JP5203813B2 - Weighing and packaging system and combination weigher - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weigher, and a weighing and packaging system including both a combination weigher and a packaging machine, and in particular, the amount of an object to be weighed in a dispersion feeder that disperses an object to be weighed supplied from the outside in the combination weigher. The present invention relates to a technique for optimal control.

  Conventionally, a combination weigher and a packaging machine are constructed as a weighing and packaging system by combining them. The combination weigher provided in the weighing and packaging system variously combines the weighing values of the objects to be weighed in a plurality of weighing containers, and selects and selects the combination with the total weight closest to the target weight from these combinations. The object to be weighed is discharged from the combination container. The packaging machine sequentially packages the objects to be weighed discharged from the combination weigher.

  The operation of a general combination weigher will be briefly described. First, the object to be weighed is supplied to the apex of the conical dispersion feeder by the supply feeder. The weighed material supplied to the dispersion feeder is dispersed and conveyed to a plurality of linear feeders arranged radially around the dispersion feeder, and then is fed into the weighing hopper (measuring container) via the supply hopper. Each weighing hopper weighs the object to be weighed, and the weighing result is output to the control unit. Based on the measurement result, the control unit selects the optimum combination of the weighing hoppers in which the weight of the weighing object becomes the target weight, and releases the object to be weighed held with respect to the selected weighing hopper. Instructions are given. The objects to be weighed released from the weighing hopper in response to the instruction from the control unit are collected by the collecting chute and then put into the packaging machine through the discharge chute and packed into one bag.

  In the combination weigher, an object to be weighed in an amount substantially equal to the target weight is consumed in one cycle by the above-described operation. Therefore, if the amount of the objects to be weighed supplied to the dispersion feeder during that time is equal to the target weight, there is no excess or deficiency downstream from the linear feeder, and the combination weigher operates most efficiently and stably. Therefore, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose a combination weigher that controls the amount of an object to be weighed in a dispersion feeder. In these, the layer thickness of the objects to be weighed on the dispersion feeder is kept almost constant by controlling the amount of the objects to be weighed supplied to the dispersion feeder.

  The combination weigher described in Patent Document 1 includes a level detector that detects that the object to be weighed has reached the allowable upper limit and that the object to be weighed has fallen below the allowable lower limit above the dispersion feeder. The control unit starts the operation of the supply feeder when it is detected that the object to be weighed has fallen below the allowable lower limit, and the operation of the supply feeder is detected when the object to be weighed has reached the allowable upper limit. Is configured to stop.

In addition, the combination weigher described in Patent Document 2 includes a weighing device that measures the weight (dispersed weight) of an object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder, and is weighed from the dispersion feeder based on the weight measured by the weighing device. Obtaining the amount of material to be carried out, changing the distributed weight target value so that the amount of the object to be weighed from the distributed feeder becomes the target weight, and controlling the supply feeder on / off based on the distributed weight target value It is configured.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-179616 JP 2004-163301 A

  By the way, there exists a thing of the form which performs the combination calculation of several sets simultaneously, and discharges the to-be-measured object each combined with the target weight from several discharge chute in the combination scale. A weighing and packaging system equipped with such a combination weigher is equipped with a plurality of packaging machines according to the number of discharge chutes of the combination weigher. However, such as production planning, packaging machine troubles, replacement of packaging machine wrapping paper, etc. Certain packaging machines may be temporarily suspended due to maintenance. At this time, in the combination weigher described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, feedback control is performed so that the objects to be weighed on the dispersion feeder maintain a predetermined amount. However, there is a time lag of several times during this period, and the combination weighing between these times may become excessive or insufficient, or the dispersibility of the dispersion feeder may deteriorate. The combination weighing accuracy is significantly reduced. In particular, as the target weight is larger, the reduction of the combination weighing accuracy becomes obvious.

  However, the supply amount of the weighing object to the dispersion feeder of the combination weigher is not adjusted for the fluctuation of the consumption amount of the weighing object due to the change of the operation state of the packaging machine (stopping / resuming operation, etc.). It was.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in a weighing and packaging system including a combination weigher and a plurality of packaging machines, the combination weigher is distributed according to the operating state of the packaging machine. By adjusting the supply amount of the objects to be weighed to the feeder (dispersing section), it is possible to prevent the dispersion feeder from deteriorating immediately after the number of operating packaging machines fluctuates and the resulting combination weighing accuracy from being lowered. An object is to provide a weighing and packaging system and a combination weigher.

  The weighing packaging system of the present invention includes a plurality of weighing containers for weighing objects to be weighed, a feeder for conveying an object to be weighed received from the outside to the plurality of weighing containers, and an object to be weighed released from the plurality of weighing containers. A plurality of discharge chutes to be discharged to the outside and the operation of the feeder are controlled, and the combination of the weighing containers held in the plurality of weighing containers is selected to be a predetermined target weight. A combination weighing machine having a control device for performing a combination calculation, and a plurality of packaging machines according to the number of the plurality of discharge chutes for packaging the objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge chutes, or the plurality of discharge chutes A weighing and packaging system including a packaging machine having a plurality of packaging units corresponding to the number, wherein the feeder of the combination weigher measures the amount of an object to be weighed received from the outside. A supply unit that supplies the sample to be weighed, a dispersion unit that disperses the object to be weighed supplied from the supply unit, a conveyance unit that conveys the object to be weighed to the plurality of weighing containers, and the dispersion unit. A supply amount detector for detecting an amount of an object to be weighed, and the control device is responsive to an operation status of the packaging machine and a target weight detected based on a predetermined signal received from the packaging machine. The supply amount of the object to be weighed to the dispersion unit is adjusted via the supply unit. The combination weigher is configured to perform a plurality of the combination calculations simultaneously.

