JP5388885B2 - Combination weigher for mixed weighing - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weighing combination weigher that performs so-called mix weighing, in which a plurality of different kinds of objects to be weighed are mixed and weighed so that the total weight of the mixed products becomes almost a predetermined weight.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a mixing and weighing combination weigher has been used when producing a product in which a plurality of types of objects to be weighed, for example, a product in which a plurality of types of confectionery such as candy is packed, is used (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In such a combination weighing scale, for example, a target number of objects to be weighed are combined and weighed for each type, and the objects whose total weight is within a predetermined weight range are discharged and put into a packaging machine, etc. I was packing bags.

  In Patent Document 1, each combination weighing unit is provided for each predetermined weighing cycle so that the total discharge amount of the products discharged from each combination weighing unit provided for each type of product (measurement object) is equal. A configuration is disclosed in which each set target number is sequentially rotated and replaced between units.

JP-A-9-133573

  In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the same amount of objects to be weighed is supplied from the supply line of the objects to be weighed of each type to each combination weighing unit, the same amount is consumed for all types. Thus, the generation of residual products can be prevented. However, the supply amount from each supply line is not always equal, for example, when some trouble occurs in the supply line of a certain type of object to be weighed. In such a case, if all the varieties are consumed in the same amount, a remaining product is generated at the end of the operation.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and reduces the remaining amount of objects to be weighed that are not consumed at the end of operation even when the amounts of objects to be weighed are not equal. It is an object of the present invention to provide a combination weighing scale that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the combination weighing combination weigher of the present invention is provided for each type of weighing object, and each of the weighing objects is temporarily stored in the middle of the supply device for carrying out the weighing object. A plurality of combination weighing units having a plurality of hoppers for temporarily holding and discharging the supplied objects to be weighed are supplied through a conveyance path having a section, and each kind is set for each kind. Combination processing for obtaining a combination of the hoppers holding the objects to be weighed according to a predetermined condition including a target value consisting of a target weight or a target number of objects, and an object to be weighed from the hoppers selected for the combination Combination discharge means for repeatedly discharging the discharge process, and at least the transfer path among the objects to be weighed in the transfer path and the combination weighing unit for each product type So that the difference between the unprocessed amount calculating means for determining the amount of the weighing object existing in the storage unit as an unprocessed amount and the unprocessed amount of each kind determined by the unprocessed amount calculating means is reduced. And target value changing means for changing the target value of each product type.

  According to this configuration, for example, by increasing the target value of each product so that the difference between the unprocessed amounts of each product is reduced, for example, the consumption of the weighing object of the product with a large amount of unprocessed is increased. Therefore, since the consumption of the weighing objects of the varieties with a small untreated amount can be reduced, even when the supply amounts of the weighing objects from the supply devices of the respective varieties are not equal, the consumption not consumed at the end of the operation. The remaining amount of the weighing object can be reduced.

  Further, the unprocessed amount calculation means has storage amount detection means for detecting the amount of the objects to be weighed stored in each of the storage portions, and the amount of the objects to be weighed detected by the storage amount detection means is You may comprise so that it may obtain | require as an untreated amount.

  In addition, the unprocessed amount calculation means includes a consumption amount calculation means for calculating a consumption amount by accumulating the amount of the objects to be weighed discharged from the hopper for each type, and a transfer device for each type from the supply device. Supply amount acquisition means for acquiring the supply amount of the objects to be weighed carried to the route, and for each type, the consumption amount calculated by the consumption amount calculation means from the supply amount acquired by the supply amount acquisition means. You may have the calculating means which calculates | requires the said unprocessed amount by subtracting. In this case, for each product type, the amount of the objects to be weighed in the transport path and the combination weighing unit is obtained as an unprocessed amount.

  The supply amount acquisition unit may include a supply amount receiving unit that receives the supply amount of the object to be weighed from the supply device of each product type.

  The supply amount acquisition means counts the number of objects to be weighed detected by the object to be weighed and the object to be weighed detected by the object to be weighed by the weighing object detection means. And counting means.

  Further, the target value changing means has an unprocessed amount of one kind determined by the unprocessed quantity calculating means exceeding an upper limit value of a predetermined range of the one kind set in advance, and an unprocessed amount of another kind For each product type, the target value of the one product type whose unprocessed amount exceeds the upper limit value of the predetermined range is increased when the amount is less than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value of the other product type. The set target value is configured to be changed, and the unprocessed amount of one product obtained by the unprocessed amount calculating unit is less than a lower limit value of a predetermined range of the one product set in advance. And when the unprocessed amount of the other product is equal to or higher than a preset lower limit value of the predetermined range of the other product, the target value of the one product whose unprocessed amount is less than the lower limit value of the specified range is The target value set for each product It may be as further to. By changing the target value in this way, it is possible to reduce the difference between the types of unprocessed amounts of each type.

  Further, the unprocessed amount calculating means is configured to periodically obtain the unprocessed amount of each product type, and the target value changing unit is configured to obtain the unprocessed amount of each product type determined by the unprocessed amount calculating unit. Compare the quantities so that the target value of the varieties with the largest untreated amount is the largest among all varieties, and the target value of the varieties with the smallest untreated amount is the smallest among all varieties. The target value set for the product type may be changed. By changing the target value in this way, it is possible to reduce the difference between the types of unprocessed amounts of each type.

  In addition, the combination discharge means sets the target value of each product type when there is no combination of the hoppers holding the objects to be weighed according to predetermined conditions including the target value currently set for each product type. It may be configured to temporarily change and perform the combination process again. Since the combination may be obtained by performing the combination process again in this manner, the yield can be improved.

