Weighing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a weighing apparatus which prevents a string-shaped food product from being excessively supplies to a weighing part, and achieves highly accurate weighing.SOLUTION: A weighing apparatus 1 includes: a main tank 2 for storing a string-shaped food product supplied from a predetermined charging position together with water, and discharging the string-shaped food product from a tank outlet; a discharge part 4 which is connected to the tank outlet, and downwardly discharges the string-shaped food product; a weighing part 5 for weighing a predetermined amount of the string-shaped food product S discharged from the discharge part 4; a buffer tank 3 for storing the string-shaped food product S together with water; a buffer piping 35 which is configured to be capable of transferring the string-shaped food product from the main tank 2 to the buffer tank 3; and a return piping 36 which is configured to be capable of transferring the string-shaped food product from the buffer tank 3 to the main tank 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, and in particular to a device for measuring the volume of string-like food products. [Background technology]

[0002] A weighing device is known that includes a tank for storing string-like food, a discharge section connected to the tank outlet for discharging the string-like food downward, and a measuring section for measuring the volume of the string-like food discharged from the discharge section. It is known that in such a weighing device, if a large amount of string-like food accumulates in the discharge section or the measuring section, the weighing error becomes large. It is presumed that this is because the accumulation of string-like food causes the lower string-like food to be pressed by the upper string-like food, reducing the gap and increasing the density of the string-like food.

[0003] In order to stabilize the weighing, it is preferable that the string-like food is supplied to the weighing unit little by little. Patent Document 1 discloses a weighing device that forms a swirling water current in a hopper to limit the amount of noodle strings supplied. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Jitsutoku No. 3145906 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to achieve more accurate weighing, it is preferable to stably limit the amount of string-like food supplied to the weighing section. The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and has an object to provide a weighing device that prevents an excessive amount of string-like food from being supplied to the weighing section and achieves highly accurate weighing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a weighing device is provided which includes a main tank that stores string-like food supplied from a predetermined input position together with water and discharges it from a tank outlet, a discharge section connected to the tank outlet and discharging the string-like food downward, a measuring section that measures a predetermined amount of the string-like food discharged from the discharge section, a buffer tank that stores the string-like food together with water, a buffer piping configured to transfer the string-like food from the main tank to the buffer tank, and a return piping configured to transfer the string-like food from the buffer tank to the main tank. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The weighing device of the present invention is configured to have a main tank and a buffer tank, and to keep the amount of string-like food in the main tank relatively constant by transferring string-like food between the main tank and the buffer tank. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of string-like food sent from the main tank to the weighing section via the discharge section, thereby enabling more stable weighing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a main tank, a discharge section, a measuring section, a transport section, and a water tank. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the supply amount limiting nozzle. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a buffer tank. [Figure 7] This shows the buffer piping in the water cut-off position. [Figure 8] The buffer piping is shown in the water flow position. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the discharge section and the metering section. [Figure 11]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the discharge section and the metering section. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a piping diagram of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The various modified examples described below can be implemented in any combination. In the drawings, some components may be omitted, modified, or simplified in consideration of visibility.

[0010] The weighing device 1 of this embodiment is a device that measures the volume of string-like food S. The string-like food S is typically noodles such as udon, soba, Chinese noodles, and long pasta, particularly boiled noodles, but may be other foods having a string-like shape. In addition, when the string-like food S is transported by water, it is preferable that the string-like food S naturally sinks in water. In other words, it is preferable that the specific gravity of the string-like food S is greater than 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the weighing device 1 of this embodiment includes a main tank 2, a buffer tank 3, a buffer piping 35, a return piping 36, a discharge section 4, a weighing section 5, a conveying section 6, a water tank 7, and a control device 9.

[0012] The main tank 2 is a tank that opens at the top and bottom, and stores the string-like food S supplied from the upstream device to a predetermined input position 21 together with water, and discharges it from a tank outlet 2a formed at the bottom end. When the string-like food S is boiled noodles, the upstream device is, for example, a noodle boiling device. It is preferable that the tank outlet 2a is not directly below the input position 21 of the string-like food S. In other words, it is preferable that the input position 21 and the tank outlet 2a are located to a certain extent apart in a top view. The inclined plate 2b is a part of the sheet metal that constitutes the main tank 2, and is inclined downward from the input position 21 side toward the tank outlet 2a. The string-like food S is sent from the input position 21 to the tank outlet 2a along the inclined plate 2b. The inclined plate 2b may be formed by combining multiple sheet metals, and the inclination angle may change along the way. The inclined plate 2b is formed with a nozzle hole 2c that is an opening.

