Article counting system and combination scale used therefor

Abstract

To ensure that unit weight data of articles sent to a previous stage from a combination scale takes fluctuations into account and is highly reliable.SOLUTION: Unit weight data is sent at frequent intervals when operation starts and then at less frequent intervals. Measured articles improperly filled or damaged during transport are not used for unit weight computation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article counting system that counts the number of articles by performing a combination calculation of the unit weight values ​​of each of a plurality of articles, and to a combination weigher used therein. [Background technology]

[0002] The combination weigher used in this item counting system is equipped with multiple weighing hoppers. The combination weigher calculates the number of items supplied to each weighing hopper by dividing the weight of the items measured in each weighing hopper by a set unit weight value per item (hereinafter referred to as unit weight) to convert it into a number of items, and then performs a combination calculation to combine the calculated numbers of items in various ways.

[0003] In calculating the combination of the number of items in such a combination weigher, the obtained number of items is compared with a predetermined target number of items. For example, if there is no weight limit and an upper limit number of items is set, the combination of weighing hoppers that is greater than the target number of items and less than the upper limit number of items, and is equal to or closest to the target number of items, is selected as the optimal combination.Also, for example, if an upper limit weight, a lower limit weight, and a target weight are each set, the combination of weighing hoppers that has a combined number equal to the target number and a combined weight that is within the range of the upper limit weight and lower limit weight and is equal to or closest to the target weight is selected as the optimal combination.

[0004] Typically, an item counting system comprises a combination scale and a packaging machine attached to form a weighing and packaging line, and items are discharged from the weighing hopper selected as the optimal combination in the item count combination counting hopper. These items are then fed into the packaging machine via a collecting chute or collecting funnel, where they are packaged into a single package.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the cumulative weight value obtained by accumulating the weights of items discharged from the optimally combined weighing hoppers is divided by the cumulative number value obtained by accumulating the number of items discharged from the optimally combined hoppers to calculate the average unit weight value of the items, and the calculated average unit weight value is sent to the item manufacturing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-124416 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When goods manufactured by the goods manufacturing equipment are supplied to a combination scale on a weighing and packaging line such as the one described above, the unit weight of the goods is likely to fluctuate depending on the manufacturing conditions, such as the filling pressure, temperature, humidity, and viscosity of the ingredients when stuffing ingredients including meat into the casings that will serve as the skin.

[0008] When the unit weight of the goods manufactured by the goods manufacturing device fluctuates in this way and the difference with the unit weight set in the combination scale becomes large, the combination scale divides the weight value of the goods in each weighing hopper by the set unit weight value to convert it into the number of goods, which causes an error in the number of goods calculated for each weighing hopper, making it difficult to accurately determine the number of goods.

[0009] For this reason, workers periodically sample items manufactured by the item manufacturing equipment, for example, once an hour, check the unit weight, and adjust the manufacturing conditions so that the unit weight of the manufactured items matches the unit weight set in the combination scale.

[0010] In Patent Document 1, the cumulative weight value obtained by accumulating the weights of items discharged from each of multiple weighing hoppers selected as the optimal combination within a combination weigher is divided by the cumulative number of items discharged from the selected weighing hoppers to calculate an average unit weight value, and the calculated average unit weight value data is sent to an item manufacturing device located upstream of the combination weigher.

[0011] However, the invention of Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

[0012] Depending on the condition of the goods transported from the goods manufacturing equipment to the weighing hopper in the combination weigher, defective goods that do not meet the required unit weight or broken goods may be produced.

[0013] The invention of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration that when the unit weight is calculated based on the weighing results including the defectively filled or broken products, the calculation results will vary.

[0014] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration that at the start of operation, the weight value per product, i.e., the unit weight value, is not stable due to manufacturing conditions such as the filling pressure, temperature, humidity, and viscosity of the raw materials when raw materials including meat are filled into the intestines that will be used as the skin material. As a result, there is a risk that delays will occur in the adjustment control of the product manufacturing device in the upstream device of the combination weigher, which will result in poor manufacturing yield and, as a result, reduced productivity.

[0015] Furthermore, when the items to be weighed are, for example, sausages or wieners, and a specified number of casseroles are to be packed, even if the target number can be packed within a specified weight range, if there is a large variation in the unit weight of each food item, the commercial value of the food will decrease.

[0016] Furthermore, even within the predetermined weight range, the closer to the upper limit of the predetermined weight range the lower the production yield becomes, so it is important to stabilize the unit weight of the article as quickly as possible.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an article counting system and a combination weigher used therein that solves all of the above problems at once. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0019] (1) The article counting system of the present invention includes a combination weigher, The combination weigher comprises a conical dispersion feeder that conveys articles supplied from a supply device outward, a plurality of linear feeders that are arranged radially around the dispersion feeder and that convey the articles conveyed from the dispersion feeder outward by vibration, a plurality of supply hoppers that temporarily store and discharge articles from each of the linear feeders, a plurality of weighing hoppers that are arranged below each of the supply hoppers in correspondence with each of the supply hoppers and that weigh the articles discharged from each of the supply hoppers, and a control device that controls these. The control device In step S8 of the flowchart described below, the linear feeders are controlled so that one article is fed into each of the weighing hoppers, In step S11 of the flowchart described below, if the weight value of the items placed in each weighing hopper is within a predetermined unit weight range, the weight value is controlled to be sent as unit weight data to a preceding device in the system.

[0020] Furthermore, in the present invention, after the start of operation, The unit weight value is sent at frequent intervals, and then By increasing the interval between sending unit weight values, The feature of this method is that articles that have been improperly filled or damaged during transportation, as described in the section explaining the problems above, are not used to calculate the unit weight.

