Article measuring and discharging device

Abstract

The invention relates to an article measuring and discharging device. It is required to reduce wasted time and effort for performing appropriate inspection of an inspection device. A metering device (1) is provided with a hopper for storing an article, a load cell for measuring the weight of the article, a control unit (80), and a communication unit (85) for receiving a signal from the outside. When the weight of the article satisfies an appropriate discharge condition, the control unit (80) discharges the article from the hopper. When the communication unit (85) receives a non-appropriate article request signal relating to inspection of the article discharged from the hopper, the control unit discharges the article from the hopper, the weight of the article being a weight deviating from the appropriate discharge condition.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an article measuring and discharging apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-89251), a metering device that measures an article and discharges a prescribed amount of the article and a production line including the metering device are known. In the production line, a prescribed amount of the article is discharged from the metering device, the article is packaged by a packaging device on a downstream side, and the packaged article is further inspected by an inspection device. As a device that inspects whether the weight or the number of the articles becomes an appropriate amount, there are, for example, a weight inspector, an X-ray inspection device, and the like.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-89251 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Conventionally, in a case where it is intended to confirm whether the inspection device can appropriately perform inspection, not only the article that passes the inspection needs to be conveyed to the inspection device, but also the article that fails the inspection (hereinafter, referred to as a defective article) needs to be conveyed to the inspection device, and the operator manually puts the defective article in front of the inspection device. For example, in order to perform appropriate inspection of the weight inspector, the operator puts a bag in which an article of an overweight or an article of an underweight is packaged in front of the weight inspector once an hour.

[0008] However, in order to perform appropriate inspection of the inspection device, it is necessary to temporarily stop the production line or to spend the operator's time, and it is required to reduce the wasted time and effort.

[0009] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0010] The article measuring and discharging apparatus according to the first aspect includes a storage portion that stores an article, a measuring portion that measures a weight or a number of the article stored in the storage portion, a control portion that causes the article to be discharged from the storage portion when the weight or the number of the article measured by the measuring portion satisfies a prescribed discharge condition, and a receiving portion that receives a signal from the outside. The control portion causes an article whose weight or number deviates from the weight or number of the discharge condition to be discharged from the storage portion when the receiving portion receives a signal related to inspection of the article discharged from the storage portion.

[0011] Here, basically, the control section causes the article to be discharged from the storage section when the measured value (weight or number) of the article measured satisfies the prescribed discharge condition. However, exceptionally, the control section causes the article to be discharged from the storage section when the measured value deviates from the discharge condition when the receiving section receives a signal related to the inspection of the article. Thus, when the signal related to the inspection of the article is received, the article whose weight or number deviates from the prescribed discharge condition is discharged from the article measurement and discharge apparatus. That is, the weight or number of the article discharged from the storage section deviates from the prescribed discharge condition. Therefore, for example, in the inspection apparatus downstream of the production line, in the case where it is inspected whether the weight or the like of the article truly satisfies the discharge condition, it is easy to determine whether the inspection apparatus is working properly, and reduction of waste in the past can be achieved.

[0012] The article measurement and discharge apparatus according to the second aspect, in the article measurement and discharge apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage section has first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) hoppers. The first to Nth hoppers respectively store articles. The measurement section measures first to Nth weights or numbers that are weights of the articles stored in the first to Nth hoppers or numbers of the articles. The control section selects a combination of hoppers whose total weight or total number satisfies the discharge condition, based on the first to Nth weights or numbers, and causes the articles to be discharged from the hoppers constituting the selected combination. Further, when the receiving section receives a signal, the control section selects a combination of hoppers whose total weight or total number deviates from the discharge condition, and causes the articles to be discharged from the hoppers constituting the selected combination.

[0013] Here, by changing the combination selection of the plurality of hoppers, it is possible to cause the amount of the articles discharged from one or more hoppers constituting the selected combination to deviate from the discharge condition.

[0014] The article measurement and discharge apparatus according to the third aspect, in the article measurement and discharge apparatus according to the second aspect, the discharge condition includes an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the total weight or total number. The signal from the outside is an upper limit exceeding signal that requests the discharge of the article whose total weight or total number exceeds the upper limit value. When the receiving section receives the upper limit exceeding signal, the control section selects a prescribed combination of hoppers, and causes the articles to be discharged from the hoppers constituting the selected combination. The prescribed combination of hoppers is a combination of hoppers whose total weight or total number exceeds the upper limit value and whose total weight or total number falls within a prescribed numerical range in which no defect is generated in other article processing apparatuses that process the articles discharged from the storage section.

[0015] Here, when the upper limit exceeding signal is received at the receiving section, the article whose total of the weight or the number exceeds the upper limit value of the discharge condition is discharged from the storage section. Therefore, it is assumed that the amount of the article discharged from the storage section becomes considerably large, but if the weight or the number becomes excessively large, it is likely to exceed the processing capacity of the other article processing device. In view of this, in the article measuring and discharging device according to the third aspect, the combination of the hoppers is selected in such a manner that the total of the weight or the number falls within a prescribed numerical range in which no malfunctions are generated in the other article processing device that processes the article discharged from the storage section.