[0013] The main tank 2 is provided with a partition plate 2d, an overflow plate 2e, and a transparent window 2f. The partition plate 2d is a plate-like member erected between the input position 21 and the tank outlet 2a in a top view. The partition plate 2d forms a gap between itself and the inclined plate 2b, and divides the inside of the main tank 2 into the input position 21 side and the tank outlet 2a side. The string-like food S moves from the input position 21 side to the tank outlet 2a side through the gap. In other words, the partition plate 2d restricts the movement of the string-like food S that does not pass through the gap. The overflow plate 2e is a plate-like member that discharges water in the main tank 2 that has reached a certain water level. The overflow plate 2e may be configured to discharge water that has exceeded the upper end, or may be configured to discharge water through a through hole formed in the upper portion. The transparent window 2f is a peephole made of a transparent material for observing the inside of the main tank 2. The position and number of the transparent windows 2f are not particularly limited. However, since the weighing device 1 of this embodiment is configured to grasp the amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2 through the transparent windows 2f, it is desirable to position at least one of the transparent windows 2f in a position where the area above the tank outlet 2a can be observed.

[0014] The input position 21 is a position located above the main tank 2, where the string-like food S is supplied from the upstream device to the main tank 2. The string-like food S dropped at the input position 21 is supplied to the main tank 2. When the string-like food S is transported from the upstream device to the input position 21, for example, the string-like food S may be transported by a bucket, and the bucket may be inverted at the input position 21 to supply the string-like food S. The input position 21 may be provided with a chute for guiding the string-like food S. In addition, in this embodiment, the string-like food S is input into the main tank 2 together with water from the buffer tank 3 via the return pipe 36. In this embodiment, the return pipe 36 is provided on the input position 21 side, but may be provided on the tank outlet 2a side. The water supply pipe 22 is a pipe that supplies clean water to the main tank 2. The water supply pipes 23a and 23b are pipes that supply circulating water to the main tank 2. In this specification, the water discharged from the main tank 2 and reused is called circulating water. The overflow pipe 24 is a pipe that conveys the water discharged from the main tank 2 through the overflow plate 2e to the water tank 7.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the main tank 2 is provided with a leveling member 25, a loosening member 26, and a water level gauge 27. The leveling member 25 is a fence-like member having a main shaft that is inserted across the inside of the main tank 2 and a number of rod members that stand on the main shaft. The leveling member 25 is provided on the side of the input position 21, and slows the flow of the string-like food S and disperses the string-like food S along the main shaft into the main tank 2. The loosening member 26 has a main shaft that is inserted across the inside of the main tank 2, a number of water pipes that stand on the main shaft, and a rotating device that rotates the main shaft. The main shaft and the water pipes are configured so that water can flow through them, and the water supplied through the main shaft is sprayed from the tip of the water pipe. The loosening member 26 is provided above the tank outlet 2a, and sprays a water flow onto the string-like food S to loosen it, and pushes the string-like food S out to the tank outlet 2a. The water level gauge 27 measures the water level position in the main tank 2 .

[0016] As shown in Fig. 4, measurement sensor 28 is provided on the side of main tank 2. Measurement sensor 28 is a sensor that measures the amount of string-like food S in main tank 2. More specifically, measurement sensor 28 preferably measures the amount of string-like food S above tank outlet 2a. Knowing the amount of string-like food S with measurement sensor 28 facilitates automatic control related to limiting the supply amount of string-like food S. Multiple measurement sensors 28 may be provided depending on the size and shape of main tank 2.

