JP7146626B2 - Weighing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a weighing device for weighing an object to be weighed.

A weighing device, for example, a combination weigher that combines and weighs objects to be weighed within a predetermined weight range and discharges them, generally includes a plurality of weighing hoppers. A combination of weighing hoppers in which the combined weight of various combinations of object weights is equal to the target combined weight or within a predetermined weight range closest to the target combined weight is selected, and the objects to be weighed are discharged from the selected weighing hoppers. do. Usually, a combination weigher is used together with a packaging machine, and the items to be weighed within a predetermined weight range weighed by the combination weigher are discharged from the combination weigher, put into the packaging machine, and packaged by the packaging machine to form a single product. .

If the object to be weighed is, for example, confectionery such as salty beans or sweetened beans, seasonings such as salt and sugar, or pieces of the object to be weighed adhere to the inner wall of the weighing hopper.

In the weighing hopper, such adhering matter is also weighed, so the actual weight of the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper is reduced by the amount corresponding to the adhering matter.

As described above, in the weighing hopper, the weight at the zero point of the weighing hopper, that is, the weight when the weighing hopper is empty with no objects to be weighed, changes as the operation time of the combination weigher progresses due to an increase in deposits. As a result, it gradually fluctuates to a size that cannot be ignored, that is, zero-point fluctuation occurs. For this reason, the supply of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper is prohibited periodically for one weighing cycle to empty the weighing hopper, and the zero point weight of this empty weighing hopper is measured to correct the zero point fluctuation. so-called zero point correction.

In Patent Document 1, when an object to be weighed adheres to a weighing hopper and the object to be weighed progresses and becomes larger and the object is separated from the weighing hopper and falls, the weighing hopper is detected, and the combination weighing of the detected weighing hoppers is disclosed. Disclosed is an apparatus for prohibiting participation in

JP-A-9-53976

In Patent Document 1, although it is possible to detect a weighing hopper from which a large deposit has peeled off and prohibit participation in combination weighing, it is possible to prevent large deposits that have adhered to the weighing hopper from peeling off and falling. A configuration for this is not disclosed.

When the object to be weighed is, for example, confectionery such as salty beans or sweetened beans, seasonings such as salt and sugar adhere to the weighing hopper, and large clumps of salt and sugar adhere to the hopper. If the product peels off from the weighing hopper, falls, and is packaged by a packaging machine, the product will be of poor quality. In addition, since this product contains large fallen deposits, a weight checker that checks and sorts the weight of the product after the packaging machine selects it as an excessive amount of defective products exceeding a predetermined weight range.

The weighing hopper is equipped with a discharge gate that is opened to discharge the objects to be weighed. The clothes may interfere with the discharge of the objects to be weighed, and the objects to be weighed cannot be completely discharged within the period when the discharge gate is open, and some of the objects to be weighed may remain. be. In this case, the products in which the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper are packaged are sorted out by the weight checker as lightweight defective products below a predetermined weight range.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to minimize problems caused by an increase in the size of deposits adhering to a weighing device.

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

(1) The present invention is a weighing device for weighing an object to be weighed supplied to a weighing unit,
A zero-point weight measuring unit that measures a zero-point weight, which is the weight of the weighing unit when no object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing unit, and the weighing unit measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit before the weighing operation starts. and a storage unit for storing the initial zero point weight of the weighing unit as a reference zero point; a weighing error determination unit that determines whether or not there is an adhesion determination unit that determines whether the amount of variation from the reference zero point is equal to or greater than an adhesion detection threshold included in the regulation range;
a weighing error notification unit for notifying a weighing error when the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is not within the regulation range; and the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range, and an adhesion notification unit for notifying that the adhesion of the object to be weighed adhering to the weighing unit should be removed when the adhesion determination unit determines that the adhesion detection threshold value is exceeded; a tolerance determination unit that determines whether or not the variation amount of is within an allowable error range that does not include the adhesion detection threshold, wherein the tolerance determination unit determines that the variation is within the allowable error range Sometimes, the determination by the adhesion determining unit is not performed .