[0016] The article measuring and discharging device according to the fourth aspect is the article measuring and discharging device according to the third aspect, in which the article processing device is a packaging device that packages the article discharged from the storage section.

[0017] The article measuring and discharging device according to the fifth aspect is the article measuring and discharging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the inspection of the article discharged from the storage section is an inspection related to the weight or the number of the article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the entire production system of bagged goods.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the entire production system.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing the metering device.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the main components of the packaging device.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the weight inspection device.

[0023] Figure 6 is an example of the inspection result of the weight inspection device.

[0024] Figure 7 is a table of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of each discharge condition.

[0025] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the metering and discharging operation of the metering device.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] 1: metering device (article measuring and discharging device), 2: packaging device, 3: weight inspection device, 16: load cell (measuring section), 80: control section, 85: communication section (receiving section), WH, BH: hopper (storage section). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Next, a production system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0029] (1) Overall Summary

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the production system 100 is a system that measures, packs, and inspects articles. As shown in FIG. 2, the production system 100 is provided with a measuring device 1, a packing device 2, a weight inspection device 3, a seal inspection device 4, and a storage section 5. Figure 1 Figure 1

[0031] Figure 1 The measuring device 1, the packing device 2, the weight inspection device 3, and the seal inspection device 4 shown in FIG. 1 constitute a measuring and packing inspection system that measures, packs, and inspects articles. In the measuring and packing inspection system, articles to be measured are supplied to the measuring device 1. The articles supplied to the measuring device 1 are classified by prescribed weights, and are discharged from the measuring device 1 as measured articles, and are sent to the packing device 2. In the packing device 2, the measured articles are packed in bags in units of prescribed weights. The measured articles (hereinafter also referred to as packed articles) filled in the bags are placed on a conveyer belt, and pass through the weight inspection device 3 and the seal inspection device 4 in order. At the time of passing, the packed articles receive inspection of the weight and the seal state. The inspection results of the weight inspection device 3 and the seal inspection device 4 are transmitted to a distribution mechanism (not shown) on the downstream side. Further, the distribution mechanism distributes good products to a regular production line conveyer (not shown) and defective products to a defective product recovery conveyer (not shown) on the basis of the inspection results. The distribution mechanism is known, and is, for example, a mechanism shown in Japanese Patent No. 6721241 (JP 6721241 B2).

[0032] Figure 2 The storage section 5 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes a control device C for the production system 100. The storage section 5 is included in the control device C. The control device C, a control section 80 of the measuring device 1, a control section of the packing device 2, a control section of the weight inspection device 3, and a control section of the seal inspection device 4 are each realized by a computer. The control sections are provided with a control arithmetic device and a storage device. The control arithmetic device can use a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device, and performs a prescribed arithmetic process in accordance with the program. Further, the control arithmetic device can write an arithmetic result in the storage device in accordance with the program, or read out information stored in the storage device.

[0033] (2) Detailed Configuration

[0034] (2-1) Measuring Device​​

[0035] As shown in Figure 3 The metering device 1 meters the articles supplied from the conveying unit 9 to a target metering value, and supplies the metered articles to the packaging device 2. The articles are, for example, agricultural products, aquatic products, processed foods, and the like, which are single articles having a variation in mass.

[0036] The metering device 1 of the present embodiment is a combination metering device including hoppers that store the articles to be metered. Specifically, the metering device 1 includes a dispersion table 11, supply feeders 12, storage hoppers PH, metering hoppers WH, booster hoppers BH, chutes 13, and timing hoppers TH. The supply feeders 12, the storage hoppers PH, the metering hoppers WH, and the booster hoppers BH are each provided in plural number. Here, the first through Nth (N = 10) supply feeders 12, the storage hoppers PH, the metering hoppers WH, and the booster hoppers BH are arranged at intervals around the dispersion table 11 when viewed from above.

[0037] The dispersion table 11 has a conical shape and is configured to be rotatable. The articles dropped onto the dispersion table 11 from the conveying unit 9 are moved in the radial direction while being dispersed in the circumferential direction on the dispersion table 11 by rotation, and are dropped onto the supply feeders 12 arranged around the dispersion table 11.

[0038] The supply feeder 12 is vibrated by an electromagnetic vibration device (not shown). The supply feeder 12 receives the articles supplied from the dispersion table 11, and moves the received articles to the outside by vibration to drop them into the storage hopper PH on the downstream side.

[0039] The storage hopper PH receives the articles from the supply feeder 12 and temporarily stores them. Each storage hopper PH is supported by a support member (not shown) fixed to a main frame 14. Below each storage hopper PH, a gate 15 that opens and closes a discharge port of the lower portion of the storage hopper PH is provided. The timing of the opening and closing of each gate 15 is controlled by a controller (not shown). When the gate 15 is opened, the articles stored in the storage hopper PH drop into the metering hopper WH on the downstream side.