[0017] In this embodiment, the measurement sensor 28 is an image sensor that periodically captures images of the inside of the main tank 2 through a transparent window 2f provided above the tank outlet 2a, and measures the area occupied by the string-like food S in a predetermined region. The image sensor has, for example, an image sensor that captures an image of the predetermined region and converts it into data, a light source that irradiates the predetermined region with light, and a sensor controller that calculates the area of ​​the string-like food S based on the image data acquired from the image sensor. More specifically, the image sensor of this embodiment calculates the color area related to the string-like food S. For example, the sensor controller quantifies and compares a pre-specified color and the image data in an arbitrary color system such as the L-A-B-S-T color system, calculates the area of ​​the part where the degree of color match exceeds a reference value, and regards the area as the area of ​​the string-like food S. The area of ​​the string-like food S may be calculated as an absolute value or as a percentage of the predetermined region. When the area of ​​the string-like food S is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the sensor controller outputs a signal indicating that the amount of string-like food S is excessive to the control device 9, and when the area of ​​the string-like food S is equal to or less than the lower limit, the sensor controller outputs a signal indicating that the amount of string-like food S is insufficient to the control device 9. Note that at least a part of the calculation and determination related to the area of ​​the string-like food S may be performed by the control device 9, or the sensor controller may be configured as a part of the control device 9.

[0018] Furthermore, a sensor other than an image sensor may be used as the measurement sensor 28. For example, the measurement sensor 28 may be two photoelectric sensors configured to be able to detect the presence or absence of string-like food S. The two photoelectric sensors are installed at different heights above the tank outlet 2a. When the higher photoelectric sensor detects that string-like food S is present at the detection position for a predetermined time, it outputs a signal indicating that the amount of string-like food S is excessive to the control device 9. When the lower photoelectric sensor detects that string-like food S is not present at the detection position for a predetermined time, it outputs a signal indicating that the amount of string-like food S is insufficient to the control device 9.

[0019] The supply amount limiting nozzle 29 forms a jet of fluid directed upward in the main tank 2. The jet acts as a barrier against which the string-like food S moves, so the string-like food S stays, and the amount of string-like food S sent from the main tank 2 to the measuring unit 5 is kept at an appropriate amount. If the supply amount limiting nozzle 29 sufficiently limits the supply amount of the string-like food S, the leveling member 25 may be omitted. The supply amount limiting nozzle 29 is provided between the input position 21 and the tank outlet 2a in a top view, and more specifically, is provided below the input position 21 side near the partition plate 2d. In this way, forced convection is generated by the jet and the partition plate 2d, and the string-like food S can be more appropriately retained. In addition, in order to appropriately eject the jet onto the string-like food S moving on the inclined plate 2b, the supply amount limiting nozzle 29 is preferably provided below the inclined plate 2b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a supply amount limiting nozzle 29 is disposed immediately below a nozzle hole 2c formed in an inclined plate 2b.

[0020] The fluid ejected from the supply amount restriction nozzle 29 is preferably a bubble flow consisting of a mixture of water and air. In other words, the supply amount restriction nozzle 29 is preferably a bubble flow ejection nozzle. The supply amount restriction nozzle 29 mixes water and air supplied via the water pipe 291 and the air pipe 292, and ejects the mixture as a bubble flow. Compared to a water jet or an air jet, an air bubble flow is less likely to diffuse in water, and is therefore more effective at restricting the movement of the string-like food S.

[0021] It is preferable that the supply amount restriction nozzle 29 is configured so that the jet flow can be turned on / off, the strength of the jet flow, or both. It is also preferable that the supply amount restriction nozzle 29 is controlled according to the amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2 measured by the measurement sensor 28. For example, when the amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2 is excessive, the supply amount restriction nozzle 29 sprays a relatively strong jet flow. When the amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2 is appropriate, the supply amount restriction nozzle 29 sprays a relatively weak jet flow. When the amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2 is insufficient, the supply amount restriction nozzle 29 stops spraying the jet flow.

[0022] The buffer tank 3 shown in FIG. 6 is a tank with an open top, which stores the string-like food S discharged from the main tank 2 together with water, and returns the string-like food S together with water to the main tank 2. The buffer tank 3 is provided with an overflow plate 3a. The overflow plate 3a is a plate-shaped member that discharges water in the buffer tank 3 that has reached a certain water level. The overflow plate 3a may be configured to discharge water that has exceeded the upper end, or may be configured to discharge water through a through hole formed in the upper portion. By appropriately transferring the string-like food S between the main tank 2 and the buffer tank 3, an appropriate amount of the string-like food S sent from the main tank 2 to the measuring unit 5 is maintained. The water supply pipe 31 is a pipe that supplies clean water to the buffer tank 3. If water supply to the buffer tank 3 is not necessary, the water supply pipe 31 may be omitted. The drain pipe 32 is a pipe that discharges the water stored in the buffer tank 3 to the outside of the device. The overflow pipe 33 is a pipe that discharges the water discharged from the buffer tank 3 through the overflow plate 3a to the outside of the device. The water level gauge 34 measures the water level position in the buffer tank 3.

