JP6777965B2 - Combination scale - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a combination scale in which objects to be weighed are combined and weighed so as to have a weight within a predetermined weight range and discharged.

The combination scale generally includes a plurality of weighing hoppers, and the combination weight of various combinations of the weights of the objects to be measured supplied to the plurality of weighing hoppers is equal to or most equal to the target combination weight. A combination of weighing hoppers having a weight in a predetermined weight range close to each other is selected, and the object to be weighed is discharged from the selected weighing hopper. Usually, the combination scale is used together with the packaging machine, and the objects to be weighed in the predetermined weight range measured by the combination scale are discharged from the combination scale and put into the packaging machine, and are packaged as one packaged product in the packaging machine.

There are various types of objects to be weighed by such a combination scale, and some objects to be weighed have properties that are easily attached. When the object to be weighed adheres to the measuring hopper, the actual weight of the object to be weighed discharged from the measuring hopper becomes less than the weighed weight, which lowers the weighing accuracy.

Therefore, depending on the properties of the object to be measured, the measurement hopper may be changed from the standard measurement hopper to a dimple-specific measurement hopper made of a plate material having irregularities on which the object to be measured does not easily adhere. The wall surface is replaced with a mesh-type weighing hopper made of mesh-like fibers.

By the way, in the combination scale, the initial calibration of the zero point of the measuring hopper, that is, the initial zero point calibration is performed at the time of installation and periodic inspection. This initial zero calibration is to acquire and store the weight value in an empty state where there is no object to be measured or foreign matter in the weighing hopper as the initial zero value, and it is performed with the standard specification weighing hopper attached. ..

Since this initial set initial zero value is a reference for the tolerance of weighing and affects the weighing error, it has a high access level operator, for example, an administrator or specialized knowledge. It is configured so that only the engineer of the manufacturer can perform initial zero calibration.

On the other hand, in daily work, a general operator with a low access level adjusts the zero point of the weighing hopper immediately after turning on the power of the combination scale, and the measured zero point value is a predetermined value based on the above initial zero point value. If it is out of the permissible range, an error is notified. The cause of this error is, for example, drift due to aging of the load cell.

In this way, if the zero point value deviates from the predetermined allowable range based on the initial zero point value, an error is notified. Therefore, a measuring hopper is standardized according to the properties of the object to be measured. When the weighing hopper of the specifications is replaced with, for example, a measuring hopper of dimple specifications, the weight difference between the two weighing hoppers is large, and an error may be notified out of the predetermined allowable range.

In such a case, it is necessary to perform initial zero calibration again for the replaced dimple specification weighing hopper, but the initial zero calibration can be performed only by a limited operator such as an administrator with a high access level as described above. It cannot be done by a general operator with a low access level.

For this reason, it takes time for an operator such as an administrator with a high access level to go to the site and complete the initial zero point calibration instead of a general operator, and the operating rate of the combination scale decreases, especially. , The type of the object to be weighed is often switched, and it becomes more remarkable when the frequency of exchanging the weighing hopper increases. In addition, since it is necessary to perform initial zero calibration every time the weighing hopper is replaced, the burden on an operator such as an administrator having a high access level is heavy.

According to Patent Document 1, in a semi-automatic combination scale in which an object to be measured is manually put into a measuring hopper (measuring tank), when the object to be measured is combined and weighed, a specific object to be measured, for example, elongated asparagus is weighed. It is described that the adapter is attached to the weighing hopper when the specific object to be weighed is to be weighed in order to prevent the specific object to be weighed from coming into contact with a platform other than the weighing hopper.

In Patent Document 1, various operating conditions including the tare amount and zero correction range of various adapters are set, the above operating conditions are stored in the control unit, and when the operating conditions are changed, the operating conditions suitable for the adapter to be used are used. Is read from the storage device, a new reference zero is set, and a zero error is detected based on the new reference zero.

Jikkenhei 7-38926 Gazette

In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the access level is not disclosed at all, and therefore, there is no description about the setting operation and the stored contents according to the access level.
The above-mentioned problem that the operating rate of the combination scale is lowered because the operator such as an administrator having a high access level has to perform the initial zero point calibration is not disclosed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the operation is limited according to the access level, and not only the operator having a higher access level but also the operator having a lower access level can deal with it. The purpose is to do so.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) The present invention is a combination scale in which a plurality of types of weighing hoppers can be detachably attached to each type according to the object to be weighed, and an operation unit operated by an operator and an operator operating the operation unit. It is provided with an authentication unit that authenticates the operation unit and an operation mode switching unit that switches the operation mode according to the access level of the authenticated operator who operates the operation unit.
The operation mode switching unit is set to the first operation mode in which the operation of the operation unit by the operator of the first access level can select a product type from a plurality of product types in which operation parameters are set. In the operation of the operation unit by the operator of the access level higher than the first access level, the second operation mode is set in which the initial zero point calibration for acquiring the initial zero point value can be performed, and the access higher than the first access level is set. The operation of the operation unit by the level operator sets the third operation mode in which the operation parameters can be set for each of the plurality of types .
In the second operation mode, it is possible to perform the initial zero calibration for each type of the measuring hopper and acquire the initial zero value corresponding to each type. In the third operation mode, the initial zero value can be obtained. The initial zero value acquired in the second operation mode is set in association with each other of the plurality of varieties, and the varieties associated with the varieties selected in the first operation mode are associated with each other. When the initial zero value is different from the already set initial zero value associated with the product type before selection, the initial zero value already set is associated with the selected product type. It is provided with an initial zero value change unit for changing to a zero value .