[0040] The weighing hopper WH is a storage portion that stores the article. Further, the weighing hopper WH weighs the article. In detail, the weighing hopper WH is disposed just below the gate 15, receives the article from the storage hopper PH, and temporarily stores it. Each weighing hopper WH is supported by a support member (not shown) fixed to the main frame 14. The article in each weighing hopper WH is weighed by the load sensor 16. Below each weighing hopper WH, a first gate 17 that opens and closes a discharge port of the lower portion of the weighing hopper WH and a second gate 18 are provided. The timing of opening and closing of each gate 17, 18 is controlled by a controller (not shown). When the first gate 17 is opened, the article stored in the weighing hopper WH falls into the chute 13 on the downstream side. When the second gate 18 is opened, the article stored in the weighing hopper WH falls into the booster hopper BH on the downstream side.

[0041] Each load sensor 16 is a measurement portion that measures the weight of the article stored in the weighing hopper WH. Each load sensor 16 weighs the article in the state of being stored in the weighing hopper WH corresponding to the load sensor 16. Note that each load sensor 16 is disposed inside the weighing hopper WH corresponding to the load sensor 16.

[0042] The booster hopper BH is a storage portion that stores the article and holds the article. In detail, the booster hopper BH is disposed just below the second gate 18, receives the weighed article from the weighing hopper WH, and temporarily stores it. Each booster hopper BH is supported by a support member (not shown) fixed to the main frame 14. Below each booster hopper BH, a gate 19 that opens and closes a discharge port of the lower portion of the booster hopper BH is provided. The timing of opening and closing of each gate 19 is controlled by a controller (not shown). When the gate 19 is opened, the article stored in the booster hopper BH falls into the chute 13 on the downstream side.

[0043] The chute 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner side surface that is a circular truncated cone that gradually tapers toward the lower side. The chute 13 is disposed with the inner side surface positioned below all the weighing hoppers WH and all the booster hoppers BH. The inner side surface of the chute 13 is a surface that receives the article discharged from the weighing hopper WH or the booster hopper BH and guides it to the packaging device 2.

[0044] The timing hopper TH is disposed below the chute 13. The timing hopper TH discharges the weighed article. In detail, below the timing hopper TH, a gate 20 that opens and closes a discharge port of the lower portion of the timing hopper TH is provided. The timing of opening and closing of the gate 20 is controlled by a controller (not shown). The timing hopper TH temporarily stores the weighed article discharged from the chute 13 in a state where the gate 20 is closed, and discharges the temporarily stored weighed article to the packaging device 2 by opening the gate 20.

[0045] Note that the drive of the dispersion table 11, the vibration of the supply feeder 12, the opening and closing of each gate 17, 18, 19, 20, and the like are controlled by a control section 80 of the metering device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Figure 2 The control section 80 is connected to a communication section 8 of a control device C of the production system 100, a communication section 35 of the weight inspection device 3, a packaging device 2, and the like via a communication section 85, and performs the discharge operation of the metered article based on a signal from the other devices.

[0046] (2-2) Packaging Device

[0047] The packaging device 2 packages the metered article metered by the metering device 1. In detail, the packaging device 2 bags the metered article conveyed from the metering device 1 in a prescribed weight. As shown in Fig. 2, the packaging device 2 includes a film supply mechanism (not shown), a molding mechanism 22, a conveyance mechanism 23, a longitudinal sealing mechanism 24, and a transverse sealing mechanism 25. Figure 4

[0048] A film roll on which a film F is wound is provided on the film supply mechanism. The molding mechanism 22 molds the film F conveyed from the film supply mechanism in a sheet shape into a cylindrical shape. The molding mechanism 22 has a tube (cylindrical portion) 22a and a former 22b.

[0049] The tube 22a is a cylindrical member whose upper and lower ends are open, and extends in the longitudinal direction. The tube 22a is fixed to the former 22b via a bracket (not shown). The metered article dropped from the metering device 1 in a prescribed weight is put into the open portion of the upper end of the tube 22a. That is, the metered article is configured so as to pass through the inside of the tube 22a.

[0050] The former 22b is disposed so as to surround the tube 22a in the vicinity of the upper portion of the tube 22a. The shape of this former 22b is such that the film F conveyed from the film supply mechanism in a sheet shape is molded into a cylindrical shape when passing through the gap between the former 22b and the tube 22a. That is, the film F in a sheet shape is wound on the outside surface of the tube 22a when passing through the gap, and is molded into a cylindrical shape.

[0051] The conveyance mechanism 23 conveys the film F molded into a cylindrical shape by the molding mechanism 22 (hereinafter referred to as a cylindrical film Fc) downward. The conveyance mechanism 23 has a pair of lower pull belts 26, 27. The lower pull belts 26, 27 are disposed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction in a manner symmetrical to the left and right with the tube 22a extending in the longitudinal direction as a reference. The lower pull belts 26, 27 abut against the cylindrical film Fc in a state of being wound on the tube 22a, and function to convey the cylindrical film Fc downward while sucking the cylindrical film Fc.

