JPH08261815A - Transfer apparatus for article weighed in selective combination scale or combination scale - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To achieve a higher operation efficiency of a weighing means and a higher weighing accuracy of a total weight value of article selected to combine by arranging a plurality of memory contains or the like to house the article weighed along a transfer path. CONSTITUTION: When article 2 is fed into weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3 by a worker to measure the weight, gates 5-1 to 5-3 are opened and the article 2 in the weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3 drops to a transfer conveyor 1 to be transferred in the direction of the arrow 10. Intake flippers 12-1 to 12-28 take the article 2 transferred tangling to be supplied into corresponding memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-28 (memory containers). Gates 9-1 to 9-28 chosen with the selection of the article 2 to combine are opened and the article 2 supplied into the memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-28 drops to discharge conveyors 15 and 18 to be transferred in the directions of the arrows 16 and 19. The article 2 selected to combine is transferred to a transport conveyor 20 to be conveyed to a packing device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention particularly relates to articles having a relatively large variation in weight value such as unit weight and weight-classified, and each weight rank belongs to the same weight rank. The present invention relates to a sorting combination weigher or a weighed article transfer device in a combination weigher which is used when, for example, a selected combination is selected so that the total weight thereof is within a predetermined weight range.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a conventional semi-automatic combination weigher has a main body frame 35 and a forehead plate 36 provided on the upper portion thereof. This frame 36 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, seven article supply ports 60-1 to 60-7
Is provided. In the main body frame 35, input hoppers 80-1 to 80-7 are arranged as shown below the article supply ports 60-1 to 60-7. These input hoppers 80-1 to 80-7 are provided with gates 100-1a, 100-1b to 100-7a, 10 which are open on both sides.
It has 0-7b. These gates 100-1a, 1
00-1b to 100-7a and 100-7b are opened and closed by a gate driving device (not shown) such as an air cylinder provided in each of them.

Below the input hoppers 80-1 to 80-7, as shown in FIG.
Through 120-7 are provided. These weighing hoppers 1
20-1 to 120-7 are provided inside the body frame 35, for example, a weight detector 130 such as a load cell.
-1 to 130-7. Each of the weighing hoppers 120-1 to 120-7 is divided into two chambers 160-1a and 160-1b by the partition wall 140.
To 160-7a and 160-7b, and each room 160-1a and 160-1b to 160-7a and 1
60-7b is the input hoppers 80-1 to 80 above it.
-7 gates 100-1a, 100-1b to 100-
When 7a and 100-7b are opened, articles are loaded. For example, when the gate 100-1a of the input hopper 80-1 is opened, an article is input into the chamber 160-1a of the weighing hopper 120-1, and similarly, when the gate 100-1b of the input hopper 80-1 is opened, Articles are loaded into the room 160-1b of the weighing hopper 120-1.
In addition, each room 160-1a, 160-1b to 160-7a, 160 of each weighing hopper 120-1 to 120-7.
-7b is provided with gates 180-1a, 180-1b to 180-7a, 180-7b, respectively. These gates 180-1a, 180-1b to 180-7
The a and 180-7b are opened and closed by a gate drive device (not shown) such as an air cylinder provided in each of them. These gates 180-1a, 180-
By opening 1b to 180-7a and 180-7b, each chamber 16 of the weighing hoppers 120-1 to 120-7 is opened.
0-1a, 160-1b to 160-7a, 160-7
The article is discharged from b, and the discharged article is conveyed conveyor 37 provided inside the main body frame 35 so as to be located under each of the weighing hoppers 120-1 to 120-7.
It drops on the upper side and is conveyed by a conveyor 37 to a packaging machine (not shown).

When the above-mentioned semi-automatic combination weigher performs combined weighing of articles, an operator manually puts the articles to be weighed into the respective input hoppers 80-1 to 80-7.
When articles are put into the input hoppers, the input articles are automatically supplied to an empty room of the two chambers of the weighing hoppers provided below the input hoppers. The weighing unit measures the articles supplied to the weighing hoppers 120-1 to 120-7. Seven sets of the weighing units are provided, and these weighing units have weight detectors 130-1 to 130-7, and the weighing signals generated by the weight detectors 130-1 to 130-7 are controlled by It is supplied to the A / D converter of the unit, where it is converted into a digital weighing signal and supplied to the arithmetic control unit.

Then, the calculation control section performs a combination calculation based on these digital weighing signals, and selects a set of which the total value is within a predetermined range from among the combinations of these weighing signals. Then, the gate driving device is driven in order to discharge the articles forming the selected set from the respective chambers 160 of the corresponding weighing hoppers 120, and the transport conveyor 37 is driven in a predetermined direction.

That is, in the above conventional semi-automatic combination weigher, the weighed hoppers 120-1 to 120 are used to weigh the articles already weighed.
Each room 160-1a, two of which are provided in -7, 1
Since it is a structure that can be held by 60-1b to 160-7a and 160-7b, a maximum of twice the number of weighing hoppers (14 pieces) of weighed articles can be allowed to participate in the combination. .. As a result, it is possible to improve the weighing accuracy in the combined weighing, as compared with the case where each weighing hopper is provided with only one room.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional semi-automatic combination weigher shown in FIG.
With the weighed items stored in one room,
The problem that the articles stored in the input hopper provided above the weighing hopper cannot be supplied to the weighing hopper, and therefore, in that state, the articles cannot be sequentially weighed by the weighing hopper. There is. That is, assuming that the number of articles selected for combination by one combination calculation is four, and the selected articles are discharged from the four weighing hoppers, these four weighing hoppers are sequentially output. New articles can be loaded from the loading hopper, which allows the loaded articles to be sequentially weighed. However, since the articles are not discharged from the remaining three weighing hoppers, the articles cannot be loaded into these three weighing hoppers, and therefore the articles cannot be sequentially weighed. There's a problem. Therefore, this semi-automatic combination weigher is equipped with seven weighing hoppers, but only about four weighing hoppers are weighed on average, and all seven weighing hoppers should be operated effectively at all times. There is a problem that you can not.

In order to improve the weighing accuracy of the combination weighing, it is necessary to increase the number of weighed articles that participate in the combination, but to increase the number of weighed articles, hold these articles. It is conceivable to increase the number of weighing hoppers or increase the number of rooms provided in each weighing hopper. However, if the number of weighing hoppers is increased, the cost will increase, and the increased weighing hopper will be added to the weighing hopper that is not effectively used as a weighing hopper as described above, and the weighing capacity will be increased. There is a problem that it cannot contribute. Further, when the number of rooms of each weighing hopper is increased, it is necessary to increase the maximum allowable load of the weight detector accordingly, and as a result, there arises a problem that the weighing accuracy of a single item by the weighing hopper is reduced. Therefore, even if the number of rooms is increased, there is a certain limit in relation to the weighing accuracy of a single item.

The present invention aims at improving the operation efficiency of the weighing means and at the same time, improving the weighing accuracy of the total weight value of the articles selected for the combination, and the transfer of the weighed articles in the sorting combination scale or combination scale. The purpose is to provide a device.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a weighed article transfer device in a sorting and combination weigher, in which a weighing means for sequentially weighing articles and a plurality of weight ranks corresponding to respective predetermined weight ranges. A weight rank determining means for sequentially determining the weight rank to which the weight values of the articles obtained by the sequential measurement belong, a transfer means for transferring the weighed articles along a predetermined transfer path, and a transfer path A plurality of memory containers provided along the line for storing the weighed articles, a memory container determining means for determining the memory vessels for supplying the weighed articles, and the same weight rank for each weight rank. Combination calculation means for selecting various combinations of the above-mentioned weight values that belong to each other and selecting a group of which the total weight value is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight value, Articles that form the assembled combined computing means selects a discharging means for discharging from said memory the container,
In the sorting combination weigher having a stage, a stage is determined corresponding to each location in the transfer path where each of the memory containers is provided, and a target stage corresponding to the memory container determined by the memory container determining means. And the storage means for storing the data of the current stage in which the weighed article supplied to the target stage is passing, and the article transferred by the transfer means to detect the article. Article detecting means for outputting a current stage signal indicating the stage through which each article is passing, and target stage data for each article stored in the storage means when the article detecting means outputs the current stage signal , And the goal of determining whether or not there is data that matches both the current stage signal and the current stage signal. The target stage determination means and the article detected by the article detection means when the target stage determination means determines that there is a signal in which both of the data match the current stage signal. When the article supply means for supplying to the memory container provided on the stage and the target stage determination means determine that there is no one in which both of the data match the current stage signal, match the current stage signal. The present stage data rewriting means for rewriting the data of the current stage stored in the storage means to the data of the next stage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the weighed article transfer device in the sorting and combination weigher of the first aspect, when the article detecting means outputs the current stage signal, the current stage stored in the storage means is stored. The current stage determination means determines whether or not there is data that matches the current stage signal, and the current stage determination means determines that there is no data that matches the current stage signal in the current stage data. An alarm means for generating an alarm signal when the determination is made is provided.