The regulated range is a regulated range of the amount of variation from the reference zero point for determining whether or not there is a weighing error. When the amount of variation is not within the regulated range, the weighing device cannot be used. , no automatic zero correction is performed. This regulation range is, for example, a range of ±4% of the weighing amount.

The adhesion detection threshold is a threshold within the regulation range, and is a threshold for detecting adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit.

According to the present invention, the zero point weight of the weighing unit in a state where there is no object to be weighed attached and no object to be weighed is supplied before the start of the weighing operation is stored as the reference zero point, and during the weighing operation, the weight of the weighing unit is stored. When it is determined that the amount of variation from the reference zero point of the zero point weight of the weighing unit measured in a state in which no object is supplied is not within the regulation range, a weighing error is reported.

Further, when it is determined that the variation amount of the zero point weight of the weighing unit from the reference zero point is equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold value included in the regulation range, the object to be weighed adheres to the weighing unit, If the object to be weighed is found to be too large, it is notified that the object to be weighed should be removed. This allows the operator to clean the weighing station to remove any deposits before cleaning.
The allowable error range is a narrow range that does not include the adhesion detection threshold, and is a range within which the amount of variation from the reference zero point caused by, for example, unexpected vibrations or the influence of wind can be accommodated.
The zero point weight of the weighing unit measured by the zero point weight measuring unit slightly fluctuates due to unexpected vibrations, wind, etc., but according to this embodiment, the deviation from the reference zero point due to such slight fluctuations in the zero point weight is reduced. When the amount of variation is within a narrow allowable error range that does not include the adhesion detection threshold value, the adhesion judgment unit can be configured not to make a judgment as it is meaningless to judge the detection of adhesion matter.

(2) The present invention is a weighing device for weighing an object to be weighed supplied to a weighing unit,
A zero-point weight measuring unit that measures a zero-point weight, which is the weight of the weighing unit when no object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing unit, and the weighing unit measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit before the weighing operation starts. and a storage unit for storing the initial zero point weight of the weighing unit as a reference zero point; a weighing error determination unit for determining whether or not there is an adhesion determination unit for determining whether or not the amount of variation from the reference zero point is equal to or greater than a threshold value for adhesion detection included in the regulation range; and the weighing a weighing error reporting unit that reports a weighing error when the error determination unit determines that the weight is not within the regulation range; and the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range, and When the adhesion determination unit determines that the adhesion detection threshold is equal to or higher than the adhesion detection threshold value, the adhesion notification unit notifies that the adhesion of the object to be weighed adhering to the weighing unit should be removed, and the zero-point weight measurement unit. a magnitude determining unit for determining whether or not the zero point weight of the weighing unit during weighing operation is greater than the reference zero point, and the magnitude determining unit determines whether the zero point weight of the weighing unit during weighing operation is and an inspection notification unit for notifying that the weighing unit should be inspected when it is determined that the value is not greater than the reference zero point .

According to the present invention, the zero point weight of the weighing unit in a state where there is no object to be weighed attached and no object to be weighed is supplied before the start of the weighing operation is stored as the reference zero point, and during the weighing operation, the weight of the weighing unit is stored. When it is determined that the amount of variation from the reference zero point of the zero point weight of the weighing unit measured in a state in which no object is supplied is not within the regulation range, a weighing error is reported.
Since the object to be weighed adheres to the weighing unit normally, the zero point weight of the weighing unit measured by the zero point weight measuring unit should be larger than the reference zero point. According to the present invention, when the zero-point weight of the weighing unit measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit is not greater than the reference zero point, some kind of abnormality occurs in the weighing unit, such as damage to the weight sensor, improper attachment of the weighing hopper, and the like. Informed that the weighing section should be inspected. As a result, an abnormality in the weighing unit can be detected at an early stage and inspection can be performed.

(3) In one embodiment of the present invention, the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range, and the size determination unit determines that the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation is the reference. Adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit progresses when it is determined to be greater than the zero point and when the adhesion determination unit determines that the amount of variation from the reference zero point is not equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold value. An adhesion progress notification unit is provided for notifying that it is in progress .

According to this embodiment, the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range, the size determination unit determines that the zero point weight is larger than the reference zero point, and the adhesion determination unit determines that the amount of variation from the reference zero point When it is determined that it is not equal to or greater than the detection threshold value, it is neither a weighing error nor an abnormality of the weighing unit, and it is a situation in which adhesion to the weighing unit is progressing, so that can be notified.