  The present invention has the above-described configuration, and even when the supply amounts of the objects to be weighed are not equal, the mixing can reduce the remaining amount of the objects to be weighed that has not been consumed at the end of the operation. There exists an effect that the combination scale for measurement can be provided.

It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a production system using the combination weighing combination weigher of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic schematic figure of the cross section which looked at the combination measurement unit of the combination scale for mixing measurement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention from the side. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the combination scale for mixing measurement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the production system using the combination scale for mixing and weighing of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout all the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a production system using the combination weighing combination weigher according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, a production system for weighing and packaging three kinds of objects to be weighed, kind A, kind B, and kind C will be described as an example.

  The combination weighing combination weigher according to the present embodiment includes combination weighing units 51, 52, and 53 to which articles of respective types A, B, and C are supplied, respective control devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, and operation displays. A container 21 and lower discharge chutes 54 and 55 are provided.

  The production system shown in FIG. 1 includes supply devices 1A, 1B, and 1C that supply the objects to be weighed of the varieties A, B, and C supplied to the combination weighing combination weigher. These supply devices 1A, 1B, and 1C may be, for example, production devices that produce each type of product to be weighed, or exclude defective products from the product to be weighed produced by the production device. A sorting device that supplies only good products may be used. In short, all of the objects to be weighed that are carried out by performing some predetermined processing become devices to be weighed for combination processing in the combination weighing combination weigher.

  An article to be weighed of the kind A carried out from the kind A supply device 1A is conveyed by the conveying means 2A, further conveyed by the conveying means 4A via the storage unit 3A, and supplied to the combination weighing unit 51 of the kind A. Similarly, the item to be weighed of the type B that is carried out from the type B supply device 1B is supplied to the combination weighing unit 52 of the type B, and the item to be weighed from the type C supply device 1C is Supplied to C combination weighing unit 53. The conveying means 2A, 2B, 2C is constituted by, for example, a vibration feeder. In addition, the storage unit 3A and the transport unit 4A, the storage unit 3B and the transport unit 4B, the storage unit 3C, and the transport unit 4C are each configured by, for example, a bucket conveyor. In this case, the storage units 3A, 3B, and 3C are storage units of a bucket conveyor in which the objects to be weighed that have been transported by the transport units 2A, 2B, and 2C are temporarily stored, and the transport units 4A, 4B, and 4C are, for example, It is a conveying means of a bucket conveyor in which a plurality of containers and the like are arranged in a row on an endless belt, and the objects to be weighed stored in the respective storage units 3A, 3B, and 3C are put in the aforementioned containers and the like, for example It is conveyed upward and supplied to the dispersion feeder 11 (see FIG. 2) of each combination weighing unit 51, 52, 53.

  Each of the storage units 3A, 3B, and 3C is provided with level detectors 6A, 6B, and 6C for detecting the amount of the objects to be weighed in the storage units 3A, 3B, and 3C. For example, ultrasonic sensors are used for the level detectors 6A, 6B, and 6C, and the layer thicknesses of the objects to be weighed stored in the storage units 3A, 3B, and 3C are detected. It is sent to the devices 20A, 20B, and 20C. In each control device 20A, 20B, 20C, the layer thickness of the object to be measured detected by each level detector 6A, 6B, 6C and the object to be weighed stored in each of the storage units 3A, 3B, 3C in advance. The relationship with the weight is stored, and based on this relationship, from the layer thickness of the object to be measured detected by the level detectors 6A, 6B, 6C, the objects stored in the storage units 3A, 3B, 3C are stored. It is configured to calculate the weight of the weighing object and set it as an unprocessed amount. Then, the control devices 20B and 20C transmit the calculated weights (unprocessed amounts) of the objects stored in the storage units 3B and 3C, respectively, to the control device 20A.

  Instead of the level detectors 6A, 6B, 6C, weight sensors such as load cells that support the storage units 3A, 3B, 3C are provided, and the control devices 20A, 20B, 20C You may comprise so that the weight (unprocessed amount) of the to-be-measured object currently stored by storage part 3A, 3B, 3C may be calculated.

  Below the three combination weighing units 51, 52, 53, a lower discharge chute 54 for feeding an object to be weighed discharged from the combination weighing units 51, 52, 53 to the packaging machine 56, a combination weighing unit 51, A lower discharge chute 55 is provided for loading an object to be weighed from 52 and 53 into a container (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a schematic schematic view of a cross section of the combination weighing unit 51 according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of one combination weighing unit 51. However, the other combination weighing units 52 and 53 do not include the operation indicator 21, and the functions of the control devices 20B and 20C are the same as those of the control device 20A. The configuration is the same as that of the combination weighing unit 51 except that the function is partially different.

  The combination weighing unit 51 is provided with a conical dispersion feeder 11 that disperses the objects to be weighed supplied from the conveying means 4A radially by vibration in the center of the upper part of the apparatus. Around the dispersion feeder 11, a linear feeder 12 is provided for feeding an object to be weighed sent from the dispersion feeder 11 to each supply hopper 13 by vibration.

  Below each linear feeder 12, a supply hopper 13, a weighing hopper 14, and a memory hopper 15 are provided correspondingly and arranged in a circular shape. The supply hopper 13 receives the object to be weighed sent from the linear feeder 12, and when the weighing hopper 14 disposed below it is empty, the gate is opened and the object to be weighed is put into the weighing hopper 14.

  The weighing hopper 14 is provided with a discharge gate so that the objects to be weighed can be selectively discharged to the memory hopper 15 and the collecting chute 16. The memory hopper 15 is disposed obliquely below the weighing hopper 14, and an object to be weighed is inserted from the weighing hopper 14 when empty.