[0052] ​The longitudinal sealing mechanism 24 seals the overlapped portion of the tubular film Fc in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal sealing mechanism 24 is arranged so as to extend in the longitudinal direction along the tube 22a. The longitudinal sealing mechanism 24 presses the overlapped portion of the tubular film Fc wound around the tube 22a in the longitudinal direction against the side surface of the tube 22a with a certain pressing force while performing heat sealing. The longitudinal sealing mechanism 24 has a heater and a heater belt heated by the heater.

[0053] The transverse sealing mechanism 25 seals the bag by sealing the upper and lower ends of the bag in the transverse direction. The transverse sealing mechanism 25 is arranged below the tube 22a. The transverse sealing mechanism 25 has a pair of sealing jaws 25a arranged left and right.

[0054] The sealing jaws 25a have a heater inside. The sealing surface (facing surface at the time of transverse sealing) of the sealing jaws 25a is heated by the heater, and the tubular film Fc sandwiched by the sealing jaws 25a is heat-sealed in the transverse direction. The sealing jaws 25a are connected to a rotation shaft (not shown) via an arm member (not shown) and are rotated around the rotation shaft. The rotation shaft rotates the sealing jaws 25a and moves them horizontally in a manner of approaching or moving away from each other, and the sealing jaws 25a sandwich the tubular film Fc at an appropriate timing.

[0055] (2-3) Weight inspection device

[0056] Figure 1 and Figure 5 The weight inspection device 3 shown in the figure inspects the weight of the measured product discharged from the measuring device 1. Here, the weight inspection device 3 inspects the weight of the measured product discharged from the packaging device 2. The weight inspection device 3 selects only the measured product judged to be a good product and conveys it to the seal inspection device 4 arranged on the downstream side. The weight inspection device 3 includes Figure 5 the measured conveyer 31, a load sensor (not shown), a frame 32, a foot 33, a display part 34, and Figure 2 the communication part 35 shown in the figure.

[0057] The measured conveyer 31 conveys the measured product M to the downstream side. The measured conveyer 31 has a motor (not shown), a roller 31a, and a belt 31b.

[0058] The pair of rollers 31a is rotatably arranged at both ends in the horizontal direction. When one roller 31a is driven by the motor, the other roller 31a is driven.

[0059] The belt 31b is wound between the pair of rollers 31a. Here, the belt 31b is a flat belt. The belt 31b conveys the measured product M placed on the belt 31b to the front in the horizontal direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure) by driving the roller 31a by the motor. Figure 5

[0060] ​In addition, the weight checking device 3 may further include other conveyors configured upstream and downstream of the metering conveyor 31 in the conveying direction.

[0061] The load sensor detects the change in strain caused by the weight of the metered object M conveyed by the metering conveyor 31, and measures the weight of the metered object M.

[0062] The frame 32 is supported by a pair of feet 33 and houses the metering conveyor 31 and the load sensor.

[0063] Display unit 34 is a touch panel type input / output display that displays the results of checking the weight of the measuring item M. Display unit 34 displays the results in a manner that allows for visual recognition of the inspection results. Display unit 34 displays the weight value of the measuring item M, the prescribed weight used as a reference, etc. Furthermore, display unit 34 displays the inspection results for appropriate weight, overweight, and underweight (described later). Additionally, display unit 34 displays the unsuitable item request button 34a (described later) by operating the button. Figure 2 ).

[0064] Figure 2 The communication unit 35 shown communicates with the control device C. Here, the communication unit 35 sends the inspection results of the weight inspection device 3 to the storage unit 5, which will be described later.

[0065] The weight checking device 3 further includes a determination unit 36. As a result of the check, the determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the weight is adequate, overweight, or underweight relative to a predetermined weight that serves as a reference. The predetermined weight is arbitrarily set. The predetermined weight can be a pre-set weight or based on the weight measured by the measuring device 1. The determination unit 36 ​​compares the weight of the measured object M measured by the weight checking device 3 with the predetermined weight. Adequate weight is a weight within the predetermined weight range. Overweight is a weight exceeding the predetermined weight. Underweight is a weight less than the predetermined weight. For example, in… Figure 6 In the example shown, the standard weight that will become the benchmark is set to be 100 or more and 105 or less. The weight value checked by the weight checking device 3 is set to be 100 or more and 105 or less as appropriate. If it exceeds 105, it is set to be overweight. If it is less than 100, it is set to be underweight.

[0066] (2-4) Sealing inspection device

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the seal inspection device 4 checks for poor sealing of bags filled with measuring materials. Here, the seal inspection device 4 checks whether the package containing the measuring materials, which is packaged by the packaging device 2, is sealed.