According to the present invention, an operator whose access level is higher than the first access level can perform initial zero calibration in the second operation mode, and in the third operation mode, the operation is performed for each of a plurality of types. Initial zero calibration is performed by an operator with a higher access level, for example, because parameters can be set and a product type can be selected from a plurality of product types by an operator with a first access level with a lower access level. While limiting it so that it can only be performed by an administrator or an engineer of a manufacturer with specialized knowledge, a general operator with a lower access level selects and operates a product from multiple product types for which operation parameters are set. Can be started. In addition, the initial zero point calibration is performed for each type of measuring hopper to obtain the initial zero point value, and when setting the operation parameters for each type, the initial zero point value for each type of measuring hopper is associated with each type. By setting it, a general operator with a lower access level can set the initial zero value according to the type of the weighing hopper at the same time as selecting the product type.

According to the present invention , different types of weighing hoppers can be mounted according to the properties of the object to be measured, and in the second operation mode by an operator with a higher access level, initial zero calibration is performed for each type of weighing hopper. To obtain the initial zero value corresponding to each type, and in the third operation mode by the operator with the higher access level, the operation parameters are set for each of the multiple types and the corresponding types are supported. Set the initial zero value according to the type of weighing hopper in association with each other. That is, in the third operation mode, the initial zero value corresponding to the type of weighing hopper is set in association with each product type.

When the initial zero value associated with the product type selected in the first operation mode by a general operator with a lower access level is different from the already set initial zero point value associated with the product type before selection, that is, , When the selected variety is a variety in which the weighing hopper before selection needs to be replaced with a different type of weighing hopper, the initial zero value changing unit changes the initial zero value corresponding to the selected variety.

As a result, when a general operator with a lower access level selects a product type and the selected product uses a weighing hopper different from the weighing hopper of the product before selection, the initial zero value is changed. Since the unit changes the initial zero value according to the weighing hopper corresponding to the selected product type, a general operator with a lower access level replaces the weighing hopper with the weighing hopper corresponding to the selected product type and adjusts the zero point. When the above is performed, the zero point value does not deviate from the predetermined allowable range based on the initial zero point value, and an error is not notified.

Therefore, a general operator with a lower access level can start the operation immediately after performing the zero point adjustment, and as in the conventional case, the measuring hopper is replaced with a different type of measuring hopper to perform the zero point adjustment. Occasionally, the zero value deviates from the predetermined permissible range based on the initial zero value, an error is notified, and an operator such as an administrator with a higher access level performs initial zero calibration again for the replaced weighing hopper. No need to do.

As a result, the operating rate of the combination scale can be increased as compared with the conventional case, and the burden on the operator such as an administrator having a higher access level can be reduced.

( 2 ) In another embodiment of the present invention, a notification unit for notifying that the weighing hopper mounted on the combination scale should be replaced with a different type of weighing hopper, and the above-mentioned selected in the first operation mode. It is provided with a determination unit for determining whether or not the initial zero point value associated with the product type is different from the already set initial zero point value associated with the product type before selection, and the initial zero point is determined by the determination unit. When it is determined that the values are different, the notification unit performs notification.

The notification unit preferably displays, for example, a message or the like to notify the notification, but the notification unit may notify by printing or voice.

According to this embodiment, when a general operator having a lower access level selects a product type according to the object to be measured in the first operation mode, the initial zero point value associated with that product type is set before selection. When the initial zero value that has already been set is different, that is, when the type of weighing hopper corresponding to the selected product type is different from the type of weighing hopper corresponding to the product type before selection, it is notified that the weighing hopper should be replaced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an inexperienced operator or the like from forgetting to replace the weighing hopper according to the product type.

( 3 ) In the embodiment of ( 2 ) above, whether or not the weighing hopper has been replaced with a different type of weighing hopper based on the load signal from the weight sensor that detects the initial zero value and the weight of the weighing hopper. The replacement determination unit for determining the above and the determination result notification unit for notifying the determination result by the replacement determination unit may be provided.

According to this embodiment, when a general operator having a lower access level selects a product type according to the object to be weighed in the first operation mode, the selected product type is a product type for which the weighing hopper should be replaced. , You will be notified that the weighing hopper should be replaced. Furthermore, based on the initial zero value according to the type of the weighing hopper and the weight value of the weighing hopper based on the load signal from the weight sensor, it is determined whether or not the weighing hopper is actually replaced, and the determination result is notified. Therefore, the operator can surely replace the measuring hopper with the type corresponding to the product type according to the notification of the determination result.

