JP6808293B2 - Combination scale - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a combination scale.

In a conventional combination scale, there is a configuration in which a plurality of different types of objects to be weighed are mixed and weighed so that the total weight of the mixed objects becomes substantially a predetermined weight, that is, so-called mixed weighing is performed (for example, Patent Document 1). , 2).

In the combination scale, for example, a plurality of weighing hoppers for measuring the weight of the object to be weighed are provided. In the combination scale for performing mixed weighing, for example, a plurality of weighing hoppers are provided for each product type, and the weight of the object to be measured is combinedly measured for each product type, and the total weight of all the product types is within the permissible range. It is configured to find the combination of weighing hoppers to be discharged for each of all the varieties.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56-158916 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-300643

In the combination scale for performing mixed weighing as described above, a plurality of weighing hoppers for performing combination weighing are required for each type, the number of measuring hoppers for all types increases, and the size of the device increases.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a combination scale capable of achieving good combination accuracy of all varieties and achieving miniaturization.

In order to achieve the above object, the combination scale according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a plurality of weighing units having a weighing hopper capable of weighing and discharging the weight of the supplied object to be measured, and the supplied weighing unit. The object to be weighed is discharged to the combination means that repeatedly performs the combination process for obtaining the discharge combination consisting of the combination of the weighing hoppers in which the total weight of the objects is within the allowable combination range, and the weighing hopper selected for the discharging combination. The plurality of measuring units include a plurality of first measuring units to which the measuring hopper is supplied with an object of the first type, and the measuring hopper is provided with the first type. Is supplied with different types of objects to be weighed, and the supply of the objects to be measured is stopped based on the measured value by the weighing hopper during the supply, so that a predetermined target weight is supplied to the different types. It has a second measuring unit to which the object to be measured is supplied, and the combination means is configured to obtain the discharge combination so as to always include the measuring hopper of the second measuring unit.

According to this configuration, the discharge combination is supplied so that a plurality of weighing hoppers to which the first type of material to be measured is supplied and a weight of a type different from the first type is the target weight of the type. Since it is required as a combination with a weighing hopper, good combination accuracy of all types can be realized. Further, for an object to be measured of a type different from that of the first type, for example, one measuring unit (second measuring unit) may be provided, so that the device (combination scale) can be miniaturized.

Each of the weighing hoppers has a plurality of the second weighing units in which objects to be weighed of different types are supplied with the target weight predetermined for each type as a supply target, and the combination thereof. The means may be configured to obtain the discharge combination so as to always include the measuring hopper of all the second measuring units.

According to this configuration, three or more types of objects to be measured can be mixed and discharged.

Each of the measuring hoppers has a plurality of the second measuring units to which the same type of object to be measured is supplied, and the combination means is the second measuring unit of any one of the plurality of the second measuring units. It may be configured to obtain the discharge combination so as to always include the measuring hopper of the measuring unit of the above.

According to this configuration, it is possible to shorten the discharge cycle by operating the operation like a double shift operation or the like.

Each of the weighing hoppers has a plurality of weighing groups including a plurality of the second weighing units to which the same type of object to be measured is supplied, and the weighing hoppers of different weighing groups have different types of coverings. The weighing material is configured to be supplied with a predetermined target weight as a supply target for each product type, and the combination means is the combination means of the second weighing unit corresponding to all the weighing groups. The discharge combination is obtained so as to always include the measuring hopper and always include the measuring hopper of the second measuring unit of any one of the second measuring units included in the same weighing group. It may have been done.

According to this configuration, three or more types of objects to be measured can be mixed and discharged, and the discharge cycle can be shortened by operating such as a double shift operation.

An operation mode selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of operation modes including the first operation mode is further provided, and when the first operation mode is selected by the operation mode selection means, all the weighings are performed. When the unit is configured to be in the operating state and an operation mode other than the first operation mode is selected by the operation mode selecting means, the plurality of the first measuring units are put into the operating state and the operation mode is selected. The second weighing unit to which the object to be weighed of at least one of the different varieties is supplied is put into the stopped operation state, and the remaining second measuring unit is put into the operating state. , The combination means may be configured to obtain the discharge combination only for the measurement hopper of the measurement unit in the operating state.

According to this configuration, it becomes possible to select the number of varieties to be mixed with the material to be discharged.

All the measuring units are further arranged with a supply device that continuously conveys the object to be measured and discharges it from the tip, and is arranged below the tip of the supply device and above the measuring hopper. The first measuring unit has a supply hopper that temporarily holds the material to be measured discharged from the meter and can discharge the material to be measured discharged from the supply device to the measuring hopper. After being temporarily held, the supply hopper is configured to be supplied from the supply hopper to the measuring hopper, and the second measuring unit drives the supply device in a state where the supply hopper discharges an object to be measured. , The object to be measured discharged from the supply device may be configured to pass through the supply hopper and be supplied to the measurement hopper.

The supply stop weight is predetermined with respect to the target weight, and the second weighing unit is weighed by the weighing hopper when the object to be weighed is supplied from the feeding device to the weighing hopper. The object to be weighed is configured to stop the drive of the supply device when the weight of the object to be weighed reaches the stop weight of the supply, and is actually supplied to the weighing hopper after the drive of the supply device is stopped. The weight is weighed and stored, and the weight of the object to be weighed and the target weight to be supplied to the weighing hopper in the future are determined based on the memorized weight of the latest plurality of times to be weighed and the target weight. The supply stop weight may be changed so that the difference becomes small.

According to this configuration, even if the discharge rate of the weight to be discharged from the supply device to the measurement hopper of the second measuring unit fluctuates due to a change in the state of the weight to be measured, the supply stop weight can be changed. Therefore, the error between the weight of the object to be measured and the target weight actually supplied to the measuring hopper in the future can be reduced.

