the holding hopper 43 is that each holding hopper corresponding to a bundle of leeks 4 in which a combination cannot be established in a situation where the probability of combining a bundle of leeks 4 having a predetermined weight rank is reduced. This is because the bundle of leeks 4 stored in these holding hoppers can be discharged in a situation where the probability of combination is increased. Thereby, the operation rate of this constant weight weighing apparatus can be increased. In addition, the gate provided in this extended holding hopper 43 opens and closes at an appropriate timing similarly to the gate provided in the holding hopper of the second embodiment.
[0079]
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The difference between the constant weight weighing device of the fourth embodiment and the constant weight weighing device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is that the second embodiment has a configuration in which one rank scale 42 is provided. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, two rank scales 42 are provided, and a bundle of green onions 4 that are weighed by the weighing hoppers 46 and 46 constituting the two rank scales 42 and whose weight rank is determined It is a configuration in which the packaging machine is put through the holding hopper, the collecting hopper, and the auxiliary collecting hopper equivalent to those in the second embodiment. Since other than this is the same as that of the second embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0080]
According to the constant weight weighing device of the fourth embodiment, since two weighing hoppers 46 (rank scales 42) are provided, the weighing capacity of the leek 4 bundle is increased to about twice that of the constant weight weighing device of the second embodiment. be able to.
[0081]
A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The difference between the constant weight weighing device of the fifth embodiment and the constant weight weighing device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is that the arrangement of the weighing hopper 46 and the holding hopper is changed. Since other than this is the same as that of the second embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
That is, in the constant weight weighing device of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the weighing hopper 46 is provided above the collective hopper 44-3 for holding the bundle of the leeks 4 of the weight ranks 3 and 4. Seven holding hoppers 43-4 are provided vertically to hold a bundle of weight onions 4 belonging to the weight rank 4 between the collecting hopper 44-3 and the weighing hopper 46 and on the right side. Holding hoppers 43-3, 43-5, 43-2, 43- for holding a bundle of leeks 4 of weights belonging to weight ranks 3, 5, 2, 6, 1 on the left side of the seven holding hoppers. 6, 43-1 are provided in order of 6 units, 5 units, 4 units, 3 units, and 2 units. Note that five sorting gates 58 are provided at the upper end of each row of the holding hoppers corresponding to the weight ranks 3, 5, 2, 6, 1, and the sorting gates 58 are discharged from the weighing hopper 46. The bundles of onions 4 can be distributed to the corresponding holding hoppers of weight ranks 3, 5, 2, 6, 1.
[0082]
According to the constant-weight weighing device configured in this way, as shown in FIG. 12, the holding hopper 43, the collecting hopper 44, and the auxiliary collecting hopper 45 are not provided between the operator and the weighing hopper 46. The operator can easily put the leek 4 bundle into the weighing hopper 46, thereby increasing the number of times the leek 4 bundle is thrown into the weighing hopper 46 per hour. As a result, the weighing speed is improved. be able to.
[0083]
Then, as in the second embodiment, when the operator puts in the weighing hopper 46 a bundle of leeks 4 that has been picked up by the operator with a target weight C (= 50 g) taken out once, the leeks The weight rank of the four bundles is judged, and the bundle of the leeks 4 is put into the uppermost holding hopper corresponding to the weight rank. The bundle of leeks thrown into the holding hopper at the uppermost end is thrown into the collective hopper provided below by opening and closing each gate, and the bundle of leeks 4 having two predetermined weight ranks is thrown into the collective hopper. Then, the gate of the collecting hopper opens and closes, and is put into the packaging machine at a predetermined timing via the lowermost auxiliary collecting hopper 45-3. In addition, when a bundle of leeks 4 having a weight rank to be put into the holding hopper and the collection hopper is discharged from the weighing hopper 46 in a state where the leeks are not discharged from the holding hopper and the collection hopper, the bundles of the leeks 4 are sequentially removed. 53-1 can be stored.
[0084]
A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment includes a subtractive rank scale 8, a mounting table 59, and a collective conveyor 60.