( 4 ) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operator performing the operation of the second operation mode has a higher access level than the operator performing the operation of the third operation mode.

According to this embodiment, the operator who performs the initial zero point calibration for setting the initial zero point value which is the reference for weighing can be limited to the operator whose access level is higher than that of the operator who sets the product type.

According to the present invention, an operator whose access level is higher than the first access level can perform initial zero calibration in the second operation mode, and in the third operation mode, for each of a plurality of product types, Since the operation parameters can be set and the product type can be selected from a plurality of product types by the operator of the first access level having a lower access level, the initial zero point calibration can be performed by an operator having a higher access level, for example. While limiting this to only managers and engineers of manufacturers with specialized knowledge, general operators with lower access levels select a product from multiple product types for which operating parameters are set. The operation can be started. In addition, the initial zero point calibration is performed for each type of measuring hopper to obtain the initial zero point value, and when setting the operation parameters for each type, the initial zero point value for each type of measuring hopper is associated with each type. It is possible for a general operator of a lower access level to set the initial zero value according to the type of the weighing hopper at the same time as selecting the product type.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the combination scale which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the combination scale of FIG. It is a figure which shows the work procedure of the initial zero point calibration in an engineer mode. It is a figure which shows the operation screen example of login. It is a figure which shows the operation screen example of a user setting. It is a figure which shows the operation screen example of the initial zero point calibration. It is a figure which shows the work procedure of product type setting in a supervisor mode. It is a figure which shows the operation screen example of a kind setting. It is a flowchart which shows the control process in an operator mode.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic schematic diagram showing a configuration of a combination scale according to an embodiment of the present invention. The combination scale is provided with a conical main feeder 11 in the center of the upper portion thereof, which radially disperses the object to be measured 70 supplied from the external supply device 10 by vibration. In the main feeder 11, the object to be measured 70 supplied from the supply device 10 to the central portion thereof is conveyed toward the peripheral portion thereof by vibration. Around the main feeder 11, a plurality of linear feeders 12 that vibrate to convey the object to be measured 70 conveyed by the main feeder 11 to each supply hopper 13 are radially provided.

Below each linear feeder 12, a supply hopper 13 and a weighing hopper 14 are provided correspondingly. The plurality of supply hoppers 13 and measuring hoppers 14 are respectively arranged in a circular shape. The supply hopper 13 temporarily holds the object to be weighed 70 sent from the linear feeder 12, and when the weighing hopper 14 arranged below the metering hopper 14 becomes empty, the gate is opened and the object to be weighed 70 is put into the weighing hopper 14. .. A collecting chute 16 and a funnel 18 are provided below the measuring hoppers 14 arranged in a circle, and a packaging machine 20 is arranged below the collecting chute 16 and a funnel 18.

A center substrate 17 supported by four legs (not shown) is arranged at the center of the combination scale. A main feeder 11 and a linear feeder 12 are arranged on the upper surface of the center substrate 17, and a supply hopper 13 and a measuring hopper 14 are detachably attached to the peripheral wall thereof. The weighing hopper 14 is supported by a plurality of weight sensors 15 in the center substrate 17, and the weight thereof is detected, and the load signal output from each weight sensor 15 is input to the control device 21.

The combination scale of this embodiment is provided with 14 weighing heads, the linear feeder 12, the supply hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the weight sensor 15 as a set of weighing heads around the center substrate 17.

The operation setting display 19 is configured by using, for example, a touch panel or the like, and has a function as an operation unit for operating a combination scale and setting / updating its operation parameters, as well as an operation screen, an operating speed, and a combination measurement. Display the value etc. As will be described later, the operation setting display 19 has a function as a notification unit for notifying that the weighing hopper 14 should be replaced.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control system of the combination scale of FIG.

The control device 21 includes a control unit 22, vibration drive circuits 26 and 27, gate drive circuits 28 and 29, and an A / D conversion circuit 30 including an amplification unit.

The control unit 22 has a CPU 23, a memory 24, and an I / O unit 25, and the CPU 23 controls the operation of the entire combination scale by executing an operation program stored in the memory 24. The control unit 22 has functions as an authentication unit that authenticates the operator, an operation mode switching unit that switches to an operation mode according to the access level of the authenticated operator, an initial zero value changing unit, a determination unit, and the like, as described later. ..

The vibration drive circuits 26 and 27 control the vibration operation of the main feeder 11 and each linear feeder 12 based on the control signal from the control unit 22. The gate drive circuits 28 and 29 control the opening and closing operations of the respective gates of the supply hopper 13 and the metering hopper 14 based on the control signal from the control unit 22. The A / D conversion circuit 30 amplifies the analog load signal from each weight sensor 15, converts it into a digital load signal, and outputs it to the control unit 22. Further, the control unit 22 is connected to the operation setting display 19 so as to be able to communicate with each other, inputs a signal from the operation setting display 19, and outputs a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation setting display 19. .. The control unit 22 is also communicably connected to the packaging machine 20.

