JP5534967B2 - Combination weighing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weighing system for manually supplying an object to be weighed.

  Combination weighers are roughly classified into automatic combination weighers, semi-automatic combination weighers, and manual combination weighers depending on the method of supplying and discharging the objects to be weighed to the weighing units (weighing hoppers, weighing trays, etc.). . The automatic combination weigher automatically (machine control) supplies and discharges an object to be weighed to and from the weighing unit. In the semi-automatic combination weigher, the object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing unit by an operator, and the object to be weighed is automatically discharged. In the manual combination weigher, both the supply of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit and the discharge (removal) of the article are performed by the operator.

  With semi-automatic and manual combination weighers, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the combination weigher by hand. It is suitable for handling objects to be weighed that are difficult to handle by a machine (for example, block-shaped chicken, squid, octopus, etc.).

  The semi-automatic combination weigher has a control device and a plurality of weighing units, and an operator supplies an object to be weighed to the combination weigher by hand. The control device performs a combination calculation using the weight detected by the weighing unit as an element, selects the most suitable combination from those whose total weight satisfies a predetermined condition, and discharges the object to be weighed from the corresponding weighing unit. The discharged objects to be weighed are supplied to a packaging machine, for example, and packed into a product by the packaging machine.

  The problem with the semi-automatic combination weigher is that it is necessary to replace the objects to be weighed in the weighing hopper if a combination failure occurs in which a combination that satisfies the conditions cannot be obtained even if the combination calculation is performed. For this purpose, the operator replaces the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper, or when there is a supply hopper above the weighing hopper, the object is forcibly discharged from the weighing hopper and weighed from the supply hopper. I had to wait for things to be supplied. When a combination failure occurs in this way, the objects to be weighed in the weighing hopper must be replaced, so that the production efficiency is lowered.

  In Patent Document 1, if the number of weighing units that can participate in the combination is increased, the probability that a combination of the target predetermined weight ranges can be increased in the combination calculation. Therefore, as a method for increasing the weighing units that can participate in the combination, for example, A technique using a general measuring instrument such as a pan scale is disclosed.

JP 2007-64704 A

  In the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the number of measuring units that can participate in the combination can be increased, the occurrence frequency of defective combinations can be reduced. However, in order to further improve the production efficiency, a configuration that can reduce the occurrence frequency of defective combinations is desirable. It is.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a system for weighing combinations of manually-supplied objects, a combination weighing system that can greatly reduce the frequency of occurrence of defective combinations. It is intended to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the combination weighing system of the present invention detects a plurality of storage units that hold and discharge manually supplied objects to be weighed, and weight values of the objects to be weighed held in the storage units. A first combination for obtaining one combination of the storage units in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed held in the single operation mode falls within a first predetermined weight range. Means, discharge control means for discharging the object to be weighed from the storage part selected for this combination, and discharge means for receiving the object to be weighed discharged from the storage part and discharging it to the outside, A semi-automatic combination weigher configured to be able to switch between a single operation mode and a linked operation mode, a plurality of weighing pans for holding manually supplied weighing objects, and a weighing object held on the weighing dish. Second weight test to detect weight value And a second combination means for obtaining one combination of the weighing pans in which the sum of the weight values of the objects to be weighed held in the single operation mode falls within the second predetermined weight range, A combination informing means for informing an operator of the selected weighing pan, the manual combination weigher configured to be able to switch between the single operation mode and the interlocking operation mode, and the semi-automatic combination weigher And the manual combination weigher are each provided with communication means for communicating with each other in the interlocking operation mode, and in the interlocking operation mode, the weight value of the object to be weighed in the storage unit and the weight A total of weight values of the objects to be weighed including at least the weight value of the objects to be weighed in the storage part out of the weight values of the objects to be weighed in the weighing pan, the storage part being within the first predetermined weight range; Less of the weighing pan Has a third combination means for obtaining one discharge combination which is a combination including the storage section, and the discharge control means discharges the object to be weighed from the storage section selected as the discharge combination. The combination notification means is configured to notify the operator of the selected weighing pan when the weighing pan is selected for the discharge combination.

  In this configuration, the object to be weighed held in the storage unit of the semi-automatic combination weigher is an object to be weighed that is manually supplied directly or via a hopper. In other words, the configuration may be such that the operator supplies directly to the storage unit, or a hopper is provided above the storage unit, the operator supplies the object to be weighed to the hopper, and the object to be weighed discharged from the hopper May be configured to be supplied to the storage unit. The first weight detection means detects the weight value of the object to be weighed when the object to be weighed is held in the storage part regardless of whether a hopper is provided above the storage part. Alternatively, when the hopper is provided above the storage unit, the weight value of the weighing object may be detected when the weighing object is held by the hopper.

  According to the above configuration, when there is a weighing pan selected as the discharge combination in the interlock operation mode, the operator takes out the weighing object from the weighing pan and is discharged from the storage unit. The product is supplied to discharge means (for example, a conveyor) so as to be one product together with the goods. In this interlocking operation mode, the third combination means can use the weight value of the object to be measured held in the storage part of the semi-automatic combination weigher and the weighing pan of the manual combination weigher. Compared with the mode, the probability that the combination to be obtained is established is greatly increased, and the occurrence frequency of the combination failure can be greatly reduced.

  Further, the third combination means performs a first combination process for obtaining the discharge combination including only the storage unit, and in this first combination process, the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is the first combination process. When there is no combination that falls within a predetermined weight range of 1, a second combination process for obtaining the discharge combination including a combination including both the weighing pan and the storage unit may be performed.