(4) In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of weighing units are a plurality of weighing hoppers for respectively weighing the weight of the object to be weighed, and the weighing error determination unit determines that the weight is within the regulation range. a zero point correction unit for performing zero point correction of the weighing hopper when the weighing hopper is weighed ;

According to this embodiment, when the amount of variation of the zero-point weight of the weighing unit from the reference zero point during the weighing operation, which is measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit, is within the regulation range by the weighing error determination unit, Since the zero-point correction of the weighing hopper is performed based on the zero-point weight measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit, it is possible to perform the zero-point correction of the weighing hopper while performing the determination of the detection of the adhering matter on the weighing hopper.

According to the present invention, the zero point weight of the weighing unit in a state where there is no object to be weighed attached and no object to be weighed is supplied before the start of the weighing operation is stored as the reference zero point. When it is determined that the amount of variation of the zero point weight of the weighing unit to be measured from the reference zero point is not within the regulation range, it is notified that there is a weighing error. Further, when it is determined that the amount of change in the zero point weight of the weighing unit from the reference zero point is equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold value within the regulation range, the object to be weighed adheres to the weighing unit and is attached. Since the object to be weighed should be removed due to the fact that the garment is too large, a large object adhering to the weighing unit may peel off from the weighing unit or interfere with the movement of the object to be weighed. Before, the operator can clean the weighing station to remove deposits.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a weighing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the weighing device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the adhering matter detection process of the weighing device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the adhesion detection determination process of FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of a weighing device according to another embodiment of the invention. 6 is a plan view of the weighing device of FIG. 5; FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a weighing device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, the weighing device is applied to a combination weigher.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a combination weigher according to one embodiment of the present invention.

This combination weigher is provided with a distributed feeder 2 in the center of the upper portion thereof for radially dispersing and conveying the objects 28 to be weighed dropped and fed from the feeding device 1 by vibration.

The object to be weighed 28 is not particularly limited, but is suitable for foods such as sweets that are not individually wrapped.

The dispersion feeder 2 includes a conical top cone 3 and a vibrating mechanism 4 that vibrates the top cone 3 .

A plurality of linear feeders 5 are radially arranged around the distributed feeder 2 for linearly conveying the objects 28 to be weighed that have been vibrationally conveyed to the periphery of the top cone 3 further outward. The linear feeder 5 includes a trough (feeder pan) 6 on which an object 28 to be weighed is placed, and a vibrating mechanism 7 for vibrating the trough 6 .

A plurality of supply hoppers 8, weighing hoppers 9, and memory hoppers 10 are provided in correspondence with each other below the peripheral portion of the trough 6 of the linear feeder 5, and are arranged in a circular shape.

Below the supply hopper 8 and the memory hopper 10, gates 8a, 8a and gates 10a, 10a for discharge that can be opened and closed are provided, respectively. Under the weighing hopper 9, a discharge gate 9a that can be opened and closed on the side of the memory hopper 10 and a gate 9b for discharge that can be opened and closed on the side of the collecting chute 11 are provided. 10 or collecting chute 11 can be selectively supplied.

The supply hopper 8 receives the objects to be weighed 28 sent from the trough 6 of the linear feeder 5, and when the weighing hopper 9 arranged below it becomes empty, the discharge gates 8a, 8a are opened to feed the objects to the weighing hopper 9. Throw in the object 28 to be weighed. Each weighing hopper 9 is supported by a weight sensor 12 such as a load cell for measuring the weight of the object to be weighed 28 in the weighing hopper 9 .

The weighing hopper 9 can selectively discharge the objects 28 to be weighed to the memory hopper 10 and the gathering chute 11 as described above. The memory hopper 10 is arranged obliquely below the weighing hopper 9, and when the memory hopper 10 is empty, an object 28 to be weighed is thrown from the weighing hopper 9. - 特許庁Through combination calculation by the control device 13, a combination of hoppers (hereinafter referred to as "discharge hoppers") from which the objects 28 to be weighed should be discharged is obtained from the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 and memory hoppers 10, and the packing machine 22 issues a discharge request. When a signal is input, the objects 28 to be weighed are discharged from the discharge hoppers corresponding to the combination to the collection chute 11 and further discharged to the packaging machine 22 via the discharge chute 14 and the collection hopper 25 below.