  According to the weighing and packaging system having the above configuration, the amount of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion unit is adjusted by adjusting the amount of the objects to be weighed to the dispersion unit (dispersion feeder) of the combination weigher according to the operating state of the packaging machine. Can be maintained in a suitable state. As a result, the dispersion state of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion unit is maintained substantially constant. As a result, good combination weighing accuracy and weighing speed are maintained, which can contribute to stable operation of the weighing and packaging system.

  In the weighing and packaging system, the signal may be an operation on / off signal of the packaging machine. Alternatively, the signal may be a discharge command signal for an object to be weighed to the combination weigher. Since the operation on / off signal of the packaging machine and the discharge command signal of the object to be weighed are signals conventionally transmitted from the packaging machine to the combination weigher, it is not necessary to add a special function to the packaging machine.

  In the weighing and packaging system, the supply amount detector is a weight detector that detects the weight of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit, and the control device is based on a predetermined signal received from the packaging machine. The upper limit value and the lower limit value are determined according to the detected operating status of the packaging machine and the target weight, and the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion portion detected by the weight detector is greater than the lower limit value. It can be configured such that supply of an object to be weighed by the supply unit is started when it becomes smaller, and supply of an object to be weighed by the supply unit is stopped when the weight reaches the upper limit value. In this case, the upper limit and the lower limit of the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit are set as the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value, respectively, in the control device when one packaging machine or one packaging unit is effective. The control device is preferably configured to determine the upper limit value and the lower limit value by multiplying the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value by the number of operating packaging machines or packaging parts, respectively.

  Alternatively, in the weighing and packaging system, the supply amount detector is a level detector that detects a layer thickness of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit, and the control device receives a predetermined signal received from the packaging machine. The additional time is determined according to the operation status of the packaging machine detected based on the target weight and the target weight, and the layer thickness of the object to be weighed in the dispersion portion detected by the level detector is smaller than a predetermined lower limit level. The supply unit starts supplying the objects to be weighed, and the supply unit supplies the objects to be weighed after the additional time has elapsed since the layer thickness exceeds the predetermined upper limit level. Can be configured to stop.

  Further, the combination weigher of the present invention includes a plurality of weighing containers for weighing the objects to be weighed, a feeder for conveying the objects to be weighed received from the outside to the plurality of weighing containers, and the objects discharged from the plurality of weighing containers. A combination of a plurality of discharge chutes for discharging a weighing object to the outside and a weighing container for controlling the operation of the feeder and combining the weights of the objects to be weighed held in the plurality of weighing containers to obtain a predetermined target weight. A combination weigher provided with a control device for performing a combination operation to be selected, wherein the feeder is supplied from the supply unit to supply an object to be weighed received from outside while adjusting the amount thereof. A dispersion unit that disperses the objects to be weighed, a conveyance unit that conveys the dispersed objects to be weighed to the plurality of weighing containers, and a supply amount detector that detects the amount of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion unit. The control The device is configured to adjust the supply amount of the object to be weighed to the dispersion unit via the supply unit according to the number of effective discharge chutes among the plurality of discharge chutes and the target weight. Is. The combination weigher is configured to perform a plurality of the combination calculations simultaneously.

  According to the combination weigher having the above-described configuration, the supply of the objects to be weighed to the dispersion unit (dispersion feeder) of the combination weigher according to the number of effective discharge chutes, that is, the number of discharge chutes in which the object to be weighed can be discharged By adjusting the amount, the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersing portion can be maintained in a suitable state. As a result, the dispersion state of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion unit is maintained substantially constant, so that a good combination weighing accuracy and weighing speed are maintained, which can contribute to stable operation of the combination weigher.

  Further, in the combination weigher, the supply amount detector is a weight detector that detects the weight of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit, and the control device is configured to select an effective discharge chute out of the plurality of discharge chute. The upper limit value and the lower limit value are determined according to the number and the target weight, and when the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion portion detected by the weight detector becomes smaller than the lower limit value, the supply unit The supply of the object to be weighed is started, and when the weight reaches the upper limit value, the supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit can be stopped. In this case, the upper limit and the lower limit of the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit are set as the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value, respectively, when one discharge chute is effective in the control device, It is preferable that the upper limit value and the lower limit value are determined by multiplying the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value by the number of effective discharge chutes, respectively.

  Furthermore, in the combination weigher, the supply amount detector is a level detector that detects a layer thickness of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit, and the control device is an effective discharge chute among the plurality of discharge chutes. When the layer thickness of the object to be weighed in the dispersion portion detected by the level detector becomes smaller than a predetermined lower limit level, the supply portion is determined. The supply of the object to be weighed by is started, and the supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit is stopped after the additional time has elapsed since the layer thickness exceeds the predetermined upper limit level. it can.

  The present invention has the following effects.

  According to the present invention, in a weighing and packaging system including a combination weigher and a plurality of packaging machines, the supply amount of the objects to be weighed to the dispersion unit of the combination weigher is adjusted according to the operating state of the packaging machine, and distributed. The amount of the object to be weighed in the section can be maintained in a suitable state. As a result, the dispersion state of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion unit is maintained substantially constant, so that a good combination weighing accuracy and weighing speed are maintained, which can contribute to stable operation of the combination weighing machine and the weighing packaging system. .

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cross section in the vertical direction of the combination weigher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the schematic configuration of the weighing and packaging system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the weighing and packaging system 100 includes a combination weigher 99 and a plurality of packaging machines 98, 98,... For packaging articles weighed by the combination weigher 99. Hereinafter, the components of the weighing and packaging system 100 will be described in detail.

[Combination scale 99]
Here, the hardware configuration of the combination weigher 99 will be described.