The weighed article transferring device in the combination weigher according to the third aspect of the invention comprises a weighing means for sequentially weighing the weight of the articles,
Transfer means for transferring the weighed article along a predetermined transfer path, a plurality of memory containers provided along the transfer path for storing the weighed article, and the memory container for supplying the weighed article A memory container determining means for determining, a combination calculating means for selecting various combinations of the weight values of the articles and selecting a group in which the total weight value is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight value, In a combination scale having discharge means for discharging the articles forming the set selected by the combination calculation means from the memory container, corresponding to each location where each of the memory containers of the transfer path is provided. The stage is defined, the data of the target stage corresponding to the memory container determined by the memory container determining means, and the data supplied to the target stage. Storage means for storing the data of the current stage through which the weighed articles are passing, for each of the weighed articles, and the current stage representing the stage where each of the articles is passing by detecting the articles transferred by the transfer means. Both of the article detection means for outputting a stage signal, the target stage data for each article stored in the storage means when the article detection means outputs the current stage signal, and the current stage data Target stage determination means for determining whether or not there is data that matches the current stage signal, and the target stage determination means determines that there is data for which both of the data match the current stage signal. Sometimes the article detected by the article detecting means is provided on the stage corresponding to the data of the target stage. When the article supply means for supplying to the container and the target stage determination means determine that there is no one in which both of the data matches the current stage signal, the current stage signal matches the stored data in the storage means. The present stage data rewriting means for rewriting existing stage data to the next stage data is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the weighed article transfer device in the combination weigher according to the third aspect of the present invention, the current stage data stored in the storage means when the article detection means outputs the current stage signal. Of the data of the current stage, and the current stage determination means determines that there is no data of the current stage that matches the current stage signal. And an alarm means for generating an alarm signal when the above operation is performed.

[0014]

According to the first and third aspects of the present invention, the weight of the articles is sequentially measured by the weighing means, and the memory container to which the weighed articles are to be supplied is sequentially determined by the memory container determining means. Then, the data of the target stage corresponding to the memory container determined by the memory container determining means and the data of the current stage through which the weighed article is passing are stored in the storage means for each weighed article. Further, the article detection means detects the weighed articles transferred by the transfer means and outputs a current stage signal indicating a stage through which each article is passing. Then, the target stage determination means, when the article detection means outputs the current stage signal, the target stage data for each article stored in the storage means, and the current stage data, both of these data. Determines whether there is a signal that matches the current stage signal. Then, when the target stage determination means determines that there is one in which both data match the current stage signal, that is, the article to be supplied to the predetermined supply hopper is the target stage provided with the supply hopper. When it is determined that the object is passing, the article supply unit supplies the article whose both data match with each other to the memory container provided on the stage corresponding to the data of the target stage. However, the current stage data rewriting means, when the target stage determining means determines that there is no data in which both data match the current stage signal among the above data stored in the storage means, the current stage signal rewriting means Rewrite the data of the current stage that matches with the data of the next stage.

As described above, the sequentially weighed articles can be transferred by the transfer means and supplied to the memory container. Here, the first invention is an application of the above-mentioned weighed article transfer device to a sorting combination weigher, and the third invention is an application to a combination weigher.

According to this sorting combination weigher, the weighing means weighs the articles, and the weight rank determination means sequentially determines the weight rank to which each weight value obtained by weighing each article belongs. Then, the combination calculation means variously combines, for each weight rank, the weight values belonging to the same weight rank, and selects a group in which the total weight value is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight value among the combinations. The discharging means discharges the articles forming the selected set. As a result, the weight values of the articles constituting the set selected by the combination calculation can be aligned within a predetermined weight range of the weight rank, and the total weight value can be aligned with a substantially target weight value.

In the combination scale, in the selection combination scale, the combination calculation means variously combines the respective weight values, and the total weight value of the combinations is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight value. Is to be selected.

According to the second and fourth aspects of the present invention, the current stage determination means includes the current stage signal among the data of the current stage stored in the storage means when the article detection means outputs the current stage signal. It is determined whether or not there is a match with. That is, the current stage signal output by the article detection means is a signal output when the article detection means actually detects the article being transferred by the transfer means, and this signal indicates that the article is actually passing. Represents a stage. The data of the current stage stored in the storage means means that when the article to be transferred is detected by the article detection means, the article should not be supplied to the memory container provided in the stage. The data representing the stage to which the article is next transferred. Therefore,
If the article is transferred normally, the current stage signal and the current stage data should match, and the current stage determination means determines that the current stage data that matches the current stage signal is stored in the storage means. Should do. However, when an article to be supplied to a certain memory container is not supplied to the memory container due to an abnormality of the article supply means, the article may be detected again by the article detection means provided in the subsequent stage. However, the item is considered to have been delivered to a memory container, and the current stage data for the item has been erased from the storage means, so the current stage determination means therefore determines that the current stage signal matches the current stage signal. It is determined that the stage data does not exist in the storage means. In this case, the alarm means generates an alarm signal so that the worker can recognize the abnormality.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A weighed article transfer device in a sorting combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sorting combination weigher provided with the weighed article transfer device of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a front view of a sorting combination weigher provided with the weighed article transfer device. . As shown in FIG. 3, the sorting combination scale has a transfer conveyor 1. This transfer conveyor 1 is the transfer means described in the claims. The transfer conveyor 1 is capable of transferring articles to be weighed (hereinafter, simply referred to as articles) 2 from the right side to the left side in FIG. 3, and above the right end portion thereof, three weighing hoppers 3- 1 to 3 are arranged along the transfer direction of the transfer conveyor 1, and the weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3 are provided on the weighing hopper table 4. Each weighing hopper 3-1 to 3-3 has double-opened gates 5-1 to 5-3. These gates 5-1 to 5-3 are opened and closed by gate driving devices 6-1 to 6-3 (see FIG. 5) such as air cylinders provided in the respective gates. And these weighing hoppers 3
-1 to 3-3 are supported via weight detectors 7-1 to 7-3 such as load cells provided inside the weighing hopper table 4. In these weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3,
When an operator puts in an article and the weight of the put-in article is measured, the gates 5-1 to 5-3 of the weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3 are opened and closed to weigh the hoppers 3-1 to 3-3. -3
The articles therein fall on the transfer conveyor 1 and are transferred by the transfer conveyor 1 in the direction of arrow 10 in FIG. The articles weighed by the weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3 are discharged from the weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3 so as to form one row on the transfer conveyor 1 with a predetermined interval. .

As shown in FIG. 3, the memory hoppers (8-1 to 8-14, and 8-15 to 8-8) are arranged on the rear side of the transfer conveyor 1 along each side edge of the transfer conveyor 1.
-28) are provided in 14 units, for a total of 28 units. These memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-28 are the memory container described in the claims. Memory hopper 8-1 to 8-28
Has an upper opening edge located slightly below the transport surface of the transfer conveyor 1. Each memory hopper 8-1 to 8-28
Has double-opened gates 9-1 to 9-28. These gates 9-1 to 9-28 are opened and closed by a gate such as an air cylinder and a flipper driving device 11-1 to 11-28 provided therein.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a total of 28 take-in flippers 12-1 to 12-28 are provided on the fixed frames on both sides of the transfer conveyor 1, and each take-in flippers 12-1 to 12-. 28 is each memory hopper 8-1
8 to 28 are arranged at positions facing the opening edges on the side toward the transfer conveyor 1. These capture flippers 12
-1 to 12-28 are the article supply means described in the claims. Each intake flipper 12-1 to 12-28
Is swingable within a range of a predetermined angle around the pivot portion 13, and is swung by, for example, a gate such as an air cylinder and the flipper driving devices 11-1 to 11-28.
14 provided along the upper edge (the transfer path 14 on the right side with respect to the transfer direction) of the transfer conveyor 1 shown in FIG.
Each of the take-in flippers 12-1 to 12-14 picks up the article 2 transferred along the right-side transfer path 14 thereof, and each of the memory hoppers 8--1 corresponding to the take-up flippers 12-1 to 12-14. Articles 2 can be fed within 1-8-14. Then, the memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-1
When the articles 2 supplied into the 8-14 are selected in the combination described later, the gates of the selected memory hoppers are opened and drop onto the discharge conveyor 15, and the discharge conveyor 15 causes the articles 2 shown in FIG. Is transferred in the direction of arrow 16. Similarly, each of the 14 take-in flippers 12-15 to 12 provided along the lower edge (the transfer path 17 on the left side with respect to the transfer direction) of the transfer conveyor 1 appearing in FIG.
12-28 picks up articles (not shown) transferred along the left-side transfer path 17, and takes in each of the intake flippers 12-15 to 12-28 and the corresponding memory hoppers 8-15 to 8-28. Articles can be provided within.
Then, when the articles supplied into the memory hoppers 8-15 to 8-28 are selected for the combination, the gates of the selected memory hoppers are opened to drop onto the discharge conveyor 18, and the discharge is performed. It is transported by the conveyor 18 in the direction of arrow 19 in FIG. The articles selected for the combination transferred by the discharge conveyors 15 and 18 are transferred onto the transfer conveyor 20 and are transferred by the transfer conveyor 20 to a packaging machine (not shown) provided in the subsequent stage. It