  A collecting chute 16 is provided below the weighing hopper 14 and the memory hopper 15, and a collecting hopper 17 is disposed at a lower discharge port of the collecting chute 16. The collecting hopper 17 is disposed on a boundary line between the two lower discharge chutes 54 and 55, and is provided with discharge gates 17a and 17b so as to be selectively discharged in two directions. When one of the discharge gates 17a is opened, the objects to be weighed in the collecting hopper 17 are discharged to the lower discharge chute 54 and put into the packaging machine 56. When the other discharge gate 17b is opened, the objects to be weighed in the collecting hopper 17 are discharged to the lower discharge chute 55.

  Each weighing hopper 14 is attached with a weight sensor 14a such as a load cell for measuring the weight of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper 14, and a measurement value by each weight sensor 14a is output to the control device 20A.

  Further, a level detector 18A for detecting the amount of the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 is provided. For example, an ultrasonic sensor is used as the level detector 18A, the layer thickness of the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 is detected, and the detection signal is sent to the control device 20A. In the control device 20A, the conveying means 4A is controlled so as to keep the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 at a constant amount based on the layer thickness of the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 detected by the level detector 18A. .

  The control device 20A is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes an arithmetic control unit 19a including a CPU and the like, and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and stores operation condition information and an operation program, and other various data. And a storage unit 19b for storing. Then, when the arithmetic control unit 19a executes the operation program using the operation condition information set in advance, the control device 20A performs the operation control of the transport unit 4A and the entire operation control of the combination weighing unit 51. .

  In the above configuration, the other combination weighing units 52 and 53 have the same configuration. Therefore, the control device 20B of the combination weighing unit 52 controls the overall operation of the combination weighing unit 52, and determines the layer thickness of the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 (see FIG. 2) detected by the level detector 18B. Based on this, the conveying means 4B is controlled so as to keep the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 at a constant amount. Similarly, the control device 20C of the combination weighing unit 53 controls the entire operation of the combination weighing unit 53, and the layer thickness of the object to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 (see FIG. 2) detected by the level detector 18C. Based on the above, the conveying means 4C is controlled so as to keep the objects to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 11 at a constant amount.

  The control device 20A and the control devices 20B and 20C are connected so as to communicate with each other. The control devices 20B and 20C transmit the weights of the weighing objects held in the respective weighing hoppers 14 and the respective memory hoppers 15 in the respective combination weighing units 52 and 53 to the control device 20A.

  The control device 20A performs combination processing described later on the basis of the weights of the weighing objects held in the weighing hoppers 14 and the memory hoppers 15 in all of the combination weighing units 51 to 53, so that each type of product is obtained. The combination of hoppers to discharge the object to be weighed (hereinafter referred to as “discharge combination”) is obtained. Then, the result of combination processing (discharge combination) for the B type is transmitted to the control device 20B, and the result of combination processing (discharge combination) for the C type is transmitted to the control device 20C.

  Then, the control devices 20A, 20B, and 20C discharge the objects to be weighed onto the collecting chute 16 to the hoppers 14 and 15 selected as the discharge combination at a predetermined timing. The discharged objects to be weighed are slid down the collecting chute 16 and temporarily held by the collecting hopper 17, and then the gate 17a of the collecting hopper 17 is opened and closed to be discharged from the collecting hopper 17 to the lower discharge chute 54. Is put into the packaging machine 56 and packed in a bag.

  The control device 20 </ b> A inputs a signal from the operation display 21 and outputs a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation display 21.

  The operation indicator 21 is configured using, for example, a touch panel display, and displays on the screen (display screen) the input means for operating the combination weigher and setting the operation condition information thereof, the operation speed, the combination weight, and the like. Display means.

  Before the operation of the combination weighing combination weigher, the operating condition is set by the operator operating the operation indicator 21, the combination condition is set as one of the operating conditions, and is stored in the storage unit 19b. . Then, after the operation is started, the control device 20A performs a combination process based on the set combination condition.

  In the combination weighing combination weigher of the present embodiment, the following items can be set as the combination conditions. For each type A, B, and C, a predetermined weight value (single weight value) of one object to be measured, a target weight value and an allowable weight range for each type, and a target number and an allowable number range for each type There is. In addition, the target weight value (combination target weight value) and the allowable weight range (combination allowable weight range) of all types total, and the target number (combination target number) and allowable number range (combination allowable number range) of all types total are is there. Moreover, you may be comprised so that another item can be set. For example, the ratio of the target number of each type or the ratio of the target number of each type to all types, the ratio of the target weight of each type or the ratio of the target weight of each type to all types can be set. May be. In addition, it can be said that changing the target number of each kind mentioned later is changing the ratio of the target number of each kind or the ratio of the target number of each kind to all kinds. Similarly, changing the target weight of each type can be said to change the ratio of the target weight of each type or the ratio of the target weight of each type to the total type. Of the settable items, not all items are necessarily set, and the combination processing differs depending on the set items, and can be roughly divided into the number combination processing and the weight combination processing described below.

  In these combination processes, the weight of the object to be weighed in the memory hopper 15 is a value measured by the weight sensor 14 a in the weighing hopper 14 above the memory hopper 15. Further, in the number combination processing, for the number of objects to be weighed held in each weighing hopper 14 and memory hopper 15, for example, the weight of the objects to be weighed is divided by a single weight value, It is calculated by rounding off.

  An example of the number combination process will be described. In this case, before the start of operation, for example, the unit weight value of each product type, the target number of each product type, the allowable number range of each product type, the target weight value of each product type, the target number of combinations (= sum of the target number of all product types) The combination target weight value (= sum of target weight values of all types) and the combination allowable weight range are set.