Based on the output of the top cone weight sensor 16 that measures the weight of the object to be weighed 28 supplied onto the top cone 3 from the supply device 1, the control device 13 controls the weight of the object to be weighed 28 on the top cone 3 in advance. The supply device 1 is controlled so as to keep within the set range.

The operation setting display 24 is configured using, for example, a touch panel, and performs operations such as operation of the combination weigher and setting operation parameters of the combination weigher. has a function as a notification unit that performs various notifications by means of display.

The control device 13 controls the operation of the supply device 1 and the overall operation of the combination weigher, and performs combination calculations. In the combination calculation, the weight of the object to be weighed 28 in the weighing hopper 9 is weighed by the weight sensor 12 and the obtained weight is used as the weighing value of the weighing hopper 9 . The weighing value of the weighing hopper 9 is stored in the memory section of the control device 13, and when the object to be weighed 28 in the weighing hopper 9 is thrown into the corresponding memory hopper 10, the stored weighing value is It is used as a metric value for the memory hopper 10 . From the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 and memory hoppers 10, one combination of the above-described discharge hoppers that makes the total weight value of the object 28 within a predetermined weight range is determined.

The control device 13 performs the above-described combination calculations and performs zero-point correction in the weighing hopper 9, and functions as a zero-point weight measuring unit that measures the zero-point weight, which is the weight when the weighing hopper 9 is empty. It also has a function as a determination unit that performs various determinations described later.

The zero point correction of the weighing hopper 9 is the same as in the conventional method. The zero point weight, which is the weight of the weighing hopper 9 at that time, is measured, and the zero point correction is performed by updating the measured zero point weight as a new zero point.

This zero point correction is performed at short time intervals in the initial stage of operation when the elapsed time from the start of the weighing operation is short and the material to be weighed adheres to the weighing hopper 9 rapidly. It is carried out at long time intervals because the progress of adhesion of matter slows down. This time interval can be set in advance by operating the operation setting display 24 .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system of the combination weigher in this embodiment, and parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 13 includes a CPU section 17 as an arithmetic control section, a memory section 18, an A/D conversion circuit section 19, a gate drive circuit section 20, a vibration control circuit section 21, and a packaging machine 22. A connected I/O circuit section 23 is provided, and an operation setting display 24 is connected.

A CPU section 17 as an arithmetic control section controls each section, performs combination calculation, zero point correction of the weighing hopper 9, and the like. The memory unit 18 stores an operation program of the combination weigher, set operation parameters, and the like, and serves as a work area for the CPU unit 17 to perform calculations and the like. The A/D conversion circuit unit 19 receives signals from the top cone weight sensor 16 for detecting the weight of the object 28 on the top cone 3 and the weight sensors 12 for detecting the weight of the object 28 in the weighing hopper 9. is converted into a digital signal and output to the CPU section 17 .

Based on a control signal from the CPU section 17, the gate drive circuit section 20 controls the discharge gates 8a and 8a of the supply hopper 8, the discharge gates 9a and 9b of the weighing hopper 9, and the discharge gates 10a and 10a of the memory hopper 10. , and opening and closing of discharge gates 25a, 25a of collecting hopper 25 are controlled. The vibration control circuit section 21 controls the supply device 1 , the vibration excitation mechanism 4 of the dispersion feeder 2 , and the vibration excitation mechanism 7 of each linear feeder 5 based on the control signal from the CPU section 17 .

The control device 13 controls the overall operation of the feeding device 1 and the combination weigher by causing the CPU section 17 to execute the operation program stored in the memory section 18 .

In the combination weigher, it is necessary to set a large number of operation parameters in order to perform the above operations. and stored in the memory unit 18. The operating parameters include a target combined weight, which is a target value in combination calculation, an allowable range for the target combined weight, amplitude and drive time (duration of one vibration) of each feeder 2, 5, and the like.