The subtractive rank scale 8 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the operator aims at the weighing container 10 on which a large amount of leeks 4 are placed and the target weight C = 50 g to be taken out once. A weighing unit 11 (not shown in the figure) that measures the weight W of the leek 4 bundle taken out when the leek 4 bundle is taken out from the weighing container 10 and taken out at one time. The weight of the leek 4 is determined as to which of the weight ranks 1 to 6 the weight rank belongs to, and the determination result is output, and if it does not belong to any of the weight ranks, a signal indicating that is given. Rank determination means for outputting.
The subtractive rank scale 8 is provided with a display unit 24 and a speaker 25 equivalent to those in the first embodiment. The display unit 24 can display the weight rank corresponding to the weight of the bundle of leeks 4 taken out from the rank scale 8, and the speaker 25 can notify the operator of the weight rank by voice.
[0085]
The mounting table 59 is a table for placing a bundle of spring onions 4 whose weight rank has been determined. The upper surface of the mounting table 59 has weight ranks 1, 6, 3, 4 from the left as shown in FIG. .. Are divided into six sections 62-1 to 62-6 by partition bars 61,... So that the bundles of leeks 4 belonging to 2, 5 can be placed one by one. In these six sections, sections of weight ranks (1 and 6), (3 and 4), and (2 and 5) that are combined with each other are arranged next to each other. These sections 62-1 to 62-6 of the mounting table 59 are holding means.
[0086]
The collective conveyor 60 is a belt conveyor, and as shown in FIG. 13, a large number of rubber partition plates 63 spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the direction parallel to the pulleys on the conveyor belt conveyance surface.・ Projected. A bundle of leeks 4 of a weight rank constituting a predetermined set is supplied to a receiving portion formed by two partition plates 63 and 63 adjacent to each other on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt. The collective conveyor 60 is the receiving means according to claim 5.
[0087]
Next, a procedure for weighing the leeks of the total target weight TW (= 100 g) using the constant weight weighing device will be described. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, one worker is arranged on the side of the rank scale 8 and one person is placed between the placing table 59 and the collective conveyor 60. First, the operator 64 picks out the green onions 4 collected on the rank scale 8 once and picks up a bundle of green onions 4 having a weight close to the target weight C of 50 g. Then, the weight rank of the bundle of leek 4 taken up, for example, the weight rank 3 is displayed on the display unit 24, so that the display 62 shows six weight rank sections 62 determined in advance on the upper surface of the mounting table 59. -1 to 62-6 are placed in the section 62-3 corresponding to the weight rank 3 of the bundle of leeks 4. When the bundle of leeks 4 whose weight rank is determined in this way are sequentially placed on the placing table 59, another worker 65 pre-loads the bundle of leeks 4 placed on the placing table 59. The determined weight ranks (1 and 6), (3 and 4) or (2 and 5) are lifted together by hand and sequentially supplied to empty receiving portions formed in the rear conveyor 60. By sequentially performing this, the green onions 4 having a total weight of 100 ± 5 g can be weighed and sent out by the collective conveyor 60.
[0088]
This constant-weight weighing device can omit six discharge conveyors as compared with that of the first embodiment, thereby simplifying the structure of the device and reducing the cost of the device.
[0089]
However, in 1st thru | or 6th embodiment, the average weight of the bundle | flux of each leek 4 by which the weight rank shown in FIG. 5 was determined is a weight range (35-65g) predetermined with respect to the weight ranks 1-6. When the center weight C is deviated from the center weight C (= 50 g) to the heavy side or the light side, the bundles of the leeks belonging to (1 and 6), (3 and 4), and (2 and 5) in the predetermined weight rank combinations There is a difference in the number, and what remains on the discharge conveyor 9 or the holding hopper 43 without being combined increases, and this constant weight weighing device may eventually be stopped. Therefore, in order to avoid such inconvenience, when the average weight of each leek 4 bundle whose weight rank is determined is equal to or more than a predetermined upper limit weight on the heavy side of the center weight C (= 50 g), Or when it becomes below the predetermined lower limit weight on the lighter side, it is good to make it the structure which is displayed on the display part 24, and is alerted by the speaker 25 to notify an operator. The display unit 24 and the speaker 25 are alarm means. With such a configuration, the weight of the bundle of leeks 4 picked up from the rank scale 8 or the weight of the bundle of leeks 4 put into the weighing hopper 46 by the operator watching this display or listening to an alarm is expressed as the center weight C ( = 50 g), it is possible to prevent the constant-weight weighing device from stopping, and thus to prevent the weighing speed from being lowered. It should be noted that the weight of the leek 4 bundle picked up from the rank scale 8 by the operator or the leek 4 put into the weighing hopper 46 so that the weight of the leek 4 bundle can be brought close to the center weight C (= 50 g). The weight of the bundle is displayed on the display unit 24, and the operator can adjust the weight of the bundle of the onion 4 by looking at this display.