  In the case of this number combination processing, for example, the total number of objects to be weighed among the plurality of hoppers 14 and 15 (the weighing hopper 14 and the memory hopper 15) of the A type combination weighing unit 51 is the A type. One of the combinations of the hoppers 14 and 15 having the smallest absolute value of the difference between the total weight of the objects to be weighed (combined weight value) and the target weight value of the A type is obtained. A discharge combination of A type. Next, the target weight value of the B type is corrected so as to compensate for the difference between the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the A type and the target weight value of the A type, and the corrected target weight value of the B type is used. Similarly, a discharge combination of the B type is obtained from the plurality of hoppers 14 and 15 of the combination weighing unit 52 of the B type. Next, the target weight value of the C product is corrected so as to compensate for the difference between the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the B product and the target weight value of the B product, and this corrected target weight value of the C product is used. Similarly, the discharge combination of the C type is obtained from the plurality of hoppers 14 and 15 of the combination weighing unit 53 of the C type. The final combination of the C type to be obtained must be such that the sum of the combination weight value, the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the A type and the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the B type is within the allowable combination weight range. If there is no such combination, a combination error, that is, a discharge combination has not been obtained.

  Next, an example of the weight combination process will be described. In this case, for example, a target weight value for each product type, an allowable weight range for each product type, a combined target weight value (= sum of target weight values for all products), and a combined allowable weight range are set before starting the operation.

  In the case of this weight combination processing, for example, the total weight (combination weight value) of the objects to be weighed out of the plurality of hoppers 14 and 15 of the combination weighing unit 51 of the A type is the allowable weight range of the A type. One combination of the hoppers 14 and 15 having the smallest absolute value of the difference from the target weight value of the A type is obtained, and this is set as the discharge combination of the A type. Next, the target weight value of the B type is corrected so as to compensate for the difference between the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the A type and the target weight value of the A type, and the corrected target weight value of the B type is used. Similarly, a discharge combination of the B type is obtained from the plurality of hoppers 14 and 15 of the combination weighing unit 52 of the B type. Next, the target weight value of the C product is corrected so as to compensate for the difference between the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the B product and the target weight value of the B product, and this corrected target weight value of the C product is used. Similarly, the discharge combination of the C type is obtained from the plurality of hoppers 14 and 15 of the combination weighing unit 53 of the C type. The final combination of the C type to be obtained must be such that the sum of the combination weight value, the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the A type and the combination weight value of the discharge combination of the B type is within the allowable combination weight range. If there is no such combination, a combination error, that is, a discharge combination has not been obtained.

  The operation of the combination weighing combination weigher configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the present combination weighing scale. This operation is performed by the processing of the control device 20A. Further, the control devices 20B and 20C perform the normal discharge processing in steps S5 and S11 and the forced discharge processing in step S10 together with the control device 20A.

  Here, regarding the combination weigher for mixing and weighing, it is assumed that the combination conditions and the like are all set in advance and the entire production system is in operation.

  Moreover, each control apparatus 20A, 20B, 20C is comprised so that the weight (unprocessed quantity) of the to-be-measured object currently stored by each storage part 3A, 3B, 3C may be calculated sequentially, and control apparatus 20B, 20C The calculated unprocessed amount is sequentially transmitted to the control device 20A.

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not the target value (target number or target weight) of each product is to be changed. If so, the process proceeds to step S2, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3.

  Next, in step S2, the target value of each product is changed so that the difference in the unprocessed amount between the products is reduced. For example, the target value of each product type is changed so as to increase the consumption amount of the weighing object of the product type with a large unprocessed amount and reduce the consumption amount of the weighing object of the product type with a small unprocessed amount.

  Next, in step S3, combination processing is performed using the currently set target value.

  As a result of performing the combination process of step S3, when a discharge combination satisfying the combination condition is obtained (Yes in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5, and the normal discharge process is performed. In this process, the object to be weighed is discharged from the hopper selected as the discharge combination.

  If a discharge combination that satisfies the combination condition is not obtained (No in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6, and the target value of each product type is temporarily changed. This temporary change is performed, for example, by replacing the target value of each product type. For example, the target value of product type A set before the change is changed to the target value of product type B, the target value of product type B set before the change is changed to the target value of product type C, and is set before the change. This is done by changing the target value of the product type C being changed to the target value of the product type A.

  In step S7, combination processing is performed using the target value changed in step S6. This combination process is the same process as step S3. However, in order to distinguish from the combination process of step S3, the combination process of step S7 is referred to as a recombination process.

  Next, as a result of the recombination process in step S7, when a discharge combination that satisfies the combination condition is obtained (Yes in step S8), the normal discharge process in step S11 (the same process as step S5). Then, the process proceeds to step S12. If no discharge combination is obtained (No in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, it is determined whether or not the number of recombination processes in step S7 is a predetermined number (for example, predetermined one or two times). If the predetermined number has not been reached, the process returns to step S6. If the predetermined number of times has been reached, the process proceeds to a forced discharge process in step S10. Note that the control device 20A is configured to count the number of times the recombination process (step S7) is performed in the loop process every time the loop process of steps S6 to S9 is entered.

  In the forced discharge process of step S10, for example, a predetermined number of hoppers are selected from the weighing hoppers 14 and memory hoppers 15 of all the combination weighing units 51 to 53 based on predetermined conditions, and the objects to be weighed are selected from the selected hoppers. Is discharged onto the collecting chute 16. The objects to be weighed discharged by this forced discharge processing are discharged from the collecting hopper 17 to the lower discharge chute 55 and are not input to the packaging machine 56.