  According to this configuration, first in the interlocking operation mode, the first combination process for obtaining a discharge combination consisting of only the storage unit is performed, and the measurement is performed when the discharge combination is not obtained in the first combination process. Since the second combination process for obtaining the discharge combination including the combination of both the tray and the storage unit is performed, the operator takes out the object to be weighed from the weighing pan selected as the discharge combination, and discharges it. The work supplied to (for example, a conveyor) can be reduced, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  The third combination means may be selected when the second combination process includes a plurality of combinations in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is within the first predetermined weight range. The combination having the smallest number may be selected as the discharge combination.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the work for the operator to take out the object to be weighed from the weighing pan selected as the discharge combination and supply it to the discharge means (for example, the conveyor), which is a burden on the operator. Can be further reduced.

  The third combination means is configured to repeatedly obtain the discharge combination, and is a priority storage that is the storage unit that has not been selected as the discharge combination continuously for a predetermined number of times including the previous discharge combination. If there is a portion, prior to the first combination processing, priority combination processing for obtaining the discharge combination including the priority storage portion from the storage portion and the weighing pan is performed, and this priority combination is performed. In the processing, the first combination processing may be performed when there is no combination in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed falls within the first predetermined weight range.

  According to this configuration, when there is a storage unit that has not been selected as the discharge combination continuously for a predetermined number of times, the storage unit is used as the priority storage unit, and the combination including the priority storage unit is performed before the first combination process. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the freshness of the object to be weighed by performing the priority combination process for obtaining the discharge combination, and at the next time, a discharge combination consisting only of the storage unit by the first combination process is established. It becomes easy to do.

  The third combination means is selected when there are a plurality of combinations in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is within the first predetermined weight range in the priority combination process and the second combination process. The combination having the smallest number of weighing pans may be selected as the discharge combination.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the work for the operator to take out the object to be weighed from the weighing pan selected as the discharge combination and supply it to the discharge means (for example, the conveyor), which is a burden on the operator. Can be further reduced.

  In addition, an operation switch for giving a discharge instruction signal to the discharge control means in the interlocking operation mode, the discharge control means, when the weighing pan is selected as the discharge combination, the combination notification means After performing the notification, the object to be weighed may be discharged from the storage unit selected as the discharge combination based on the discharge instruction signal from the operation switch.

  According to this configuration, when the operator takes out the object to be weighed from the weighing pan selected for the discharge combination and supplies it to the discharge means, and then presses the operation switch, the discharge instruction signal is input to the discharge control means, and the discharge is controlled. The objects to be weighed are discharged from the storage unit selected for the combination to the discharge means, and the objects to be weighed with the weighing pan and the storage unit selected for the discharge combination are discharged to the outside (for example, a packaging machine) by the discharge means.

  The present invention has the above-described configuration, and has an effect that the frequency of occurrence of defective combinations can be greatly reduced in a system that performs combination weighing of objects to be manually fed. In addition, manual combination weighers are inexpensive, and when used in a linked operation mode with a semi-automatic combination weigher, there is very little combination failure, eliminating the labor of the operator such as changing the object to be weighed, and the object to be weighed. It is possible to prevent damage to the user, so there is an investment effect for the user. In addition, when the manual combination weigher is not used in the interlocking operation mode, it can be used for the original purpose, so that it is not wasted for the user.

(A) is a top view of the combination weighing system of the embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a side view of the combination weighing system viewed from one direction, and (c) is a combination weighing system. It is the side view which looked at the semiautomatic combination balance A used from the direction different from the said one direction. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the combination measurement system of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the control part of the semi-automatic combination weigher of the operation example in the interlocking operation mode of the combination weighing system of the 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.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a plan view of a combination weighing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a side view of the combination weighing system viewed from one direction, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of a semi-automatic combination weigher A used in the combination weighing system as viewed from a direction different from the one direction. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the combination weighing system.

  In this combination weighing system, the object to be weighed is supplied manually (manually) by the operator and the object to be weighed is automatically discharged, and the object to be weighed is supplied and discharged (take out). ) Is provided with a manual combination balance B which is manually operated by an operator. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, these two combination weighers A and B are arranged adjacent to each other in an L shape in plan view.

[Configuration of semi-automatic combination weigher A]
First, the configuration of the semi-automatic combination balance A will be described. In the semi-automatic combination weigher A, a plurality of supply hoppers 1 to which objects to be weighed are supplied by an operator are arranged in a line in a straight line on the upper part of the apparatus main body 5. The work table 6 is provided with a supply port 6 a opened corresponding to each supply hopper 1. The work table 6 is provided with an operation switch 13. The operation switch 13 is, for example, a push button type, and is connected to the control unit 18 via the I / O circuit 21, and a trigger signal is input to the control unit 18 when pressed by an operator as necessary. The

  Below each supply hopper 1, a weighing hopper 2 having two storage portions 2a and 2b is disposed. Each supply hopper 1 is provided with two discharge gates 10a and 10b that can be driven independently, and is configured to selectively discharge an object to be weighed to the storage portion 2a and the storage portion 2b of the weighing hopper 2. ing. For example, the supply hopper 1 discharges the object to be weighed to one storage part 2a by opening the discharge gate 10a, and discharges the object to be weighed to the other storage part 2b by opening the discharge gate 10b.