[0090]
And in 1st thru | or 6th embodiment, when an operator supplies the bundle | flux of the onion 4 by which the weight rank was determined by the rank scale 8 to the discharge conveyor 9 corresponding to the weight rank of the bundle of the onion 4 In this state, a bundle of leeks 4 is supplied to all the holding portions 21 of the discharge conveyor 9, and there may occur a situation in which the bundle of leeks 4 cannot be supplied to the discharge conveyor 9. Also, the weight rank of the bundle of leeks 4 put into the weighing hopper 46 is determined, and when the bundle of leeks 4 is put into the corresponding holding hopper 43, the bundle of leeks 4 is supplied to all of the holding hoppers 43. In some cases, the bundle of leeks 4 cannot be put into the holding hopper 43. When such a situation occurs, the constant weight weighing device may be stopped. Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, when a bundle of leeks 4 of one weight rank constituting a set of predetermined weight ranks is weighed, the other weight rank (insufficient) The weight rank to be displayed) may be displayed on the display unit 24, or the speaker 25 may be notified by voice through the speaker 25. The display unit 24 and the speaker 25 are output means according to claim 10. With this configuration, the operator can adjust the weight of the bundle of leeks 4 picked up from the rank scale 8 by seeing this display or listening to the voice, or the weight of the bundle of leeks 4 put into the weighing hopper 46. The bundle of leeks 4 of the weight rank displayed on the display unit 24 can be put into the holding hopper 43 from the discharge conveyor 9 or the weighing hopper 46. As a result, a bundle of leeks 4 having two predetermined weight ranks is prepared, so that it can be discharged. Thereby, the stop of the constant-weight weighing device can be avoided, and the weighing speed can be improved.
[0091]
Further, in the first to sixth embodiments, the rank width for expanding or reducing the width of the respective weight ranges of each weight rank in accordance with the expansion or reduction of the weight variation of the leek 4 of each bundle whose weight rank is determined. It can be set as the structure which provided the change means. The rank width changing means is the rank width changing means according to claim 9. That is, the rank width changing means automatically sets the measured value of the one leek 4 picked up from the rank scale 8 or the measured value of the one leek 4 loaded into the weighing hopper 46 by a preset number of times of measurement. And the standard deviation σ of the stored measurement value is calculated, for example, 3σ (set within the range of 2σ to 3σ) is regarded as the entire variation R, and then R is divided by a preset number of weight ranks, for example, 6 (= n), and the setting is automatically changed as the width of the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks 1 to 6. This can be expressed as an expression:
Weight range width e = R / n = 3σ / n
It becomes. However, in the case of an average system, it is not necessary to change the center weight C because the total target weight TW = the center weight C. However, in the case of a minimum system,
Center weight C = TW + e / 2
So, if you substitute the above formula,
Center weight C = TW + (3σ) / (2n)
Thus, the center weight C is automatically changed by the amount of change of σ.
For simplicity, instead of calculating the standard deviation σ, it is possible to use R as a variation in the measured value obtained by measuring several tens of times set in advance.