[0023] The buffer pipe 35 is a pipe configured to be capable of transferring the string-like food S together with water from the main tank 2 to the buffer tank 3. The buffer pipe 35 of this embodiment is configured to switch between transferring and stopping the transfer of the string-like food S without using a valve. The buffer pipe 35 is rotatably connected to the main tank 2 and configured to be rotatable between a water-cut position where the top is located above the water surface of the main tank 2 and a water-passing position where the top is located below the water surface of the main tank 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the buffer pipe 35 of this embodiment has a so-called U-seal structure, and the top is located at a U-shaped bent portion. The buffer pipe drive device 351 is an arbitrary actuator such as a cylinder, and is configured to be able to rotate the buffer pipe 35 between the water-cut position and the water-passing position. When the string-like food S is not transferred, the buffer pipe 35 is positioned at the water-cut position as shown in FIG. 7. At this time, the top of the buffer pipe 35 is located above the water surface of the main tank 2, so that the string-like food S is not transferred. When the string-like food S is being transferred, as shown in Fig. 8, the buffer pipe 35 is positioned at the water passing position. At this time, the top of the buffer pipe 35 is located below the water level in the main tank 2, so the string-like food S is transferred from the main tank 2 to the buffer tank 3 through the buffer pipe 35 together with the water. With this configuration, the transfer is controlled without using a valve, so the string-like food S is not damaged by the valve. Also, because the string-like food S is transferred together with the water, the string-like food S is less likely to be damaged.

[0024] Even if the buffer pipe 35 is returned from the water passing position to the water cut-off position, the string-like food S and water may continue to be discharged due to the siphon effect. For this reason, a mechanism for preventing the siphon effect may be provided. In this embodiment, an air introduction valve 85 is provided at the top of the buffer pipe 35. When the transfer of the string-like food S is to be stopped, after the buffer pipe 35 is positioned at the water cut-off position, the air introduction valve 85 is opened for a predetermined time to suck air into the buffer pipe 35, thereby breaking the siphon effect.

[0025] The return pipe 36 is a pipe configured to be able to transfer the string-like food S together with water from the buffer tank 3 to the main tank 2. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, a return nozzle 37 is provided at the bottom of the buffer tank 3, and the return nozzle 37 forms a jet of fluid toward the inlet opening of the return pipe 36, thereby transferring the string-like food S. The inlet opening of the return pipe 36 is provided close to the return nozzle 37 with a gap large enough to allow the string-like food S to pass through. A fluid supply pipe 38 through which the fluid flows is connected to the return nozzle 37. The fluid ejected from the return nozzle 37 is preferably water. Here, the inner diameter of the return nozzle 37 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid supply pipe 38. At this time, the flow speed of the jet of fluid ejected from the return nozzle 37 increases and the pressure in the vicinity of the jet is reduced due to the Venturi effect, so that the string-like food S is easily transferred to the return pipe 36 by riding on the jet. In this manner, the string-like food S is transferred together with the water from the buffer tank 3 to the main tank 2 through the return pipe 36. With this configuration, the string-like food S is transferred together with the water, so that the string-like food S is less likely to be damaged.

[0026] The transfer of string-like food S between main tank 2 and buffer tank 3 is preferably controlled according to the amount of string-like food S in main tank 2 measured by measurement sensor 28. Specifically, when the amount of string-like food S in main tank 2 is excessive, string-like food S is transferred from main tank 2 to buffer tank 3 via buffer piping 35. When the amount of string-like food S in main tank 2 is insufficient, string-like food S is transferred from buffer tank 3 to main tank 2 via return piping 36.

[0027] The weighing device 1 of this embodiment combines two configurations: "forming an upward jet of fluid in the main tank 2 by the supply amount limiting nozzle 29" and "transferring string-like food S between the main tank 2 and the buffer tank 3 to maintain an appropriate amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2." However, only the latter may be implemented as long as it is possible to maintain an appropriate amount of string-like food S sent from the main tank 2 to the weighing unit 5 and achieve stable weighing.