In such a combination weigher, when the objects 28 to be weighed are, for example, confectionery products that are not individually packaged, such as salty beans and sweetened beans, during the weighing operation, the salt is applied to the inner wall of the weighing hopper 9 . Seasonings such as , sugar, or pieces of the object to be weighed adhere.

As the adhering matter of the object to be weighed becomes large, it peels off from the inner wall of the weighing hopper 9 and falls, or the discharge of the object to be weighed 28 is hindered, resulting in poor quality or weight of the packaged product. In order to prevent this from occurring, this embodiment is configured as follows.

That is, in this embodiment, before starting the weighing operation, the operation setting display 24 is operated to set the zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 in a clean and empty state without the object 28 to be weighed. The weight is measured and stored in the memory unit 18 as a reference zero point. After that, when the weighing operation is started, the zero point correction is performed in the same manner as in the conventional method, and the amount of variation of the measured zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 from the reference zero point is calculated at each point of time when the zero point correction is performed. This amount of fluctuation is not the amount of zero point fluctuation in the period from the time of the previous zero point correction to the time of the current zero point correction, but the period from the time before the weighing operation started when the reference zero point is stored to the time of the current zero point correction. is the amount of variation of the zero point in

Since the zero point correction is performed sequentially for each weighing hopper 9, the calculation of the amount of variation of the zero point from the reference zero point is also performed sequentially for each weighing hopper 9 at the same time as the zero point correction.

When the calculated amount of variation of the zero point is not within the regulated range, for example, when it is not within the regulated range of ±4% of the weighing weight, it is determined that there is a weighing error and is displayed on the operation setting display 24 to inform the operator. . In this weighing error state, automatic zero point correction is not performed and the combination weigher cannot be used. Therefore, the operator stops the weighing operation and inspects and maintains the weighing section.

Further, when the calculated amount of change in the zero point exceeds a preset adhesion detection threshold included in the regulation range, the object to be weighed adheres to the weighing hopper 9 after the weighing operation is started, The operation setting display 24 indicates that the deposit of the object to be weighed that has adhered to the weighing hopper 9 should be removed because the deposit has become large. This display may directly notify that the adhering matter should be removed, for example, "Please wash the weighing hopper 9 etc. to remove the adhering matter." The notification may be, for example, "There is a large deposit on the weighing hopper."

The adhesion detection threshold is within the regulation range and is a value smaller than the limit threshold that defines the upper limit of the regulation range.

The notification that the adhering substance should be removed is not limited to the display by the operation setting display 24, but may be, for example, notification by sound, notification by an indicator lamp, or a combination thereof.

This notification allows the operator to recognize that it is time to clean the weighing hopper 9 and remove the deposits.

This notification may be made for each of a plurality of weighing hoppers 9, or the operation of only the notified weighing hopper 9 may be stopped, and the weighing hopper 9 concerned may be removed, cleaned, and remounted.

Alternatively, when the amount of change in the zero point of a predetermined number or more of the weighing hoppers 9 out of the plurality of weighing hoppers 9 becomes equal to or greater than a preset adhesion detection threshold value, a notification is given. The operation may be stopped and the hoppers 8, 10, 25 including the weighing hopper 9, the troughs 6 of the feeders 5, and the like may be washed.

The adhesion detection threshold value is set on the operation setting display 24 so that the adhesion matter adhering to the weighing hopper 9 becomes large enough to separate from the weighing hopper 9 and fall off, or does not hinder the discharge of the matter to be weighed. is operated to set in advance in consideration of the property of the object to be weighed.

The operator determines that it is time to clean the weighing hopper 9 by the notification from the operation setting display 24, stops the operation of only the weighing hopper 9 notified as described above, removes the weighing hopper 9, and cleans the weighing hopper 9. and reattach. Alternatively, assuming that the memory hopper 10 and the like other than the weighing hopper 9 are also adhering, the weighing operation of the combination weigher is stopped, and the hoppers 8, 10, and 25 including the weighing hopper 9 and the troughs 6 of the feeders 5 are removed. to wash.