[0092]
By configuring in this way, for example, when the variation in the measured value of the bundle of leek 4 for which the weight rank is determined is expanded and a bundle of leek 4 that does not belong to any weight rank is measured, each weight rank Probability that the combination of leeks 4 constituting a predetermined combination of weight ranks can be discharged by expanding the width of each weight range of 1 to 6 so that the measured value belongs to one of the weight ranks Can be prevented, thereby preventing the measurement efficiency from being lowered. Then, when the variation in the measurement value is reduced due to the operator's familiarity and the articles belonging to the weight rank 6 or the weight rank 1 are hardly measured, for example, the width of the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks 1 to 6 is reduced. Make sure that the weight value belongs to each weight rank. And by reducing the width of the weight range of each weight rank in this way, the variation in the total weight value of the bundle of combined onions 4 can be reduced by the reduced amount, thereby improving the weighing accuracy. Can be achieved.
[0093]
Further, in the first to sixth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the widths of the respective weight ranges of the weight ranks 1 to 6 are all set to 5 g, but as shown in FIG. 4 is integrated into one weight rank (3-4), the width of the weight range of this weight rank (3-4) is 10 g, and the width of the weight range of the other weight ranks 1, 2, 5, 6 is 5 g. The configuration may be as follows. That is, the weight range of the center weight rank (3-4) is set to 45 to 55 g. In this case, a bundle of leeks 4 having a total target weight TW (= 100 g) is formed by combining two bundles of leeks 4 having weights belonging to the weight rank (3-4). Even in this case, the total weight of the combined leek 4 is 100 ± 5 g, which is the same as in the above embodiment. In other words, in the first to sixth embodiments, even if a bundle of leeks 4 belonging to one of the weight ranks 3 and 4 is weighed twice or more, the same type of leeks of the same weight rank are assembled. Although it cannot be discharged at the same time, with the above configuration, when a green onion belonging to one of the weight ranks 3 and 4 is weighed two or more times, a green onion of the same weight rank is assembled. It can be discharged together. As a result, the measurement efficiency is improved, the measurement speed can be increased, and the measurement accuracy is not lowered.
[0094]
Next, a case where the weight ranks 3 and 4 are integrated into one weight rank (3-4) in the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the weight rank 3 corresponds to the discharge conveyor 9-3 and the weight rank 4 corresponds to the discharge conveyor 9-4, but both the discharge conveyors 9-3 and 9-4 are connected to one. Corresponding to the weight rank (3-4), when a bundle of leeks 4 belonging to this weight rank (3-4) is weighed, the bundle of leeks 4 is alternately placed on the discharge conveyors 9-3 and 9-4. When a bundle of leeks 4 is conveyed to the tips of both discharge conveyors 9-3 and 9-4, the two bundles of leeks 4 are discharged onto the collective conveyor 16.
[0095]
As another example, one of the two discharge conveyors 9-3 and 9-4 corresponding to the weight ranks 3 and 4 shown in FIG. 1, for example, the discharge conveyor 9-3 is omitted and left. A bundle of leeks 4 belonging to the weight rank (3-4) may be supplied to the discharge conveyor 9-4. In this case, two bundles of the weighed green onions 4 are supplied to each holding unit 21 of the discharge conveyor 9-4, and the holding unit in which the two bundles of green onions 4 are accommodated at the tip of the discharge conveyor 9-4. When the 21 is conveyed, the two bundles of leeks 4 are discharged onto the collective conveyor 16. In addition, in order to determine whether 1 bundle of leeks 4 is supplied into the holding unit 21 moving to the tip of the discharge conveyor 9-4 or 2 bundles are supplied, the leeks 4 in the holding unit 21 are determined. It is assumed that a detector for detecting the bulk (height) is provided.
[0096]
Next, a case where the weight ranks 3 and 4 are integrated into one weight rank (3-4) in the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the weight rank 3 corresponds to the two holding hoppers 43-3 and the weight rank 4 corresponds to the two holding hoppers 43-4. 3 and 43-4 correspond to the weight rank (3-4), and when a bundle of leeks 4 belonging to this weight rank (3-4) is weighed, the bundle of leeks 4 is attached to the holding hopper 43-3. 43-4 are alternately inserted into the holding hoppers 43-3 and 43-4, and when the bundle of leeks 4 is introduced into the holding hopper 43-3, the two leeks 4 are introduced into the collecting hopper 44-2. It is made to supply to a packaging machine via 45-3.