  In addition, each weighing hopper 2 is provided with discharge gates 11a and 11b in the respective storage portions 2a and 2b, and by opening each discharge gate, the objects to be weighed can be discharged separately from the respective storage portions 2a and 2b. It is configured.

  Below the weighing hopper 2, a conveyor 3 that receives the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper 2 and conveys it in the direction of the arrow s, for example, is disposed. In this case, for example, the packaging machine is installed on the direction side of the arrow s (the right side in FIG. 1B), and the objects to be weighed conveyed by the conveyor 3 are supplied to a packaging machine (not shown). In addition, a collection box 51 is disposed on the side opposite to the packaging machine. In addition, guide plates 12 are disposed on both sides of the conveyor 3 so that the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper 2 do not jump out of the conveyor 3. Further, an operation indicator 4 supported on the apparatus main body 5 via a support column 4 a is disposed above the apparatus main body 5.

  In addition, an electrical component storage unit 9 is provided in the lower part of the apparatus main body 5. The electrical component storage unit 9 includes a discharge gate drive circuit 14, an A / D conversion circuit 15, and a conveyor drive circuit 17 shown in FIG. The control unit 18, the I / O circuit 21, the communication unit (communication means) 22 and the like are accommodated.

  Each supply hopper 1 is provided with a weight sensor 7 such as a load cell. The weight sensor 7 measures the weight of the object to be weighed in the supply hopper 1 and the weight value (analog weight signal) is A The signal is converted into a digital signal by the / D conversion circuit 15 and sent to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 determines the presence or absence of an object to be weighed in the supply hopper 1 based on the weight value measured by the weight sensor 7, and controls the discharge gates 10a and 10b.

  Each weighing hopper 2 is provided with a weight sensor 8 such as a load cell. The weight sensor 8 measures the weight of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper 2, and the weight value (analog weight signal) is A The signal is converted into a digital signal by the / D conversion circuit 15 and sent to the control unit 18. Thereby, the control unit 18 recognizes the weight value of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper 2. Here, in each weighing hopper 2, the weight sensor 8 measures the weight of the object to be weighed in the storage part 2a when the object to be weighed is supplied only to one storage part, for example, the storage part 2a. Further, when the object to be weighed is supplied to the other storage part 2b, the total weight of the objects to be weighed in the two storage parts 2a and 2b is measured by the weight sensor 8. The control unit 18 subtracts the weight of the object to be weighed in the storage unit 2a previously measured from the total weight of the objects to be weighed in the two storage units 2a and 2b. Calculate the weight of the object to be weighed. In this case, the first weight detection means includes the weight sensor 8, the A / D conversion circuit 15, and the control unit 18.

  The control unit 18 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and includes an arithmetic control unit 19 including a CPU and a storage unit 20 including a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 20 stores an operation program, and further stores measurement result data and the like.

  Then, the control unit 18 executes the operation program stored in the storage unit 20 by the arithmetic control unit 19, thereby performing overall control of the combination weigher A and performing combination processing described later. For example, the control unit 18 controls the opening and closing of the discharge gates 10 a and 10 b of each supply hopper 1 and the opening and closing of the discharge gates 11 a and 11 b of each weighing hopper 2 via the discharge gate driving circuit 14. Further, the driving operation of the conveyor 3 is controlled via the conveyor driving circuit 17. Further, the weight value measured by the weight sensor 7 attached to each supply hopper 1 and the weight value measured by the weight sensor 8 attached to each weighing hopper 2 are acquired via the A / D conversion circuit 15. To get. In addition, a trigger signal from the operation switch 13 is input via the I / O circuit 21, and signals are transmitted to and received from an external packaging machine (not shown). In addition, a signal is input from the operation display 4 and a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation display 4 is output. Moreover, the control part 18 can transmit / receive information etc. via the control part 37 of the manual type combination balance B and the mutual communication parts 22 and 43. FIG. Note that the control unit 18 is not necessarily configured by a single control device, and a plurality of control devices are distributed and configured to control the operation of the combination weigher A in cooperation with each other. Also good.

  The operation indicator 4 is connected to the control unit 18 and includes, for example, a touch screen type display screen. On this display screen, the operation of the combination weigher A, combination conditions (target weight value and permissible range thereof), etc. The operating conditions can be set and the result of the combination processing (combination weight value, etc.) by the control unit 18 can be displayed on the display screen.

  In FIG. 1, a guide chute 52 is disposed on the side close to the manual combination weigher B above the conveyor 3. This is because the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the manual combination weigher B work together. This is used in the linked operation mode that operates in

[Configuration of manual combination weigher B]
Next, the configuration of the manual combination balance B will be described. This manual combination weigher B is installed on a platform 50, supports a plurality of weighing pans 31 on which the objects to be weighed are placed, and each weighing pan 31, and determines the weight of the objects to be weighed on the weighing pan 31. A weight sensor 32 including a load cell for weighing, a plurality of indicator lamps 33, an operation switch 34, a device frame 35, an operation indicator 36, and a control unit 37 are provided. Each weight sensor 32, operation switch 34 and operation indicator 36 are fixed to the apparatus frame 35. Further, inside the casing of the operation indicator 36, a control unit 37, an indicator lamp driving circuit 40, an A / D conversion circuit 41, an I / O circuit 42, a communication unit (communication means) 43, and the like are accommodated.