The present invention has the above-described configuration, and has the effect of being able to provide a combination scale that can realize a good combination accuracy of all types and can be miniaturized.

FIG. 1 (A) is a schematic schematic view of a cross section of an example combination scale of the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the side, and FIG. 1 (B) is a schematic schematic view of the combination scale viewed from above. It is a figure. FIG. 2 is a table summarizing an example of the target weight and allowable weight range of each type. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the operation of the combination scale shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the time change of the measurement value of the measurement hopper when the object to be measured discharged from a straight-ahead feeder passes through a supply hopper and is supplied to a measurement hopper. It is a timing chart which shows another example of the operation of the combination scale shown in FIG. FIG. 6 (A) is a schematic schematic view of a cross section of an example combination scale of the second embodiment of the present invention viewed from the side, and FIG. 6 (B) is a schematic schematic view of the combination scale viewed from above. It is a figure. It is a timing chart for demonstrating an example of the operation of the combination scale shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic schematic view of a cross section of the combination scale of the modified example in the first embodiment as viewed from the side.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 (A) is a schematic schematic view of a cross section of an example combination scale of the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the side, and FIG. 1 (B) is a schematic schematic view of the combination scale viewed from above. It is a figure.

In the combination scale of the present embodiment, the central device unit 10 is supported and arranged in the center of the device by, for example, four legs (not shown), and the scale to be weighed is supplied from an external device (not shown) above the central device unit 10. A conical dispersion feeder 1 that radially disperses an object by vibration is provided. A straight-ahead feeder (supply device) 2 capable of supplying the object to be measured sent from the dispersion feeder 1 to the supply hopper 3 by continuously transporting it by vibration and discharging it from the tip around the dispersion feeder 1. Are provided in a radial pattern.

A plurality of supply hoppers 3 and measuring hoppers 4 are provided corresponding to each straight feeder 2, and are arranged in a circular shape. Here, the supply hopper 3 is arranged below the tip of the straight-ahead feeder 2, and the weighing hopper 4 is arranged below the supply hopper 3.

The supply hopper 3 and the measuring hopper 4 have discharge gates 3g and 4g that can be opened and closed, respectively, and hold the object to be supplied from above in a state where the discharge gates 3g and 4g are closed. By opening the discharge gates 3g and 4g, the object to be held can be discharged downward. Therefore, the supply hopper 3 can receive the object to be measured discharged from the tip of the straight feeder 2 and temporarily hold the object to be measured, open the discharge gate 3g, and supply the object to be measured to the measuring hopper 4. The measuring hopper 4 can temporarily hold the supplied object to be measured, open the discharge gate 4g, and discharge the object to be measured to the collecting chute 5. As the discharge gate 4g of the measuring hopper 4, two gates may be used like the discharge gate 3g of the supply hopper 3, but in this example, one gate is used.

Further, each weighing hopper 4 has a weight sensor 41 such as a load cell for measuring the weight of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper 4, and the weighing value by each weight sensor 41 is output to the controller 9.

Each weighing unit CW is composed of a straight feeder 2, a supply hopper 3, and a weighing hopper 4 (including a weight sensor 41) provided one by one corresponding to each other.

A collecting chute 5 is provided below the measuring hoppers 4 arranged in a circle, and a collecting hopper 6 is arranged at a discharge port at the lower end of the collecting chute 5. The collecting hopper 6 can temporarily hold the object to be discharged from the measuring hopper 4 and then open the discharge gate 6g to discharge the object downward. The object to be discharged from the measuring hopper 4 selected for the discharge combination described later slides on the collecting chute 5, is once held by the collecting hopper 6, and then is discharged downward. For example, a packaging machine (not shown) is arranged below the collecting hopper 6, and the object to be measured discharged from the collecting hopper 6 is packaged by the packaging machine to be a bagged product. It is also possible to configure the structure in which the object to be measured discharged from the discharge port at the lower end of the collection chute 5 is directly supplied to the packaging machine or the like without providing the collection hopper 6.

In the present embodiment, as an example, a combination scale capable of mixing and weighing four types of objects (a, b, c, d) is shown, and different types of objects to be measured are mixed in each weighing unit CW. As shown in FIG. 1B, a partition plate 7 is arranged on the dispersion feeder 1 so as not to be present. The partition plate 7 is not shown in FIG. 1 (A).

In the dispersion feeder 1, the area 1a to which the object to be measured of the product type a is supplied, the area 1b to which the object to be measured of the product type b is supplied, and the object to be measured of the product type c are supplied by the four partition plates 7. It is divided into a region 1c and a region 1d to which the object to be measured of the product type d is supplied. The external device that supplies the object to be measured onto the dispersion feeder 1 is configured to be able to supply each of the four different types of objects to be measured to the corresponding regions 1a to 1d on the dispersion feeder 1.

In FIG. 1B, the weighing hopper 4 to which the object to be measured of the product type a is supplied is indicated by the reference numeral “4a”, and the weighing hopper 4 to which the object to be measured of the product type b is supplied is indicated by the reference numeral “4b”. The weighing hopper 4 to which the object to be measured of the product type c is supplied is indicated by the reference numeral "4c", and the measuring hopper 4 to which the object to be measured of the product type d is supplied is indicated by the reference numeral "4d".

The operation display 8 is configured by using, for example, a touch panel display or the like, and is a combination process of an input means for performing operations such as starting and stopping the operation of the combination scale and setting combination conditions, and an operation speed, a combination weight, and the like. It is equipped with a display means for displaying the results of the above on a screen (display screen). The controller 9 inputs a signal from the operation display 8 and outputs a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation display 8.