[0097]
As another example, two bundles of leeks 4 belonging to the weight rank (3-4) are put into the holding hoppers 43-3 and 43-4 corresponding to the weight ranks 3 and 4 shown in FIG. Also good. In this case, when two bundles of leeks are put into the holding hopper 43-3 or 43-4, the two bundles of leeks 4 are put into the collecting hopper 44-2. In addition, in order to determine whether one bundle of leek 4 is loaded into each holding hopper 43-3, 43-4 or two bundles are supplied, the number of times of loading is stored in the storage unit and the loading is performed twice. When there is, it is put into the collecting hopper 44-2.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
  First and secondAccording to the constant weight weighing method according to the invention, since the article is held for each weight rank, the holding position to which the article whose weight rank has been determined is determined, and therefore the article is quickly moved to the holding position to be supplied. There is an effect that can be supplied to. Then, since the articles of the weight rank constituting the predetermined set are discharged, the articles constituting the set are stored by holding the weight rank articles constituting the set close to each other. It can be discharged in one place in a bundled state, so that the transportation time for putting together a set of articles in one place can be omitted, and there is no need to bundle them again. There is an effect that speed can be improved and work can be simplified.
[0099]
  5th and 6th inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the present invention, since the article is held by the holding means corresponding to each weight rank, the holding means to which the article whose weight rank is determined is determined, and therefore the article should be supplied. There is an effect that it can be quickly supplied to the holding means. Since the articles having the weight rank constituting the predetermined set are discharged from the holding means, the holding means for holding the articles having the weight rank constituting the set are provided close to each other, so that these sets are arranged. Can be discharged in one place in a bundled state, so that it is possible to omit the transport time for collecting one set of articles in one place and to bundle them again Therefore, there is an effect that the measurement speed can be improved and the operation can be simplified.
[0100]
  3rd and 4th inventionConstant weight weighing deviceIsFor example, the operator can take out the articles constituting the set from the corresponding holding means and supply them to the receiving means, thereby providing a simple constant weight weighing device in which the discharging means is omitted.
[0101]
  7th inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing device according to the present invention, the alarm signal is output when the difference between the average weighing value of the article and the preset center weight is equal to or larger than the predetermined weight difference. The number of measurement values belonging to each of the two weight ranks in the heavy side and the light side can be made substantially equal to each other. As a result, it is possible to increase the probability that a set of articles whose total weight is equal to or close to the target weight can be discharged, so that the measurement efficiency can be improved, and thus the measurement speed can be increased. And since measurement efficiency improves, a worker's labor can be reduced.
[0102]
  Eighth inventionThe constant weight weighing device according to the present invention is configured to expand or reduce the width of each weight range of each weight rank in accordance with the expansion or contraction of the variation in the measured value of the article. Therefore, for example, when an overweight or underweight article that does not belong to any weight rank is weighed due to an increase in the variation of the weight value, the weight value is increased by expanding the width of each weight range of each weight rank. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the probability of discharging a set of articles whose total weight is equal to or close to the target weight so as to belong to any weight rank, thereby preventing a decrease in measuring efficiency. Can do. Then, when the variation of the weighing value is reduced and the articles belonging to the maximum weight rank and the minimum weight rank are hardly weighed, for example, the weight range width of each weight rank is reduced and the weighing value belongs to each weight rank. To be. And by reducing the width of the weight range of each weight rank in this way, the variation in the total weight of the articles combined into one can be reduced by the reduced amount, thereby improving the weighing accuracy. Can be planned.