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a total of 14 article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 are provided on the fixed frames on both sides of the transfer conveyor 1, and these article detectors are provided. Each of 30-1 to 30-14 includes a light projector and a light receiver. The light projector of the article detector 30-1 is arranged between the memory hoppers 8-15 and 8-16, and the light receiver of the article detector 30-1 is the memory hoppers 8-1 and 8-16.
It is placed between -2. Similarly, the article detector 30
, 2, 30-3, ... Are arranged between the memory hoppers 8-16 and 8-17, 8-17 and 8-18 ,. 30-2, 30-
Each of the light receivers 3, ..., The memory hoppers 8-2 and 8-
It is arranged between 3, 8-3 and 8-4, .... These article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 are the article detection means described in the claims. As shown in FIG. 6, these article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 are used for the article 2
Is transferred by the transfer conveyor 1, it is first detected by the article detector 30-14, and the article detection signal is input to the arithmetic control unit 24 via the detector input circuit 31 (see FIG. 5). Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 24 can recognize that the article 2 is passing through the stage 14 on the transfer conveyor 1. Then, the article 2 is sequentially detected by the article detectors 30-13 to 30-1, and it can be recognized that the article 2 is passing through the stages 13 to 1 on the transfer conveyor 1. These stages 14
As shown in FIG. 6, 1 to 1 are stages defined at respective positions facing the memory hoppers 8-14 to 8-1 (or 8-28 to 8-15) on the transfer conveyor 1.

Reference numeral 21 shown in FIG. 3 is a distribution flipper. The sorting flipper 21 is swingable within a range of a predetermined angle about the pivot portion 22, and is swung by a sorting flipper driving device (not shown) such as an air cylinder. The sorting flipper 21 transfers the articles discharged from the weighing hoppers 3-1 to 3-3 to the right side transfer path of the transfer conveyor 1 (transfer path on the right side of the transfer surface of the transfer conveyor 1) 14 or the left transfer path (transfer). This is for distribution to the transfer path 17 on the left side of the conveying surface of the conveyor 1.

Further, this sorting and combining scale has a weighing unit A as shown in FIG. Although not shown in the figure, three weighing units A are actually provided.
However, a configuration may be adopted in which the weighing units A other than the three sets are provided according to the conditions such as the weighing capacity. The weighing unit A includes a weighing hopper 3-1 having a weight detector 7-1 and a gate 5-1 and a gate driving device 6-1.
The weighing signal generated by the weight detector 7-1 is amplified by an amplifier (not shown) and then a multiplexer (not shown).
Is supplied to the A / D converter 23 of the control unit C via, and converted into a digital signal here, and supplied to the arithmetic control unit (microprocessor (CPU)) 24. When a predetermined activation signal is input from the operation setting display unit 25, the arithmetic and control unit 24 sequentially inputs the digital weighing signals of the articles supplied to the weighing hoppers 3-1 ... It is determined which of the plurality of weight ranks (weight value) described later belongs to. And
The memory hopper to be supplied is determined for the determined item of the weight rank, and control is performed so as to supply to the determined memory hopper. Then, for each weight rank, the weight values belonging to each weight rank are sequentially combined to determine the articles to be ejected, and the articles are ejected from the memory hoppers in which the articles to be ejected are stored, and the packaging machine To transport. The article detector 30-1 shown in FIG.
Also, although not shown in the figure, a total of 14 (3
0-1 to 30-14).

As shown in FIG. 5, the arithmetic control unit 24 can drive the transfer conveyor 1, the discharge conveyors 15 and 18, and the transfer conveyor 20 by the conveyor control circuit 26. Then, the distribution flipper 21 can be driven by the gate and flipper drive circuit 27 and the distribution flipper drive device (not shown). In addition, the gate and flipper drive circuit 27, the gate and flipper drive devices 11-1 and 11-2 are connected to the gates 9-1 to 9-28 of the fetch flippers 12-1 to 12-28 and the memory hoppers.
It can be driven by 8. Further, the gates 5-1 to 5-3 of each weighing hopper can be driven by the gate and flipper drive circuit 27 and the gate drive devices 6-1 to 6-3.

Further, the arithmetic control unit 24 includes a storage unit 28,
A timer 29 and an operation setting display section 25 are connected, and a packaging machine is also connected through an I / F circuit (interface circuit) (not shown). Storage unit 28
Has a RAM and a ROM, in which programs corresponding to flowcharts described later, various operating constants, and the like are written. The timer 29 is composed of a plurality of counters each counting down a clock pulse from a set value that is proportional to the set time, and when the count value becomes 0, the set time is reached. In addition, the operation setting display unit 25 can set various operation constants necessary for the operation of the sorting combination weigher, and can perform ON / OFF operation of the operation.
Further, it is possible to display a data transmission, an alarm, etc., and it is also possible to operate a printing unit or the like that can be connected to this.

As described above, the sorting and combining scale is provided with the arithmetic control unit 24, the storage unit 28, the program previously written in the storage unit 28, the timer 29, and the like, which are the weight rank determining means and the memory. It constitutes hopper determination means and combination calculation means, and further constitutes storage means, target stage determination means, current stage data rewriting means, current stage determination means, etc. of the weighed article transfer device described later.

The weight rank determining means sequentially determines, among a plurality of weight ranks corresponding to respective predetermined weight ranges, the weight rank to which the weight value (single weight) of the articles obtained by sequential weighing belongs. Is. In the present example, octopuses of marine products (hereinafter referred to as octopuses) are weighed one by one, and a weight rank is given to these weighed octopuses. As shown in FIG. , 300-450g
Weight range 1, 400-500g
Those in the weight range of are weight rank 2, 450-600g
Those within the weight range of are set to weight rank 3.
It should be noted that this weight range can be changed to a desired weight range by operating the operation setting display section 25, and the number of weight ranks can be set to a number other than 3. Each weight rank is set to have a range (weight rank (1, 2), weight rank (2, 3)) overlapping with each other as shown in FIG. 7, but is set so as not to overlap. You can also The overlapping weight ranges are set for the following reason. That is, the weight value of the octopus weighed in this example is about 45.
It has a normal distribution around 0g, so the weight value is 3
Since the number of octopus belonging to the weight range of 00 to 400 g and 500 to 600 g is small and the number of octopus belonging to the weight range of 400 to 500 g is large, the weight value belonging to the weight range of 300 to 400 g or 500 to 600 g It is unlikely that a combination whose total weight is within the permissible weight range (first predetermined weight range) can be selected even if a combination calculation described later is performed, and as a result, a predetermined number of production groups are produced. Because there are things that can not be done.

The memory hopper determining means is a means for determining the memory hopper for supplying the weighed articles after the articles to be weighed are weighed by the weighing hopper. next,
A procedure in which the item whose weight rank is determined determines the memory hopper will be described. First, when an item is loaded into each weighing hopper, the weight of the item is measured. Then, the weight value of the article is W ₁ (= 350 as shown in FIG. 8, for example.
g), W ₂ (= 360 g), W ₃ (= 550 g), W ₄
(= 420 g) and W ₅ (= 470 g), the weight rank of each weight value is 1, 1, 3,
It becomes (1, 2) and (2, 3). Where (1, 2)
Means that it belongs to both weight ranks 1 and 2, and (2, 3) means that it belongs to both weight ranks 2 and 3. The rank participation bit shown in FIG. 8 is a bit for storing the weight rank of the weighed article. That is, since the weight values W ₁ and W ₂ have a weight rank of 1, each rank participation bit is “00000001”.
Since the weight value W ₃ is ₃ in the weight rank, the rank participation bit is “00000100”. And
Since the weight value W ₄ has a weight rank of (1, 2), the rank participation bit is “00000011”, and the weight value W 4
_Since the weight rank of ₅ is (2, 3), the rank participation bit is "00000110". The article of the weight values W ₁ to _W-5 are initially each memory hopper empty the article is not supplied 8-1,8-2,8-3,8-
It will be supplied separately to 4, 8-5. That is,
The weighed articles are to be supplied in the order of the memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-28 regardless of the weight rank determined for the weight value of each article.