The controller 9 is composed of, for example, a microcontroller or the like, and has an arithmetic processing unit including a CPU or the like and a storage unit including a RAM and a ROM or the like. Then, when the arithmetic processing unit executes the operation program stored in advance in the storage unit, the controller 9 functions as a combination means, an emission control means, etc. that perform a combination process for obtaining an emission combination, and the entire combination scale. Control the operation. The controller 9 may be composed of a single controller for centralized control, or may be configured with a plurality of controllers for distributed control in cooperation with each other.

Next, the operation of the combination scale of the present embodiment will be described. This operation is realized by control by the controller 9. In the present embodiment, one weighing unit CW corresponds to each variety a to c (variety a, b, c), and all other weighing units CW correspond to the variety d. For example, the straight feeder 2, the supply hopper 3, and the measuring hopper 4 in the measuring unit CW corresponding to the product type a are described as the straight feeder 2a, the supply hopper 3a, and the measuring hopper 4a by adding "a" to each of them. The straight-ahead feeder 2, the supply hopper 3, and the measuring hopper 4 in the measuring unit CW corresponding to the other types b to d are also described in the same manner. Here, for example, 11 measuring units CW corresponding to the product type d are provided, and the total number of measuring units CW is 14 including the measuring unit CW corresponding to each of the product types a, b, and c.

First, the outline of the operation of this combination scale will be described. In the controller 9, all the information and the like necessary for controlling the operation of the combination scale are stored in the internal storage unit, and the information to be stored during the operation is stored in the storage unit. ..

The objects to be measured (types a to d) supplied from the external device (not shown) onto the distributed feeder 1 are supplied to the base ends of the linear feeders 2 by driving the distributed feeder 1 (vibration operation). Then, by driving the straight-ahead feeder 2 (vibration operation), the object to be weighed on the straight-ahead feeder 2 is transferred to its tip side and discharged.

Here, the straight-ahead feeder 2d corresponding to the product type d is driven for a predetermined time to supply the object to be measured to the supply hopper 3d. The object to be measured supplied to the supply hopper 3d is discharged by opening the discharge gate 3g and is supplied to the measurement hopper 4d.

On the other hand, when the straight feeders 2a to 2c corresponding to the varieties a to c are driven, the discharge gates 3g of the supply hoppers 3a to 3c are opened to discharge the object to be measured, and the straight feeders 2a to 2c are discharged. The object to be measured discharged from the meter passes through the supply hoppers 3a to 3c and is supplied to the measurement hoppers 4a to 4c. At this time, the straight feeders 2a to 2c are driven and stopped controlled so that the objects to be weighed with the target weights predetermined according to the respective types a to c are supplied to the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c. There will be variations in the weight of the objects to be weighed.

Then, the controller 9 performs the combination processing based on the weight value of the object to be weighed by each weight sensor 41. In this combination processing, a combination of weighing hoppers 4 including one weighing hopper 4a to 4c corresponding to each of the types a to c and a plurality of measuring hoppers 4d corresponding to the types d is supplied. A combination of weighing hoppers 4 whose total weight of objects is within the allowable combination range and is equal to or closest to the target combination weight is obtained, and the combination is determined as the discharge combination. The allowable combination range and the target combination weight are predetermined. This combination process is repeated at a predetermined timing.

Then, the controller 9 opens the discharge gate 4g of the measuring hopper 4 selected for the discharging combination at a predetermined timing, so that the object to be measured in the measuring hopper 4 is discharged onto the collecting chute 5 and the collecting hopper 6 is discharged. Is supplied to. Further, the controller 9 opens the discharge gate 6g of the collecting hopper 6 at a predetermined timing, so that the object to be measured in the collecting hopper 6 is discharged downward, and is supplied to, for example, a packaging machine and packed in a bag.

The combination scale in the present embodiment can be suitably used, for example, when producing a bag of vegetables of a plurality of cut varieties (types) sold as a vegetable set for a pot, a stir-fried vegetable set, or the like. it can.

Here, an example of the variety (type) of the object to be weighed in the case of producing a bag of cut vegetables will be described. For example, when producing a packed pack containing carrots, peppers, leeks and bean sprouts as a stir-fried vegetable set, cultivar a may be carrots, varieties b may be peppers, varieties c may be leeks, and varieties d may be bean sprouts. it can. For example, a target weight and an allowable weight range are set for each of the varieties a to d. In addition, the target combination weight and the allowable combination range are set for the total weight of the varieties a to d that form one bagging pack (stir-fried vegetables set). The target weight and permissible weight range for each of these varieties and the target combination weight and permissible combination weight for the total weight of all varieties are set in advance in the controller 9 by, for example, the operator operating the operation display 8. Can be done.

An example is shown below.
Variety a (carrot) ... Target weight is 20g, allowable weight range is 15 to 30g.
Variety b (green pepper) ... Target weight is 15 g, allowable weight range is 10 to 30 g.
Variety c (Chive): Target weight is 25 g, allowable weight range is 20 to 50 g.
Variety d (bean sprouts): Target weight is 150 g, allowable weight range is 120 to 180 g.
Stir-fried vegetables set ... The target combination weight is 210g, and the allowable combination range is 210-260g.