The control device 21 controls the overall operation of the combination scale, and also performs a combination operation to obtain the combination of the weighing hoppers 14 to discharge the object 70 to be measured. During the operation of the combination scale, the control unit 22 reads the digital value obtained by amplifying the load signal from each weight sensor 15 by the A / D conversion circuit 30 and converting the A / D, and reads this digital value in the measuring hopper 14. Is converted into the weight value of the object to be weighed 70, and the combination calculation is performed.

In the combination calculation, the combined weight, which is the total weight of various combinations of the weight values of the objects to be weighed 70 in each weighing hopper 14, is the weight within the allowable range (predetermined weight range) with respect to the target weight, and is the same as the target weight. One combination of the weighing hoppers 14 having the smallest absolute value of the difference between the two is selected, and the combination of the weighing hoppers 14 is the combination of the weighing hoppers 14 to discharge the object 70 to be measured.

First, the outline of the operation of the combination scale configured as described above will be described. The operation of the combination scale is controlled by the control device 21 as described above.

First, the object to be measured 70 is supplied from the supply device 10 to the central portion of the main feeder 11. The control device 21 vibrates the main feeder 11 with a predetermined operating time and vibration intensity, and supplies the object to be measured 70 on the main feeder 11 to the linear feeder 12. Further, when the supply hopper 13 corresponding to each linear feeder 12 is empty, the control device 21 vibrates the linear feeder 12 with a predetermined operating time and vibration intensity set for each linear feeder 12 to raise the linear feeder 12. The object to be weighed 70 is supplied to the supply hopper 13.

Further, when the measuring hopper 14 located below each supply hopper 13 is empty, the control device 21 opens the gate of the supply hopper 13 and supplies the object to be measured 70 to the measuring hopper 14. Then, as described above, the weight of the object to be weighed 70 in the weighing hopper 14 is calculated, the combination of the weighing hoppers 14 for discharging the object to be measured 70 is obtained by the combination calculation, and the discharge request signal is input from the packaging machine. Then, the gate of the weighing hopper 14 of the obtained combination is opened and closed, and the object to be weighed 70 is discharged onto the collecting chute 16. The discharged object 70 slides down the collecting chute 16 and is thrown into the packaging machine 20 via the funnel 18. The above series of operations is repeated.

In the combination scale of this embodiment, three types of weighing hoppers 14 having different specifications can be selected and used as the weighing hopper 14 to be detachably attached to the center substrate 17 according to the properties of the object to be measured 70 and the like. it can.

Specifically, a standard specification measuring hopper 14 made of a flat plate material, a dimple specification measuring hopper 14 made of a plate material having irregularities on which the object to be measured 70 does not easily adhere, and a mesh inner wall surface. Any one type of weighing hopper 14 can be selected and used from three types of the measuring hopper 14 having a mesh specification composed of shaped fibers. The type of the measuring hopper 14 to be used is set for each product type together with the setting of the operation parameter for each product type, as will be described later.

Conventionally, as described above, when the weighing hopper is replaced from the standard specification weighing hopper to, for example, the dimple specification weighing hopper, the weight difference between the two weighing hoppers is increased according to the properties of the object to be measured. When a large zero point adjustment is performed, the zero point value deviates from the predetermined allowable range based on the initial zero point value set by the initial zero point calibration, an error is notified, and the dimple specification weighing hopper replaced is used. It was necessary to perform the initial zero point calibration, which can only be performed by a limited number of administrators with high access levels.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the initial zero calibration is performed for each type of the measuring hopper 14, the initial zero value is acquired for each type of the measuring hopper 14, and the initial zero value is obtained according to the properties of the object to be measured. When the type of the measuring hopper 14 to be used is changed, the initial zero point value is changed to the initial zero point value corresponding to the changed type of the measuring hopper 14. As a result, when the zero point adjustment is performed, it is prevented that the zero point value deviates from a predetermined allowable range based on the initial zero point value acquired by the initial zero point calibration and an error is notified.

Here, based on Table 1 below, items and the like that can be operated by each access level of this embodiment and an operation mode corresponding to each access level will be described.

この実施形態では、アクセスレベルは、レベル１〜４までの４段階であり、各アクセスレベルに応じて、操作可能な項目が規定される４つの操作モードを備えている。

In this embodiment, the access level has four stages from level 1 to 4, and has four operation modes in which the items that can be operated are defined according to each access level.

The higher the access level, the more items that can be operated in the corresponding operation mode, and it becomes possible to access many operation screens.

Specifically, in this embodiment, an operator mode corresponding to level 1 which is the lowest access level, a chief operator mode corresponding to level 2 which is an access level higher than level 1, and a chief operator mode corresponding to level 2 are higher than level 2. It has four operation modes: a supervisor mode corresponding to level 3, which is the higher access level, and an engineer mode corresponding to level 4, which is the highest access level.

The first operation mode in claim 1 of the claims of the present application corresponds to the operator mode of the present embodiment, the second operation mode corresponds to the engineer mode of the present embodiment, and the third operation mode corresponds to the engineer mode of the present embodiment. , Corresponds to the supervisor mode of this embodiment.