However, as the number of memory hoppers accommodating articles whose rank participation bit is, for example, "00000011" is advanced and the number of memory hoppers is predetermined (for example, 1).
4)), the rank participation bit is "00000011" without supplying the article to the empty memory hopper.
The article is to be supplied to the memory hopper in which the article is stored. In this embodiment, one memory hopper is set so that up to two articles having the same rank participation bit can be supplied. The number of articles that can be loaded into the same memory hopper in this way is called the specified number of articles and can be set in advance. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the weight value W ₂₅ = 430 g, the weight rank is (1, 2), and the rank participation bit is “000000”.
When the item of “11” is weighed, the rank participation bit is “0”.
When the number of the memory hoppers storing the articles of “0000011” is 14, the articles are supplied to the memory hopper 8-4 in which the articles of the same rank participation bit are stored. Similarly, when an item having a weight value W ₂₆ = 460 g is weighed, it is supplied to the memory hopper 8-5. Then, when two articles are loaded into one memory hopper in this way, the total weight value of these two articles is used as one weight value to participate in the combination calculation described later.

Further, as the weighing progresses, the articles (W ₁ = 350, for example, loaded in the memory hopper 8-1 shown in FIG. 8 are shown.
When g) is selected as a combination and discharged, the item weighed this time (W ₂₇ = 580 g) is supplied to the memory hopper 8-1 having the smallest number among the empty memory hoppers. However, as described above, when the number of memory hoppers that store articles with the rank participation bit of “00000100” is 14, the number of the memory hoppers that store the articles with the same rank participation bit is Supply to the smallest memory hopper 8-3.

FIG. 9 shows the types of rank participation bits in this embodiment.

Next, a procedure for transferring the articles for which the memory hopper has been determined by the memory hopper determining means to the memory hopper will be described. The device for transferring the articles determined by the memory hopper to the memory hopper is the weighed article transfer device of the present invention. This weighed article transfer device includes a storage means, an article detection means, a target stage determination means,
An article supply means, a current stage data rewriting means, a current stage determination means, and an alarm means are provided.

The storage means is provided in the storage unit 28 shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, this storage means is provided with transfer control flags 1 to 14, and each transfer control flag 1 to 14 includes a target memory hopper, a target stage, a current stage, and a measured value (weight value). Each of the data is stored. This transfer control flag is automatically set for each measured item. That is, in this embodiment, 14 articles can be simultaneously transferred onto the transfer conveyor 1 and supplied to the corresponding memory hoppers. The data of the target memory hopper is the data of the memory hopper which should supply the weighed articles, and this memory hopper is determined by the memory hopper determining means. The target stage data is data representing the stage in which the target memory hopper is provided. For example, if the target memory hopper is 8-1, the target stage data is 1. The data of the current stage means that when an article to be transferred is detected by the article detector and the article is not to be supplied to the memory hopper provided in the stage, the article is transferred next. Data representing a stage. When the weighed article is discharged from the weighing hopper and is on the transfer conveyor 1, the current stage data is 14, and each time the transfer conveyor 1 transfers the current stage data, the current stage data is moved to 14 to 1. The weight value is a weight value of a weighed article.

The article detecting means is the article detector 3 shown in FIG.
It is 0-1 to 30-14. These article detectors 30-1
˜30-14 can detect an article transferred by the transfer conveyor 1, and when detecting the article, output a current stage signal indicating a current stage through which the article is passing.

The target stage determination means is the arithmetic control unit 25.
Of the transfer control flags 1 to 14 for each article stored in the storage unit 28 when the article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 output the current stage signal.
It is a means for determining whether or not the data of the target stage and the data of the current stage match the current stage signal.

The article supply means is the take-in flippers 12-1 to 12-28 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. In the capture flippers 12-1 to 12-28, the target stage determination means determines that, out of the transfer control flags 1 to 14, the data of the target stage and the data of the current stage match the current stage signal. At this time, it is a means for supplying the article detected by the article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 to the memory hopper provided on the stage corresponding to the data of the target stage, and swings at a predetermined timing. Take action.

The current stage data rewriting means is provided in the arithmetic control section 25, and the target stage judging means selects the data of the target stage among the transfer control flags 1 to 14,
And when the target stage determination means determines that the data of the current stage does not match the data of the current stage signal, the data of the current stage stored in the storage unit 28 that matches the current stage signal is transferred to the next stage. It is a means of rewriting to data.

The current stage determination means is provided in the arithmetic control section 25, and when the article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 output the current stage signal, the current stage data stored in the storage section 28. It is a means for determining whether or not there is one that matches the current stage signal.

The alarm means is provided in the arithmetic control section 25, and when the current stage determination means determines that there is no data that matches the current stage signal among the data of the current stage stored in the storage section 28. In addition, it is a means for generating an alarm signal that causes the operation setting display unit 25 to display the article detector that has output the current stage signal, the stage number, and the like. This alarm can inform the operator that there is an abnormality in the transfer of the article on the stage.

As described above, when the article for which the memory hopper to be supplied is determined by the memory hopper determining means is transferred to the memory hopper, the combination calculating means then combines the articles based on the weight value of each article. Perform an operation.

The combination calculation means is for each weight rank 1, 2,
And 3 for various combinations of weight values belonging to the same weight rank (however, if two items are loaded into one memory hopper, the total weight value of these two items) is combined in various ways. It is a means for selecting a set of which the total weight value is within a predetermined first predetermined weight range and the number of weight values (articles) constituting the set is within a predetermined predetermined number range. However, when two articles are loaded into one memory hopper, the number of articles is calculated as two. Then, this combination calculation is performed every time the weighed articles are transferred by the transfer conveyor 1 and supplied to the memory hopper. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the first predetermined weight range is set to, for example, 5 kg to 5.2 kg, and the first predetermined weight range is set to each weight rank 1,
It is set to 2 and 3, respectively. When there are a plurality of total weight values within the range of 5 kg to 5.2 kg, the set of total weight values closest to the target weight of 5 kg is selected. The predetermined number range is a condition for selecting a combination, and is selected when the number of octopuses that make up the set of total weight values is within the predetermined number range, and is outside the predetermined number range. Is not selected. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, when the weight values of the weight rank 1 are combined and calculated, the predetermined number range is set to 12 fishes, and for the weight rank 2, 11 fishes and the weight rank 3 are set. Is set to 10. That is, the total weight value is the first from the various combinations of weight values belonging to the weight rank 1, 2, or 3.
Within the predetermined weight range (5 kg to 5.2 kg) and the number of weight values constituting the set is within the predetermined number range (12,
11 or 10) is selected. However, the same first predetermined weight range (5 kg to 5.2 kg) is set for each of the weight ranks 1, 2, and 3, but different first predetermined weight ranges can be set. For example,
The first predetermined weight range is 3 kg to weight rank 1
3.2 kg, the first predetermined weight range is set to 5 kg to 5.2 kg for the weight rank 2, and the weight rank 3 is set.
For the first predetermined weight range 10 kg to 10.2 kg
Can be set. Then, the predetermined number range is set to 1
A specific number of fish, such as 2, 11, and 10, was used.
It may be set as the number of tails having a predetermined range such as 3 to 11, 12 to 10, and 11 to 9. And what is described as a weight number rank in FIG. 17 is a rank specified by each weight rank and a predetermined number range set for each weight rank, and each set of articles selected by the combination calculation. (Each pack) is represented as a weight number rank.

According to the combination calculating means, each weight value of the articles forming the set selected as the combination can be made uniform within the predetermined weight range set for the weight rank. Therefore, for example, when weighing and packing (boxing) marine products such as octopus and fruits, each pack can be packed with items of uniform weight (size).
Generally, marine products, fruits, etc. are sorted into predetermined weight ranks, and those of approximately the same size are boxed and shipped. Further, since the total weight value of the selected articles can be kept within the first predetermined weight range set for the weight rank, the articles constituting the set selected as the combination are packed, for example. When shipping, the total weight of each pack can be equalized,
It can meet the demands of consumers. Then, since the number of weight values of the articles forming the selected set can be kept within a predetermined number range, when the articles forming the set selected in the combination are packed and shipped, for example, in each pack, It is possible to meet the demands of traders and consumers to make the total number.