[0103]
  Ninth inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the present invention, when there is an insufficient article among the articles constituting the combination of the predetermined weight ranks, a signal indicating the weight rank to which the insufficient article belongs is output when the holding means cannot discharge. The means outputs. Accordingly, by displaying the output signal on the display means, for example, the operator looks at the weight rank displayed on the display means, and the weight of the article to be weighed after the next time is displayed on the display means. The weight of the articles supplied to the weighing means can be adjusted so as to be the weight belonging to the rank, whereby the articles belonging to the insufficient weight rank will be weighed, and each article constituting a predetermined set Can be discharged from the holding means. As a result, it is possible to prevent the constant weight weighing device from stopping due to the holding means being full because the article cannot be discharged.
[0104]
  10th inventionAccording to the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the present invention, since the holding means for storing the articles discharged as one set is provided close to each other, the articles constituting the set are assembled from the holding means. Can be discharged in one place. As a result, the transport time for transporting the article to the discharge position can be shortened, and when packaging the article, for example, it is not necessary to bundle or bundle it again, so that the labor and time of the bundle and collect work are reduced. There is an effect that it can be eliminated. And the articles | goods discharged | emitted in the state gathered from the holding means can be supplied to a packaging machine in the gathered state.
[0105]
That is, in the conventional semi-automatic combination weigher shown in FIG. 15, for example, when the leeks 4 in the four weighing hoppers 1-1 to 1-7 are selected as combinations and discharged onto the collective conveyor 5, these leeks 4 is distributed over substantially the entire area from the right end to the left end of the collective conveyor 5, so it takes a long time to transfer the green onions 4 to the discharge position 7, and the transfer efficiency is poor. From the right end to the left end of the collective conveyor 5 When the leeks 4 dispersed over substantially the entire area are conveyed to the discharge position 7 by the collective conveyor 5, it is also necessary for the operator to combine the four bundles of the leeks 4 into one. On the other hand, according to the eleventh invention, since the articles constituting one set can be discharged together in one place, the transportation time can be shortened, and the trouble of collecting the articles is reduced. There is also an effect that does not take.
[0106]
  Eleventh and twelfth inventionsThe constant weight weighing device5th and 6th inventionThe same effect as the constant weight weighing device according to the present invention is achieved.
[0107]
According to the constant weight weighing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, since the discharge conveyor to which the article whose weight rank is determined by the rank determining means is to be supplied is configured to emit light, the operator is displayed on the display unit, for example. There is no need to see the weight rank, and the article may be supplied to the discharge conveyor irradiated with light. As a result, it is possible to easily find the discharge conveyor to which the article is to be supplied, so that the operation becomes easy.
[0108]
According to the constant weight weighing device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the operator can very easily find the discharge conveyor to which the article is to be supplied by following the direction in which the light that irradiates the predetermined portion moves. Therefore, the operator can supply the article very easily to the corresponding discharge conveyor to which the article is to be supplied.
[0109]
  A constant weight weighing device according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is:5th and 6th inventionThe same effect as the constant weight weighing device according to the present invention is achieved.
[0110]
According to the constant weight weighing device according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the holding hoppers accommodating the articles discharged as one set are provided close to each other, and the articles discharged from the holding hopper are received by the collecting hopper. Since it is set as the structure hold | maintained, the articles | goods which comprise a group can be discharged | emitted in one place in the state put together by the desired timing from the collection hopper. As a result, when a packaging machine is provided at the subsequent stage of the constant-weight weighing device, articles of constant weight can be supplied to the packaging machine for each group at an appropriate timing.
[0111]
According to the constant weight weighing device according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, since the articles accommodated in the collective hopper can be received and stored in the auxiliary collective hopper, for example, a packaging machine is provided at the subsequent stage of the constant weight weighing device. When it is provided, when the weighing speed of the constant weight weighing device becomes faster than the packaging speed of the packaging machine, surplus articles can be stored in the auxiliary collecting hopper, and the constant weight weighing device When the weighing speed becomes lower than the packaging speed of the packaging machine, the articles in the auxiliary collecting hopper can be supplied, thereby improving the operation rate of the constant weight weighing device and the packaging machine.
[0112]
According to the constant weight weighing device according to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, since the non-ranked article can be supplied to the exclusion hopper and stored, it is not necessary to take out the non-ranked article put into the weighing hopper, and sequentially A new article can be weighed, thereby shortening the stop time of the constant weight weighing apparatus and improving the operating rate.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a constant weight weighing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the constant weight weighing device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the constant weight weighing device according to the first embodiment.