  The combination weigher 99 mainly transports a plurality of weighing hoppers (weighing containers) 12, 12,... For weighing the objects to be weighed and a plurality of weighing objects received from the outside to the plurality of weighing hoppers 12, 12,. (Feed) feeder, collective chutes 15 and 16 for discharging the objects to be weighed discharged from the plurality of weighing hoppers 12, 12, and the like, a plurality of discharge chutes 17, 18, and 19, and a combination weigher 99 A combination operation for controlling the operation of each component provided and selecting a combination of weighing containers having a predetermined target weight by combining the weights of the objects to be weighed held in the plurality of weighing hoppers 12, 12,. A weighing control device 7 for performing

  The feeder is distributed with a supply feeder (supply unit) 1 that supplies while adjusting the amount of the object to be weighed received from the outside, and a dispersion feeder (dispersion unit) 3 that disperses the object to be weighed supplied from the supply feeder. A plurality of rectilinear feeders (conveying units) 5 for conveying the objects to be weighed to a plurality of weighing hoppers 12, 12,..., And a weight detector for detecting the amount of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion feeder 3 (supply amount detector) 4).

  The supply feeder 1 includes a trough (a large and slender container) to which a vibrator is attached, and an object to be weighed is supplied to the trough from another device (not shown). In the supply feeder 1, the trough is appropriately vibrated by the vibrator, and the object to be weighed is delivered onto the dispersion feeder 3. In addition, the structure of the supply feeder 1 is not limited to the above, For example, it can also be comprised by the belt conveyor etc. by which a some container is arrange | positioned in the endless belt in a row.

  The dispersion feeder 3 is provided on the upper part of the combination balance 99 (above the collecting chutes 15 and 16). The dispersion feeder 3 includes a conical top cone 3a and a vibrator 3b that applies vibration to the top cone 3a. The objects to be weighed supplied from the supply feeder 1 to the top cone 3a which is vibrated by the vibrator 3b are radially dispersed by the vibration. A weight detector 4 is provided so that the weights of the top cone 3a and the vibrator 3b of the dispersion feeder 3 can be detected together. Therefore, the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3 can be detected by subtracting the weight of the top cone 3a and the vibrator 3b from the weight detected by the weight detector 4.

  A plurality of rectilinear feeders 5 are radially provided around the dispersion feeder 3. Each rectilinear feeder 5 includes a linear feeder pan 5a and a vibrator 5b that applies vibration to the linear feeder pan 5a. The object to be weighed fed from the dispersion feeder 3 to the linear feeder pan 5a which is vibrated by the vibrator 5b is sent to the supply hopper 10 by the vibration.

  A plurality of supply hoppers 10 are provided corresponding to each linear feeder 5 on the feeding side of the workpiece to be measured of the linear feeder 5. A weighing hopper 12 as a weighing container is provided below each supply hopper 10 so as to correspond to each supply hopper 10. The plurality of supply hoppers 10 and the weighing hoppers 12 are annularly arranged around the rectilinear feeder 5. The supply hopper 10 includes a supply hopper gate 11, and when the supply hopper gate 11 is opened, an object to be weighed held in the supply hopper 10 is released and put into the weighing hopper 12. The weighing hopper 12 includes a weighing hopper inner gate 13 and a weighing hopper outer gate 14, and when the weighing hopper inner gate 13 is opened, an object to be weighed held by the weighing hopper 12 is discharged to the inner collecting chute 16. When the weighing hopper outer gate 14 is opened, the objects to be weighed held by the weighing hopper 12 are discharged to the outer collecting chute 15.

  The weighing hopper 12 includes a weight sensor 8 such as a load cell in order to measure the weight of an object to be weighed in the weighing hopper 12. The measurement value (detection signal) of the weight sensor 8 is transmitted to the measurement control device 7.

  Below the weighing hopper 12, there are provided inner and outer two-layer collecting chutes 15 and 16, which are an outer outer collecting chute 15 and an inner collecting chute 16 arranged inside the outer collecting chute 15. The objects to be weighed down the outer collecting chute 15 are discharged from the combination weigher 99 through the first discharge chute 17 or the third discharge chute 19 and put into the packaging machines 98 and 98. In addition, the objects to be weighed down the inner collecting chute 16 are fed into the packaging machine 98 through the second discharge chute 18. In this way, the objects to be weighed with a predetermined target weight discharged from the first discharge chute 17, the second discharge chute 18, and the third discharge chute 19 are put into different packaging machines 98, 98, 98, respectively. Packaged.

  In the above description, the linear feeder 5, the supply hopper 10, the weighing hopper 12, and the weight sensor 8 constitute a series of weighing heads, and a plurality of weighing heads are provided in the combination scale 99. The combination weigher 99 according to the present embodiment includes 20 measuring heads.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the combination weigher 99 will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the weighing control device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement control device 7 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU, and an arithmetic control unit 22 having a built-in CPU and a main memory that stores processing programs and the like and is used as a work area. A device unit 21, an external storage device unit 23 capable of storing a large amount of data, an I / O circuit 24, an A / D conversion circuit 25, a gate drive circuit 26, and a vibration control circuit 27 Have. Further, an operation setting display unit 9 which is a user interface of the combination weigher 99 is connected to the arithmetic control unit 22 so that signals can be transmitted to and received from each other. The operation setting display unit 9 includes a touch panel type operation unit for operating the combination weigher 99 and a display unit for receiving the output of the weighing control device 7 and displaying the operation state of the combination weigher 99 and the like. Yes.

  The gate drive circuit 26 is connected to the supply hopper gate 11, the weighing hopper inner gate 13, and the weighing hopper outer gate 14 so as to transmit signals. The gate driving circuit 26 is configured to receive a signal from the arithmetic control unit 22 and transmit a signal to the supply hopper gate 11, the weighing hopper inner gate 13, and the weighing hopper outer gate 14. The vibration control circuit 27 is connected to the supply feeder 1, the dispersion feeder 3, and the linear feeder 5 so as to transmit signals. The vibration control circuit 27 is configured to receive a signal from the arithmetic control unit 22 and transmit a signal to the supply feeder 1, the dispersion feeder 3, and the linear feeder 5.