  Next, in step S12, the target value of each product type is returned to the target value before being temporarily changed in step S6, that is, the target value immediately before entering the loop processing in steps S6 to S9.

  Note that the control device 20A performs the weighing that causes the control devices 20B and 20C to discharge the objects to be weighed in the respective combination weighing units 52 and 53 immediately before performing the normal discharge processing in steps S5 and S11 and the forced discharge processing in step S10. The hopper 14 and the memory hopper 15 are notified, and the normal discharge process and the forced discharge process are performed together with the control devices 20B and 20C.

  Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 or the like, the control devices 20A, 20B, and 20C are arranged so that the memory hopper 15 from which the object to be weighed is discharged by the normal discharge process and the forced discharge process is moved from the weighing hopper 14 above the memory hopper 15. The weighing hopper 14 to which the object to be weighed is supplied and the object to be weighed to the memory hopper 15 and the weighing hopper 14 from which the object to be weighed is discharged by the normal discharge process and the forced discharge process are provided above the supply hopper 13. Supply the object to be weighed from. Further, the linear feeder 12 and the dispersion feeder 11 are controlled so that the objects to be weighed are supplied to the supply hopper 13 that has supplied the objects to be weighed to the weighing hopper 14.

  Next, a specific example of the target value change processing (steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 3) and the combination processing (step S3 in FIG. 3) of each product type will be described.

  The target value changing process for each product type includes the following first changing process and second changing process, and which process is performed is determined before the start of operation.

(First change process)
In the case of performing the first change process, an upper limit value and a lower limit are previously set for each product type for the unprocessed amount of each product type (here, the weight of the objects to be weighed stored in the storage units 3A, 3B, and 3C). A predetermined range having a value is set. The predetermined range set for each type may be the same for all types or some of the types, or may be different for each type. Then, in step S1, the control device 20A compares the unprocessed amount, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the predetermined range for each product type, the unprocessed amount of any one product type exceeds the upper limit value, and another It is determined whether or not the unprocessed amount of the product is equal to or less than the upper limit value. If so, in step S2, the target value of the product whose unprocessed amount exceeds the upper limit value is set for each product type. Change the target value. At the same time, in step S1, the control device 20A determines whether or not the unprocessed amount of any one product is less than the lower limit value and the unprocessed amount of the other product is equal to or greater than the lower limit value. In step S2, the target value set for each product is changed so that the target value of the product whose unprocessed amount is less than the lower limit value decreases.

  First, an example of the first change process when the number combination process is performed will be described. For example, the following combination condition (referred to as the number combination condition P) is set before the operation is started so as to perform the number combination processing. For example, the unit weight value of each type of product types A, B, and C, the target weight value of each product type, the target number of each product type, the allowable number range of each product type, and the combined target weight value (= target of all product types) (Sum of weight values), allowable combination weight range, and target number of combinations (= sum of target numbers of all products) are set. Specifically, for example, the target number of product type A is 2 and the allowable number range is 1 to 3, the target number of product type B is 2 and the allowable number range is 1 to 3 Yes, the target number of product type C is 3, the allowable number range is 2-4, and the combination target number is set to 7 (initial setting) before starting operation. Further, the linear feeder 12 is controlled so that the target supply quantity to one weighing hopper 14 becomes one for any kind. Here, the unit weight values of the respective varieties are assumed to be equal or substantially equal, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  When the combination conditions as described above are set, the target value (target number) of each product before the change is the same as the initial setting state before starting operation, that is, the target value (target number) of product A is 2. It is assumed that the target value for the product type B is 2 and the target value for the product type C is 3. Here, when the unprocessed amount of the product A exceeds the upper limit value and the unprocessed amounts of the products B and C are within the predetermined ranges, the target value of the product A is 3 and the target value of the product B 2 and the target value of the product C is changed to 2. Thereafter, when the unprocessed amount of the product A becomes less than the lower limit value and the unprocessed amounts of the products B and C are within the predetermined ranges, the target value of the product A is set to 2 and the target value of the product B Are changed to 2 and the target value of product type C is changed to 3. When the unprocessed amount becomes a value outside the predetermined range, the target value of the product type is increased or decreased. At this time, the method of selecting the product type that decreases or increases the target value is determined in advance. For example, if there is a product type that can be changed to the initial target value set before the start of operation by decreasing or increasing the target value, or a product type that can approach the initial target value, select that product type, and there is no product type Shall follow a predetermined order. Here, when changing the target value of the product type, it is assumed that the target supply number for the weighing hopper is increased or decreased one by one. Further, the target value (target number) of each product type is changed within an allowable range (allowable number range) so that the sum of the target numbers of all product types becomes the combined target number. In addition, with the change of the target value (target number) of each product type, the target weight of each product type is changed to a value of (single weight value of each product type) × (target number after change).

  Next, an example of the first change process when the weight combination process is performed will be described. For example, the following combination conditions (referred to as weight combination conditions Q) are set before the operation is started so that the weight combination processing is performed. For example, the target weight value of each kind of varieties A, B, and C, the allowable weight range of each kind, the combination target weight value (= sum of the target weight values of all kinds), and the combination allowable weight range are set. ing. Specifically, for example, the target weight of the product A is 20 g, the allowable weight range is 8 g to 35 g, the target weight of the product B is 20 g, the allowable weight range is 8 g to 35 g, and the target weight of the product C is 30 g. The allowable weight range is 18 g to 45 g and the combination target weight is set to 70 g (initial setting) before the operation is started. Further, the linear feeder 12 is controlled so that the target supply weight with respect to one weighing hopper 14 becomes 10 g for any kind.