4A and 4B show another example of a lighting fixture provided in the constant weight weighing device according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view, and FIG. 4B is a bottom view.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing combinations of weight ranks set in advance in the constant weight weighing device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the constant weight weighing device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a constant weight weighing device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the constant weight weighing device according to the second embodiment.
9A is a view showing an example in which the auxiliary collective hopper of the constant weight weighing device according to the second embodiment is omitted, and FIG. 9B is a view showing still another example.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a constant weight weighing device according to a third embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a constant weight weighing device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a constant weight weighing device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a constant weight weighing device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a view showing another example of combinations of weight ranks preset in the constant weight weighing device according to the invention.
15A is a plan view of a conventional semi-automatic combination weigher, FIG. 15B is a transverse sectional view of the combination weigher, and FIG. 15C is a longitudinal sectional view of the combination weigher.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 rank scale
9 Discharge conveyor
10 Weighing container
11 Weighing section
12 Load cell
16 Assembly conveyor
20 Partition plate
21 Holding part
22 Detector
23 Lighting equipment
24 display
29 Lighting equipment

Claims (18)

Based on a predetermined center weight, a plurality of the same number of weight ranks are determined in advance on the heavy side and the light side, respectively, and the weight ranges of the respective weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side are the center. Preliminarily determined so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the weight, a step of determining a weight rank to which the weight of the article belongs among the plurality of weight ranks, and a step of holding each article for each weight rank; Discharging the articles belonging to each of the two weight ranks that are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the light side so that the total weight of the articles is equal to or close to the target weight. Constant weight weighing method. The center weight rank determined to include a predetermined center weight and the same number of weight ranks in advance on the heavy weight side and the light weight side on the basis of the central weight rank, and the above-mentioned heavy weight The weight ranges of the weight ranks on the side and the light weight side are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. Each of the two weighted and lightweight sides in a symmetrical relationship so that the total weight of the articles is at or near the target weight. Discharging the article belonging to the weight rank or the article belonging to the central weight rank. A weighing means for weighing the article, and a plurality of the same number of weight ranks on the heavy side and the lightweight side, respectively, on the basis of a predetermined center weight, and the above-mentioned weights on the heavy side and the lightweight side. Rank determination means for determining a weight rank to which the weight of the weighed article belongs among the plurality of weight ranks, and the weight ranges of the weight ranks are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. And a holding means provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the corresponding weight rank article, and the heavy side and the light side of the weight are symmetrical to each other so that the total weight of the article is equal to or close to the target weight. A constant weight weighing apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving, from the holding means, articles belonging to two weight ranks having a relationship as a set . Weighing means for measuring the weight of an article, a center weight rank determined to include a predetermined center weight, and a plurality of weight ranks on the heavier side and the lighter side on the basis of the center weight rank. The weight ranges are determined in advance so that the weight ranges of the heavy weight side and the light weight side are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central weight. Among them, rank determining means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the measured article belongs, holding means provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the article of the corresponding weight rank, and the total weight of the articles is the target weight or it. A set of articles belonging to the two weight ranks or the articles belonging to the central weight rank, which are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the lightweight side, so that the weights are close to each other. Constant weighing apparatus characterized by comprising: a receiving means for receiving from said holding means and. A weighing means for weighing the article, and a plurality of the same number of weight ranks on the heavy side and the lightweight side, respectively, on the basis of a predetermined center weight, and the above-mentioned weights on the heavy side and the lightweight side. Rank determination means for determining a weight rank to which the weight of the weighed article belongs among the plurality of weight ranks, and the weight ranges of the weight ranks are determined in advance so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center weight. And a holding means provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the corresponding weight rank article, and the heavy side and the light side of the weight are symmetrical to each other so that the total weight of the article is equal to or close to the target weight. A constant weight weighing apparatus comprising: discharge means for discharging articles belonging to two weight ranks in relation as a set from the holding means. A metering means for metering a