FIG. 2 shows a table summarizing an example of the above target weight and allowable weight range. In the table of FIG. 2, TW indicates a target weight for each of the varieties a to d. Further, HLMT is a value for setting the upper limit of the allowable weight range, and the upper limit value of the allowable weight range is a value of (TW + HLMT). Further, LLMT is a value for setting the lower limit of the allowable weight range, and the lower limit value of the allowable weight range is a value of (TW-LLMT). Further, the TW for the total indicates the target combination weight, and the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the combination allowable range are determined in the same manner as in the case of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the allowable weight range described above. Therefore, each allowable weight range and combination allowable range are the above-mentioned ranges. Further, in the "example" shown in the table of FIG. 2, when the carrot in the measuring hopper 4a is 22.0 g, the bell pepper in the measuring hopper 4b is 19.0 g, and the leek in the measuring hopper 4c is 31.0 g. It is shown that the weighing hopper 4d having a total of 138.0 g of bean sprouts is selected as the discharge combination, resulting in a total of 210.0 g of stir-fried vegetables.

Then, for the varieties a to c, the objects to be weighed of the varieties a to c are supplied from the straight feeders 2a to 2c to the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c with the respective target weights as the supply target.

On the other hand, for the product type d, for example, the driving time of the straight feeder 2d is set so that the total weight of the objects to be measured of the product type d supplied to the four measuring hoppers 4d becomes the target weight. For example, one drive time of each straight feeder 2d is predetermined so that an object to be weighed having a weight of approximately 1/4 of the target weight for the product type d is supplied to the supply hopper 3. The weight of the object to be measured that is actually supplied to the supply hopper 3 varies.

The discharge combination obtained by the above-mentioned combination processing is obtained as a combination of three measuring hoppers 4a to 4c and a plurality of measuring hoppers 4d.

At this time, the plurality of measuring hoppers 4d corresponding to the product type d selected for the discharge combination may be obtained as follows. For example, the value obtained by subtracting the total weight (weighing value) of the objects to be weighed in the weighing hoppers 4a, 4b, and 4c from the target combination weight is set as the modified target weight of the product type d. Then, a combination of the weighing hoppers 4d whose total weight of the objects to be weighed of the product type d is the same as or closest to the correction target weight is obtained, and the weighing hoppers 4d of this combination are set as a plurality of weighing hoppers 4d selected for the discharge combination. However, here, it is assumed that the object to be weighed in the measuring hopper 4 selected for the discharge combination satisfies the allowable weight range and the allowable combination range of each type a to d. The allowable weight range of each type a to d is not always set.

Next, the operation of the combination scale will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the combination scale in the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, “closed” in the supply hopper 3, the measuring hopper 4 and the collective hopper 6 indicates that each discharge gate is in the fully closed state, and “open” indicates that each discharge gate is in the fully open state. The diagonal line from "closed" to "open" indicates that the discharge gate is being opened, and the diagonal line from "open" to "closed" indicates that the discharge gate is being closed. Shown. The delay times D1 to D6 shown in FIG. 3 are predetermined times set in advance. Further, the scale stabilization time Ts is such that the output of the weight sensor 41 of the weighing hopper 4 is stable from the time when the discharge gate 3g of the supply hopper 3 starts to be closed when the object to be measured is supplied from the supply hopper 3 to the weighing hopper 4. It is a predetermined time that is predetermined as the time required for the operation.

FIG. 3 shows a part of the combination scale during continuous operation, and the assembly hopper 6 is discharged from the weighing hopper 4 selected for the discharge combination, for example, at time t0 and before time t0. The object to be weighed is held.

Then, for example, when the input command signal R1 is input from the packaging machine, the controller 9 opens and closes the discharge gate 6g of the collective hopper 6 after the delay time D1 from the time t1 to open and close the discharge gate 6 g of the collective hopper 6 to measure the object to be measured in the collective hopper 6. To discharge.

Next, the controller 9 opens and closes the discharge gate 4g with respect to the measurement hoppers 4 (4a to 4d) of the discharge combination obtained in the combination process C1 after the delay time D2 from the time t1 to discharge the object to be measured. Let me.

Next, in the measuring unit CW corresponding to the type d, the controller 9 starts to open the discharge gate 4g of the measuring hopper 4d, and after a delay time D3, discharges the gate to the supply hopper 3d corresponding to the measuring hopper 4d. 3g is opened and closed to supply the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 4d. Further, after a delay time D5 after the discharge gate 3g of the supply hopper 3d is started to be opened, the straight feeder 2d corresponding to the supply hopper 3d is driven (ON) for a predetermined driving time, and the straight feeder 2d to the product d is covered. The measured object is supplied to the same supply hopper 3d.

Then, the controller 9 supplies the weighing value of the measuring hopper 4d corresponding to the supply hopper 3d to the measuring hopper 4d after a predetermined weighing stability time Ts elapses after starting to close the discharge gate 3g of the supply hopper 3d. Obtained as the weight value of the object to be weighed.

On the other hand, in the measuring unit CW corresponding to each of the types a, b, and c, the controller 9 starts to open the discharge gates 4g of the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c, and after a delay time D3, the discharge gates of the supply hoppers 3a to 3c. Start opening 3g. Then, after the delay time D4 is started after the discharge gates 3g of the supply hoppers 3a to 3c are started to be opened, the driving (ON) of the straight feeders 2a to 2c is started. At the start of driving the straight feeders 2a to 2c, the arrow a1 indicates that the object to be measured discharged from the straight feeders 2a to 2c passes through the supply hoppers 3a to 3c and reaches the weighing hoppers 4a to 4c. There is.