Level 1 is an access level of a general operator such as a normal worker, and can operate items necessary for normal operation. Items that can be operated in the operator mode corresponding to this level 1 include, for example, zero point adjustment before the start of daily operation, selection of the type according to the object to be measured, start / stop of automatic operation, and measurement for cleaning. There is cleaning to discharge everything.

If the zero value obtained by the zero adjustment is out of the predetermined allowable range based on the initial zero value set by the initial zero calibration, an error is notified as described above. It is configured.

The variety contains various operating parameters required for weighing the object to be weighed. In this embodiment, as will be described later, an initial zero point value corresponding to the type of the measuring hopper 14 to be used is associated with each product type.

Level 2 is an access level higher than level 1, and in the chief operator mode corresponding to this level 2, all items of the operator mode of level 1 can be operated, and inspections for inspecting each part are performed. Items can be manipulated.

Level 3 is an access level higher than level 2, and in the supervisor mode corresponding to this level 3, all items of levels 1 and 2 can be operated, and product type setting and print setting operations can be performed. It is possible.

The product type setting includes the product type name of the object to be measured, various operating parameters, for example, operating speed, target weight, upper limit weight, operating time and vibration strength of the main feeder 11 and linear feeder 12, supply hopper 13 and weighing hopper 14. Settings such as full opening time and system number are included.

In this product type setting, various operation parameters required for operation are set for each product type, and a general level 1 operator measures from among a plurality of product types set in the supervisor mode by the above product type selection. One type corresponding to the object to be weighed 70 can be selected and the operation can be started.

In this supervisor mode, it is possible to operate the print settings for printing statistical data and the like.

Level 4 is the highest access level, and in the engineer mode corresponding to this level 4, date setting, user setting, and the like can be performed. In this user setting, it is possible to set the access level of the operator, newly register the operator, delete the registration of the operator, and the like.

In this engineer mode, it is possible to set the system when installing the combination scale. In this system setting, the above-mentioned initial zero calibration, span initial calibration, and interface setting are possible.

Further, in the engineer mode 4, model information such as selection of a system number and model name can be set as model information.

The reason for limiting the items that can be operated by setting the access level as described above is that if all the operations related to the combination scale are enabled to general operators, for example, the measurement accuracy is lowered and set by the operation of an inexperienced operator. This is because unforeseen circumstances such as data erasure and malfunction may occur.

Note that Table 1 shows an example of the access level and the corresponding operation mode, and the access level is not limited to the four stages of level 1 to level 4, and the items that can be operated in each operation mode are also shown in the above table. Not limited to 1. The access level may be 3 levels or less, for example, level 1 and level 2 may be one common level, or the access level may be 5 levels or more.

In this embodiment, the initial zero point calibration performed at the time of installation and installation of the combination scale, periodic inspection, etc. is not performed only for the standard specification measuring hopper as in the conventional case, but for the above three types of measuring hoppers 14 having different specifications. Do each for each type.

That is, in the engineer mode corresponding to level 4 having the highest access level, initial zero calibration is performed for each of the standard specification, dimple specification, and mesh specification weighing hoppers 14, and the initial zero value is performed for each type of weighing hopper 14. Are acquired, and the initial zero value is stored for each type in correspondence with different system numbers.

Further, in the supervisor mode corresponding to the above level 3, when setting the product type, the operation parameters for each product type are set and the system number corresponding to the type of the weighing hopper 14 to be used is also set. By setting the system number corresponding to the initial zero value of each type of the measuring hopper 14 for each type in this way, the initial zero value of each type of the measuring hopper 14 is associated with each type.

As a result, in the operator mode corresponding to the above level 1, when a general operator selects a product type different from the currently selected product type at the time of product selection, the control unit 22 having a function as a determination unit , It is determined whether or not the change of the product type is accompanied by a change of the system number, and when the change of the system number is accompanied by a change of the system number, that is, when the change is to a different type of weighing hopper 14. Displays a message or the like to the effect that it should be replaced with a different type of weighing hopper 14 on the operation setting display 19 as a notification unit to notify the notification.

At the same time, the control unit 22 having a function as an initial zero point value changing unit changes the already set initial zero point value corresponding to the pre-selected product type to the initial zero point value corresponding to the selected different types of weighing hoppers 14. change.

Next, the initial zero point calibration in the engineer mode corresponding to level 4, the product type setting in the supervisor mode corresponding to level 3, and the product type selection in the operator mode corresponding to level 1 will be described.

First, the work procedure of the initial zero point calibration in the engineer mode corresponding to the level 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

An operator having an access level of level 4, for example, an operator such as an administrator or an engineer of a manufacturer, operates the operation setting display 19 to log in (step S1).

In this login, the login operation screen 35 shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the operation setting display 19. The operator selects the corresponding user name from the user names registered in advance by the user setting and touches the connection button 36 to call the password input window 37 shown in FIG. 4 (b). The operator operates the input key of the password input window 37 and inputs the password into the password input field 38. As a result, the control unit 22 having a function as an authentication unit determines whether or not the entered password matches the password registered in advance for each user name according to the user settings, and if they match, the password is registered. Authenticate as a registered operator.