  The weight value (analog weight signal) of the weighing object on each weighing pan 31 measured by each weight sensor 32 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 41 and sent to the control unit 37. Thereby, the control unit 37 recognizes the weight value of the object to be weighed on the weighing pan 31. In this case, the second weight detection means includes the weight sensor 32, the A / D conversion circuit 41, and the control unit 37. The indicator lamp 33 is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode or a light bulb. The indicator lamp 33 is provided in the vicinity of the corresponding weighing pan 31 corresponding to each weighing pan 31. The operation switch 34 is, for example, a push button type, and is connected to the control unit 37 via the I / O circuit 42, and a trigger signal is input to the control unit 37 when pressed by an operator as necessary. Is done.

  The control unit 37 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and includes an arithmetic control unit 38 including a CPU and a storage unit 39 including a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 39 stores a driving program, and further stores measurement result data and the like.

  And the control part 37 performs the control process of the same combination balance B, and the below-mentioned combination process etc., when the arithmetic control part 38 runs the program for operation memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 39. FIG. For example, the control unit 37 controls the operation (such as lighting and extinguishing) of each indicator lamp 33 by controlling the indicator lamp driving circuit 40, and is measured by each weight sensor 32 via the A / D conversion circuit 41. The weight value is acquired, and a trigger signal is input from the operation switch 34 via the I / O circuit 42. In addition, a signal is input from the operation display 36 and a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation display 36 is output. The control unit 37 can transmit and receive information and the like via the control unit 18 of the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the mutual communication units 43 and 22. Note that the control unit 37 is not necessarily configured by a single control device, and a plurality of control devices are distributed and configured to control the operation of the combination weigher B in cooperation with each other. Also good.

  The operation indicator 36 is connected to the control unit 37 and includes, for example, a touch screen type display screen. On this display screen, the operation of the combination weigher B, combination conditions (target weight value and allowable range thereof), etc. The operating conditions can be set and the result of the combination processing (combination weight value, etc.) by the control unit 37 can be displayed on the display screen.

  In the combination weighing system of the present embodiment, the control unit 18 of the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the control unit 37 of the manual combination weigher B are connected to each other via the communication units 22 and 43, for example, LAN (local area network). Connected by a cable, for example, it is configured to be able to communicate necessary information between the control unit 18 and the control unit 37 in the interlocking operation mode. The communication units 22 and 43 are communication means for performing communication between the control unit 18 and the control unit 37, respectively.

  Further, each of the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the manual combination weigher B is configured to select, set and operate (run) any one operation mode from a plurality of operation modes. For example, by operating the operation indicator 4 of the semi-automatic combination weigher A, the operator selects any one operation mode from a plurality of operation modes to operate (run) the semi-automatic combination weigher A. Similarly, the operator operates the operation indicator 36 of the manual combination weigher B to operate (operate) the manual combination weigher B by selecting any one operation mode from a plurality of operation modes. Let Each of the combination weighers A and B is roughly divided into a single operation mode and a linked operation mode.

  When setting the operation mode in each of the combination weighers A and B, for example, the operation mode setting screen is displayed on the touch screen type display screen of the operation indicators 4 and 36. For example, a single operation mode setting touch key and a linked operation mode setting touch key are displayed on the operation mode setting screen as touch keys of the settable operation modes, and any one touch key is displayed. By touching, an operation mode corresponding to the touched touch key is set in the control units 18 and 37.

  First, the operation in the single operation mode will be described. In this case, as described above, when the semi-automatic combination balance A is set to the single operation mode and the operation is started, the combination balance A operates in the single operation mode, and the manual combination balance B is set to the single operation mode. When the operation is started, the combination weigher B operates in the single operation mode. In this single operation mode, communication is not performed between the control units 18 and 37 of the two combination weighers A and B, and each combination weigher A and B operates independently.

[Operation example of single operation mode of semi-automatic combination weigher A]
An example of operation in the single operation mode in which the semi-automatic combination weigher A operates alone will be described. This operation is realized by the control of the control unit 18.

  First, the combination process by the control unit 18 in the single operation mode will be described. In this combination processing, combination calculation is performed based on the weight of the objects to be weighed in the storage units 2a and 2b holding the objects to be weighed, and the total weight value (combination weight value) of the objects to be weighed is obtained. All appropriate combinations that are combinations of the storage units (2a, 2b) within a predetermined weight range (allowable range for the target weight value) are obtained, and one appropriate combination is determined as the discharge combination. Here, when there are a plurality of appropriate amount combinations, the appropriate amount combination having the smallest absolute value of the difference between the combination weight value and the target weight value is determined as the discharge combination. This combination processing is performed at a predetermined timing based on, for example, a set measurement speed. When the measurement speed, that is, the discharge speed of the object to be measured is set to 20 times per minute, for example, the combination process is performed at intervals of 3 seconds.

  Next, the operation in the single operation mode will be described based on the flow of the object to be weighed. Examples of the objects to be weighed include meat such as chicken, marine products, agricultural products, and pickles. In this case, the worker performs an operation of supplying the objects to be weighed to the empty supply hopper 1 as needed.