Then, when the weighing value (weight of the object to be weighed) of the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c reaches the supply stop weight Ws (time t3), the controller 9 ends the driving of the straight feeders 2a to 2c, that is, stops (OFF). At the same time, the discharge gates 3g of the supply hoppers 3a to 3c are started to be closed. At the end of driving the straight feeders 2a to 2c, the arrow a2 indicates that the object to be measured discharged from the straight feeders 2a to 2c passes through the supply hoppers 3a to 3c and reaches the weighing hoppers 4a to 4c. There is. That is, the objects to be measured discharged from the straight feeders 2a to 2c are supplied to the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c during the time ta1 to ta2 as shown by the arrows a1 and a2. FIG. 4 shows an example of a time change of the measured value (weight of the object to be measured) of the measuring hopper when the object to be measured is supplied to any of the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c. In this way, the objects to be measured supplied from the straight feeders 2a to 2c to the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c are supplied substantially in proportion to the passage of time.

Next, the controller 9 supplies the measured values of the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c to the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c after the elapse of the predetermined weighing stability time Ts after starting to close the discharge gates 3g of the supply hoppers 3a to 3c. Obtained as the weight of the object to be weighed (actual supply weight Wr).

The supply stop weight Ws is set to a value smaller than the target weight Wf so that the actual supply weight Wr becomes the same value as or close to the target weight Wf. The target weight Wf and the supply stop weight Ws are set to values for each type a, b, and c, respectively, and the values may be different for each type a, b, and c, and some of them have the same value. May be good. Further, the actual weights Wr of each of the measuring hoppers 4a, 4b, and 4c corresponding to the varieties a, b, and c are also measured values, and are usually different. Further, in each of the measuring hoppers 4a, 4b, and 4c, the time (t3) at which the measured value becomes the supply stop weight Ws is also usually different.

Next, the controller 9 performs the next combination processing C2 at a predetermined timing (time t5) after acquiring the actual supply weight Wr in each of the measuring hoppers 4a, 4b, and 4c.

Then, when the next input command signal R2 is input to the controller 9 from the packaging machine, the above series of operations is repeated. In this way, the objects to be weighed are sequentially put into the packaging machine and packed in bags. The distributed feeder 1 is controlled by the controller 9 so as to be driven while the linear feeder 2 is being driven, for example.

As described above, the supply stop weight Ws is set so that the actual supply weight Wr of each of the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c becomes the same value as or close to the target weight Wf, but the distributed feeder 1 to the straight feeder 2a to The error between the actual supply weight Wr and the target weight Wf may increase due to fluctuations in the supply amount of the object to be measured to 2c, changes in the state of the object to be measured, and the like.

Therefore, the controller 9 is configured to change (update) the supply stop weight Ws based on the difference between the actual supply weight Wr and the target weight Wf to reduce the error between the actual supply weight Wr and the target weight Wf. Has been done.

In this case, at the start of operation of the combination scale, a predetermined value is set as an initial value of the supply stop weight Ws. For example, the target weight Wf may be set as the initial value of the supply stop weight Ws.

Then, the controller 9 stores the acquired actual supply weight Wr, obtains the minimum value (Wrs) of the acquired actual supply weight Wr a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) each time it is acquired, and heads. The quantity E is calculated by the following formula.
E = Wrs-Wf
Further, the supply stop weight Ws is calculated by the following formula.
Ws = Wf-E
The supply stop weight Ws calculated in this way is used as an updated value (value after change).

When the driving of the straight feeders 2a to 2c is stopped, the supply of the object to be measured from the straight feeders 2a to 2c to the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c is stopped. However, since there is a distance between the straight feeders 2a to 2c and the weighing hoppers 4a to 4c, even if the driving of the straight feeders 2a to 2c is stopped, the object to be measured is the weighing hoppers 4a to 4a for a while. Continues to be supplied to 4c. In consideration of this, the supply stop weight Ws is set (updated) to a value smaller than the target weight Wf by the above-mentioned head amount E.

In the above example, when the head amount E is calculated, the actual supply weight Wr in the future becomes equal to or more than the target weight Wf by using the minimum value Wrs among the plurality of actual supply weights Wr acquired a predetermined number of times. However, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of the minimum value Wrs, the head amount E may be calculated using a representative value such as an average value or a median value of a plurality of actual supplied weights Wr.

In the present embodiment, the discharge combinations are the weighing hoppers 4a to 4c supplied so that the objects to be measured of the varieties a to c have the respective target weights, and the plurality of measuring hoppers to which the objects to be measured of the varieties d are supplied. Since it is required as a combination with 4d, good combination accuracy of all varieties can be realized. Further, since the objects to be weighed of the varieties a to c are supplied while being weighed by the weighing hoppers 4a to 4c, it is possible to supply the objects to be weighed with a target weight to the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c.

Further, since it is sufficient to provide one measuring unit CW for each of the objects to be measured of the varieties a to c, the device (combination scale) can be miniaturized. For example, when a plurality of weighing hoppers 4 are combined for each product type a to c so that the total weight of the object to be weighed becomes the target weight or a value close to the target weight, about 10 weighing hoppers 4 are used for each product type. Is required. Compared to such a case, in the present embodiment, the total number of measuring units CW including the measuring hopper 4 can be significantly reduced, the combined scale can be significantly reduced in size, and a low-priced combination scale can be realized. can do. Further, since the total number of measuring units CW can be significantly reduced, the time required for cleaning the measuring hopper 4 and the supply hopper 3 when changing the type of the object to be measured can be significantly reduced.

In the present embodiment, the timing for stopping the driving of the straight feeders 2a to 2c corresponding to the types a to c is set to the time t3 when the weighing values of the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c reach the supply stop weight Ws. , As shown by the alternate long and short dash line, it may be stopped after a predetermined delay time D6 has elapsed from the time t3. In this case, a part of the object to be weighed by the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c next time can be temporarily held in the supply hoppers 3a to 3c in advance, and the measuring cycle Tw can be shortened.