[0068] The seal inspection device 4 includes a conveying section 41, a presser 42, a parallel movement mechanism 43, and a rotation angle detector (not shown). The conveying section 41 conveys the packed metered article. The presser 42 presses the metered article from above. The parallel movement mechanism 43 moves the presser 42 in parallel. The parallel movement mechanism 43 has a link that engages with the presser 42. The presser 42 is rotatably attached to the parallel movement mechanism 43 in a range of a prescribed angle. When the metered article enters, the presser 42 is lifted obliquely upward, and presses the bag of the metered article by its own weight.

[0069] The rotation angle detector is provided at the center of rotation of the parallel movement mechanism 43, and is, for example, a rotary encoder. The rotation angle detector detects the rotation angle of the parallel movement mechanism 43. In a case where the detected rotation angle is smaller than a rotation angle that becomes a reference, the control section of the seal inspection device 4 determines that the seal is defective.

[0070] (2-5) Storage Section

[0071] Figure 2 The illustrated storage section 5 stores the inspection result of the weight inspection device 3. In detail, the inspection result of the continuous metered article inspected by the weight inspection device 3 is stored together with the order of inspection. The storage section 5 illustrates an example of the stored inspection result in Figure 6 .

[0072] (3) Action of Metering Device

[0073] (3-1) Metering Action of Metering Device

[0074] First, as shown in Figure 3 , an appropriate amount of articles are sequentially fed onto the dispersion table 11 from the conveying unit 9 of the metering device 1. The articles fed onto the dispersion table 11 move on the dispersion table 11 by rotation of the dispersion table 11 and fall onto the supply feeder 12 arranged in a circle around the dispersion table 11. The articles that fell onto the supply feeder 12 move on the supply feeder 12 by vibration of the supply feeder 12 and fall into the storage hopper PH arranged in a circle around the supply feeder 12. At this time, the gate 15 is in a closed state, and the articles are stored in the storage hopper PH.

[0075] Further, in a case where the articles are not stored in the metering hopper WH arranged below the gate 15, each gate 15 is controlled to be opened. Thus, the articles stored in the storage hopper PH are discharged into the metering hopper WH on the downstream side of the storage hopper PH. At this time, the gates 17 and 18 are each in a closed state, and the articles are stored in the metering hopper WH. The load sensor 16 measures the timing at which the articles are stored in the metering hopper WH corresponding to the load sensor 16.

[0076] When the items are not stored in the pressurized hopper BH located below the gate 18, each of the second gates 18 is controlled to open. As a result, the items stored in the metering hopper WH are discharged into the pressurized hopper BH downstream of the metering hopper WH. At this time, the gate 19 is closed, and the items are stored in the pressurized hopper BH.

[0077] Furthermore, in the metering hopper WH, which is emptied by discharging the contents into the pressurized hopper BH, new contents are fed into the upstream storage hopper PH. The weight of the newly fed contents into the metering hopper WH is also measured by the load sensor 16.

[0078] (3-2) Combined calculations of measuring devices and the operation of discharging items

[0079] The items in the metering hopper WH, whose weight is measured by the load sensor 16, and the items in the pressurizing hopper BH become the objects of a combination calculation using these weight values. The combination calculation is performed by the control unit 80 of the metering device 1. The combination calculation refers to combining and summing the weight values ​​of the items stored in each metering hopper WH and each pressurizing hopper BH, and determining the combination of items whose total weight value falls within a specified range.

[0080] By performing a combination calculation process using the control unit 80, several hoppers WH and BH are selected from a plurality of hoppers WH and BH. When several hoppers WH and BH are selected through the combination calculation process, the gates 17 and 19 at the discharge outlets of the selected hoppers WH and BH are controlled to open, and the items stored in the hoppers WH and BH are discharged into the chute 13. Furthermore, after the hoppers WH and BH are emptied by discharging the items into the chute 13, new items are sequentially replenished from the upstream hoppers PH and WH.

[0081] The collected items, sliding down the chute 13, are discharged into the timed hopper TH. At this time, the gate 20 is closed, and the items are stored in the timed hopper TH. The gate 20 is controlled to open according to the timing of the supply to the packaging device 2 located below the gate 20. Thus, the items stored in the timed hopper TH are conveyed to the packaging device 2 downstream of the metering device 1.

[0082] (3-3) Discharge conditions in combined operations

[0083] As described above, the control unit 80 of the measuring device 1 calculates combinations of items whose total weight falls within a specified range during combination calculations. As this specified range, i.e., discharge conditions, the control unit 80 stores appropriate discharge conditions as basic discharge conditions, and other inappropriate discharge conditions A and B (see reference). Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 (Three conditions).