The control unit 22, which has a function as an operation mode switching unit, switches the authenticated operator to an operation mode that enables an operation according to a pre-registered access level according to a user setting. That is, the control unit 22 sets the operator mode when the access level of the authenticated operator is level 1, and sets the chief operator mode when the access level of the authenticated operator is level 2, and accesses the authenticated operator. When the level is level 3, the supervisor mode is set, and when the access level of the authenticated operator is level 4, the engineer mode is set.

In FIG. 3, since the access level of the authenticated operator is level 4, the engineer mode is set.

Here, the user setting performed in advance will be described. The user settings are made in the engineer mode corresponding to level 4, as shown in Table 1 above.

In this user setting, the operation screen 39 of the user setting shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the operation setting display 19, and it is possible to perform the access level of the operator, new registration of the operator, and registration / deletion of the operator. is there.

The user setting operation screen 39 is provided with a user selection field 40 for selecting a user, a setting field 41 for setting a password and an access level, a product type display field 42 for displaying the product type, and a logout button 43. , Language selection button 44, button 45 for returning to the immediately preceding screen, home button 46 for returning to the automatic operation screen, and the like are provided. The setting field 41 is provided with a password button 50, an access level button 49, a language selection button 44, and the like.

When adding a new user, touch the new button 47 in the user selection field 40. To change the already registered user, touch the number button 48 in the user selection field 40, call the user number input window (not shown), operate the numeric keypad of the user number input window, and input the user number. To change the access level, touch the access level button 49 and enter the access level to be changed.

In this way, the operator's user name, password, and access level are registered in advance by user settings.

Again, referring to FIG. 3, the logged-in and authenticated operator selects the system number "1" (step S2) and attaches, for example, the standard weighing hopper 14 to the center substrate 17 of the combination scale. (Step S3). Next, the operator confirms that the weighing hopper 14 is empty with no objects to be weighed or foreign matter, and operates the operation setting display 19 to perform initial zero calibration.

In this initial zero point calibration, the operation setting display 19 displays the operation screen 51 for the initial zero point calibration shown in FIG. On the operation screen 51 of the initial zero point calibration, the combination scale is graphically displayed along the circumference. In this graphic display, a weight sensor 52 for detecting the weight of the object to be weighed on the main feeder 11 is displayed in the center, and along the outer circumference thereof, each of the weighing hoppers 14 constituting the 14 weighing heads is displayed. The scale button 53 is displayed, and the number of each scale button 53 is displayed inside the scale button 53. On the left side of the graphic display, a weight display field 54 displaying the weight of the weighing hopper 14 corresponding to the selected scale button 53, a span calibration button 55, an initial zero calibration button 56, and an object to be weighed on the main feeder 11. A zero calibration button 57 and a start button 58 of the weight sensor 52 that detects the weight are provided.

By touching the scale button 53 corresponding to the weighing hopper 14 that performs the initial zero calibration, the scale button 53 is highlighted, and when the initial zero calibration button 56 is touched, the initial zero calibration button 56 is highlighted and the start button 58 is displayed. When is touched, the initial zero point calibration of the weighing hopper 14 corresponding to the selected scale button 53 is performed, the initial zero point value is acquired, and the display weight in the weight display column 54 changes to "0.0". Further, instead of each scale button 53, the all selection button 59 in the right corner can be touched to perform initial zero point calibration for all the weighing hoppers 14 corresponding to all the scales at once.

In this way, the control unit 22 acquires the initial zero value of the standard specification weighing hopper 14 and stores it as the initial zero value of the system number “1” (step S4).

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator operates the operation setting display 19 in the same manner as described above, selects the system number “2” (step S5), and replaces the standard specification weighing hopper 14. Then, for example, the dimple-specification measuring hopper 14 is attached to the center base 17 of the combination scale (step S6). Next, the operator operates the operation setting display 19 to perform initial zero point calibration. As a result, the control unit 22 acquires the initial zero value of the dimple-specification measuring hopper 14 and stores it as the initial zero value of the system number “2” (step S7).

Next, the operator operates the operation setting display 19 to select the system number “3” (step S8), and the operator uses the mesh specification weighing hopper 14 instead of the dimple specification weighing hopper 14. It is attached to the center base 17 of the combination scale (step S9). Next, the operator operates the operation setting display 19 to perform initial zero point calibration. As a result, the control unit 22 acquires the initial zero value of the measuring hopper 14 of the mesh specification and stores it as the initial zero value of the system number “3” (step S10).

Initial zero point calibration is performed for each type of measuring hopper 14 having different specifications in this way, and the acquired initial zero point value is stored as the initial zero point value of each system number "1" to "3". That is, each system number has an initial zero value for each type of weighing hopper. In this initial zero point calibration, the initial zero point value is acquired for each of the three types of measuring hoppers 14, and the initial zero point value of the standard specification is initially set.