Here, the weighing cycle Tw is a cycle in which the same weighing hoppers 4a to 4c are selected as discharge combinations and the combination processing is repeated. In this example, the operator operates the operation display 8 and is preset. It is determined according to the set value of the operating speed (operating speed) of the combination scale.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of the combination scale in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is also shown in the same manner as in the case of FIG.

In the operation shown in FIG. 5, the difference from the case of FIG. 3 is that the measurement values of the measuring hoppers 4a to 4c stop the supply at the timing when the discharge gates 3g of the supply hoppers 3a to 3c corresponding to the types a to c start to be closed. This is a time when a predetermined delay time D7 has elapsed from the time t3 when the weight Ws is reached. In this case, the discharge gate 3g can be closed after the object to be discharged from the straight feeders 2a to 2c has completely passed through the supply hoppers 3a to 3c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the object to be measured that falls to the supply hoppers 3a to 3c after the time t3 from being pinched by the discharge gates 3g of the supply hoppers 3a to 3c, and the product value is lowered by being pinched by the discharge gates 3g. Useful for weighing objects.

Therefore, depending on the type of the object to be weighed, the supply hopper that starts closing the discharge gate 3g at the time t3 as shown in FIG. 3 and the discharge gate 3g when the predetermined delay time D7 elapses from the time t3 as shown in FIG. It may be configured to be mixed with a supply hopper that begins to close.

In the present embodiment, one measuring hopper 4 (measuring unit CW) corresponding to each of the varieties a to c is provided, but when a plurality of (for example, two) measuring hoppers 4 (for example, two) are provided and the combination processing is performed, the combination processing is performed. For each of the varieties a to c, any one of the plurality of measuring hoppers 4 may be selected as the discharge combination. In this case, the device (combination scale) becomes larger as the number of measuring units CW increases by, for example, 3, but the total number of combinations increases when the discharge combination is obtained, and the combination accuracy can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 (A) is a schematic schematic view of a cross section of an example combination scale of the second embodiment of the present invention viewed from the side, and FIG. 6 (B) is a schematic schematic view of the combination scale viewed from above. It is a figure. 6 (A) and 6 (B) are shown in the same manner as in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), and the components corresponding to the components shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B) are the same. It is signed.

In the example of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), a total of 14 measuring units CW are provided, one for each of the varieties a, b, and c. The weighing unit CW corresponds, and the remaining 11 weighing units CW correspond to the product type d.

On the other hand, in the example in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), a total of 20 measuring units CW are provided, of which 2 are provided for each of the varieties a, b, and c. Each weighing unit CW corresponds, and the remaining 14 weighing units CW correspond to the product type d.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation of the combination scale in the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the discharge cycle (corresponding to the packaging cycle Tp1 of FIGS. 3 and 5) for discharging the object to be weighed whose total weight is within the allowable combination range is the same as the weighing cycle Tw, so-called single. Although the shift operation is performed, in the combination scale of the second embodiment, the total number of measuring units CW is increased as compared with the case of the first embodiment, and the discharge cycle (corresponding to the packaging cycle Tp2 in FIG. 7) is weighed. It is configured to perform a double shift operation that is 1/2 of the cycle Tw.

As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 9 performs the combination processing (C11 to C14) in a cycle of Tw / 2. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the combination processing (1) and the combination processing (2) will be described separately.

Similar to the case of the first embodiment, the combination processing in the present embodiment includes, for example, one weighing hopper 4a to 4c corresponding to each of the product types a to c and a plurality of measuring hoppers 4d corresponding to the product type d. The combination of the hoppers 4 is composed, and the total weight of the objects to be supplied is within the allowable combination range, and the combination of the weighing hoppers 4 equal to or closest to the target combination weight is obtained, and the combination is determined as the discharge combination. It is a process.

In this embodiment, two measuring units CW corresponding to each of the varieties a to c are provided. That is, the weighing group corresponding to each of the varieties a to c is composed of two weighing units CW. Therefore, two measuring hoppers 4a to 4c corresponding to each of the varieties a to c are provided. In the following description, one of the two weighing hoppers 4a will be referred to as "4a1", and the other weighing hopper 4a will be referred to as "4a2". Similarly, one of the two weighing hoppers 4b is described as "4b1", the other weighing hopper 4b is described as "4b2", and one of the two weighing hoppers 4c is described as "4c1". The other weighing hopper 4c is described as "4c2".

The combination process (1) shown in FIG. 7 includes one weighing hopper 4a1, 4b1, 4c1 and a plurality of weighing hoppers 4d, and the total weight of the objects to be supplied is a predetermined combination allowable range. This is a process for obtaining a discharge combination, which is a combination of the inner weighing hoppers 4. Further, the combination process (2) includes one measuring hopper 4a2, 4b2, 4c2 and a plurality of measuring hoppers 4d, and the total weight of the objects to be supplied is within a predetermined combination allowable range. This is a process for obtaining a discharge combination, which is a combination of the weighing hoppers 4. Further, in the combination processing (1) and the combination processing (2) that are performed closest to each other, the same weighing hopper 4d is not selected for both discharge combinations. For example, the same weighing hopper 4d is not selected for both the discharge combinations of the combination processing C11 and the combination processing C12.

Then, for example, for the measuring unit CW having the measuring hopper 4 selected for the discharge combination obtained in the combination processing C11 (C13), the input command signal is sent during the measuring cycle Tw after the combination processing C11 (C13). Based on R11 (R13) and the like, the same operation as in the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 5) is performed. Further, for the measuring unit CW having the measuring hopper 4 selected for the discharge combination obtained in the combination processing C12 (C14), the input command signal R12 (during the measuring cycle Tw after the combination processing C12 (C14)) Based on R14) and the like, the same operation as in the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 5 or the like) is performed.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the controller 9 opens and closes the discharge gate 6g of the assembly hopper 6 after a predetermined delay time D1 each time each input command signal R11 to R14 is input to perform assembly. The object to be weighed in the hopper 6 is discharged. As in the case of the first embodiment, the assembly hopper 6 may not be provided.