After stopping the weighing operation and cleaning the weighing hopper 9 and the like, when restarting the weighing operation, operate the operation setting display 24 to measure the weight of the weighing hopper 9 in a clean and empty state, that is, the zero point weight, The measured zero point weight is updated and stored in the memory unit 18 as the reference zero point, and the same processing as described above is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the amount of variation from the reference zero point of the zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 to be measured exceeds the adhesion detection threshold value, the adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 progresses. , the operator can clean the weighing hopper 9 to remove the deposits. As a result, the matter adhering to the weighing hopper 9 does not become large, peel off and fall from the weighing hopper 9, or interfere with the discharge of the matter 28 to be weighed. can be prevented from occurring.

Next, the processing for detecting adhering matter based on the above zero point fluctuation will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, before starting the metering operation, the operation setting display 24 is operated to perform zero adjustment (step S1). In this zero adjustment, the zero point weight, which is the weight of the weighing hopper 9 in an empty state without any object 28 to be weighed and in a clean state without any deposits, is measured. The measured zero point weight is updated and stored in the memory unit 18 as a reference zero point (step S2), and the process proceeds to the adhesion detection determination process (step S3).

In the adhesion detection determination process, as shown in FIG. 4, when the automatic weighing operation is started (step S10), automatic zero point correction is performed as in the conventional case (step S11).

In this automatic zero point correction, as described above, after the object 28 to be weighed is discharged from the weighing hopper 9, introduction of a new object to be weighed is prohibited for one weighing cycle, the weighing hopper 9 is emptied, and the weighing at that time is performed. The zero point weight, which is the weight of the hopper 9, is measured, the measured zero point weight is set as a new zero point (new zero point), and it is determined whether or not the amount of variation of this zero point from the reference zero point is within the regulation range. (Step S12). Specifically, the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero point from the new zero point is within the allowable zero correction range as the regulatory range in which the zero point correction is permitted, for example, within ±4% of the weighing weight. Determine whether or not there is When the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero point from the new zero point is not within the allowable zero correction range, it is determined that there is a weighing error, and the fact is displayed on the operation setting display 24 (step S20) to detect adhesion. End the determination process.

When the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero point from the new zero point is within the allowable zero correction range, the zero point is updated with the new zero point and zero point correction is performed (step S13), and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined that a slight change in the zero point weight due to unexpected vibration or wind is within the allowable error range, and the attachment detection determination process is terminated. Specifically, it determines whether the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero from the new zero is within the allowable error range. The adhesion detection determination process is terminated assuming that there is a change in the zero point. This allowable error range is narrow and does not include the adhesion detection threshold.

If the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero point from the new zero point is not within the allowable error range, it is determined whether or not the new zero point is greater than the reference zero point (step S15). Since the object to be weighed adheres to the weighing hopper 9 normally, the zero point weight of the weighing hopper to be measured should be larger than the reference zero point. When it is determined in step S15 that the new zero point is not greater than the reference zero point, the operation setting display 24 indicates that there is some abnormality in the weighing section and recommends inspection of the weighing hopper 9 and the like. Then, it is notified (step S19), and the adhesion detection determination process ends. In response to this inspection recommendation, the operator inspects, for example, whether the weight sensor 12 is damaged or the weighing hopper 9 is not properly attached.

In step S15, when it is determined that the new zero point is larger than the reference zero point, the amount of change of the new zero point from the reference zero point, specifically, the value obtained by subtracting the reference zero point from the new zero point is equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold α. It is determined whether or not (step S16).
When it is equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold value α, the operation setting display 24 displays a display recommending cleaning of the weighing hopper 9, etc., as the adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing hopper 9 progresses and the adherence becomes large. Then, it is notified (step S17), and the adhesion detection determination process ends.

As a result, the operator stops the operation of only the notified weighing hopper 9, removes the weighing hopper 9, cleans it, and mounts it again. Alternatively, the weighing operation of the combination weigher is stopped, and the hoppers 8, 10, 25 including the weighing hopper 9, the troughs 6 of the feeders 5, etc. are washed.

When it is determined in step S16 that the amount of change in the new zero point from the reference zero point is not equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold value α, the amount of adhering matter on the weighing hopper 9 or the like is large enough to require cleaning of the weighing hopper 9 or the like. Although the adhesion to the weighing hopper 9 has not yet reached the level, the progress of adhesion to the weighing hopper 9 is displayed on the operation setting display 24 (step S18), and the adhesion detection determination process ends.

The zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 is measured, the amount of variation from the reference zero point is calculated, and the determination process of whether or not the calculated amount of variation exceeds the adhesion detection threshold α is performed at a time other than the zero point correction. , for example, may be performed in response to an operator's operation.

As another embodiment of the present invention, before starting the weighing operation, the zero point weight of the weighing hopper 9 in a clean and empty state without depositing an object to be weighed is measured and used as a reference zero point in the memory unit. A dedicated operation switch or the like may be provided for storing in 18 .

In the above embodiment, a plurality of hopper groups consisting of the supply hopper 8, the weighing hopper 9, and the memory hopper 10 are applied to a so-called circular array combination weigher in which a plurality of hopper groups are arranged in a circle around the distributed feeder 2, but the present invention is applied. is not limited to a combination weigher with a circular arrangement, but a so-called horizontal arrangement weighing device in which a plurality of weighing hoppers are arranged in a straight line, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-77074. It is equally applicable to weighing devices.

5 and 6 show an example of a weighing device described in JP-A-2018-77074, FIG. 5 is a side view of the weighing device, and FIG. 6 is a partial supply unit. 32 is a plan view of the weighing device with 32 moved apart; FIG.

A center base 30 is fixedly arranged in the center of the weighing device. On both sides of the center base 30, a plurality of weighing units 31 arranged in a straight line are arranged.

Outside the group of weighing units 31, supply units 32 for supplying various types of objects to be weighed to the upper portions of the weighing units 31 arranged in a straight line are arranged in close proximity to each weighing unit group 31 facing each other. It is

Each series of weighing units 31 has, as shown in FIG. A weighing hopper 34 for weighing the object and a memory hopper 35 for holding the object to be weighed discharged from the weighing hopper 34 are arranged in vertical columns.

The supply unit 32 is equipped with storage hoppers 36 that store the objects to be weighed, and a supply feeder 37 that vibrates and conveys the objects to be weighed drawn out from the lower end of each storage hopper 36 toward the weighing unit 31 . .

Each supply feeder 37 has first and second linear feeders 37a and 37b.

In this weighing device, based on the weight of the articles in the weighing hoppers 34 and memory hoppers 35 of each weighing unit 31, a combination operation is performed, the articles to be weighed are discharged from the selected hopper, and the articles are discharged via the collecting chutes 38, 39 and the like. and put it into a packaging machine (not shown).

The present invention can also be applied to a horizontally arranged weighing apparatus in which a plurality of weighing hoppers 34 are arranged in a straight line.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above automatic combination weighers in which the supply and discharge of the objects to be weighed are automatically performed. It can also be applied to a semi-automatic combination weigher that automatically discharges weighed objects.

In FIG. 7, (a) is a plan view of a semi-automatic combination weigher, (b) is its front view, and (c) is its side view.

In this semi-automatic combination weigher, an operator manually supplies objects to be weighed from a plurality of input ports 40 ₁ to 40 ₈ to a plurality of supply hoppers 41 ₁ to 41 ₈ respectively arranged thereunder. Each of the supply hoppers 41 ₁ to 41 ₈ is provided with double _- opening discharge gates 41 _{1 a} to 41 ₈ a _and 41 ₁ b to 41 ₈ b. 41 _{1 b} to _{41 8} b) are opened as indicated by arrows _in FIG _. It is supplied to one of the weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a (or 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b) of a plurality of weighing hoppers 42 ₁ to 42 ₈ partitioned into areas 42 1 to 42 8 b.

Each weighing hopper 42 ₁ to 42 ₈ is connected to each weighing sensor (not shown), and each weighing sensor measures the weight of the object to be weighed in each weighing hopper 42 ₁ to 42 ₈ .

In this combination weigher, a combination calculation is performed based on the weights of weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a and 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b of weighing hoppers 42 ₁ to 42 ₈ . opening gates (not shown) for discharging the weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a and 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b of the weighing hoppers 42 ₁ to 42 ₈ selected by the combination calculation, discharging onto the transport conveyor 43; The transport conveyor 43 transports the objects to a packaging machine (not shown) disposed on the delivery end side of the transport conveyor 43, where the objects to be weighed are packaged.