  The control unit 18 recognizes the supply hopper 1 to which the object to be weighed is supplied based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 7, and at least the storage units 2a and 2b below the supply hopper 1 to which the object to be weighed is supplied. When either one is empty, the discharge gate (10a, 10b) of one of the supply hoppers 1 is opened and closed at a predetermined timing, and an object to be weighed in the supply hopper 1 is stored in an empty storage unit ( 2a, 2b). Then, the control unit 18 performs the above-described combination processing at the timing of performing the combination processing, and obtains a discharge combination. When the discharge command signal from the packaging machine is input via the I / O circuit 21, the discharge gates 11a and 11b of the storage units 2a and 2b selected for the discharge combination are opened and closed, and the target in the storage unit is opened. The weighing object is dropped onto the conveyor 3. And the conveyance conveyor 3 is driven, a to-be-measured object is conveyed by the arrow s direction with the conveyance conveyor 3, and it sends out to a packaging machine. Moreover, if the control part 18 discharges | emits the to-be-measured item in storage part 2a, 2b selected as discharge | emission combination, it will output a discharge completion signal to a packaging machine via the I / O circuit 21. FIG. The above operation is repeated.

  As a result of performing the combination process, if a discharge combination cannot be obtained, that is, if there is no appropriate combination in which the combination weight is within the predetermined weight range (when a combination failure occurs), a replacement process is performed. In this replacement process, for example, a predetermined number (about 1 to 2) of storage units are selected in descending order of the weight value of the objects to be weighed, and the objects to be weighed are discharged from the selected storage units. In order to supply the objects to be weighed from the supply hopper 1 to the storage unit from which the objects have been discharged, the discharge gate of the supply hopper 1 is opened and closed. Further, the conveyor 3 is driven so as to be conveyed in a direction opposite to the arrow s for a predetermined time, and the objects to be weighed discharged from the storage units 2 a and 2 b are discharged to the collection box 51.

[Operation example of single operation mode of manual combination weigher B]
Next, an example of the operation of the manual combination balance B in the single operation mode will be described. This operation is realized by the control of the control unit 37.

  In this case, the operator supplies the object to be measured to the empty weighing pan 31, and when the indicator lamp 33 is turned on, the operator takes out the object to be weighed from the weighing pan 31 corresponding to the indicator lamp 33 that is lit. Work in the bag. For example, in a demolition factory such as a broiler, the object to be weighed is a by-product such as scissors and sand sledge.

  The control unit 37 acquires the weight value from each weight sensor 32 at predetermined time intervals. Then, based on the weight value from the weight sensor 32, it is determined whether or not an object to be weighed is placed on the weighing pan 31, and if the number of the weighing pans 31 on which the object to be weighed is a predetermined number or more, it is determined. Perform combination processing. In this combination processing, the combination operation is performed based on the weight of the objects to be weighed in the weighing pan 31 holding the objects to be weighed (the objects to be weighed are placed), and the total of the objects to be weighed is held. All appropriate combinations that are combinations of the weighing pans 31 in which the weight value (combined weight value) falls within a predetermined weight range (allowable range with respect to the target weight value) are obtained, and one appropriate combination is determined as the discharge combination. Here, when there are a plurality of appropriate amount combinations, the appropriate amount combination having the smallest absolute value of the difference between the combination weight value and the target weight value is determined as the discharge combination.

  Then, the control unit 37 turns on the indicator lamp 33 corresponding to the weighing pan 31 selected for the discharge combination, and then, based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 32, the control plate 37 of the weighing pan 31 selected for the discharge combination. It is determined whether or not all the objects to be weighed have been taken out. When all of the objects to be weighed are taken out, all the indicator lamps 33 that are lit are turned off. The above operation is repeated.

  As described above, the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the manual combination weigher B can be used individually in the single operation mode. For example, in a demolition factory such as a broiler, semi-automatic combination weigher A is used to measure and produce packs for several kilograms of commercial meat or thigh meat, and manual combination weigher B is built in May be used to weigh and produce packs of several hundred grams of remaining by-products.

  Next, the operation in the interlocking operation mode of the combination weighing system of this embodiment will be described. In this case, as described above, the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the manual combination weigher B are set to the interlocking operation mode. In this interlocking operation mode, the control unit 18 of the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the control unit 37 of the manual combination weigher B perform transmission / reception of necessary information and the like via the communication units 22 and 43.

[Operation example in linked operation mode]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the control unit 18 of the semi-automatic combination weigher A as an operation example in the interlock operation mode of the combination weighing system.

  In the case of this operation example, the operator supplies the same type of objects to be weighed to the empty supply hopper 1 of the semi-automatic combination balance A and the empty weighing pan 31 of the manual combination balance B at any time. Examples of the objects to be weighed include meat such as chicken, marine products, agricultural products, and pickles.

  In this case, by operating the operation indicator 4 of the semi-automatic combination weigher A before the start of operation, as a combination condition, for example, a target weight value and a predetermined weight range (allowable range for the target weight value) are given to the control unit 18. Set.

  In step S1, the control unit 18 recognizes the supply hopper 1 to which the object to be weighed is supplied based on the weight value of the object to be weighed measured by the weight sensor 7 connected to each of the supply hoppers 1. When at least one storage part (2a, 2b) of the weighing hopper 2 below the supply hopper 1 to which the object to be weighed is supplied is empty, the object to be weighed is discharged from the supply hopper 1, Supply to the storage unit.

  Then, when it is time to perform the combination process in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. For example, when the weighing speed, that is, the discharge speed of the object to be weighed is set to 20 times per minute, the processes after step S3 are usually executed at intervals of 3 seconds.

  In step S3, the weight value of the object to be weighed in each weighing pan 31 is acquired from the control unit 37 of the manual combination weigher B.