In the present embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the discharge combinations are the weighing hoppers 4a to 4c supplied so that the objects to be weighed of the varieties a to c have the respective target weights, and the varieties d to be weighed. Since it is required as a combination with a plurality of measuring hoppers 4d to which the product is supplied, it is possible to realize a good combination accuracy of the total of all types.

Further, in the present embodiment, the number of measuring units Cw is increased as compared with the case of the first embodiment, but the discharge cycle (discharge cycle) can be shortened to about 1/2, so that the operation is performed at high speed. It can be used for packaging machines, etc. As a combination scale that shortens the discharge cycle and performs mix weighing in this way, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in size.

In addition, three or more weighing units CW are provided as weighing groups corresponding to each of the types a to c, and the number of measuring units CW corresponding to the types d is also increased, and each of the types a to c is configured. From a combination of weighing hoppers 4 that includes one corresponding weighing hopper 4a, 4b, 4c and a plurality of weighing hoppers 4d so that the total weight of the objects to be supplied is within a predetermined combination tolerance. By sequentially repeating the combination process for obtaining the discharge combination, the discharge cycle can be configured to be about one-third or shorter than that of the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, the case where the objects to be weighed of four types (a to d) are mixed and weighed has been described, but this is the case where the maximum number of types is mixed and weighed in the illustrated combination scale. Of the four varieties (a to d), three or two varieties of objects including the varieties d can be mixed and weighed. For example, when three types of objects to be weighed are mixed and weighed, the type d and any two of the types a to c can be mixed and weighed. When two types of objects to be weighed are mixed and weighed, the type d and any one of the types a to c can be mixed and weighed.

When three or two types of objects to be weighed are mixed and weighed as described above, the controller 9 puts the weighing unit CW corresponding to the type not mixed and weighed into an operation stopped state, and puts the remaining weighing unit CW into an operating state. And. Further, in the controller 9, the weighing unit CW corresponding to the three types a to c may be stopped, and the measuring unit CW corresponding to the type d may be in the operating state, and only one type d may be combined and measured. .. In order to enable such an operation, the operation display 8 is provided with, for example, setting buttons of product types a to d. For example, when the setting button of the product type a and the product type d is pressed and the measurement start button is pressed, the mixed measurement of the objects to be measured of the product type a and the product type d is performed. It should be noted that such a setting button or the like is only one example.

In short, the controller 9 has an operation mode (control mode) in which all types of objects to be weighed (here, four types) are combined and weighed and discharged, an object to be measured of type d, and at least one of types a to c. It has a plurality of operation modes in which one type of object to be weighed is combined and weighed and discharged, and an operation mode in which only the object to be measured of type d is combined and weighed and discharged. Then, among these operation modes, the operation mode to be executed by the controller 9 is configured so that the operator can select the operation mode by operating the operation display (operation mode selection means) 8.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the combination scale main body (the part of the combination scale excluding the operation indicator 8 and the controller 9) has a measuring unit CW corresponding to the types a to c, and a type. It may be configured separately from the device having the measuring unit CW corresponding to d. An example (modification example) in this case is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic schematic view of a cross section of the combination scale of the modified example of the first embodiment as viewed from the side, and the parts corresponding to FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The combination scale shown in FIG. 8 includes a device A having a measuring unit CW corresponding to the type d, a device B having three measuring units CW corresponding to the types a to c, an operation indicator 8 and a controller 9. It has. Again, since the controller 9 controls the entire combination scale, all the measuring units CW provided in the device A and the device B are controlled by the controller 9.

The device A has the same configuration as the combination scale main body shown in FIG. 1, but the total number of measuring units CW is, for example, 10, which is smaller than that of FIG. Further, since the object to be measured of the product type d is supplied to all the measuring units CW, the partition plate 7 is not provided on the dispersion feeder 1.

Further, the device B is provided with three measuring units CW arranged side by side in the depth direction of the paper surface. Each of these three measuring units CW corresponds to the types a, b, and c, and is attached to the device unit 11 supported by a support member (not shown). Storage units 2s are provided on the base end side of each of the straight-moving feeders 2 (2a, 2b, 2c) of the three measuring units CW, and the storage units 2s are provided with the objects to be measured of the varieties a, b, and c, respectively. Is supplied from each external device (not shown). A collecting chute 5Z and a collecting hopper 6Z are provided below the measuring hopper 4 of the three measuring units CW. The objects to be measured discharged from the three measuring hoppers 4a to 4c slide down on the collecting chute 5Z, are once held by the collecting hopper 6Z, and then are discharged downward.

In this case, a transfer device 50 in which the container 52 is mounted on the conveyor 51 is provided below the collecting hoppers 6 and 6Z of the combination scale. The container 52 is intermittently transported in the direction of arrow 53, for example. For example, when the objects to be measured discharged from the weighing hoppers 4 (4a to 4d) selected for the same discharge combination are held in the collecting hoppers 6 and 6Z, first, the collecting hoppers 6Z to the varieties a to c After the object to be weighed is discharged to the container 52, when the container 52 is transported in the direction of arrow 53 and stops below the collecting hopper 6, the object to be measured of the type d is discharged from the collecting hopper 6 to the container 52. By doing so, all the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper 4 selected for the same discharge combination are collected. Then, it is further conveyed in the direction of arrow 53 and supplied to a device (for example, a packaging machine) in the next stage.