When the objects to be weighed are discharged in this manner, the weighing chambers 42 ₁ a to 42 ₈ a and 42 ₁ b to 42 ₈ b of the empty weighing hoppers 42 ₁ to 42 ₈ are filled with Objects to be weighed are supplied from certain supply hoppers 41 ₁ to 41 ₈ . As a result, the empty supply hoppers 41 ₁ to 41 ₈ are manually supplied with the objects to be weighed.

The present invention can also be applied to a semi-automatic combination weigher in which the objects to be weighed are supplied manually and the objects to be weighed are discharged automatically.

The present invention is not limited to weighing hoppers, and may be similarly applied to other weighing units such as weighing conveyors and weighing pans.

2 distributed feeder 5 linear feeder 8 supply hopper 9 weighing hopper 10 memory hopper 13 control device 17 CPU section 18 memory section 24 operation setting indicator

Claims (4)

A weighing device for weighing an object to be weighed supplied to a weighing unit,
a zero-point weight measuring unit for measuring a zero-point weight, which is the weight of the weighing unit when no object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing unit;
a storage unit for storing, as a reference zero point, the initial zero-point weight of the weighing unit before the weighing operation is started, which is measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit;
a weighing error judging unit for judging whether or not the amount of variation of the zero-point weight of the weighing unit from the reference zero point measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit during the weighing operation is within a regulated range;
an adhesion determination unit that determines whether the amount of variation from the reference zero point is equal to or greater than an adhesion detection threshold included in the regulation range;
a weighing error notifying unit for notifying that there is a weighing error when the weighing error determining unit determines that the weight is not within the regulation range;
When the weighing error determining unit determines that it is within the regulation range and the adhesion determining unit determines that it is equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold value, the adhered matter adhering to the weighing unit is removed. an adhesion notification unit that notifies that it should be removed;
a tolerance determination unit that determines whether the amount of variation from the reference zero point is within a tolerance range that does not include the adhesion detection threshold;
When the allowable determination unit determines that it is within the allowable error range, the adhesion determination unit does not make a determination.
A weighing device characterized by: A weighing device for weighing an object to be weighed supplied to a weighing unit,
a zero-point weight measuring unit for measuring a zero-point weight, which is the weight of the weighing unit when no object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing unit;
a storage unit for storing, as a reference zero point, the initial zero-point weight of the weighing unit before the weighing operation is started, which is measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit;
a weighing error judging unit for judging whether or not the amount of variation of the zero-point weight of the weighing unit from the reference zero point during the weighing operation, which is measured by the zero-point weight measuring unit, is within a regulated range;
an adhesion determination unit that determines whether or not the amount of variation from the reference zero point is equal to or greater than an adhesion detection threshold included in the regulation range;
a weighing error notifying unit for notifying that there is a weighing error when the weighing error determining unit determines that the weight is not within the regulation range;
When the weighing error determining unit determines that it is within the regulation range and the adhesion determining unit determines that it is equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold value, the adhered matter adhering to the weighing unit is removed. an adhesion notification unit that notifies that it should be removed;
a magnitude determination unit that determines whether or not the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation, which is measured by the zero point weight measuring unit, is greater than the reference zero point;
an inspection notification unit for notifying that the weighing unit should be inspected when the magnitude determination unit determines that the zero point weight of the weighing unit during the weighing operation is not greater than the reference zero point;
A weighing device comprising: The weighing error determining unit determines that the weight is within the regulated range, the size determining unit determines that the zero point weight of the weighing unit during weighing operation is greater than the reference zero point, and the adhesion Adhesion progress notification unit for notifying that adhesion of the object to be weighed to the weighing unit is in progress when the determination unit determines that the amount of variation from the reference zero point is not equal to or greater than the adhesion detection threshold. comprising a
Weighing device according to claim 2 . wherein the plurality of weighing units are a plurality of weighing hoppers each weighing the weight of the object to be weighed;
A zero point correction unit that performs zero point correction of the weighing hopper when the weighing error determination unit determines that the weighing error is within the regulation range,
Weighing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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