weight of the article, the central weight rank and the same number of weight categories in each plurality of the center weight classes heavy side and light side and heavy than in the reference defined to include a predetermined center weight The weight ranges are determined in advance so that the weight ranges of the heavy weight side and the light weight side are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central weight. Among them, rank determining means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the measured article belongs, holding means provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the article of the corresponding weight rank, and the total weight of the articles is the target weight or it. A set of articles belonging to the two weight ranks or the articles belonging to the central weight rank, which are symmetrical to each other on the heavy side and the lightweight side, so that the weights are close to each other. To constant weight metering device, characterized by comprising, a discharge means for discharging from said holding means. 7. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6 , wherein an alarm signal is output when a difference between an average measured value of articles weighed by the weighing means and the center weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined weight difference. A constant weight weighing apparatus provided with an alarm means for outputting   8. The constant weight weighing device according to claim 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the width of each weight range of each of the weight ranks according to an increase or decrease in variation of the measured value of the weighed article by the weighing means. A constant weight weighing device provided with rank width changing means for enlarging or reducing the size. 9. The constant weight weighing device according to claim 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 , wherein when there is no combination of articles to be discharged from the holding means as the one set, the combination is insufficient. A constant weight weighing apparatus comprising output means for outputting a signal indicating the weight rank to which an article belongs. 10. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 , wherein each of the corresponding weight ranks constituting the combination in which the total weight of the articles becomes a target weight or a weight close to the target weight. A constant weight weighing device characterized in that holding means are provided close to each other. A weighing means for weighing the article, and a plurality of the same number of weight ranks on the heavy side and the light side, respectively, on the basis of a predetermined center weight, Rank determination means for determining a weight rank to which the weight of the weighed article belongs among the plurality of weight ranks. And a holding portion that is provided corresponding to the weight rank and to which the articles of the corresponding weight rank are supplied. A combination of articles belonging to two weight ranks that are symmetrical to each other is determined in advance, and when the articles constituting these weight rank combinations are supplied to the holding section, the holding sections Constant weighing apparatus characterized by comprising a discharge conveyor for discharging the supplied articles to the holding portion, a by conveying distally. Weighing means for measuring the weight of an article, a center weight rank determined to include a predetermined center weight, and a plurality of weight ranks on the heavier side and the lighter side on the basis of the center weight rank. A plurality of weight ranks, and the weight ranges of the heavy weight side and the light weight side are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central weight rank. Rank determining means for determining the weight rank to which the weight of the weighed article belongs, and a holding unit provided corresponding to the weight rank and supplied with the article of the corresponding weight rank, the total weight of the articles being the target A combination of articles belonging to each of the two weight ranks having a symmetric relationship between the heavy side and the light side is determined in advance so that the weight is close to or close to the weight. Discharge conveyor that discharges the articles supplied to the holding unit by conveying the holding unit to the tip side when the articles constituting the combination of the links or the articles belonging to the central weight rank are supplied to the holding unit And a constant-weight weighing device. 13. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that a light emitting means for irradiating light to the discharge conveyor to which the article whose weight rank is determined by the rank determining means is provided is provided. Constant weight weighing device. Old claim 13   14. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the weight rank of the article is determined by the rank determining means, the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting means irradiates a predetermined predetermined position. A constant weight weighing apparatus characterized in that it moves in the direction of irradiating the discharge conveyor to which articles are to be supplied. 7. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 3, 4, 5, or 6 , wherein the holding means is a holding hopper.   16. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the holding hoppers corresponding to a combination of weight ranks in which the total weight of the articles is equal to or close to the target weight are provided close to each other, and below the holding hoppers forming these sets. A constant weight weighing device characterized in that a collecting hopper to which articles are supplied from these holding hoppers is provided.   17. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein an auxiliary collecting hopper to which articles are supplied from the collecting hopper is provided below the collecting hopper.   18. The constant weight weighing apparatus according to claim 15, 16 or 17, further comprising an exclusion hopper that is supplied with a weighed article of unranked weight that does not belong to any of the weight ranks. Weighing device.

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