  The I / O circuit 24 is connected to the weight detector 4, and a detection signal from the weight detector 4 is configured to be input to the arithmetic control unit 22 via the I / O circuit 24. The A / D conversion circuit 25 is connected to the weight sensor 8, and a detection signal from the weight sensor 8 is converted into a detection value via the A / D conversion circuit 25 and input to the arithmetic control unit 22. It is comprised so that.

  In the present embodiment, the metering control device 7 means not only a single control device but also a control device group including a plurality of control devices. Therefore, the weighing control device 7 may be configured by a single control device, or may be configured by a plurality of control devices that are distributed and coordinated and controlled.

[Packing machine 98]
Next, the configuration of the packaging machine 98 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the packaging machine. Here, although the packaging machine 98 provided with one packaging part per unit | set is demonstrated, the packaging machine 98 provided with the several packaging part per unit in the measurement packaging system 100 can also be provided.

  First, the hardware configuration of the packaging machine 98 will be described. The packaging machine 98, for example, fills and packs an article put from the combination scale 99 into a bag while manufacturing the bag. The packaging machine 98 includes a vertical sealing heater 53 that heat-seals the packaging film 52 in a cylindrical shape, a vertical sealing air cylinder 54 that moves the heater 53 forward and backward, and a pull belt that sends the cylindrical packaging film 52 downward. 55, a horizontal sealing heater 56 that performs horizontal sealing after filling the objects to be weighed supplied from the discharge chutes 17, 18, and 19 of the combination scale 99, and a horizontal sealing air cylinder 57 that moves the heater 56 forward and backward. 57, a cutter 58 for cutting the packaging film 52 after the horizontal seal, and a cutter air cylinder 59 for driving the cutter 58.

  Then, the structure of the control system of the packaging machine 98 is demonstrated. The packaging control device 81 of the packaging machine 98 includes an arithmetic control unit 82 composed of a CPU and the like, a storage unit 83 composed of a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the like. The storage unit 83 stores an operation program for the packaging machine, a number of operation parameter data that are operation setting data, and the like, and the operation control unit 82 executes the operation program, whereby the packaging machine 98 is stored. Is controlled.

  Furthermore, an operation control circuit 85, an A / D conversion circuit 86, and a communication unit 84 are connected to the calculation control unit 82 of the packaging control device 81. The arithmetic control unit 82 controls the operations of the vertical sealing air cylinder 54, the horizontal sealing air cylinder 57, the cutter air cylinder 59, and the pull belt 55 via the operation control circuit 85. Further, the arithmetic control unit 82 acquires a measurement value by a temperature controller provided in the vertical seal heater 53 and the horizontal seal heater 56 via the A / D conversion circuit 86. Further, the arithmetic control unit 82 transmits / receives a discharge permission signal and a discharge completion signal to / from the combination weigher 99 and transmits / receives various types of information to / from the combination balance 99 via the communication unit 84.

[Operation of weighing packaging system 100]
The operation of the weighing and packaging system 100 configured as described above will be described. The weighing control device 7 of the combination weigher 99 executes an operation program to control the operation of the combination weigher 99 and perform a combination calculation. Parameters such as combination target weight values and operating speed conditions are input in advance from the operation setting display unit 9 to the arithmetic control unit 22 of the weighing control device 7 and stored in the main storage unit 21. These parameters and the like are read by the arithmetic control unit 22 as necessary.

  When the weighing control device 7 starts the weighing operation, first, the vibration control circuit 27 is operated to operate the vibrator of the supply feeder 1, the vibrator 3 b of the dispersion feeder 3, and the vibrator 5 b of the linear feeder 5. Control each. Thus, the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply feeder 1 onto the dispersion feeder 3 are distributed from the dispersion feeder 3 in the circumferential direction and fed to the supply hoppers 10 through the linearly-advanced feeders 5 arranged radially. The At this time, the weighing control device 7 detects the weight of the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 3 by the weight detector 4, and when the weight of the object to be weighed becomes less than a predetermined amount (lower limit value), the vibration control circuit 27 is activated. By operating the vibrator of the supply feeder 1 through the above, a predetermined amount or more of an object to be weighed is constantly supplied onto the dispersion feeder 3.

  Subsequently, the weighing control device 7 detects that the weighing hopper 12 is empty, and controls the supply hopper gate 11 of the supply hopper 10 to be opened via the gate drive circuit 26. As a result, the object to be weighed is fed from the supply hopper 10 to the weighing hopper 12. When an object to be weighed is put into the weighing hopper 12, the weighing control device 7 sends the measurement value (weight of the object to be weighed held in each weighing hopper 12) by the weight sensor 8 via the A / D conversion circuit 25. The combination calculation is performed based on the detected weight of the object to be weighed. In this combination calculation, there is one combination in which the total weight value of the articles weighed by the weight sensor 8 is within a predetermined weight range (allowable weight range with respect to the target weight) among the plurality of weighing hoppers 12. The combination of the weighing hoppers 12 to be discharged is selected.

  When a discharge permission signal is input from the packaging machine 98, the weighing control device 7 measures the gate 13 in the weighing hopper of the weighing hopper 12 selected for the combination obtained by the combination calculation via the gate drive circuit 26 or the weighing. The hopper outside gate 14 is opened, and the objects to be weighed are discharged onto the outer collecting chute 15 or the inner collecting chute 16, and a discharge completion signal is output to the packaging machine 98. The objects to be weighed are collected on either the outer collecting chute 15 or the inner collecting chute 16 by any one of the discharge chutes 17, 18, and 19, and sent to the packaging machine 98. The packaging machine 98 performs an operation such as a sealing operation based on the input timing of the discharge completion signal from the combination scale 99.