[0084] (3-3-1) Appropriate discharge condition

[0085] When producing a package that becomes a product, the control section 80 performs a combination operation so that the total weight value enters the range of the basic appropriate discharge condition. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit value of the weight of the combination operation of the appropriate discharge condition is 105 g, and the lower limit value of the weight of the combination operation is 100 g. In the case of using the appropriate discharge condition, the control section 80 performs a combination operation so that the total weight value becomes 100 to 105 g to select a hopper. Figure 7

[0086] (3-3-2) Inappropriate discharge condition A and inappropriate discharge condition B

[0087] As described above, on the display section 34 of the weight checking device 3, an inappropriate product request button 34a is displayed by the operation of an operator who confirms whether the weight checking device 3 is normally operating in the production system 100. When the operator presses this inappropriate product request button 34a, an inappropriate product request signal is transmitted from the communication section 35 of the weight checking device 3 to the weighing device 1. The inappropriate product request signal is a signal that requests the weighing device 1 to discharge an inappropriate amount of the measured substance (inappropriate product) instead of an appropriate amount of the measured substance.

[0088] Here, as the inappropriate product request button 34a, two buttons are prepared. The first button is a button that requests an excessive weight of the measured substance that exceeds the appropriate weight range, and in the case of pressing this button, only the inappropriate discharge condition A is used once in the weighing device 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper limit value of the weight of the combination operation of the inappropriate discharge condition A is 140 g, and the lower limit value of the weight of the combination operation is 106 g. In the case of using the inappropriate discharge condition A, the control section 80 performs a combination operation so that the total weight value becomes 106 to 140 g to select a hopper. Figure 7 The second button is a button that requests an excessively light weight of the measured substance that is lower than the appropriate weight range, and in the case of pressing this button, only the inappropriate discharge condition B is used once in the weighing device 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper limit value of the weight of the combination operation of the inappropriate discharge condition B is 99 g, and the lower limit value of the weight of the combination operation is 30 g. In the case of using the inappropriate discharge condition B, the control section 80 performs a combination operation so that the total weight value becomes 30 to 99 g to select a hopper.

[0089] Figure 7

[0090] ​​​Note that, when the out-of-quantity request button 34a is pressed to request an excessive quantity of the metered article, the out-of-quantity request signal transmitted to the metering device 1 is an upper limit exceeding signal requesting discharge of the metered article having a total weight value in the weight range exceeding the in-quantity discharge condition. The weight range of the out-of-quantity discharge condition A corresponding to this signal is set to a weight range in which no packaging failure occurs in the packaging device 2 that packages the metered article discharged from the metering device 1. Specifically, although excessive, if the metered article is 106 to 140 g, no transverse seal failure or bag breakage occurs in the packaging device 2, and packaging is normally performed.

[0091] (3-4) Flow of combination operation and discharge operation

[0092] When the signal requesting discharge of the metered article (discharge request signal) is accepted from the downstream packaging device 2, the control section 80 of the metering device 1 opens the gate 20 and causes the article stored in the timing hopper TH to fall to the packaging device 2. When the article is discharged from the timing hopper TH, the control section 80 causes the article to be discharged from the several hoppers WH, BH selected by the combination operation processing, and sends the metered article from the chute 13 to the timing hopper TH. Hereinafter, the combination operation processing by the control section 80 and the discharge operation of the metered article will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. Figure 8

[0093] The control section 80 determines which discharge condition to use before the combination operation processing by steps Sll to S15. First, in step Sll, it is determined whether the out-of-quantity request signal from the weight checking device 3 is received by the communication section 85. If the out-of-quantity request signal is not received, the processing proceeds to step S12, the use of the in-quantity discharge condition is determined, and the combination operation processing is performed in step S16. If the out-of-quantity request signal is received, the processing proceeds to step S13, and the control section 80 determines whether the out-of-quantity request signal is the excessive weight request signal or the underweight request signal. If the out-of-quantity request signal is the excessive weight request signal, the processing proceeds to step S14, the use of the out-of-quantity discharge condition A is determined, and the control section 80 performs the combination operation processing in step S16. If the out-of-quantity request signal is the underweight request signal, the processing proceeds to step S15, the use of the out-of-quantity discharge condition B is determined, and the control section 80 performs the combination operation processing in step S16.

[0094] As described above, the combination operation processing is performed by the control section 80 in step S16 using the in-quantity discharge condition, or the out-of-quantity discharge condition A or the out-of-quantity discharge condition B deviating from the in-quantity discharge condition. Then, the processing proceeds to step S17, the control section 80 opens the gates 17, 19 corresponding to the several hoppers WH, BH selected in the combination operation, and causes the metered article having the total weight of the prescribed weight to be discharged from the hoppers WH, BH.

[0095] ​(4) Operation of the packaging device

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the conveying mechanism 23 is driven, and the film F is wound from the film roller of the film supply mechanism and guided towards the forming mechanism 22. In the forming mechanism 22, the sheet-like film F wound from the film roller advances along the surface of the forming unit 22b and, as it passes through the gap between the forming unit 22b and the tube 22a, wraps around the outer surface of the cylindrical tube 22a to form a cylindrical film Fc. Then, the cylindrical film Fc is conveyed downwards with its inner surface along the outer surface of the tube 22a. At this time, the longitudinal sealing mechanism 24 performs a heat seal on the overlapping portion of the cylindrical film Fc that should be longitudinally sealed.