Next, the operation procedure of the sorting combination weigher and the weighed article transfer device in the sorting combination weigher will be described with reference to a flow chart. FIG. 18 shows the weighing hopper 3
It is a flowchart which shows the process until the octopus which is the to-be-measured object thrown into -1 to 3-3 is thrown into memory hopper 8-1 to 8-28. The operator sets the operation setting display unit 2 in advance.
5 is operated to set various settings and initial values for the operation of the sorting combination weigher. For example, for each of the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG. 17, a unit weight range, a predetermined number (assorted tail number), a target weight, and the like are set, and further, each rank participation bit (FIGS. 9B to 9F). Participation bit for each rank shown in)
The specified number of memory hoppers, specified number of inputs, etc. are set for each.
Next, one octopus is manually inserted into each weighing hopper 3-1 to 3-3. At this time, the weight detectors 7-1 to 7-
When the arithmetic control unit 24 determines that the tacho weighing signal output from the unit 3 is heavier than a predetermined load amount (S100, 10
2) The arithmetic control unit 24 sets a predetermined stabilization time (S104), and after the predetermined stabilization time has elapsed, each weight detector 7
The tacho weighing signals output from -1 to 7-3 are read (S
106). Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the weight value W of the weighed article is equal to each of the weight ranks 1, (1, 2), (2,
3) It is determined which weight rank among 3 belongs (S108). However, when it is determined that the octopus (article) does not belong to any weight rank, the worker excludes the octopus (article) as a non-rank article. For example, the operation setting display unit 2
A message to that effect is displayed on the display 5, and the worker confirms the display and performs the octopus elimination work.

Next, the arithmetic and control unit 24 determines the memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-28 to transfer the weighed octopus (S1).
10) Then, the gate of the weighing hopper for discharging the octopus is opened and closed to discharge the octopus onto the transfer conveyor 1 (S).
112). The opening / closing timings of the gates 5-1 to 5-3 of the respective weighing hoppers are controlled so that the octopuses discharged onto the transfer conveyor 1 are arranged in a row with a predetermined interval therebetween. Then, the octopus transferred by the transfer conveyor 1 is to be loaded, for example, the memory hopper 8- shown in FIG.
When it reaches the lateral position of 5, the corresponding take-in flipper 12-5 is opened / closed, the octopus is caught, and the hopper is put into the memory hopper 8-5 (S114). In addition,
In the vicinity of each memory hopper 8-1 to 8-28, article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 for detecting that an octopus has been transferred to the lateral position of each memory hopper are provided, and each article detection is performed. The corresponding capture flipper is activated based on the detection signal generated by the container. Then, the transfer completion flag provided in the storage unit 28 is set to ON to complete one cycle (S116), and thereafter, steps 100 to 116 are sequentially repeated until a stop command is input. And
Each time the transfer complete flag is set to ON, the combination operation is instructed to be executed.

Next, the procedure until the weighed articles discharged from the weighing hopper are supplied to the memory hopper will be described with reference to FIGS. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 show details of step 114 shown in FIG. Now, steps 100 to 112 have been completed, and the weight value of the weight value W ₁ shown in FIG. 8, the weight rank,
It is assumed that rank participation bits and memory hopper data have been obtained. Then, based on the data, FIG.
It is assumed that the transfer control flag 1 (target memory hopper 8-1, target stage 1, current stage 14, weighing value = 350 g) shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the articles discharged from the weighing hopper are transferred through the right transfer path 14 as shown in FIG. In this state, first, it is determined whether or not the article detector 30-14 has output the current stage signal indicating that the article is detected (S500), and if the article is not detected and NO is determined, Sequential article detector 30-
, 30-12, ..., 30-1 determines whether the current stage signal is output (S520, ..., 54).
0). In the current state, as shown in FIG. 6, since the article is in front of the article detector 30-14, no article detector detects the article. Next, when the article is transferred and detected by the article detector 30-14, YES is determined in step 500, and then the transfer control flag shown in FIG. 10 is stored (however, only the transfer control flag 1 is stored. The current stage 14 (when the sheet is discharged from the weighing hopper, the current stage of the article is 14) (S502). Is present, it is determined to be YES. Then, it is determined whether the data of the current stage is 14 and the data of the target stage of the transfer control flag 1 is 14 (S504). That is, the article detected by the article detector 30-14 is currently passing through the stage 14, but the passing stage 14 is the stage 1 provided with the memory hopper 8-1 for supplying the article. Determine if there is. However, since the target stage data of the transfer control flag 1 is 1, it is determined to be NO, and the current stage data 14 of the transfer control flag 1 is rewritten to 13 as shown in FIG. 11 (S506). This step 502,
504 is the target stage determination means, and step 506
Is the means for rewriting the current stage data.

Next, when the article having the weight value W ₁ is transferred by the transfer conveyor 1 and detected by the article detector 30-13 and YES is determined (S520), the transfer control flag is set in the same manner as above. It is judged whether or not the data of the current stage 13 exists therein (S522). Since the data of the current stage 13 exists as shown in FIG.
Determined as ES. Then, it is determined whether the data of the current stage is 13 and the data of the target stage of the transfer control flag 1 is 14 (S524). However, since the target stage data of the transfer control flag 1 is 1, it is determined to be NO, and the current stage data 13 of the transfer control flag 1 is set to 1
It is rewritten to 2 (S526). If this is repeated in sequence,
The article having the weight value W ₁ is transferred to the stage 2, and the data of the current stage is rewritten to 1 as shown in FIG.
After that, it is transferred to the stage 1.

Meanwhile, the data (target memory hoppers of the article W ₂ to _W-14, which are transported sequentially metered in the following article W _1,
(Target stage, current stage, data of measured values) are also shown in Fig. 1.
1 and FIG. 12, each transfer control flag 2-14
Are sequentially stored and rewritten. The state shown in FIG. 12 is a state in which 14 articles W _{1 to} W ₁₄ are being transferred to the respective stages 1 to 14 on the transfer conveyor 1, and in this state, the article detectors 30-1 to 30-14 These 14
When the individual articles W _{1 to} W ₁₄ are detected, the target flip-flops 12-1 to 12-14 provided on the respective stages oscillate and the target memory hoppers 8 to 8 corresponding to the articles W _{1 to} W ₁₄ respectively. 1 to 8-14. That is, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, among the article detectors 30-1 to 30-14, the article flippers corresponding to the article detectors are rockably driven in the order in which the articles are detected, and the articles are supplied to the corresponding memory hoppers. To do.

For example, if the article detector 30-14 is the article W ₁₄
Is detected and YES is determined (S500), the transfer control flag 14 of which the current stage data is 14 is present, so YES is determined (S502), and since the target stage of the transfer control flag 14 is 14, YES. (S504). Then, the delay ON time of the target memory hopper 8-14 and the corresponding capture flipper 12-14 is set (S510), and after the time is up (the article W ₁₄
The ON time of the take-in flipper 12-14 is set, and the take-up flipper 12-14 is oscillated (S512, 514). Then, when the swing drive is completed (S516), the drive of the fetch flipper 12-14 is turned off, and each data of the transfer control flag 14 shown in FIG. 12 is erased. Then, the data indicating that the article having the weight value W ₁₄ = 470 g is stored in the memory hopper 8-14 is stored in the storage unit 28 (S518).

Next, for example, the article detector 30-1 is replaced by the article W.
_{If 1} is detected and YES is determined (S540), since the transfer control flag 1 of which the data of the current stage is 1 is present, Y
Since the target stage of the transfer control flag 1 should be 1 (S542), the target stage of the transfer control flag 1 should be 1 (this transfer control flag 1 determines that the target stage is neither 14 nor 2). Therefore, the target stage should be 1.), and the target memory hopper 8-1 and the corresponding fetch flipper 12-1 are driven to swing (S546 to 55).
0). Then, when the swing drive is completed (S552), the drive of the fetch flipper 12-1 is turned off, and as shown in FIG.
Each data of the transfer control flag 1 shown in FIG.
, The transfer control flag numbers are shifted respectively.
Then, the data indicating that the article having the weight value W ₁ = 350 g is stored in the memory hopper 8-1 is stored in the storage unit 28 (S554). In this way, each article W ₁ -W
₁₄ is the corresponding target memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-14
The data indicating that the articles having the weight values W _{1 to} W ₁₄ are stored in the memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-14 are stored in the storage unit 28.

However, steps 502, 522, ...
., Or 542, the data of the current stage is 14, 1 in all the transfer control flags stored in the storage unit 28.
.. or 1 does not exist and is determined to be NO, an error is set and the operation setting display unit 25 displays the stage number and the like (S508, 528, ...).
., Or 544). As a result, it is possible to notify the operator that the stage on which the article detector is provided has an abnormality. This is the current stage determination means and the alarm means. That is, for example, the article W ₁₄ is to be supplied to the memory hopper 8-14 as shown in FIG.
_{When 14} cannot be supplied to the memory hopper 8-14, the article W ₁₄ is transferred by the transfer conveyor 1 and detected by the article detector 30-13. At that time, the article W
_Since each data of the transfer control flag relating to ₁₄ has been deleted from the storage unit 28, there is no transfer control flag in which the data of both the target stage and the current stage is 13, so that there is an alarm that the stage 13 is abnormal. can do. When an abnormality occurs, the transfer conveyor 1 can be automatically stopped and the article can be removed.