  When the combination conditions as described above are set, the target value (target weight) of each product type before change is the same as the initial setting state before starting operation, that is, the target value (target weight) of product type A is 20 g. Suppose that the target value of product type B is 20 g and the target value of product type C is 30 g. Here, when the unprocessed amounts of the varieties B and C are within the predetermined ranges and the unprocessed amount of the varieties A exceeds the upper limit value, the target value of the varieties A is 30 g, and the target value of the varieties B is 20 g. The target value of the product C is changed to 20 g. Thereafter, when the untreated amounts of the varieties B and C are within the predetermined ranges and the untreated amount of the cultivar A is less than the lower limit value, the target value of the cultivar A is set to 20 g and the target value of the cultivar B is set to the target value. The target value of 20g and the product type C is changed to 30g. When the unprocessed amount becomes a value outside the predetermined range, the target value of the product type is increased or decreased. At this time, the method of selecting the product type that decreases or increases the target value is determined in advance. For example, if there is a product type that can be changed to the initial target value set before the start of operation by decreasing or increasing the target value, or a product type that can approach the initial target value, select that product type, and there is no product type Shall follow a predetermined order. Here, when changing the target value of the product type, it is assumed that the target supply weight for the weighing hopper is increased or decreased by 10 g. Further, the target value (target weight) of each type is changed within an allowable range (allowable weight range) so that the sum of the target weights of all types becomes the combined target weight.

(Second change process)
When performing the second change process, the control device 20A is configured to acquire the unprocessed amount of each product periodically (every predetermined time or every predetermined weighing cycle). In step S1, the control device 20A determines whether or not it is time (timing) to acquire the unprocessed amount of each product type. If so, the unprocessed amount of each product is acquired in step S2. Compare each of the varieties so that the target value for the varieties with the largest untreated amount is the largest among all varieties, and the target value for the varieties with the smallest untreated amount is the smallest among all varieties. Change the set target value. This includes the case where the target value is increased as the untreated amount increases.

  First, the example of the 2nd change process in the case of performing a number combination process is described. For example, the aforementioned number combination condition P is set before the operation is started so as to perform the number combination processing. Further, specifically, for example, the target number of product type A is 2 and the allowable number range is 1 to 3, and the target number of product type B is 2 and the allowable number range is 1 to 3 It is set (initial setting) before the start of operation so that the target number of product type C is 3, the allowable number range is 2 to 4, and the combined target number is 7. Further, the linear feeder 12 is controlled so that the target supply quantity to one weighing hopper 14 becomes one for any kind. Here, the unit weight values of the respective varieties are assumed to be equal or substantially equal, but the present invention is not limited to this.

When this combination condition is set, the target value (target number) of each product type before change is the same as the initial setting before starting operation, that is, the target value (target number) of product type A is 2, Assume that there are two target values for B and three target values for product type C. Here, when obtaining the unprocessed amount of each type,
When the unprocessed amount of the product A> the unprocessed amount of the product B> the unprocessed amount of the product C, the target value of the product A is 3, the target value of the product B is 2, and the target value of the product C is 2. Change to pieces. Next, when obtaining the unprocessed amount of each type,
If the unprocessed amount of the product B> the unprocessed amount of the product A> the unprocessed amount of the product C, the target value of the product A is 2, the target value of the product B is 3, and the target value of the product C is 2. Change to pieces. Here, when changing the target value of the product type, it is assumed that the target supply number for the weighing hopper is increased or decreased one by one. Further, the target value (target number) of each product type is changed within an allowable range (allowable number range) so that the sum of the target numbers of all product types becomes the combined target number. In addition, with the change of the target value (target number) of each product type, the target weight of each product type is changed to a value of (single weight value of each product type) × (target number after change).

  Next, the example of the 2nd change process in the case of performing a weight combination process is described. For example, the weight combination condition Q described above is set before the operation is started so that the weight combination process is performed. Specifically, for example, the target weight of product type A is 20 g, the allowable weight range is 8 g to 35 g, the target weight of product type B is 20 g, the allowable weight range is 8 g to 35 g, and the target weight of product type C Is 30 g, the allowable weight range is 18 g to 45 g, and the combination target weight is set to 70 g (initial setting) before the operation is started. Further, the linear feeder 12 is controlled so that the target supply weight with respect to one weighing hopper 14 becomes 10 g for any kind.

When this combination condition is set, the target value (target weight) of each product type before change is the same as the initial setting state before starting operation, that is, the target value of product type A is 20 g, and the target value of product type B is It is assumed that the target value of 20 g and the type C is 30 g. Here, when obtaining the unprocessed amount of each type,
If the untreated amount of the product A> the untreated amount of the product B> the unprocessed amount of the product C, the target value of the product A is changed to 30 g, the target value of the product B is changed to 20 g, and the target value of the product C is changed to 20 g. To do. Next, when obtaining the unprocessed amount of each type,
If the untreated amount of the product type B> the untreated amount of the product type A> the unprocessed amount of the product type C, the target value of the product type A is changed to 20 g, the target value of the product type B is changed to 30 g, and the target value of the product type C is changed to 20 g. To do. Here, when changing the target value of the product type, it is assumed that the target supply weight for the weighing hopper is increased or decreased by 10 g. Further, the target value (target weight) of each type is changed within an allowable range (allowable weight range) so that the sum of the target weights of all types becomes the combined target weight.