[0097] Next, the tubular film Fc descends through tube 22a to the transverse sealing mechanism 25. In the transverse sealing mechanism 25, the lower portion of the tubular film Fc that becomes a bag is heat-sealed transversely. At this time, the article block falls from the metering device 1 through tube 22a and accumulates inside the tubular film Fc. Furthermore, with the article filled inside, the upper portion of the tubular film Fc that becomes a bag is heat-sealed transversely, and then this heat-sealed portion is cut transversely by a cutter (not shown) built into one of the sealing clamps 25a. Thus, the preceding package and the subsequent package are separated. The separated package falls onto the subsequent conveyor belt.

[0098] (5) Operation of the weight checking device

[0099] The measured items falling onto the conveyor belt are transported to Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 The weight inspection device 3 shown is a weighing conveyor 31. In the weight inspection device 3, the weight of the item being weighed is measured by a load sensor located on the weighing conveyor 31. If the weight of the item exceeds or falls below a specified weight range, the item is determined to be defective and is removed from the regular production line conveyor by the aforementioned distribution mechanism.

[0100] (6) Operation of the sealing inspection device

[0101] The measuring object, whose weight was measured by the weight checking device 3, is transported to... Figure 1 The sealing inspection device 4 shown includes a conveying section 41. In the sealing inspection device 4, a pressing member 42 rotates via a parallel motion mechanism 43, thereby pressing the packaged quantity from above. At this time, a rotation angle detector detects the rotation angle of the parallel motion mechanism 43 (linkage). If the detected rotation angle is above a reference rotation angle, the seal is deemed good, and the product is conveyed as a finished product. If the detected rotation angle is less than the reference rotation angle, the seal is deemed poor, and the product is removed from the production line.

[0102] (7) Features

[0103] (7-1)

[0104] In the metering device 1 of the present embodiment, basically, when the measured value (weight) of the measured article satisfies the proper discharge condition, the control section 80 discharges the article from the hoppers WH, BH. However, exceptionally, in the normal operation of the metering device 1, when the communication section 85 receives a signal (improper article request signal) relating to the inspection of the article, the control section 80 discharges the article from the hoppers WH, BH when the measured value deviates from the proper discharge condition. In other words, the aggregate weight is subjected to the combination operation process in a manner suitable for the improper discharge condition A or the improper discharge condition B deviating from the proper discharge condition, and the control section 80 discharges the metered article of the aggregate weight conforming to the overweight request signal or the underweight request signal from the hoppers WH, BH.

[0105] Thus, in the metering device 1 performing the normal operation, when the weight inspection device 3 receives the improper article request signal, the metered article of the weight deviating from the proper discharge condition is also discharged from the metering device 1. That is, the weight of the article discharged from the hoppers WH, BH becomes the weight deviating from the proper discharge condition. Therefore, in the weight inspection device 3 downstream in the production system 100, it is easy to determine whether the normal inspection is performed, it is not necessary to throw the overweight article or the underweight article into the weight inspection device 3 by hand as in the past, and it is possible to achieve the reduction of the waste work of the operator.

[0106] In addition, as described above, here, in the normal operation of the metering device 1, in order to perform the work confirmation of the weight inspection device 3 of the production line (production system 100), it is possible to perform the discharge operation of the metered article under the condition deviating from the proper discharge condition (improper discharge mode) of the weight inspection device 3 of the production line (production system 100). Figure 2 The normal operation means that the production line is operated, and the operation of producing, metering, processing, and inspecting the article.

[0107] (7-2)

[0108] In the metering device 1 of the present embodiment, by changing the combination selection of the plurality of hoppers WH, BH, it is possible to make the amount of the article discharged from one or a plurality of hoppers WH, BH constituting the selected combination deviate from the proper discharge condition.

[0109] (7-3)

[0110] In the weighing device 1 of the present embodiment, in the weight inspection device 3, when the out-of-specification product request button 34a for requesting the weighing product of the excess weight is pressed, an out-of-specification product request signal is transmitted to the weighing device 1. The out-of-specification product request signal is an upper limit excess signal for requesting the weighing product having the total weight value exceeding the weight range of the in-specification discharge condition. When the upper limit excess signal is received by the communication section 85 of the weighing device 1, the product having the total weight exceeding the upper limit value (here, 105 g) of the in-specification discharge condition is discharged from the hoppers WH, BH. Therefore, it is assumed that the amount of the product discharged from the hoppers WH, BH becomes too large, but when the weight becomes too large, it is possible to exceed the processing capacity of the packaging device 2. In view of this, in the weighing device 1 of the present embodiment, the combination of the hoppers WH, BH is selected in such a manner that the total of the weights falls within the prescribed numerical range (106 to 140 g) in which no defect is generated in the packaging device 2 that processes the weighing product discharged from the hoppers WH, BH.

[0111] (8) Modification

[0112] Hereinafter, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be shown. In addition, a part or all of the content of each modification can be combined with the content of the above-described embodiment or the content of other modifications within a range in which they do not contradict each other.