Note that steps 514, 534, ...
. At 550, capture flippers 12-14, 1
2-13, ..., 12-1 are rocked to make respective articles correspond to memory hoppers 8-14, 8-13 ,.
-1, but the target memory hopper is 8-28, 8-
27, ..., 8-15, the article is transferred along the left-side transfer path 17, and each step 51
.., 550, the take-in flippers 12-28, 12-27 ,.
-27, ..., 8-15 are supplied.

14 to 16 are views showing a process in which the data of the newly weighed articles W _{16 to} W ₂₀ are sequentially stored in the transfer control flag and the data are deleted. FIG. 14 shows memory hoppers 8-2, 8-5, 8-
The articles accommodated in Nos. 8 and 8-10 are discharged, and the articles W _{16 to} W ₁₉ are being transferred to the empty memory hoppers. Then, when the article W ₁₉ is supplied, the article accommodated in the memo hopper 8-3 is discharged, and the article W ₂₀ is transferred to the empty memory hopper 8-3. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the articles W _{16 to} W ₂₀ are transferred by the transfer conveyor 1 and transferred to the stage three steps ahead. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the article W ₁₉ is selected for combination and discharged from the memory hopper 8-10.
_The data of the transfer control flag relating to ₁₉ are deleted, and the article W
Each data of the transfer control flag regarding ₂₀ is shifted.

According to the above-mentioned weighed article transfer device, a large number of weighed articles can be held on the transfer conveyor 1 and in each memory hopper. That is, in the conventional device shown in FIG. 24, if the number of rooms provided in the weighing hopper is increased to hold a large number of weighed articles, the maximum allowable load of the weight detector is increased. However, in the apparatus of this embodiment, the number of memory hoppers is 28 and the transfer conveyor 1 has only one.
Even if it is possible to load a large number of four weighed articles and to hold a large number of weighed articles, it is necessary to increase the maximum allowable load of the weight detector that supports each weighing hopper. Therefore, it is possible to hold a large number of weighed articles without lowering the weighing accuracy of a single item by the weighing hopper.

As described above, since a large number of weighed articles can be held without lowering the weighing accuracy, first, the weighed articles can be sequentially discharged from the weighing hopper onto the transfer conveyor 1. it can. That is, it is possible to solve the problem that the next article cannot be weighed until the article is discharged from the room, unlike the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. You can Therefore, as compared with the conventional device shown in FIG. 24, the weighing hopper can always be operated effectively, and the operation efficiency of the weighing hopper can be improved.

Since it is possible to hold a large number of weighed articles, it is possible to increase the number of weight values participating in the combination calculation, thereby improving the weighing accuracy of the combination weighing. it can. Further, as described above, since the operation efficiency of the weighing hopper can be improved, the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. It is possible to reduce the number of weighing hoppers.

Further, when the weighed article is not supplied to the predetermined memory hopper determined by the memory container determination means and further transferred to the subsequent stage by the transfer conveyor 1, the abnormality can be determined by the current stage determination means. Since this is possible and the fact can be displayed on the operation setting display unit 25, it is possible to prevent in advance a measurement error that occurs when the combination calculation is performed by the combination calculation means.

Next, the priority setting means, the production set number setting means, the end-of-hours operation setting means, and the total weight value determining means provided in this sorting combination weigher will be described.

The priority setting means is means for setting the priority representing the order of the sets selected as the combination by the combination calculating means for each of the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3. That is, when the priority setting means sets the priority in the order of the weight number ranks 2, 3, and 1, for example, the combination calculation means is set for each weight number rank in the order of the weight number ranks 2, 3, and 1. The groups that satisfy the conditions of the first predetermined weight range and the predetermined number range are selected, and the octopuses (articles) forming the selected group are discharged. The operation in which the priority setting means sets the priority for each weight number rank can be performed by the operator operating the operation setting display unit 25.

The production set number setting means is a means for setting the target production set number of articles selected as a combination for each of the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, 100 packs are set for the weight number rank 1, 300 packs are set for the weight number rank 2, and 200 packs are set for the weight number rank 3. . That is, the combination calculating means is configured to set the target number of production sets 100, 300, 200 for each of the weight number ranks 1, 2, 3, respectively.
Until the production of the pack is completed, select the combination of weight values belonging to each weight number rank, and for the weight number rank that production of the set target production set is finished, select the combination of weight values belonging to the weight number rank. Do not select. Therefore,
It is possible to reliably produce the target production set number of articles set for each weight number rank 1, 2, and 3. Then, it is possible to prevent the production exceeding the target number of production groups set based on the production plan. The operation for setting the target number of production sets for each weight number rank by the production set number setting means can be performed by the operator operating the operation setting display unit 25.

The after-hours operation setting means is means for setting after-hours operation. When this end-of-life operation is set, the combination calculation means selects a set that includes the first predetermined weight range and is within the second predetermined weight range wider than the first predetermined weight range. That is, for example, when the end-of-day operation is set by the end-of-day operation setting means before the end of the day's work, the combination calculation means causes the total weight value of the combination of weight values to fall within the second predetermined weight range. Perform the operation of selecting a set. This second predetermined weight range is, as shown in FIG.
5.0 to 5.4 kg, and the first predetermined weight range (5.
0 to 5.2 kg) and is wider than the first predetermined weight range, the probability of selecting a combination can be increased, thereby shortening the time that the articles stay in the sorting combination scale. You can That is, for example, in the case of articles such as fresh food, it is necessary to discharge all the articles from this sorting combination scale at the end of work in order to prevent the freshness of the fresh food from decreasing, and at that time, expand the predetermined weight range that can be selected for the combination. As a result, it is possible to easily discharge the article from the sorting combination scale. In addition, the operation of the end-of-day operation setting means to set the end-of-hour operation is performed by the operator in the operation setting display unit 25.
Can be manually performed by operating, or can be automatically performed by operating the operation setting display unit 25 to set the time at which the operation is finished.

The total weight value determining means determines, for each of the weight number ranks 1, 2, 3 whether or not the total weight value of the weight values belonging to the same weight number rank is equal to or more than a predetermined weight value. It is a means. That is, in this embodiment, the total weight value is set to 9.0 kg for each weight number rank. Therefore, among the items weighed, which are not selected as a combination and stay in the weighing hopper or the memory hopper, for example, the total weight value of the items belonging to the weight number rank 1 is 9.0 k.
When the weight exceeds g, the total weight value determination means determines that. Then, in the selection of the subsequent combinations for the weight number rank 1, the total weight value includes the first predetermined weight range (5.0 to 5.2 kg), and is more than the first predetermined weight range. Wide third predetermined weight range (5.0 to 5.
4kg) will be selected. Next, the reason why the total weight value determining means is provided will be described below. For example, in the case of articles such as fresh food, it is not possible to retain them in the memory hopper for a long time in order to prevent the freshness of the fresh food from decreasing, so it is necessary to discharge the articles from each memory hopper after a certain retention time has elapsed. Because there is. And
The fact that an article with a total weight value of 9.0 kg or more is held in a memory hopper or the like means that a total weight value of 9.0 kg / average weight value of about 450 g ≈20 indicates that one type of weight number rank 1 This is because about 20 items belonging to are weighed and accumulated in the memory hopper, and it is highly possible that a group whose total weight value is within the first predetermined weight range cannot be selected as it is. . The operation of setting the total weight value can be performed by the operator operating the operation setting display unit 25. Although the third predetermined weight range is set to (5.0 to 5.4 kg), other weight ranges can be set. Then, the second predetermined weight range (5.0 to 5.4 kg) and the third predetermined weight range (5.0 to 5.4 kg) are the same weight range,
It is possible to set different weight ranges.

Next, referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, the weight values of the octopus transferred to the memory hopper are combined and calculated for each of the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3, and the set selected by the combination calculation is selected. A procedure for discharging the constituent octopus from the memory hopper will be described. First, the combination completion flag is ON
(S200). At this time, when the combination calculation of the already measured octopuses is completed and the octopus to be discharged from each memory hopper is determined, and the combination completion flag is set to ON, YES is determined and the discharge command signal is output. When selected, the selected octopus is ejected from each memory hopper (S202, 20).
4). Then, the combination completion flag is set to OFF (S206).

Then, in the state where the above processing is performed and the combination completion flag is set to OFF, step 2
No is determined in 00, and the transfer completion flag is set to O.
Every time it is set to N, the combination operation is executed (S20).
8, 210). In step 210, each weight rank 1,
For every two or three, various weight values belonging to the same weight rank are variously combined to calculate the total weight for each combination of weight values, and the total number of octopuses is calculated for each combination.