  In the present embodiment, by performing the first change process or the second change process, the target value of each type can be changed so that the difference between the types of unprocessed amounts of each type becomes small. Thereby, for example, since the consumption of the weighing object of the kind with a large amount of untreated can be increased and the consumption of the weighing object of the kind with a little untreated quantity can be reduced, the supply devices 1A, 1B, Even if the supply amounts of the objects to be weighed from 1C are not equal, the remaining amount of the objects to be weighed that has not been consumed at the end of the operation, that is, the transport means 2A, 2B, 2C and the storage units 3A, 3B, 3C at the end of the operation In addition, it is possible to reduce the amount of the objects to be weighed remaining in the conveying means 4A, 4B, 4C and the combination weighing units 51, 52, 53.

  Further, when a discharge combination that satisfies the combination condition cannot be obtained, a discharge combination is obtained by temporarily changing the target value of each product type in the combination condition and performing the combination process (step S7) again. In some cases, the yield can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the combination discharge unit is configured by the control devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, and the unprocessed amount calculation unit is configured by the control devices 20A, 20B, and 20C and the level detectors 6A, 6B, and 6C. 20A constitutes a target value changing means.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a production system using the combination weighing combination weigher according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The production system shown in FIG. 4 is also a production system that combines and weighs three types of objects to be weighed, type A, type B, and type C, as in FIG. Reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted.

  The combination weighing combination scale 5 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the combination weighing unit 51 in the first embodiment, that is, the combination weighing unit 51 shown in FIG. The description will be given with reference.

  In the combination weighing combination balance 5 of the present embodiment, a partition plate is disposed on the dispersion feeder 11, the dispersion feeder 11 is divided into three regions (referred to as regions 11a, 11b, and 11c), and conveying means is provided in the region 11a. 4A is supplied with an item to be weighed of the kind A, supplied with an object to be weighed with the kind B from the conveying means 4B to the area 11b, and supplied with an object to be weighed of the kind C from the conveying means 4C to the area 11c. ing. Level detectors 18A, 18B, and 18C for detecting the amount of the object to be weighed are provided on the areas 11a, 11b, and 11c, and these detection signals are sent to the control device 20.

  An area 11a of the dispersion feeder 11 to which the weighing object of the type A is supplied, a plurality of linear feeders 12 to which the objects to be weighed on the area 11a are supplied, and an object to be weighed of these linear feeders 12 are supplied. The supply hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the memory hopper 15 constitute an A type combination weighing unit 5A. Similarly, a combination weighing unit 5B of the B type and a combination weighing unit 5C of the C type are configured.

  The objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hoppers 14 and the memory hoppers 15 of all the combination weighing units 5A, 5B, and 5C to the collecting chute 16 slide down on the collecting chute 16 and are temporarily held by the collecting hopper 17 Discharged. The objects to be weighed discharged by the above normal discharge processing are temporarily held by the collecting hopper 17, and then one discharge gate 17a is opened and put into the packaging machine, and the objects to be weighed discharged by the forced discharge processing. Is discharged to a chute (not shown) when the other discharge gate 17b of the collecting hopper 17 is opened. In this embodiment, the lower discharge chutes 54 and 55 as shown in FIG. 1 are not provided.

  The control device 20 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer or the like, similar to the control device 20A of FIG. And a storage unit 19b for storing other various data. Then, when the arithmetic control unit 19a executes the operation program using the operation condition information set in advance, the control device 20 controls the operation of the conveying means 4A, 4B, 4C and the combination weighing combination scale 5 (all The overall operation control of the combination weighing units 5A, 5B, and 5C) is performed, and the same combination processing as that in the first embodiment is performed.

  That is, the control device 20 has substantially the same function as the combined function of the three control devices 20A, 20B, and 20C in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the level detectors 6A, 6B, and 6C for detecting the amount of the objects to be weighed in the storage units 3A, 3B, and 3C as shown in FIG. 1 are not provided. In the present embodiment, the control device 20 and the supply devices 1A, 1B, and 1C (various control devices 1A, 1B, and 1C) of the varieties A, B, and C are connected so as to be communicable. 1B and 1C are configured to transmit the amounts (supply amounts) of the objects to be weighed carried out to the conveying means 2A, 2B and 2C from the respective supply devices 1A, 1B and 1C to the control device 20. Further, the control device 20 accumulates the amount of the objects to be weighed discharged from each of the combination weighing units 5A, 5B, and 5C, and sequentially updates and stores the accumulated value as the consumption amount.

  Then, the control device 20 subtracts the consumption amount of each combination weighing unit 5A, 5B, 5C at the time of reception from the supply amount of the object to be weighed received from each supply device 1A, 1B, 1C, and the subtraction. The result value is configured as an unprocessed amount, whereby the unprocessed amount for each product type is obtained.

  The supply amount of the object to be weighed from each supply device 1A, 1B, 1C, the consumption amount of each combination weighing unit 5A, 5B, 5C and the unprocessed amount of the calculation result may be weight or number. Also good. In the case of the number, the unit weight value may be multiplied to be converted into a weight value.

  The operation of the combination weighing combination weigher of this embodiment can be shown by the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the like as in the first embodiment. The method is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the method for calculating the unprocessed amount of each product is different from that of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the number combination process or the weight combination process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the first change process or the second change process in the case of performing each combination process is performed in the same manner.