  Next, it progresses to step S4, it is judged whether there exists a priority accommodating part, and when there exists a priority accommodating part, it progresses to step S14, and when there is no priority accommodating part, it progresses to step S5. Note that the priority storage unit is a storage unit that is not selected as a discharge combination continuously for a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times) including the previous discharge combination. The control unit 18 counts the number of times that the discharge combination is not continuously selected for each storage unit every time the discharge combination is obtained.

  In step S5, a combination calculation is performed using only the weight values of the objects to be weighed in the storage units 2a and 2b of the semi-automatic combination weigher A, and the sum of the weight values of the objects to be weighed (combination weight values) is within a predetermined weight range. One combination is obtained, and that combination is determined as the discharge combination.

  When a discharge combination is obtained in step S5, the process proceeds from step S6 to step S7, and when a discharge command signal is input from the packaging machine, a discharge process is performed (step S8). In this discharge processing, the discharge gate of the storage unit selected for the discharge combination is opened and closed to discharge the object to be weighed, and the conveyor 3 is driven so that the discharged object to be weighed is supplied to the packaging machine. And a discharge completion signal is output to the packaging machine. Here, the object to be weighed is supplied from the supply hopper 1 to the storage unit from which the object to be weighed is discharged in the next step S1.

  If there is a priority storage unit in step S4, the process advances to step S14 to perform priority combination processing. In this preferential combination processing, the weight value of the weighing object of each weighing pan 31 and the weight value of the weighing object of the storage units 2a and 2b of the semi-automatic combination weighing scale A obtained from the control unit 37 of the manual combination balance B are obtained. The combination calculation is performed to obtain one combination whose combination weight value including the weight value of the object to be weighed in the priority storage unit is within a predetermined weight range, and that combination is determined as the discharge combination. Here, when a plurality of combinations in which the combination weight value including the weight value of the object to be weighed in the priority storage unit is within the predetermined weight range are obtained, the combination having the smallest number of weighing pans 31 selected as the combination is discharged. Decide on a combination. When there are a plurality of combinations having the smallest number of weighing pans 31, the combination that minimizes the absolute value of the difference between the combination weight value and the target weight value is determined as the discharge combination.

  When the discharge combination is obtained in step S14, the process proceeds to step S16, and when it is not obtained, the process proceeds to step S5 (step S15). In step S16, if the weighing pan 31 is not selected for the discharge combination obtained in step S14, the process proceeds to step S7, and if the weighing pan 31 is selected, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, in order to notify the manual combination weigher B of the weighing pan selected for the discharge combination, the control unit 18 informs the control unit 37 of the manual combination balance B of the weighing pan 31 selected for the discharge combination. Send the number. Each weighing pan 31 is previously assigned a number for identifying it. In step S18, the operator is notified that the manual combination balance B is selected as the discharge combination. This notification is performed, for example, by displaying on the operation display 4 that the weighing pan of the manual combination balance B is selected as the discharge combination.

  When the control unit 37 of the manual combination weigher B receives the number of the weighing pan 31 selected as the discharge combination, the indicator lamp 33 corresponding to the weighing pan 31 is turned on. When the indicator lamp 33 is lit, the operator takes out the object to be weighed from the weighing pan 31 corresponding to the lit indicator lamp 33 and drops it on the guide chute 52. The object to be weighed dropped onto the guide chute 52 falls on the conveyor 3. Then, the operator presses the operation switch 13 of the semi-automatic combination weigher A. When the operation switch 13 is pressed, a trigger signal (discharge instruction signal) is input to the control unit 18.

  When the trigger signal is input (step S19), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S7, and performs a discharge process if a discharge command signal is input from the packaging machine (step S8).

  Further, when the discharge combination is not obtained in step S5, the process proceeds from step S6 to step S11, and the second combination process is performed. In the second combination process, the control unit 18 obtains the weight value of the object to be weighed on the weighing pan 31 acquired from the control unit 37 of the manual combination weigher B and the objects to be weighed in the storage units 2a and 2b of the semi-automatic combination weigher A. A combination calculation is performed using the weight value of the object, one combination having a combination weight value within a predetermined weight range is obtained, and the combination is determined as a discharge combination. Here, when a plurality of combinations whose combination weight values are within the predetermined weight range are obtained, the combination having the smallest number of weighing pans 31 selected as the combination is determined as the discharge combination. When there are a plurality of combinations having the smallest number of weighing pans 31, the combination that minimizes the absolute value of the difference between the combination weight value and the target weight value is determined as the discharge combination.

  When the discharge combination is obtained in step S11, the process proceeds to step S17, and when it is not obtained, the process proceeds to step S13 to perform a replacement process. In this replacement process, for example, a predetermined number (about 1 to 2) of storage units are selected in descending order of the weight value of the objects to be weighed, and the objects to be weighed are discharged from the selected storage units. In order to supply the objects to be weighed from the supply hopper 1 to the storage unit from which the objects have been discharged, the discharge gate of the supply hopper 1 is opened and closed. Further, the conveyor 3 is driven so as to be conveyed in a direction opposite to the arrow s for a predetermined time, and the objects to be weighed discharged from the storage units 2 a and 2 b are discharged to the collection box 51.

  In addition, although the control part 18 determined whether the operator input the trigger signal input by pressing the operation switch 13 in step S19, the process end signal was sent from the manual combination balance B. You may make it determine whether it received. Alternatively, it may be determined whether one of the trigger signal and the processing end signal is input or received. Here, when the operator presses the operation switch 34 of the manual combination balance B, a trigger signal (discharge instruction signal) is input to the control unit 37. When the trigger signal is input to the control unit 37, the semi-automatic combination scale A processing end signal is transmitted to the control unit 18 of A.