[0028] The discharge unit 4 is connected to the tank outlet 2a and discharges the string-like food S downward. The discharge unit 4 includes at least a cylinder 41 that communicates vertically. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the cylinder 41 in this embodiment has a funnel shape, but the shape is not limited to this. In this embodiment, four cylinders 41 are provided, but the number is not limited to this. The cylinder 41 in this embodiment is configured to be able to spray water toward the inside. A plurality of through holes 411 are formed in the cylinder 41, and the outside of the cylinder 41 is covered with a housing 43. When water is supplied to the inside of the housing 43, the water is sprayed from the through holes 411 to the inside of the cylinder 41. As a result, the string-like food S is loosened by the discharge unit 4 and then sent to the measuring unit 5. The discharge unit 4 may be configured integrally with the main tank 2.

[0029] The measuring unit 5 measures a predetermined amount of the string-like food S discharged from the discharge unit 4. More specifically, the measuring unit 5 measures the volume of the string-like food S and separates the string-like food S into portions of a predetermined volume. The measuring unit 5 includes at least a measuring container 51 configured to be able to accommodate a predetermined amount of the string-like food S. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, the measuring unit 5 of this embodiment includes a measuring container 51, a lower plate 53, a measuring container drive device 55, and a discharge chute 57. Two measuring containers 51 are provided for one cylinder 41, and the two are connected to each other and configured to be movable horizontally on the lower plate 53 by the measuring container drive device 55. The lower plate 53 has a water passage portion 531 provided directly below the discharge unit 4 and a pair of openings 532 provided on either side of the water passage portion 531. The water passage section 531 has a through hole large enough for the string-like food S to pass through but not for water to pass through. When the weighing container 51 is above the water passage section 531, the string-like food S is drained. The opening section 532 has an opening large enough for the string-like food S to pass through. When the weighing container 51 containing the string-like food S is above the opening section 532, the string-like food S is discharged downward. The weighing container drive device 55 is an arbitrary actuator such as a cylinder, and is configured to be able to move the weighing container 51 back and forth between the water passage section 531 and the opening section 532. When the weighing container 51 moves, the string-like food S is scraped between the outlet of the cylinder 41 and the inlet of the weighing container 51, and the string-like food S is measured to a predetermined volume. The string-like food S discharged from the opening section 532 is guided by the discharge chute 57 and sent to the conveying section 6. With this configuration, the string-like food S can be drained and discharged in parallel, resulting in excellent productivity. The measuring container 51 is preferably configured to be replaceable, and a measuring container 51 of an appropriate volume is attached. The lower plate 53 may be configured to be vertically position adjustable. The measuring volume can be finely adjusted by adjusting the size of the gap between the lower end of the measuring container 51 and the upper surface of the lower plate 53 within a range in which the string-like food S does not leak out. When the measuring container 51 is in the middle position between the water passage part 531 and the opening 532, the outlet of the cylindrical body 41 is closed by the connecting plate connecting the measuring container 51. When it is desired to stop drainage from the tank outlet 2a, such as when starting up the measuring device 1, the outlet of the cylindrical body 41 can be closed.

[0030] The conveying unit 6 conveys the string-like food S, which has been weighed to a predetermined amount, to a downstream device. The conveying unit 6 in this embodiment is an endless conveying device. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the conveying unit 6 includes a pair of sprockets 61 configured to be rotatably driven, a chain 63 wound around the sprockets 61, and buckets 65 attached to the chain 63 at predetermined intervals. The conveying unit 6 may transport the buckets 65 continuously or intermittently. In order to prevent water from accumulating in the buckets 65, a through hole is formed in the buckets 65. In order to wash the buckets 65, a washing nozzle 67 configured to be able to spray water toward the buckets 65 may be provided at an appropriate position.

[0031] The water tank 7 is a tank that stores water discharged from the main tank 2. Specifically, water is sent from the main tank 2 to the water tank 7 through the overflow pipe 24. Also, water discharged during metering is sent from the main tank 2 to the water tank 7 through the discharge unit 4, the metering unit 5, and the conveying unit 6. The water stored in the water tank 7 is reused as circulating water. The water tank 7 is provided with an overflow plate 7a. The overflow plate 7a is a plate-shaped member that discharges water in the water tank 7 that has reached a certain water level. The overflow plate 7a may be configured to discharge water that has exceeded the upper end, or may be configured to discharge water through a through hole formed in the upper portion. The water supply pipe 71 is a pipe that supplies clean water to the water tank 7. The drain pipe 73 is a pipe that discharges water stored in the water tank 7. The overflow pipe 75 is a pipe that discharges water discharged from the water tank 7 through the overflow plate 7a to the outside of the device. In addition, the water discharged from the overflow pipe 75 may be reused as circulating water. The filter 77 removes debris and the like from the water sent to the water tank 7. The water level gauge 79 measures the water level position in the water tank 7.