Next, according to the order of the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3, whether or not the production is finished and the target number of production groups is set for each of the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3. , And whether or not the priority is the highest among the unfinished weight number ranks (S212, 214, 2).
16, ...). That is, each weight number rank 1, 2,
It is determined whether or not the production is finished for every three items, and the production is performed for the weight / number rank of which production is not finished.
When there are a plurality of weight number ranks whose production is not completed, it is determined whether or not the target number of production groups is set for each weight number rank 1, 2, or 3, and the target number of production groups is determined. If is not set and the production quantity is set to unlimited, production is to be performed from that weight number rank. In the present embodiment, the target production group number is set to 100 packs, 300 packs, and 200 packs for the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3, so that the priority of the weight number ranks 1, 2, and 3 is set. We are going to produce from the highest price. In this embodiment, the priorities are set in the order of the weight number ranks 2, 3, and 1.

Therefore, first, the production is not completed (NO in step 224), the target number of production groups 300 is set (YES in step 226), and the weight number rank of unfinished production is Start by selecting the octopus having the weight value belonging to the weight number rank 2 having the highest priority (determined as YES in step 228). At this time, step 210
In, various weight values belonging to weight rank 2 are combined, and the total weight value and the total number of octopuses are calculated for each combination of weight values. The total weight value is within the first predetermined weight range (5.0 to 5.2 kg) and the total number of fish is 11 (see FIG. 17) within the predetermined number range (S230, 232). . When this selection is completed, the count value of the counter that counts the number of productions of the weight number rank 2 is incremented by 1, and the combination completion flag is set to ON (S234). Then, returning to the start, the above steps are repeatedly executed, and when the production number (discharge number) of the weight number rank 2 reaches 300 packs, the production of the weight number rank 2 is ended.

Next, in the same manner as the weight number rank 2, the weight number rank 3 is produced until the production number of the weight number rank 3 reaches 200 packs (S236 to S246),
After that, the weight number rank 1 is produced until the number of weight number rank 1 is 100 packs (S212-
S222). The octopus selected in the combination belonging to the weight number rank 1, 2, or 3 is transported by the transport conveyor 20 shown in FIG. 3 and is packaged by the packaging machine in the subsequent stage. The number rank etc. are displayed. Further, it is also possible to perform manual packaging without packaging with a packaging machine. The weight number rank of the octopus to be packed is displayed on the operation setting display unit 25.

However, steps 218, 230 and 242
In the above, the allowable weight range is set to the first predetermined weight range (5.0 to 5.2 kg) in the normal operation state, but when the end-of-day operation is set, the allowable weight range is set to the second predetermined weight range (5 .0 to 5.4 kg) and select the corresponding set. When the total weight value of the weight values belonging to the weight number ranks 1, 2, or 3 exceeds the predetermined weight value of 9.0 kg, the allowable weight range of the corresponding weight number rank is set to the third predetermined weight. Select the relevant set as the range (5.0 to 5.4 kg).

Next, the flow chart shown in FIG. 22 will be described. This flowchart shows the details of step 108 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, and the unit weight range (300 set for each weight rank 1, (1, 2), (2, 3), 3 is set. ~ 400g), (400 ~
450g), (450-500g), (500-600)
g) is read (S300, 306, ..., 31)
2), it is determined which of the weight ranks 1, (1, 2), (2, 3) and 3 the weight value W obtained by weighing the octopus belongs to (S302, 308, ...
314), and the rank participation bit of the weight rank corresponding to the weight value W is calculated (S304,
310, ..., 316). The rank participation bits are shown in FIGS. 9 and 8. In this way, the rank participation bit indicating which of the weight ranks 1, (1, 2), (2, 3) and 3 the weight value W belongs to can be determined.

That is, the unit weight range (300 to 400 g) set for the weight rank 1 is read (S30
0), it is determined whether the weight value W obtained by weighing the octopus belongs to this unit weight range (300 to 400 g) (S
302) If it belongs to this unit weight range and it is determined to be YES, the rank participation bit "00000001" is calculated and set to ON (S304). By this processing, this weight value W is assigned to the rank participation bit "00000001".
The rank participation bit "0000000" is set to
By reading "1", this weight value W becomes weight rank 1
Can be recognized as belonging to.

However, in step 302, when the weight value W does not belong to the unit weight range (300 to 400 g) and it is determined to be NO, the next unit weight range (400 to 4).
50 g) is read (S306), it is determined whether the weight value W belongs to this unit weight range (400 to 450 g) (S308), and if it is determined to be YES because it belongs to this unit weight range, the rank is The participation bit "00000011" is calculated and set to ON (S310). However, in step 308, this weight value W is set to this unit weight range (4
If it is determined to be NO because it does not belong to 100 to 450 g), the next unit weight range (450 to 500 g) is read and the same processing as above is repeated. After that, the unit weight range is sequentially read and the same processing as above is performed (..., S3).
12, 314, 316). Then, it is determined whether the weight value W belongs to any weight rank (S31).
8), if it belongs and is determined to be YES, 1 of the above processing
If the cycle ends and it is determined to be NO because it does not belong, the operation setting display unit 25 indicates that the octopus should be discharged.
, And one cycle is completed (S320).

Next, the flow chart shown in FIG. 23 will be described. This flowchart shows the details of step 110 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, and shows the procedure for determining the memory hopper for transferring the weighed octopus. First, it is determined whether or not an octopus, which is an object to be weighed, is loaded into the memory hopper 8-1, that is, whether or not it is empty (S400), and when it is determined to be empty and NO, the memory hopper 8- The fact that 1 is empty is stored in the storage unit 28, and it is determined whether or not an octopus has been put into the next memory hopper 8-2. In this way, the next memory hopper 8-
It is determined whether or not an octopus is thrown into 3 to 8-28 (..., S406), and when it is determined to be empty and NO, the corresponding empty memory hopper is stored in the storage unit 28.
In this way it can be remembered which empty memory hopper is.

However, in step 400, the octopus is thrown into the memory hopper 8-1, and when the determination is YES, the rank participation bit of the octopus thrown into the memory hopper 8-1 and the octopus weighed this time. It is determined whether or not the rank participation bits of (1) match (S402), and when both rank participation bits match and YES is determined, the counter provided for each rank participation bit is weighed this time. The count value of the counter of the octopus rank participation bit is incremented by 1 (S404). However, when both rank participation bits are different and it is determined to be NO, the above step is performed to search for the memory hopper in which the octopus has been inserted, and the octopus rank participation bit in that memory hopper is weighed this time. It is determined whether or not the rank participation bit of the octopus matches (..., S
406, S408).

In this way, the memory hopper in which the octopus that matches the rank participation bit of the octopus weighed this time is thrown in can be found, or the memory hopper in which both rank participation bits match can be found. You can recognize that it does not exist. Then, the counter provided for each rank participation bit can count the number of memory hoppers into which the octopus of each rank participation bit is input.

Next, the number of memory hoppers into which the octopus that matches the rank participation bit of the octopus weighed this time (the number counted by the counter provided for each rank participation bit) is the rank participation. Number of specified memory hoppers preset for bits (eg 14
Or more) (S412), and if the number is less than the specified number of memory hoppers and NO is determined, the octopus weighed this time is put into the memory hopper with the smallest number among the empty memory hoppers. (S414).
For example, if the memory hoppers 8-3 and 8-7 are empty,
Memory hopper 8 with number 3 which is smaller than number 7
Set octopus to -3 and finish. However, if it is determined in step 412 that the number of memory hoppers is greater than or equal to the specified number, YES is determined, among the memory hoppers in which the octopus that matches the rank participation bit of the octopus weighed this time is thrown in, the number is the smallest and the number is the smallest. The octopus weighed this time is set in the memory hopper so as to end (S416).

However, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a total of 28 memory hoppers 8-1 to 8-28 are provided, but a plurality of memory hoppers other than 28 may be provided. Therefore, the number of stages also needs to be changed according to the number of memory hoppers.

Further, in the above embodiment, the weighed article transfer device is applied to the selective combination weigher, but it can be applied to a conventionally known combination weigher. That is, the weight values W ₁ , W ₂ , ... Of the weighed articles and the memory hoppers 8-1, 8-2 ,. However, various combinations of the weight values of these articles are selected, and a group of which the total weight value is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight value is selected from the combinations, and the articles constituting the selected group are stored in a corresponding memory. It can be configured to be discharged from the hopper.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, one kind of weight number rank 1 (weight range of 300 to 450 g) for weight rank 1 (weight range of 300 to 450 g).
Although the weight was set to 450g and the number of tails was 12), the number of weight ranks was 1-1 for the weight rank 1 (the unit weight range was 300 to 450).
g, number of tails 12) and weight number rank 1-2 (the unit weight range is 3
Two types of weight number ranks of 00 to 450 g and the number of tails 14) can be set. At this time, which one is selected first in the combination calculation can be determined by setting the priority for each of the weight number ranks 1-1 and 1-2. This priority can be set by the priority setting means.