Next, the work procedure of the product type setting in the supervisor mode corresponding to the level 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

First, an operator having an access level of level 3, for example, a section chief or a chief-class operator, operates the operation setting display 19 to log in (step S21). At the time of this login, the operator is authenticated by inputting the operator's user name and password as described above, and the operation mode is set according to the access level of the authenticated operator, in this case, the supervisor mode.

The authenticated operator selects the product type number in the product product setting (step S22). The operator sets the operation speed, the target weight, the upper limit value, and various operation parameters such as the linear feeder 12, the supply hopper 13, and the weighing hopper 14 for the product of the selected product number (step S23).

FIG. 8 is an operation screen 60 of the basic setting for performing the basic setting in the product type setting. On the operation screen 60 of the basic setting, the product type name button 61 for calling a window for selecting the product type and the operation are performed. Each numerical button 62 for calling the window for inputting each item of the parameter is displayed, and the supply setting button for calling each operation screen of the supply setting, the weighing setting, and the discharge setting in the product type setting is displayed. 63, the weighing setting button 64, and the discharge setting button 65 are displayed.

On the operation screen 60 of this basic setting, for example, speed (operating speed), target weight, upper limit value, etc. are displayed as operation parameter items, and these items are set. Further, on the operation screen of the supply setting (not shown), the operating time and vibration intensity of the main feeder 11 and the linear feeder 12 are set, and on the operation screen of the measurement setting (not shown), the gates of the supply hopper 13 and the measurement hopper 14 are set. The fully open time and the like are set, and on the operation screen of the discharge setting (not shown), the duration of the discharge signal sent to the packaging machine 20 when the object to be measured 70 is discharged is set.

In the operation screen 60 of the basic setting, a save button 66 for saving the changed set value is provided below the discharge setting button 65, and a scroll bar 67 for moving the screen up and down is provided at the right end. Is displayed.

In this product type setting, as shown in FIG. 7, the operator sets the system number according to the type of the weighing hopper 14 used in the product with the selected product number. Specifically, the standard specification weighing hopper 14 sets the system number "1", the dimple specification weighing hopper 14 sets the system number "2", and the mesh specification weighing hopper 14 sets the system number "3" (step). S24).

As described above, the initial zero value of the system numbers "1" to "3" is the initial zero value for each type of the measuring hopper 14, so that the initial zero value for each type of the measuring hopper 14 is set in the product type setting. , Will be associated with each product type.

The above procedure is repeated for each required product type, and operation parameters and the like are set for each of a plurality of product types.

Next, the processing of the control unit 22 in the operator mode accessed by a general operator whose access level is level 1 with respect to the combination scale for which the initial zero point calibration and the product type setting have been performed as described above is shown in FIG. The explanation will be given based on the flowchart.

First, a general operator having an access level of level 1 operates the operation setting display 19 to log in. At the time of this login, the operator is authenticated by inputting the user name and password of the operator as described above, and the operation mode is set according to the access level of the authenticated operator, in this case, the operator mode.

In this operator mode, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the operation screen is a product type selection operation screen (step S32). On the operation screen for selecting a product type, the operator changes the product type number as necessary. For example, when the object to be weighed 70 is changed to another object to be measured 70, the object to be measured is changed. The product number is changed to the product number corresponding to the product name of 70 (step S33). On the operation screen for selecting a product type, the product type number and the type of the weighing hopper 14 used for the product type of the product number may be displayed together. Thereby, when the operator selects a product type, the operator can grasp the type of the weighing hopper 14 used for the product type and can determine the necessity of replacing the weighing hopper 14.

In step S32, when the operation screen is the operation screen for selecting the product type, it is determined whether or not the product number has been changed (step S34), and when the product number has not been changed, the process returns to step S32 and the product number is changed. When this is done, the operation parameters and the like corresponding to the product type number are changed and the process proceeds to step S36 (step S35).

In step S36, it is determined whether or not the system number has changed due to the change of the product number, and when the system number has not changed, it is not necessary to replace the weighing hopper 14, and the initial zero point already set is not required. Assuming that the value does not need to be changed, the process returns to step S32. When the system number is changed in step S36, the operation setting display 19 is displayed to notify the weighing hopper 14 of the type corresponding to the changed system number so that the entire weighing hopper 14 should be replaced (step S36). S37).

This notification is performed by displaying a message, for example, "Please replace with a dimple-type weighing hopper."

At this time, the control unit 22 having a function as a replacement determination unit actually measures the initial zero point value corresponding to the changed type of the measuring hopper 14, for example, the initial zero point value corresponding to the dimple-specification measuring hopper 14. Based on the weight value of the weighing hopper 14, it is determined whether or not the weighing hopper 14 has been replaced with the dimple-specific weighing hopper 14. For example, a graphic display of the combination scale shown in FIG. 6 is performed on the operation setting display 19 as the determination result notification unit, and the scale 53 corresponding to the undipped weighing hopper 14 is blinked and displayed, and the weighing hopper 14 blinks. Each time it is replaced, the blinking display of the corresponding scale 53 corresponding to the replaced weighing hopper 14 is stopped. Further, when the replacement of all the measuring hoppers 14 is completed, a display to that effect is displayed.