[0032] The conveying unit 6 and the water tank 7 may be configured as a water washing device that washes the string-like food S. For example, the water washing device includes the water tank 7 that stores water, a pair of sprockets 61 that are configured to be rotatably driven, a chain 63 wound around the sprockets 61, and buckets 65 attached to the chain 63 at predetermined intervals, and is configured to perform a water washing process for the string-like food S by transporting the buckets 65 that contain the string-like food S through the water stored in the water tank 7.

[0033] The control device 9 controls the drive system of each part of the metering device 1 and the piping system such as the pump 81 and valves, based on information from sensors such as the water level gauges 27, 34, 79 and the measurement sensor 28, and instructions from an operator, etc. The control device 9 may be configured by arbitrarily combining hardware such as a calculation device, a storage device, and an input / output interface with software.

[0034] Here, the piping system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The piping system of the weighing device 1 of this embodiment includes a pump 81, a valve, and piping connecting each part. A flow meter and a pressure gauge may be provided at any position. The pump 81 pressure-feeds the circulating water discharged from the drain pipe 73 of the water tank 7 to each part. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pump 81 is connected to the water supply pipes 23a and 23b, the loosening member 26, the supply amount limiting nozzle 29, the return nozzle 37, and the discharge part 4, and supplies the circulating water. However, these members may be supplied with clean water instead of the circulating water. As the valves, automatic valves 82a-82e, opening and closing valves 83a-83d, flow rate adjustment valves 84a-84d, an air introduction valve 85, and the like are provided in appropriate combination. The automatic valves 82a-82e are, for example, motor valves or solenoid valves. The opening and closing valves 83a-83d are, for example, gate valves. The flow rate control valves 84a-84d are, for example, globe valves. The air introduction valve 85 is, for example, a diaphragm valve. The configuration of the piping system shown in Fig. 12 and the control of the valves described below are merely examples, and are not limited thereto as long as the present invention can be implemented.

[0035] Clean water is supplied to the main tank 2 via a water supply pipe 22, and circulating water is supplied via water supply pipes 23a and 23b. The water supply pipe 22 is opened and closed by an automatic valve 82a. The automatic valve 82a is opened and closed according to the water level in the main tank 2 detected by a water level gauge 27, and the water level in the main tank 2 is maintained at an appropriate height. The water supply pipes 23a and 23b are opened and closed by an on-off valve 83a. The on-off valve 83a is always open during continuous operation.

[0036] Circulating water is supplied to the loosening member 26. The amount of circulating water supplied to the loosening member 26 can be adjusted by a flow rate regulating valve 84a.

[0037] Circulating water and air are supplied to the supply amount limiting nozzle 29 via a water pipe 291 and an air pipe 292, respectively. The water pipe 291 is opened and closed by an automatic valve 82b. The amount of water supplied to the water pipe 291 can be adjusted by a flow rate control valve 84b. The automatic valve 82b and the flow rate control valve 84b may be controlled according to the amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2 detected by the measurement sensor 28. The air pipe 292 has an air suction port at a position higher than the water level of the main tank 2. When the circulating water is pressure-fed to the supply amount limiting nozzle 29 via the water pipe 291, air is sucked into the supply amount limiting nozzle 29 via the air pipe 292.

[0038] Clean water may be supplied to the buffer tank 3 at any time via the water supply pipe 31. The water supply pipe 31 is opened and closed by an automatic valve 82c. When operation is terminated, the water in the buffer tank 3 is drained to the outside of the device via the drain pipe 32. The drain pipe 32 is opened and closed by an on-off valve 83b.