  In this interlocking operation mode, the control unit 37 of the manual combination weigher B obtains the weight value from each weight sensor 32 at predetermined time intervals, receives each weight value transmission request from the control unit 18, and receives each weight value. For the pan 31, the predetermined number of the weighing pan 31 and the weight value of the object to be weighed held by the weighing pan 31 are transmitted to the control unit 18. Thereby, the control part 18 acquires the weight value of the to-be-measured object of each weighing pan 31 (step S3). When the control unit 37 receives the number of the weighing pan 31 selected as the discharge combination and transmitted from the control unit 18 in the process of step S <b> 17, the control unit 37 turns on the indicator lamp 33 corresponding to the weighing pan 31. Then, based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 32, it is determined whether or not all the objects to be weighed in the weighing pan 31 selected as the discharge combination have been taken out. The lamp 33 is turned off.

  In this interlocking operation mode, the weight values of the objects to be weighed held in the storage units 2a and 2b of the semi-automatic combination weigher A and the weighing pan 31 of the manual combination weigher B can be used. As compared with, the probability that the combination to be obtained is established is greatly increased, and the occurrence frequency of the combination failure can be greatly reduced.

  First, a first combination process (step S5) for obtaining a discharge combination including only the storage units 2a and 2b is performed, and when the discharge combination is not obtained in the first combination process, the weighing dish 31 and the storage dish 31 are stored. Since the second combination process (step S11) for obtaining a discharge combination including a combination including both of the parts 2a and 2b is performed, an object is to be weighed from the weighing pan 31 selected as the discharge combination. The work to take out and supply to the conveyor 3 can be reduced, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  Further, when there are storage units 2a and 2b that have not been selected as the discharge combination continuously for a predetermined number of times, the storage unit is a combination including the priority storage unit before the first combination process with the priority storage unit. By performing the priority combination process (step S14) for obtaining the discharge combination, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the freshness of the object to be weighed, and the combination of only the storage units 2a and 2b by the first combination process next time. A discharge combination consisting of

  In the second combination process (step S11) and the priority combination process (step S14), when a plurality of combinations whose combination weight values are within the predetermined weight range are obtained, the number of weighing pans 31 selected for the combination. By determining the combination with the smallest number as the discharge combination, it is possible to reduce the work that the operator takes out the object to be weighed from the weighing pan 31 selected as the discharge combination and supplies it to the conveyor 3. Can be further reduced.

  When the manual combination weigher B is not used and the semi-automatic combination weigher A is operating in the single operation mode, for example, when a combination failure frequently occurs, the operation is temporarily stopped and the manual combination weigher B is interlocked. It is also possible to set the operation mode and switch the semi-automatic combination weigher A to the interlocking operation mode to restart the operation. In this case, the predetermined weight range (allowable range for the target weight value) set in the semi-automatic combination weigher A in the single operation mode is directly used as the predetermined weight range (allowable range for the target weight value) in the interlock operation mode. It can be resumed. In the semi-automatic combination weigher A, the operation indicator 4 is operated to set and change the target weight value and the permissible range (predetermined weight range) in the single operation mode and the interlock operation mode of the semi-automatic combination weigher A. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the first combination unit and the discharge control unit are configured by the control unit 18, and the discharge unit is configured by the transport conveyor 3. The second combination means is configured by the control unit 37, and the combination notification means is configured by the indicator lamp 33. Further, the third combination means is configured by the control unit 18.

  In addition, in the said embodiment, the structure of the semiautomatic combination balance A and the manual combination balance B shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and is not restricted to this. For example, the configuration of the hopper in the semi-automatic combination weigher A can be variously changed. For example, the weighing hopper may have only one storage unit. Moreover, the structure which an operator supplies a to-be-measured item directly to a weighing hopper may be sufficient.

  In addition, the indicator lamp 33 is used to notify the operator of the weighing pan 31 selected as the discharge combination, but the weighing pan selected as the discharge combination is displayed on the display screen of the operation display 36. It may be.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a combination weighing system or the like that can perform combination weighing on objects to be weighed that are not suitable for handling with an automatic combination weigher, and can greatly reduce the occurrence frequency of defective combinations. The present invention is particularly useful in a demolition factory such as a broiler. For example, usually a semi-automatic combination weigher and a manual combination weigher are each used in single operation mode, a semi-automatic combination weigher is used to weigh packs for commercial fillet or several kg of peach meat, and the remaining by-products Weigh several hundred grams with a manual combination weigher. And, in the semi-automatic combination weigher, when the situation where the combination failure frequently occurs continues, the frequency of occurrence of the combination failure is greatly reduced by using the semi-automatic combination balance and the manual combination balance in the interlock operation mode. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Supply hopper 2 Weighing hopper 2a, 2b Storage part 3 Conveyor 4 Operation indicator 5 Apparatus body 7 Supply hopper weight sensor 8 Weigh hopper weight sensor 10a, 10b Supply hopper gate 11a, 11b Weigh hopper gate 13 Switch 14 Discharge gate drive circuit 15 A / D conversion circuit 17 Conveyor drive circuit 18 Control unit 19 Calculation control unit 20 Storage unit 21 I / O circuit 22 Communication unit 31 Weighing pan 32 Weight sensor 33 Indicator light 34 Switch 36 Operation indicator 37 Control unit 38 arithmetic control unit 39 storage unit 40 indicator lamp drive circuit 41 A / D conversion circuit 42 I / O circuit 43 communication unit