Further, in the second embodiment, when the above configuration is applied, the apparatus A is configured to include, for example, 14 measuring units CW corresponding to the product type d. Then, for example, two devices B having the above-mentioned three measuring units CW may be provided side by side in the direction of arrow 53, or two devices B for each type a to c may be provided in the device B (total 6). A measuring unit CW may be provided.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, a combination scale having a configuration in which four types (a to d) of objects to be measured are mixed and weighed has been described, but the present invention describes objects to be measured of two or more types. Can be applied to a combination scale having a configuration for mixed weighing.

Further, in one example of the first and second embodiments (FIGS. 1 and 6), a configuration in which a plurality of supply hoppers 3 and measuring hoppers 4 are arranged in a circular shape has been described, but they are arranged in a straight line. It may be configured. In this case, for example, a plurality of straight-moving feeders 2 are arranged side by side in parallel, and a device for supplying an object to be measured to each straight-moving feeder 2 is provided instead of the conical distributed feeder 1.

From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed only as an example and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best aspects of carrying out the present invention. The details of its structure and / or function can be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The present invention is useful as a combination scale or the like that can realize a good combination accuracy of all types and can reduce the size.

CW weighing unit 2 straight feeder 3 supply hopper 4 weighing hopper 8 operation indicator 9 controller

Claims (7)

A plurality of weighing units having a weighing hopper capable of weighing and discharging the weight of the object to be supplied, and
A combination means that repeatedly performs a combination process for obtaining a discharge combination consisting of a combination of the measurement hoppers in which the total weight of the objects to be supplied is within the allowable combination range.
Discharge control means for discharging the object to be measured to the measuring hopper selected for the discharging combination, and
With
The plurality of measuring units
A plurality of first measuring units to which a first type of object to be measured is supplied to the measuring hopper, and
An object of a different type from the first type is supplied to the measuring hopper, and the supply of the object to be measured is stopped based on the measured value by the measuring hopper during the supply to the different type. It has a second measuring unit to which an object to be measured is supplied with a predetermined target weight as a supply target.
The combination means
It is configured to obtain the discharge combination so as to always include the measuring hopper of the second measuring unit .
All said weighing units are further
A straight-ahead feeder that continuously conveys the object to be measured by vibration and discharges it from the tip,
It has a discharge gate that can be opened and closed below the tip of the straight feeder and above the weighing hopper, and can temporarily hold the object to be discharged from the straight feeder and discharge it to the weighing hopper. With a supply hopper,
The first measuring unit is
The object to be measured discharged from the straight feeder is temporarily held by the supply hopper and then supplied from the supply hopper to the weighing hopper.
The second measuring unit is
By driving the straight feeder with the supply hopper opening the discharge gate to discharge the object to be measured, the object to be discharged from the straight feeder passes through the supply hopper to the weighing hopper. Configured to be supplied
Further, the second measuring unit is
When the object to be weighed is supplied from the straight feeder to the weighing hopper, the weight of the object to be weighed by the weighing hopper reaches a supply stop weight predetermined with respect to the target weight. The drive of the straight feeder is stopped, the discharge gate of the supply hopper is closed after the drive of the straight feeder is stopped, and after a predetermined weighing stabilization time has elapsed since the discharge gate is started to be closed, the meter is actually supplied to the weighing hopper. Configured to weigh an object to be weighed,
Combination scale. A distributed feeder that supplies an object to be measured supplied from an external device to the straight-ahead feeder of all the measuring units by vibration.
A partition plate provided on the dispersion feeder, for supplying a predetermined type of object to be measured to each of the measuring units and preventing mixing of different types of objects to be measured, is further provided.
The combination scale according to claim 1. Each of the weighing hoppers has a plurality of the second weighing units in which objects to be weighed of different types are supplied with the target weight predetermined for each type as a supply target.
The combination means
It was configured to obtain the discharge combination so as to always include the weighing hopper of all the second weighing units.
The combination scale according to claim 1 or 2 . Each of the weighing hoppers has a plurality of the second weighing units to which the same type of object to be measured is supplied.
The combination means
It is configured to obtain the discharge combination so as to always include the measuring hopper of the second measuring unit of any one of the plurality of the second measuring units.
The combination scale according to claim 1 or 2 . Each of the weighing hoppers has a plurality of weighing groups including a plurality of the second weighing units to which the same type of object to be measured is supplied.
To the weighing hoppers of different weighing groups, objects of different varieties are supplied so as to be supplied with the predetermined target weight for each varieties as a supply target.
The combination means
The second weighing of any one of the second weighing units that always includes the weighing hopper of the second weighing unit corresponding to all the weighing groups and is included in the same weighing group. The unit is configured to include the weighing hopper to determine the discharge combination.
The combination scale according to claim 1 or 2 . Further provided with an operation mode selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of operation modes including the first operation mode.
When the first operation mode is selected by the operation mode selection means, all the measuring units are configured to be in the operating state.
When an operation mode other than the first operation mode is selected by the operation mode selection means, the plurality of the first measuring units are put into an operating state, and at least one of the different types is used. The second weighing unit to which the object to be measured is supplied is put into an operation stop state, the remaining second weighing unit is put into an operating state, and the combination means is in an operating state. It was configured to determine the discharge combination only for the metering hopper of the unit.
The combination scale according to claim 3 or 5 . Before Symbol second metering unit,
The weight of the object to be weighed actually supplied to the weighing hopper weighed after the elapse of the predetermined weighing stabilization time is stored, and the weight of the latest plurality of times of the measured object and the target weight are set to the stored weight. Based on this, it is configured to change the supply stop weight so that the difference between the weight of the object to be supplied to the weighing hopper and the target weight in the future becomes small.
The combination scale according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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