[0039] Between the main tank 2 and the buffer tank 3, the string-like food S and water are transferred according to the amount of the string-like food S in the main tank 2 detected by the measurement sensor 28. When the amount of the string-like food S in the main tank 2 is excessive, the buffer pipe 35 is positioned at the water passing position, and transfers the string-like food S together with water from the main tank 2 to the buffer tank 3. After the amount of the string-like food S in the main tank 2 becomes appropriate, the buffer pipe 35 is returned to the water cut-off position. However, when the water level gauge 34 detects that the water level in the buffer tank 3 has reached the upper limit position, the buffer pipe 35 may be returned to the water cut-off position even before the amount of the string-like food S in the main tank 2 becomes appropriate. After the buffer pipe 35 is returned to the water cut-off position, the air introduction valve 85 provided at the top of the buffer pipe 35 is opened, and the siphon effect is prevented. When the amount of the string-like food S in the main tank 2 is insufficient, a jet is ejected from the return nozzle 37, and the return pipe 36 transfers the string-like food S together with water from the buffer tank 3 to the main tank 2. An automatic valve 82d and a flow rate control valve 84c are provided in the fluid supply pipe 38 that connects the return nozzle 37 and the pump 81. The fluid supply pipe 38 is opened and closed by the automatic valve 82d, and the jet of the return nozzle 37 is switched ON / OFF. The amount of circulating water supplied to the return nozzle 37 can be adjusted by the flow rate control valve 84c.

[0040] Circulating water is supplied to the discharge portion 4. More specifically, the circulating water is supplied to the through-hole 411 of the cylindrical body 41 via the housing 43. The amount of circulating water supplied to the discharge portion 4 can be adjusted by the flow rate adjustment valve 84d.

[0041] Clean water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 67 of the transfer section 6. The piping that supplies clean water to the cleaning nozzle 67 is opened and closed by an on-off valve 83c. The on-off valve 83c is always open during continuous operation.

[0042] Clean water is supplied to the water tank 7 through the water supply pipe 71. The water supply pipe 71 is opened and closed by an automatic valve 82e. The automatic valve 82e is opened and closed according to the water level of the water tank 7 detected by the water level gauge 79, and the water level in the water tank 7 is kept at an appropriate height. The water tank 7 stores water discharged directly or indirectly from the main tank 2 and water supplied from the water supply pipe 71. The water stored in the water tank 7 is pumped by the pump 81 through the drain pipe 73 and reused as circulating water. In principle, the pump 81 is always driven during continuous operation, but if the water level gauge 79 detects that the water level of the water tank 7 is below the lower limit position, the pump 81 may be stopped to prevent the pump 81 from breaking down. When the operation is finished, the water in the buffer tank 3 is discharged outside the device through a drain pipe connected between the drain pipe 73 and the pump 81. The drain pipe is opened and closed by an on-off valve 83d.

[0043] The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 Weighing device 2. Main Tank 2a Tank outlet 2b Inclined plate 2d Partition 28 Measurement Sensors 29 Supply volume limiting nozzle 3. Buffer Tank 35 Buffer piping 351 Buffer pipe drive unit 36 Return piping 37 Return nozzle 4 Discharge section 5 Measuring part 85 Air intake valve S string food

Claims

1. a main tank that stores the string-like food together with water supplied from a predetermined input position and discharges the food from a tank outlet; a discharge part connected to the tank outlet and discharging the string-like food downward; a measuring unit that measures a predetermined amount of the string-like food discharged from the discharge unit; A buffer tank for storing the string-like food together with water; a buffer pipe configured to transfer the string-like food from the main tank to the buffer tank; a return pipe configured to transport the string-like food from the buffer tank to the main tank.

2. the buffer piping is rotatably connected to the main tank and configured to be rotatable between a water cut-off position in which a top portion of the buffer piping is located above the water level of the main tank and a water passing position in which the top portion of the buffer piping is located below the water level of the main tank; The weighing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a buffer pipe driving device configured to be able to rotate the buffer pipe.

3. The metering device of claim 2 further comprising an air inlet valve connected to the top.

4. The metering device according to claim 1 , further comprising a return nozzle provided in the buffer tank for forming a jet of fluid toward an opening of the return pipe.

5. 5. The metering device of claim 4, wherein the fluid comprises water.

6. The weighing device of claim 1 , further comprising a measurement sensor for measuring the amount of the string-shaped food product in the main tank.

7. The weighing device of claim 6 , wherein the measurement sensor is an image sensor that measures an area occupied by the string-like food within a predetermined area.

8. The weighing device according to claim 1 , wherein the main tank includes an inclined plate that is inclined downward from the loading position toward the tank outlet.

9. The measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the string-like food is boiled noodles.

10. The weighing device of claim 1 , wherein the string-like food has a specific gravity greater than 1.

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