Claims (3)

A plurality of storage units for holding and discharging manually supplied objects to be weighed, first weight detecting means for detecting the weight value of the objects to be weighed held in the storage unit, and holding in the single operation mode A first combination means for obtaining one combination of the storage units in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is within a first predetermined weight range, and the measurement unit from the storage unit selected for this combination Semi-automatically configured to have a discharge control means for discharging an object and a discharge means for receiving an object to be weighed discharged from the storage unit and discharging it to the outside, and capable of switching between the single operation mode and the linked operation mode A formula combination scale;
A plurality of weighing pans for holding manually supplied objects to be weighed, a second weight detecting means for detecting the weight value of the objects to be weighed held on the weighing dish, and held in the single operation mode. A second combination means for obtaining one combination of weighing pans in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed falls within a second predetermined weight range, and the weighing pan selected for this combination to the operator A combination informing means for informing, comprising a manual combination weigher configured to be able to switch between the single operation mode and the interlocking operation mode,
The semi-automatic combination weigher and the manual combination weigher are each provided with communication means for communicating with each other when in the interlock operation mode,
In the interlock operation mode, the weight of the object to be weighed includes at least the weight value of the object to be weighed in the storage part of the weight value of the object to be weighed in the storage part and the weight value of the object to be weighed in the weighing pan. And a third combination means for obtaining one discharge combination that is a combination including at least the storage portion of the storage portion and the weighing pan, the total weight value being within the first predetermined weight range. ,
The discharge control means is configured to discharge an object to be weighed from the storage unit selected for the discharge combination,
The combination notification means is configured to notify an operator of the selected weighing pan when the weighing pan is selected for the discharge combination,
The third combination means includes
A first combination process for obtaining the discharge combination including only the storage unit is performed, and in the first combination process, a combination in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is within the first predetermined weight range. Configured to perform a second combination process for obtaining the discharge combination consisting of a combination including both the weighing pan and the storage unit when not,
Furthermore, the third combination means includes
In the second combination process, when there are a plurality of combinations in which the total weight values of the objects to be weighed are within the first predetermined weight range, the combination having the smallest number of weighing pans to be selected is selected as the discharge combination. configured, set combined metering system to choose the. A plurality of storage units for holding and discharging manually supplied objects to be weighed, first weight detecting means for detecting the weight value of the objects to be weighed held in the storage unit, and holding in the single operation mode A first combination means for obtaining one combination of the storage units in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is within a first predetermined weight range, and the measurement unit from the storage unit selected for this combination Semi-automatically configured to have a discharge control means for discharging an object and a discharge means for receiving an object to be weighed discharged from the storage unit and discharging it to the outside, and capable of switching between the single operation mode and the linked operation mode A formula combination scale;
A plurality of weighing pans for holding manually supplied objects to be weighed, a second weight detecting means for detecting the weight value of the objects to be weighed held on the weighing dish, and held in the single operation mode. A second combination means for obtaining one combination of weighing pans in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed falls within a second predetermined weight range, and the weighing pan selected for this combination to the operator A combination informing means for informing, comprising a manual combination weigher configured to be able to switch between the single operation mode and the interlocking operation mode,
The semi-automatic combination weigher and the manual combination weigher are each provided with communication means for communicating with each other when in the interlock operation mode,
In the interlock operation mode, the weight of the object to be weighed includes at least the weight value of the object to be weighed in the storage part of the weight value of the object to be weighed in the storage part and the weight value of the object to be weighed in the weighing pan. And a third combination means for obtaining one discharge combination that is a combination including at least the storage portion of the storage portion and the weighing pan, the total weight value being within the first predetermined weight range. ,
The discharge control means is configured to discharge an object to be weighed from the storage unit selected for the discharge combination,
The combination notification means is configured to notify an operator of the selected weighing pan when the weighing pan is selected for the discharge combination,
The third combination means includes
A first combination process for obtaining the discharge combination including only the storage unit is performed, and in the first combination process, a combination in which the total weight value of the objects to be weighed is within the first predetermined weight range. Configured to perform a second combination process for obtaining the discharge combination consisting of a combination including both the weighing pan and the storage unit when not,
Furthermore, the third combination means includes
When there is a priority storage unit that is configured to repeatedly obtain the discharge combination and is not selected as the discharge combination for a predetermined number of times including the previous discharge combination, the first storage unit Prior to the combination process, a priority combination process for obtaining the discharge combination including the priority storage unit from the storage unit and the weighing pan is performed. In this priority combination process, the weight value of the object to be weighed is determined. The first combination process is performed when there is no combination whose total falls within the first predetermined weight range. In the priority combination process and the second combination process, the weight value of the object to be weighed is determined. sum when the combination of the first within the predetermined weight range there are multiple, configured the number smallest combination of the weighing pan is selected to choose the discharge combination, set Not weighing system. An operation switch for giving a discharge instruction signal to the discharge control means in the interlock operation mode;
The discharge control means is selected as the discharge combination based on the discharge instruction signal from the operation switch after the combination notification means performs the notification when the weighing pan is selected as the discharge combination. wherein the housing portion is configured to discharge the objects to be weighed, the combination weighing system according to claim 1 or 2 which are.

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