  That is, also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, while the untreated amount of each kind calculated | required in 1st Embodiment is the storage amount of storage part 3A, 3B, 3C and was a part of original unprocessed amount, in this embodiment, Since the unprocessed amount of the product type is obtained by subtracting the consumption amount of each combination weighing unit 5A, 5B, 5C from the supply amount of the object to be weighed carried out by each supply device 1A, 1B, 1C, The processing amount, that is, the amount of the objects to be weighed that are not discharged from the respective combination weighing units 5A, 5B, and 5C among the objects to be weighed out from the supply devices 1A, 1B, and 1C can be calculated.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 20 constitutes a combination discharging unit, an unprocessed amount calculating unit, and a target value changing unit.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 20 acquires the supply amount of the object to be weighed from each supply device 1A, 1B, 1C by receiving from each supply device 1A, 1B, 1C. For example, when the objects to be weighed are carried out from the supply devices 1A, 1B, and 1C in a line at intervals, a conveying means is provided at or near the carry-out port of each of the supply devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. 2A, 2B, and 2C are provided with article detection sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C including photoelectric sensors that detect articles passing through (objects to be weighed), and the detection signals are transmitted to the control device 20 for control. The apparatus 20 counts the number of objects to be weighed out from the supply apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C based on detection signals from the article detection sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C, and calculates the count value as a supply amount. You may make it do. Further, the supply amount may be calculated by converting the count value into a weight value using a single weight value. In this case, the control device 20 and the article detection sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C constitute a supply amount acquisition unit and an unprocessed amount calculation unit. In addition, when each of conveyance means 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised with the conveyor of several rows arranged in parallel, what is necessary is just to provide an article | item detection sensor in the conveyor of each row | line | column.

  In each of the above embodiments, the weighing hopper and the memory hopper are shown as the hoppers (combination hoppers) to be selected as the discharge combination. However, when the memory hopper is not provided, only the weighing hopper is combined. It becomes a hopper for. In addition, the combination hopper may be variously changed.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the control devices 20, 20A, 20B, and 20C are not necessarily configured by a single control device, and a plurality of control devices are distributed and cooperated. It may be configured to control the operation of the combination weigher.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a combination weighing combination weigher or the like that can reduce the remaining amount of objects to be weighed that has not been consumed at the end of operation even when the supply amounts of objects to be weighed are not equal. .

1A, 1B, 1C Supply device 2A, 2B, 2C Transport means 3A, 3B, 3C Storage section 4A, 4B, 4C Transport means 6A, 6B, 6C Level detectors 51, 52, 53, 5A, 5B, 5C Combination weighing unit 14 Weighing hopper 15 Memory hopper 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Control device

Claims (8)

Provided for each type of object to be weighed, and the object to be weighed is supplied and supplied from a supply device for carrying out the object to be weighed through a transport path having a storage part in which the object to be weighed is temporarily stored. A plurality of combination weighing units having a plurality of hoppers for temporarily holding and discharging the objects to be weighed;
For each type, a combination process for obtaining a combination of the hoppers holding the objects to be weighed according to a predetermined condition including a target value consisting of a target weight or a target number set for each type, and selecting the combination A combination discharging means for repeatedly performing discharge processing for discharging the object to be weighed from the hopper,
Unprocessed amount calculation for obtaining the unprocessed amount as an unprocessed amount of at least the items to be weighed in the storage unit in the transfer path among the items to be measured in the transfer path and the combination weighing unit for each product type Means,
A combination weigher for mixing and weighing comprising: target value changing means for changing a target value of each kind so as to reduce a difference between kinds of untreated amounts of each kind obtained by the untreated amount calculating means. The unprocessed amount calculation means
Retaining amount detecting means for detecting the amount of the objects to be weighed stored in each of the storing portions,
2. The combination weighing combination weigher according to claim 1, configured to obtain an amount of an object to be measured detected by the storage amount detection means as the unprocessed amount. The unprocessed amount calculation means
Consumption amount calculating means for calculating the consumption amount by accumulating the amount of the objects to be weighed discharged from the hopper for each type,
For each type, supply amount acquisition means for acquiring the supply amount of the objects to be weighed carried out from the supply device to the transport path;
The calculation means for obtaining the unprocessed amount by subtracting the consumption amount calculated by the consumption amount calculation unit from the supply amount acquired by the supply amount acquisition unit for each product type. The combination weighing scale described in the above   The combination weighing combination weigher according to claim 3, wherein the supply amount acquisition unit includes a supply amount receiving unit that receives a supply amount of the object to be weighed from the supply device of each product type.   The supply amount acquisition means includes an object detection means for detecting an object to be carried out from the supply device of each type, and a counter for counting the number of objects to be measured detected by the object detection means. The combination weigher according to claim 3, further comprising: means. The target value changing means includes
The unprocessed amount of one product obtained by the unprocessed amount calculating means exceeds the upper limit value of the predetermined range of the one product set in advance, and the other unprocessed amount of another product is set in advance. The target value set for each product is changed so that the target value of the one product whose unprocessed amount exceeds the upper value of the predetermined range increases when the product is below the upper value of the predetermined range of the product. And the unprocessed amount of one product determined by the unprocessed amount calculating means is less than the preset lower limit of the predetermined range of the one product, and the unprocessed amount of the other product is Set for each product so that the target value of the one product whose unprocessed amount is less than the lower value of the predetermined range is reduced when the preset value is equal to or greater than the lower value of the predetermined range of the other product. Configured to change the target value Mixing-weighing combination weigher according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The unprocessed amount calculating means is configured to periodically determine the unprocessed amount of each product type,
The target value changing means includes
The untreated amount of each variety obtained by the untreated amount calculating means is compared, and the target value of the variety having the largest untreated amount is the largest among all the varieties, and the variety having the smallest untreated amount. The combination weighing scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the target value set for each product type is changed so that the target value is a minimum value among all product types.   The combination discharging means temporarily sets the target value of each product type when there is no combination of the hoppers holding the objects to be weighed according to predetermined conditions including the target value currently set for each product type. The combination scale for mixing and weighing according to claim 1, wherein the combination processing is performed again after changing to step (b).

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