  In the combination weigher 99, a plurality of combination weighings are performed simultaneously. The combination weigher 99 according to the present embodiment is provided with 20 measuring heads in order to perform three simultaneous combination weighings, and these measuring heads are divided into 10 units each to form a group of 10 measuring heads. The combination weighing is performed. Here, a predetermined combination weighing accuracy is maintained by performing a combination calculation with a group of 10 or more measuring heads.

  Specifically, a combination operation is performed with 10 groups of weighing heads, the weighing hopper outside gate 14 of the weighing hopper 12 selected for this combination is opened, and the object to be weighed is discharged to the outer collecting chute 15, It is put into the packaging machine 98 through the discharge chute 17. At the same time, the combination calculation is performed with the remaining 10 measuring head groups, the weighing hopper gate 13 of the weighing hopper 12 selected for this combination is opened, and the objects to be weighed are discharged to the inner collecting chute 16. The second discharge chute 18 is put into the packaging machine 98. Further, a combination calculation is performed in the weighing head group including the weighing hopper 12 that is not selected for any combination, the weighing hopper outside gate 14 of the weighing hopper 12 selected for this combination is opened, and the object to be weighed is It is discharged to the outer collecting chute 15 and is put into the packaging machine 98 through the third discharge chute 19. In this manner, the objects to be weighed with the target weight are discharged from the three discharge chutes 17, 18, 19 almost simultaneously.

  When two simultaneous combination weighings are performed, the combination weighing machine 99 is provided with 14 weighing heads, and the combination calculation is performed with the number of weighing hoppers 12 participating in the combination being four. If a discharge chute including the three discharge chutes 19 is provided and a target weight of the object to be weighed is discharged from each of the discharge chute and the second discharge chute 18, a predetermined combination weighing accuracy can be maintained. Can do.

[Control of supply amount of objects to be distributed to distributed feeder 3]
Subsequently, the supply amount control of the objects to be weighed from the supply feeder 1 to the dispersion feeder 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an “automatic operation screen” displayed on the operation setting display section of the combination weigher.

  In the automatic operation screen shown in FIG. 4, a product number / product display area 31 for displaying product numbers for combination weighing, a head circular display area 32 for displaying head weighing information, and operation on / off are performed. "Start / Stop" touch key 33, "Return" touch key 34 for returning to the screen that called the automatic operation screen, "First combination weight / appropriate amount determination" display area 35, and "Second combination weight / appropriate amount determination" "Display area 36", "Third combination weight / appropriate amount determination" display area 37, Speed display area 38 for displaying the operation speed, and "Feeder strength display / setting" area for setting the amplitude strength of the linear feeder and the main feeder. 39 is provided. In the head circular display area 32, the average weight of the objects to be weighed held in each weighing hopper 12 and the amount (level (layer thickness) or weight) of the objects to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3 are obtained. Is displayed. Each touch key displayed on the automatic operation screen is highlighted to indicate switching.

  The automatic operation screen further includes a first discharge chute on / off touch key 40, a second discharge chute on / off touch key 41, and a third discharge chute on / off touch key 42. On / off indicated by the first discharge chute on / off touch key 40, the second discharge chute on / off touch key 41, and the third discharge chute on / off touch key 42 is the first discharge chute 17, It shows whether or not the packaging machines 98, 98, 98 into which the objects to be weighed are fed through the second discharge chute 18 and the third discharge chute 19 are in operation. Then, the weighing control device 7 of the combination weigher 99 has the first discharge chute on / off touch key 40, the second discharge chute on / off touch key 41, and the third discharge chute on / off touch key 42. The operation is controlled so that the objects to be weighed are not thrown into the discharge chutes 17, 18 and 19 corresponding to the touch keys shown.

  The first discharge chute on / off touch key 40, the second discharge chute on / off touch key 41, and the third discharge chute on / off touch key 42 are provided on the packaging control devices 81, 81 of the packaging machines 98, 98, 98, respectively. The weighing control device 7 which has acquired a predetermined signal from 81 is configured to automatically switch on and off and display. For example, when one of the three packaging machines 98, 98, 98 is not in operation, the discharge chute on / off touch key of the discharge chute corresponding to the packaging machine 98 that is not in operation is indicated as off. In the combination weigher 99, the objects to be weighed are put into the two packaging machines 98 and 98 operating through the remaining two discharge chutes. Here, the “predetermined signal” is an operation on / off signal of the packaging machine 98 or a discharge permission signal, and the weighing control device 7 obtains the predetermined signal to acquire the predetermined signal. The operating status can be detected. Since the operation on / off signal of the packaging machine 98 and the discharge command signal of the object to be weighed are signals conventionally transmitted from the packaging machine 98 to the combination scale 99, it is necessary to add a special function to the packaging machine 98 separately. Not preferred.

  Alternatively, the first discharge chute on / off touch key 40, the second discharge chute on / off touch key 41, and the third discharge chute on / off touch key 42 may be manually switched on / off by the user. it can. In this case, the discharge chutes 17, 18, 19 of the combination weigher 99 corresponding to the discharge chutes on / off touch keys 40, 41, 42, which are indicated as off, regardless of the operation status of the packaging machines 98, 98, 98, Invalid and the object to be weighed is not inserted. For example, when one of the discharge chutes on / off touch keys 40, 41, 42 is indicated as off, the remaining two discharge chutes are valid, that is, the object to be weighed can be discharged. The objects to be weighed are fed into the two packaging machines 98 and 98 through the discharge chute.

  Here, the flow of the supply amount control of the objects to be weighed from the supply feeder 1 to the dispersion feeder 3 by the measurement control device 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for controlling the supply amount of the objects to be weighed from the supply feeder to the dispersion feeder by the measurement control device.