[0113] (8-1) Modification A

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the weighing device 1 performs the combination operation using the weight values of the products in the hoppers WH, BH, and the weighing product having the total weight falling within the prescribed numerical range is discharged from the hoppers WH, BH, but even a weighing device in which the number of products in the hoppers WH, BH is measured instead of the weight values and the weighing product having the total number falling within the prescribed numerical range is discharged from the hoppers WH, BH can apply the present application.

[0115] As for the measurement of the number of products in the hoppers WH, BH, the number can be converted from the weight of the products in the hoppers WH, BH, or the products in the hoppers can be photographed from above using a camera, and the number of products can be found using image analysis. In addition, the number of products can be found by detecting the products input into the hoppers WH, BH using a sensor.

[0116] (8-2) Modification B

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, as the devices constituting the production system 100, the weighing device 1, the packaging device 2, the weight inspection device 3, the sealing inspection device 4, the distribution-to-device, and the like are described, but a boxing device for boxing the packaged bodies after the inspection, other inspection devices, and the like can be further assembled to the production line.

[0118] For example, instead of the weight inspection device 3, the number or weight of the articles in the package can be sought by an X-ray inspection device, and the inspection of the package can be performed.

[0119] Further, instead of the metering device 1 as the combination metering device, the present application can be applied to a metering device that does not perform the combination operation. For example, the present application can be applied to a metering device for powders or tablets.

[0120] (8-3) Modification Example C

[0121] In the above embodiment, the out-of-quantity request button 34a is provided on the display portion 34 of the weight inspection device 3, but a touch panel or a physical button can be provided on the control device C of the production system 100, and the out-of-quantity request signal can be transmitted from there to the metering device 1.

[0122] Further, instead of the structure in which the out-of-quantity request signal is transmitted to the metering device 1 when the out-of-quantity request button 34a is pressed by the operator, a structure can be adopted in which a dispatch setting function is provided in the weight inspection device 3 or the control device C, and the out-of-quantity request signal is transmitted to the metering device 1 based on the dispatch setting.

[0123] (8-4) Modification Example D

[0124] In the metering device 1 of the above embodiment, the control portion 80 performs the combination operation processing using the in-quantity discharge condition, or the out-of-quantity discharge condition A or the out-of-quantity discharge condition B deviating from the in-quantity discharge condition. Instead, only the in-quantity discharge condition and the out-of-quantity discharge condition A can be used, or only the in-quantity discharge condition and the out-of-quantity discharge condition B can be used.

[0125] Further, instead of providing the out-of-quantity discharge conditions, the combination operation processing can be performed in a manner satisfying the in-quantity discharge condition when the out-of-quantity request signal is not received, and in a manner not satisfying the in-quantity discharge condition when the out-of-quantity request signal is received. As the manner not satisfying the in-quantity discharge condition, for example, there can be mentioned a processing of confirming that the weight of the article in any one of the hoppers not empty satisfies the in-quantity discharge condition (is lower than the lower limit weight value) and selecting that one hopper, a processing of confirming that the total of the weights of the three of the articles in the hoppers satisfies the in-quantity discharge condition (exceeds the upper limit weight value) and selecting those three hoppers, and the like.

Claims

1. An article measurement and discharge apparatus comprising: a storage section that stores articles; a measurement section that measures a weight or a number of the articles stored in the storage section; a control section that causes the articles to be discharged from the storage section when the weight or the number measured by the measurement section satisfies a prescribed discharge condition; and a reception section that receives a signal from the outside, wherein the control section causes the articles whose weight or number deviates from the discharge condition to be discharged from the storage section when the reception section receives a signal related to inspection of the articles discharged from the storage section.

2. The article measurement and discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage section has first to Nth hoppers that respectively store the articles, N being an integer of two or more, the measurement section measures first to Nth weights or numbers that are weights or numbers of the articles stored in the first to the Nth hoppers, the control section selects a combination of the hoppers whose total weight or number satisfies the discharge condition, based on the first to the Nth weights or numbers, and causes the articles to be discharged from the hoppers constituting the selected combination, and the control section selects a combination of the hoppers whose total weight or number deviates from the discharge condition, and causes the articles to be discharged from the hoppers constituting the selected combination, when the reception section receives the signal.

3. The article measurement and discharge apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the discharge condition includes an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the total weight or number, the signal is an upper limit exceeding signal that requests the articles whose total weight or number exceeds the upper limit value to be discharged, the control section selects a combination of the hoppers whose total weight or number exceeds the upper limit value and falls within a prescribed numerical range in which no defect is generated in other article processing apparatuses that process the articles discharged from the storage section, and causes the articles to be discharged from the hoppers constituting the selected combination, when the reception section receives the upper limit exceeding signal.

4. The article measurement and discharge apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the article processing apparatus is a packaging apparatus that packages the articles discharged from the storage section.

5. The article measurement and discharge apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inspection of the articles discharged from the storage section is inspection related to the weight or the number of the articles. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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