Further, as shown in FIG.
By providing a platform weighing hopper and opening and closing the gate to discharge the articles in the weighing hopper, three weighing trays are provided instead of the three weighing hoppers, and each weighing tray is inclined. Alternatively, the articles on the weighing tray may be discharged onto the transfer conveyor 1.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the operator manually inserts the articles into the respective weighing hoppers. However, the article supplying device for automatically supplying the articles may be provided to the respective weighing hoppers.

[0081]

According to the first and third aspects of the present invention, the memory container determining means determines the memory container to which the weighed articles are to be supplied, and the transfer means transfers the weighed articles to the memory containers and supplies them. This is the configuration. Therefore, it is possible to have a structure in which a large number of weighed articles are held by the transfer means and the memory container provided separately from the weighing means. That is, in the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. 24, if the number of rooms provided in the weighing hopper is increased to hold a large number of weighed articles, the maximum allowable load of the weight detector is increased. It is necessary, and as a result, the weighing accuracy of a single item when weighing each item is reduced, whereas in the present invention,
Even with a configuration capable of holding a large number of weighed articles, it is not necessary to increase the maximum allowable load of the weighing means,
Therefore, it is possible to hold a large number of weighed articles without lowering the weighing accuracy of a single item.

As described above, since it is possible to hold a large number of weighed articles without lowering the weighing accuracy, first, the weighed articles are sequentially discharged from the weighing means to the transfer means side. Can be made. That is, it is possible to solve the problem that the next article cannot be weighed until the article is discharged from the room, unlike the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. You can Therefore, compared with the conventional device shown in FIG. 24, all the weighing means can be operated effectively at all times, and the operation efficiency of the weighing means can be improved.

Since it is possible to hold a large number of weighed articles, it is possible to increase the number of weight values participating in the combination calculation. The effect is that it can be improved.

In addition, as described above, since the operating efficiency of the weighing means can be improved, the sorting combination scale or the combination scale has the same weighing capability (the number of times to select the combination of articles per hour). It is possible to reduce the number of weighing means as compared with the conventional device shown in FIG.

According to the second and fourth aspects of the invention, when the transfer of the weighed article by the transfer means is abnormal, for example, when the weighed article is not supplied to the predetermined memory container determined by the memory container determination means, Since the abnormality can be detected, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent in advance a measurement error that occurs when the combination calculation is performed by the combination calculation means.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a weighed article transfer device in a sorting combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the weighed article transfer apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external plan view of the sorting combination weigher and the weighed article transfer device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the sorting combination weigher and the weighed article transfer device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the sorting combination weigher and the weighed article transfer device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the weighed article transfer device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between a weight rank and a single weight set in the sorting combination weigher according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram used as a reference in an explanation for determining a memory hopper to which the weighed articles are to be transferred in the sorting combination weigher according to the embodiment.

9A to 9F are diagrams showing rank participation bits of the same embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transfer control flag according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a transfer control flag according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a transfer control flag according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transfer control flag according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a transfer control flag according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a transfer control flag according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a transfer control flag according to the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a weight number rank, a unit weight range, etc. set in the sorting combination weigher according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process until an article put in the weighing hopper of the sorting and combination scale according to the embodiment is put in the memory hopper.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of a process in which the articles put into the memory hopper of the sorting combination weigher according to the embodiment are selected as a combination and are discharged.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a part of a process in which the articles put into the memory hopper of the sorting combination weigher according to the embodiment are selected as a combination and are discharged.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a part of a process in which the articles put into the memory hopper of the sorting combination weigher according to the embodiment are selected as a combination and are discharged.

22 is a flowchart showing details of step 108 shown in FIG. 18. FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of step 110 shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 is a front view showing a semi-automatic combination weigher used for explaining a conventional weighed article transfer device.

25 is a plan view showing the semi-automatic combination weigher shown in FIG. 24. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Transfer Conveyor 2 Articles 3-1 to 3-3 Measuring Hopper 5-1 to 5-3 Measuring Hopper Gate 7-1 to 7-3 Weight Detector 8-1 to 8-28 Memory Hopper 9-1 to 9-28 Memory Hopper gate 12-1 to 12-28 Intake flipper 14 Right side transfer path 15 Discharge conveyor 17 Left side transfer path 18 Discharge conveyor 20 Transfer conveyor 21 Sorting flipper 24 Arithmetic control unit 30-1 to 30-14 Article detector

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A weighing means for sequentially weighing the weight of an article,
Weight rank determining means for sequentially determining the weight rank to which the weight values of the articles obtained by the sequential measurement belong among a plurality of weight ranks corresponding to respective predetermined weight ranges,
Transfer means for transferring the weighed article along a predetermined transfer path, a plurality of memory containers provided along the transfer path for storing the weighed article, and the memory container for supplying the weighed article And various combinations of the weight values belonging to the same weight rank for each weight rank, and the total weight value of the combinations is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight value. In a sorting combination weigher having combination calculating means for selecting a set and discharging means for discharging the articles forming the set selected by the combination calculating means from the memory container, each memory container in the transfer path is provided. A stage is set corresponding to each of the locations, and the target stage corresponding to the memory container determined by the memory container determining means is set. Storage means for storing, for each of the above-mentioned weighed articles, the data of the tage and the data of the current stage in which the weighed articles supplied to the target stage are passing, and detecting the above-mentioned article transferred by the above-mentioned transfer means. An article detecting means for outputting a current stage signal representing a stage through which each article passes, and a target stage for each article stored in the storage means when the article detecting means outputs a current stage signal. Target stage determination means for determining whether or not there is data and current stage data that both of these data match the current stage signal, and data that both of the data match the current stage signal When the target stage determination unit determines that the target stage determination unit determines that the target stage detection unit detects the item detected by the item detection unit. Data to be supplied to the memory container provided on the stage corresponding to the data and the target stage determination means, when it is determined that there is no one in which both of the data match the current stage signal, And a current stage data rewriting unit that rewrites the data of the current stage stored in the storage unit, which coincides with the stage signal, with the data of the next stage. 2. The weighed article transfer device in the sorting combination weigher according to claim 1, wherein the current stage data stored in the storage means when the article detection means outputs a current stage signal. When the current stage determination means determines whether or not there is one that matches the current stage signal, and the current stage determination means determines that there is no data that matches the current stage signal among the data of the current stage. An alarming means for generating an alarm signal is provided in the device, and a weighed article transfer device in a sorting and combination scale. 3. A weighing means for sequentially weighing the weight of the article,
Transfer means for transferring the weighed articles along a predetermined transfer path, a plurality of memory containers provided along the transfer path for storing the weighed articles, and the memory container for supplying the weighed articles Memory container determining means for determining, and a combination calculation means for selecting various combinations of the weight values of the articles and selecting a group in which the total weight value is equal to or close to a predetermined target weight value among the combinations, In a combination scale having discharge means for discharging the articles forming the set selected by the combination calculation means from the memory container, corresponding to each location where each memory container of the transfer path is provided. The stage is defined, the data of the target stage corresponding to the memory container determined by the memory container determining means, and the data supplied to the target stage. Storage means for storing the data of the current stage through which the weighed articles are passing, for each of the above-mentioned weighed articles, and the current stage representing the stage through which the above-mentioned articles are passing by detecting the above-mentioned articles transferred by the above-mentioned transfer means. Both the article detecting means for outputting a stage signal, the target stage data for each article stored in the storage means when the article detecting means outputs the current stage signal, and the current stage data. Target stage determination means for determining whether or not there is data that matches the current stage signal, and the target stage determination means determines that there is data for which both of the data match the current stage signal. Occasionally, the article detected by the article detection means is loaded onto the stage corresponding to the data of the target stage. When the article supply means for supplying the re-container and the target stage determination means determine that there is no one in which both the data and the current stage signal match, the data is stored in the storage means that matches the current stage signal. And a current stage data rewriting means for rewriting the data of the present stage to the data of the next stage. 4. The weighed article transfer device in the combination weigher according to claim 3, wherein the data of the current stage stored in the storage means when the article detection means outputs the current stage signal is used. Current stage determination means for determining whether or not there is a match with the current stage signal, and when the current stage determination means determines that there is no match with the current stage signal in the data of the current stage A weighed article transfer apparatus in a combination scale, comprising: an alarm means for generating an alarm signal.