  First, the weighing control device 7 acquires the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3 detected by the weight detector 4 (step S1).

  Next, the measurement control device 7 determines an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the supply amount (step 2). Here, the “supply amount” means the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 a of the dispersion feeder 3, and the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 a of the dispersion feeder 3 is determined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount. A suitable range of weight is defined. The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount are determined by the number of packaging machines 98 that are operating or the number of effective discharge chutes. That is, if the number of packaging machines 98 in operation (or the number of effective discharge chutes) is large, both the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount are large, and the number of packaging machines 98 in operation (or effective). If the number of discharge chutes is small, both the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount become smaller. Here, the “effective discharge chute” is, for example, the discharge chutes 17, 18, and 19 that are in a state where the lower packaging machine is operating and the objects to be weighed can be discharged. The weighing control device 7 determines the number of the packaging machines 98 that are in operation or the number of effective discharge chutes as described above, the operation on / off signal from the packaging machine 98, and the discharge permission from the packaging machine 98. This is detected by a signal or by turning on / off the discharge chutes 17, 18, 19 manually switched by the user via the operation setting display unit 9.

  For example, the upper limit and the lower limit of the weight of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3 when one packaging machine 98 is operating (or when one discharge chute is effective) are respectively basic. The upper limit value and the basic lower limit value are set in the weighing control device 7, and the weighing control device 7 sets the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value to the number of packaging machines 98 in operation (or the number of effective discharge chutes). The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount can be determined by multiplying. Thus, since the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount are determined, the calculation and program by the measurement control device 7 are relatively simple, but the dispersion state of the objects to be weighed in the top cone 3a is surely made good. Can be maintained.

  Further, for example, the relationship between the number of packaging machines 98 in operation (or the number of effective discharge chutes) and the target combination weight, the upper limit value, and the lower limit value is calculated in advance, experimentally, or arbitrarily determined. This is set in the weighing control device 7 as a table, and the weighing control device 7 may be configured to read the table and determine the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount. In this case, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount increase as the number of packaging machines 98 that are operating increases.

  Subsequently, the weighing control device 7 determines whether or not the operating flag of the supply feeder is ON, that is, whether or not the supply feeder 1 is operating (step S3). The weight value of the measured object is compared with the upper limit value of the supply amount (step S4). When the weight value of the object to be weighed is larger than the upper limit value of the supply amount (YES in step S5), the weighing control device 7 stops the supply feeder 1 (step S6) and turns off the supply feeder operating flag. (Step S7).

  If the operating flag is OFF in step S2, the weighing control device 7 compares the acquired weight value of the object to be measured with the lower limit value of the supply amount (step S8). If the weight value of the object to be weighed is smaller than the lower limit value of the predetermined supply amount (YES in step S9), the weighing control device 7 turns on the supply feeder operation flag (step S10) and operates the supply feeder 1 (Step S11).

  As described above, in the combination weigher 99, a suitable range (the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the supply amount) of the weight of the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 3 is determined according to the operation status of the packaging machine 98, and Accordingly, the supply amount of the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply feeder 1 to the dispersion feeder 3 is adjusted. Therefore, even if the operating status of the packaging machine 98 fluctuates temporarily due to, for example, production planning, troubles in the packaging machine, replacement of wrapping paper in the packaging machine, etc., consumption of the objects to be weighed by the combination weigher 99 The supply amount of the object to be weighed from the supply feeder 1 is adjusted according to the change in the amount. That is, the amount of the objects to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 3 is maintained so as to have a suitable value corresponding to the operation state of the packaging machine 98, and the dispersion state of the objects to be weighed in the dispersion feeder 3 is maintained. Is maintained substantially constant. Accordingly, there is no excess or deficiency of the objects to be weighed in the combination weigher 99, and good dispersibility in the dispersion feeder 3 is maintained, so that the combination weigher 99 operates efficiently and stably, and the combination weigher 99 The combination weighing accuracy and the weighing speed are maintained.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cross section in the vertical direction of the combination weigher according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the weighing control device.

  The combination weigher 99 and the weighing and packaging system 100 according to the first embodiment include the weight detector 4 for detecting the amount of the objects to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3, whereas FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the combination weigher 99 and the weighing and packaging system 100 according to the second embodiment include a level detector 2 instead of the weight detector 4. The combination weigher 99 and the weighing and packaging system 100 according to the second embodiment are the same as the combination weigher 99 and the weighing and packaging system 100 according to the first embodiment, except that the level detector 2 is provided instead of the weight detector 4. It is the composition. Therefore, in the following, the level detector 2 provided in the combination balance 99 will be described, and the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a level detector 2 for detecting an amount (layer thickness) of an object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 3 is provided above the dispersion feeder 3 of the combination weigher 99. The level detector 2 is composed of, for example, an ultrasonic sensor. The level detector 2 is composed of two sets of detection units, one of which is an upper limit level detection that outputs an output signal when the layer thickness of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3 reaches an allowable upper limit. The other detection unit is a lower limit level detection unit 2b that emits an output signal when the layer thickness of an object to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3 reaches an allowable lower limit.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the level detector 2 is connected to the I / O circuit 24 of the measurement control device 7, and the detection signal from the level detector 2 is subjected to the measurement control via the I / O circuit 24. It is comprised so that it may input into the calculation control part 22 of the apparatus 7. FIG.