In this way, when it becomes necessary to replace the weighing hopper 14 by selecting the product type, that fact is displayed and the replacement status of the weighing hopper 14 is displayed. Therefore, even an inexperienced operator can weigh. Without forgetting to replace the hopper 14, it is possible to replace the hopper 14 with the correct weighing hopper 14 according to the product type for weighing, and it is possible to prevent erroneous weighing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the system number data corresponding to the changed product number is "2" (step S38), and if the system number data is not "2", step S40. When the system number data is "2", the initial zero value of the dimple-specification weighing hopper 14 is set and the process returns to step S32 (step S39).

In step S40, it is determined whether or not the system number data of the product type number is "3", and if the system number data is not "3", the initial zero value of the standard specification weighing hopper 14 is set and the step S32 is performed. Return (step S42), when the system number data is "3", the initial zero value of the mesh specification weighing hopper 14 is set and the process returns to step S32 (step S41).

In step S32, when the operation screen is not the operation screen for selecting the product type, it is determined whether or not the operation screen is the operation screen for zero point adjustment (step S43), and when the operation screen is the operation screen for zero point adjustment, the zero point adjustment process is performed. Go back to step S32 (step S44). When the zero point value when this zero point adjustment process is performed is out of a predetermined allowable range based on the set initial zero point value, an error is notified.

In step S43, when the operation screen is not the operation screen for adjusting the zero point, it is determined whether or not the operation screen is the operation screen for automatic operation (step S45), and when it is the operation screen for automatic operation, the automatic operation process is performed. And returns to step S32 (step S46). In step S45, when the operation screen is not the operation screen for automatic operation, it is determined whether or not the operation screen is the operation screen for cleaning (step S47), and when it is the operation screen for cleaning, the cleaning process is performed and step S32. (Step S48), and when the cleaning operation screen is not displayed, the process returns to step S32.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a general operator having an access level of 1 controls when a product type is selected and the product type needs to be changed from the type of the weighing hopper 14. Since the unit 22 changes the already set initial zero value before selection to the initial zero value according to the type of the measuring hopper to be changed, the zero point is adjusted after replacing the initial zero value with the changed measuring hopper 14. At that time, the zero point value does not deviate from the predetermined allowable range based on the set initial zero point value, and an error is not notified.

As a result, when the measuring hopper is replaced with a different type of measuring hopper and the zero point is adjusted, the zero point value deviates from the predetermined allowable range based on the initial zero point value and an error is notified as in the conventional case. An operator such as a limited administrator with a high access level does not need to perform initial zero calibration again for the replaced weighing hopper, and the operating rate of the combination scale can be increased, and an administrator with a high access level. Etc. can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the authentication is performed by the password, but the authentication is not limited to the password, and biometric information such as a user ID, voiceprint, fingerprint, iris, or key data may be used.

11 Main feeder 12 Linear feeder 13 Supply hopper 14 Weighing hopper 15 Weight sensor 19 Operation setting display 21 Control device 22 Control unit 23 CPU
24 memory

Claims (4)

A combination scale that allows multiple types of weighing hoppers to be detachably attached to each type according to the object to be weighed.
The operation unit operated by the operator and
An authentication unit that authenticates the operator who operates the operation unit,
It is provided with an operation mode switching unit that switches the operation mode according to the access level of the authenticated operator who operates the operation unit.
The operation mode switching unit is set to the first operation mode in which the operation of the operation unit by the operator of the first access level can select a product type from a plurality of product types in which operation parameters are set. In the operation of the operation unit by an operator with an access level higher than the first access level, the second operation mode is set in which the initial zero point calibration for acquiring the initial zero point value can be performed, and the access is higher than the first access level. The operation of the operation unit by the level operator sets the third operation mode in which the operation parameters can be set for each of the plurality of types .
In the second operation mode, it is possible to perform the initial zero calibration for each type of the measuring hopper and obtain the initial zero value corresponding to each type.
In the third operation mode, the initial zero point value acquired in the second operation mode is set in association with each other for each of the plurality of varieties.
When the initial zero point value associated with the product type selected in the first operation mode is different from the already set initial zero point value associated with the product type before selection, the said product has already been set. It is provided with an initial zero point value changing unit that changes the initial zero point value to the initial zero point value associated with the selected product type.
A combination scale characterized by that. A notification unit that notifies that the weighing hopper mounted on the combination scale should be replaced with a different type of weighing hopper.
A determination unit for determining whether or not the initial zero point value associated with the product type selected in the first operation mode is different from the already set initial zero point value associated with the product type before selection. And with
When it is determined by the determination unit that the initial zero value is different, the notification unit notifies.
The combination scale according to claim 1. A replacement determination unit that determines whether or not the weighing hopper has been replaced with a different type of weighing hopper based on the initial zero value and the load signal from the weight sensor that detects the weight of the weighing hopper.
A determination result notification unit for notifying the determination result by the replacement determination unit is provided.
The combination scale according to claim 2. The operator performing the operation in the second operation mode has a higher access level than the operator performing the operation in the third operation mode.
The combination scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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