  Subsequently, the operation of the weighing and packaging system 100 will be described. Since the combination weighing operation of the weighing and packaging system 100 according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the supply amount control of the objects to be weighed to the dispersion feeder 3 will be described. Will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for controlling the supply amount of the objects to be weighed from the supply feeder to the dispersion feeder by the measurement control device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the weighing control device 7 receives a signal from the level detector 2, and determines the level value (layer thickness) of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3a of the dispersion feeder 3 (step). S21). Here, the weighing control device 7 determines that the level value of the object to be weighed has reached the allowable upper limit when both output signals are received from the upper limit level detector 2a and the lower limit level detector 2b of the level detector 2. When the output signal is received only from the lower limit level detection unit 2b, it is determined that the level value of the object to be weighed is between the allowable lower limit and the allowable upper limit, and the output signal is output from both the upper limit level detection unit 2a and the lower limit level detection unit 2b. If not, it is determined that the level value of the object to be weighed is less than the allowable lower limit.

  Next, the weighing control device 7 determines an additional time for supply (step 22). Here, “additional time” refers to the supply of the object to be weighed to the dispersion feeder 3 by the supply feeder 1, and the level value (layer thickness) of the object to be weighed on the top cone 3 a of the dispersion feeder 3 has an allowable upper limit. It means the time from when exceeding the time until supply by the supply feeder 1 is stopped.

  The additional supply time is determined by the number of packaging machines 98 in operation or the number of effective discharge chutes. That is, if the number of packaging machines 98 in operation (or the number of effective discharge chutes) is large, the additional time of supply is large, and the number of packaging machines 98 in operation (or the number of effective discharge chutes). ) Is less, the additional supply time will be smaller. Here, the “effective discharge chute” is, for example, the discharge chutes 17, 18, and 19 that are in a state where the lower packaging machine is operating and the objects to be weighed can be discharged. The weighing control device 7 determines the number of packaging machines 98 that are in operation or the number of effective discharge chutes, an operation on / off signal from the packaging machine 98, a discharge permission signal from the packaging machine 98, or Detection is performed by turning on / off the discharge chutes 17, 18, and 19 which are manually switched by the user via the operation setting display unit 9.

  For example, the relationship between the number of active packaging machines 98 (or the number of effective discharge chutes) and the additional time is obtained in advance by calculation, experiment, or arbitrarily, and this is set in the weighing control device 7 as a table. Thus, the metering control device 7 can be configured to determine the additional time according to the number of packaging machines 98 that are operating or the number of effective discharge chutes. In this case, the additional time increases as the number of packaging machines 98 in operation increases.

  Further, for example, the additional time (for example, 0.1 second) when one packaging machine 98 is operating (or when one discharge chute is effective) is set as the basic additional time, the weighing control device 7. The weighing control device 7 is configured to multiply the basic additional time by the number of active packaging machines 98 (or the number of effective discharge chutes) to determine the additional time of supply. You can also. When the additional supply time is determined in this way, the calculation and program by the measurement control device 7 are relatively simple, but the distribution state of the objects to be weighed in the top cone 3a can be reliably maintained in a good state. It becomes possible.

  Subsequently, the weighing control device 7 determines whether the in-operation flag of the supply feeder is ON, that is, whether the supply feeder 1 is in operation (step S23). It is determined whether the level value of the weighing object has reached the allowable upper limit (step S24). When the level value of the object to be weighed has reached the allowable upper limit (YES in step S24), the weighing control device 7 starts time measurement from there and determines whether the additional time has passed (step S25). When the additional time has elapsed (YES in step S25), the weighing control device 7 stops the supply feeder 1 (step S26), and turns off the supply feeder operating flag (step S27).

  If the operating flag is OFF in step S2, the weighing control device 7 determines whether the level value of the object to be weighed is smaller than the allowable lower limit (step S28). If the level value of the object to be weighed is smaller than the allowable lower limit (YES in step S28), the weighing control device 7 turns on the supply feeder operating flag (step S29) and operates the supply feeder 1 (step S30).

  As described above, in the combination weigher 99, the additional time for supplying the objects to be weighed to the dispersion feeder 3 is determined according to the operating status of the packaging machine 98, in other words, distributed according to the operating status of the packaging machine 98. The amount of the objects to be weighed to be supplied to the feeder 3 is determined, and thereby the amount of the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply feeder 1 to the dispersion feeder 3 is adjusted. Therefore, even if the operating status of the packaging machine 98 fluctuates temporarily due to, for example, production planning, troubles in the packaging machine, replacement of wrapping paper in the packaging machine, etc., consumption of the objects to be weighed by the combination weigher 99 The supply amount of the object to be weighed from the supply feeder 1 is adjusted according to the change in the amount. That is, the amount of the objects to be weighed supplied to the dispersion feeder 3 is maintained so as to have a suitable value corresponding to the operation status of the packaging machine 98, and the objects to be weighed in the dispersion feeder 3 are maintained. The dispersed state is maintained substantially constant. Accordingly, there is no excess or deficiency of the objects to be weighed in the combination weigher 99, and good dispersibility in the dispersion feeder 3 is maintained, so that the combination weigher 99 operates efficiently and stably, and the combination weigher 99 The combination weighing accuracy and the weighing speed are maintained.

  The present invention relates to a combination weigher having a plurality of discharge chutes, and a weighing and packaging system having one combination weigher and a plurality of packaging machines, for adjusting a supply amount of an object to be weighed to the combination weigher. It is useful as a technology.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the vertical direction cross section of the combination weigher which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a measurement control apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a packaging machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the "automatic operation screen" displayed on the operation setting display part of the combination scale. It is a flowchart of the supply amount control of the to-be-measured item from the supply feeder to a dispersion feeder by a measurement control apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the vertical direction cross section of the combination weigher which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a measurement control apparatus. It is a flowchart of the supply amount control of the to-be-measured item from the supply feeder to a dispersion feeder by a measurement control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100 Weighing and packaging system 99 Combination weigher 98 Packaging machine 1 Supply feeder (supply unit)
2 level detector (feed amount detector)
3 Dispersion feeder (dispersion part)
3a Top cone 3b Vibrator 4 Weight detector (Supply amount detector)
5 Straight feeder (conveying section)
5a Linear feeder pan 5b Vibrator 7 Weighing control device 8 Weight sensor 9 Operation setting display section 10 Supply hopper 11 Supply hopper gate 12 Weighing hopper (measuring container)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Gate in weighing hopper 14 Gate outside weighing hopper 15 Outer collecting chute 16 Inner collecting chute 17 First discharge chute 18 Second discharge chute 19 Third discharge chute 52 Packaging film 53 Vertical seal heater 54 Vertical seal air cylinder 55 Pull belt 56 Horizontal Seal Heater 57 Horizontal Seal Air Cylinder 58 Cutter 59 Cutter Air Cylinder 81 Packaging Control Device

Claims (12)

A plurality of weighing containers for weighing the objects to be weighed, a feeder for conveying the objects to be weighed received from the outside to the plurality of weighing containers, and a plurality of discharge chutes for discharging the objects to be weighed discharged from the plurality of weighing containers to the outside And a control device for controlling the operation of the feeder and performing a combination operation for selecting a combination of weighing containers that has a predetermined target weight by combining the weights of the objects to be weighed held in the plurality of weighing containers. A combination weigher,
A packaging machine for packaging the objects to be weighed discharged from the discharge chute, a plurality of packaging machines according to the number of the plurality of discharge chutes, or a packaging machine having a plurality of packaging parts according to the number of the plurality of discharge chutes. And
A weighing and packaging system comprising:
The feeder of the combination weigher includes a supply unit that supplies an object to be weighed received from outside while adjusting the amount thereof, a dispersion unit that disperses the object to be weighed supplied from the supply unit, and a distributed object to be weighed A transport unit that transports an object to the plurality of weighing containers, and a supply amount detector that detects the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit,
The control device supplies the objects to be weighed to the dispersion unit via the supply unit according to the operation status of the packaging machine and the target weight detected based on a predetermined signal received from the packaging machine. Configured to adjust the amount,
Weighing packaging system. The signal is an operation on / off signal of the packaging machine,
The weighing packaging system according to claim 1. The signal is a discharge command signal of an object to be weighed to the combination weigher.
The weighing packaging system according to claim 1. The supply amount detector is a weight detector that detects the weight of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit,
The control device determines an upper limit value and a lower limit value according to the operating status of the packaging machine and the target weight detected based on a predetermined signal received from the packaging machine, and is detected by the weight detector. When the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit becomes smaller than the lower limit value, the supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit is started, and when the weight reaches the upper limit value, the object to be weighed by the supply unit is started. Configured to stop feeding the weighing object,
The weighing packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the control device, when one packaging machine or one packaging unit is effective, the upper limit and the lower limit of the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit are set as the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value, respectively.
The control device is configured to determine the upper limit value and the lower limit value by multiplying the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value by the number of operating packaging machines or packaging parts, respectively.
The weighing packaging system according to claim 4. The supply amount detector is a level detector that detects a layer thickness of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit,
The control device determines an additional time according to the operation status of the packaging machine and the target weight detected based on a predetermined signal received from the packaging machine, and the dispersion unit detected by the level detector When the layer thickness of the object to be weighed is less than a predetermined lower limit level, supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit is started, and the additional time from when the layer thickness exceeds the predetermined upper limit level. Is configured to stop the supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit after elapse of time,
The weighing packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The combination weigher is configured to perform a plurality of the combination operations simultaneously,
The measuring and packaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A plurality of weighing containers for weighing objects to be weighed;
A feeder for conveying an object to be weighed received from the outside to the plurality of weighing containers;
A plurality of discharge chutes for discharging the objects to be weighed discharged from the plurality of weighing containers to the outside;
A control device that controls the operation of the feeder and that performs a combination operation of selecting a combination of weighing containers having a predetermined target weight by combining the weights of the objects to be weighed held in the plurality of weighing containers. A combination scale,
The feeder includes a supply unit that supplies an object to be weighed received from the outside while adjusting the amount thereof, a dispersion unit that disperses the object to be weighed supplied from the supply unit, and a plurality of dispersed objects to be weighed. A transport unit for transporting to the weighing container, and a supply amount detector for detecting the amount of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit,
The control device is configured to adjust a supply amount of an object to be weighed to the dispersion unit via the supply unit according to the number of effective discharge chutes among the plurality of discharge chutes and the target weight. ing,
Combination scale. The supply amount detector is a weight detector that detects the weight of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit,
The control device determines an upper limit value and a lower limit value according to the number of effective discharge chutes out of the plurality of discharge chutes and the target weight, and is provided in the dispersion unit detected by the weight detector. When the weight of the object to be weighed becomes smaller than the lower limit value, supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit is started, and when the weight reaches the upper limit value, supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit is stopped. Configured as
The combination weigher according to claim 8. In the control device, when one discharge chute is effective, an upper limit and a lower limit of the weight of the object to be weighed in the dispersion unit are set as a basic upper limit value and a basic lower limit value, respectively.
The control device is configured to multiply the basic upper limit value and the basic lower limit value by the number of effective discharge chutes to determine the upper limit value and the lower limit value, respectively.
The combination scale according to claim 9. The supply amount detector is a level detector that detects a layer thickness of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit,
The control device determines an additional time according to the number of effective discharge chutes out of the plurality of discharge chutes and the target weight, and is a layer of an object to be weighed in the dispersion unit detected by the level detector. When the thickness becomes smaller than a predetermined lower limit level, supply of the object to be weighed by the supply unit is started, and the supply is performed after the additional time has elapsed since the layer thickness exceeds the predetermined upper limit level. Configured to stop the supply of the object to be weighed by the unit,
The combination weigher according to claim 8. The combination weigher is configured to perform a plurality of the combination operations simultaneously,
The combination weigher according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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