[0021] (2) A preferred embodiment of the present invention is In step S60 of the flowchart described below, the number of articles in each weighing hopper is calculated and stored. In step S61 of the flowchart described later, the weighing hoppers that match the target number of combinations of articles or that are within a predetermined range of article numbers are searched for and stored as a first group. In step S63 of the flowchart described later, if it is determined that the number of articles matches the target combination, a combination that is equal to or closest to the target combination weight value is searched for among the combinations of weighing hoppers in the first group, and this combination is designated as the second group. In step S64 of the flowchart described later, it is determined whether the total weight value of the weighing hoppers in the second group is within the allowable weight range. If it is determined in step S65 of the flowchart described below that the total weight value is within the allowable weight range, the weighing hopper in the second group combination is set as the discharge hopper.

[0022] (3) In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, The device has a recording unit for recording required data, and the control device controls the recording of the unit weight data in the recording unit.

[0023] (4) In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, The preceding stage device is an article manufacturing device.

[0024] (5) In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, The control device averages the unit weight data to obtain an average unit weight, transmits the average unit weight data to the preceding stage, and increases the predetermined number by one each time the number of transmitted average unit weight data reaches a predetermined number.As a result, after operation starts, the unit weight data is transmitted to the preceding stage at frequent intervals, and then the transmission intervals of the unit weight data are widened.

[0025] (6) In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, The control device sets a maximum value for the number of average unit weight data to be transmitted, and controls the number of transmitted data so that it does not exceed the maximum value.

[0026] (7) A combination weigher of the present invention is a combination weigher used in any one of the systems (1) to (6), the combination weigher comprising the plurality of weighing hoppers and the control device, The control device divides the weight value measured for the items in each weighing hopper by the unit weight value, which is the set weight value per item, to convert it into a number of items, thereby determining the number of items supplied to each weighing machine, and performs combination calculations to combine the determined numbers of items in various ways. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, the accuracy of the information on the unit weight value transmitted to the upstream device of the system is improved.

[0028] This allows for quicker start-up, improved production efficiency, and reduced waste, leading to improved yields. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of an item counting system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control system of the system. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an article manufacturing device that supplies articles to the system. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process for the entire system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating weighing control and recording of unit weight samples in the system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating transmission of unit weight values ​​in the system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a unit weight value combination calculation in the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an article counting system according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which reference numeral 1 denotes a combination weigher, 2 denotes a packaging machine, and 3 denotes a supply device.

[0031] In the combination weigher 1, 11 is a dispersion feeder, 12 is a linear feeder, 13 is a supply hopper, 14 is a weighing hopper, 15 is the main body of the weigher, 16 is a collecting chute, 17 is a collecting funnel, 18 is a control device, and 19 is an operation setting display.

[0032] The dispersion feeder 11 is a cone-shaped feeder that conveys the articles fed from the feeder 3 outward.

[0033] A plurality of linear feeders 12 are arranged radially around the dispersion feeder 11, and are feeders that convey articles conveyed from the dispersion feeder 11 outward by vibration.

[0034] The supply hopper 13 is a hopper that temporarily stores and discharges the articles from the linear feeder 12.

[0035] A plurality of weighing hoppers 14 are arranged below each of the supply hoppers 13 in correspondence with each supply hopper 13, and measure the weight of the articles discharged from each of the supply hoppers 13.

[0036] The device main body 15 includes a weighing sensor 15a, which detects the weight of the articles in the weighing hopper 14.

[0037] A collection chute 16 is disposed below and around each weighing hopper 14 .

[0038] In the item counting system, a combination of weighing hoppers 14 is selected from the individual weighing hoppers 14 such that the combined weight of the items falls within a predetermined weight range, and the items discharged from the selected combination of weighing hoppers 14 are collected by sliding them down to the center below the collecting chute 16 and collecting funnel 17.

[0039] The control device 18 controls the transmission and reception of various signals between the dispersion feeder 11, the linear feeder 12, the supply hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the weight sensor 15a, and controls the combination weigher 1 in accordance with a flowchart described later, and also controls the transmission and reception of required signals between the control device 18 and the operation setting display 19.

[0040] The packaging machine 2 is disposed below the collecting funnel 17 and packages the articles discharged from the collecting funnel 17.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of an article counting system in which the present invention is implemented.

[0042] In FIG. 2, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0043] The control device 18 includes a device main body 20, a vibration drive circuit 24, a gate drive circuit 25, and an A / D conversion circuit .

[0044] The device main body 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, and an I / O unit 23.

[0045] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an article counting system and an article manufacturing device that supplies articles to the system. The article manufacturing device corresponds to the front stage of the system.

[0046] 3, the article manufacturing apparatus 4 transmits and receives required signals to and from a control device 18 in the combination weigher 1. The control device 18 controls the combination weigher 1 via the transmission and reception of signals according to the operation settings of an operation setting display 19, and also controls communication with the article manufacturing apparatus 4.

[0047] The operations of the circuit blocks in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

[0048] 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall control process of the item counting system. This flowchart is controlled by the CPU 21 of the control device 18, and in addition to storing each piece of data described below, the memory 22 stores a program for executing the flowchart, and the CPU 20 controls the execution of the operation of each flowchart using the program. The same applies to the following flowcharts.

[0049] When the power is turned on, the control device 18 controls the system according to the flowchart.

[0050] In step S1, for example, the operating parameters for the product type are set.

[0051] In step S2, it is determined whether the system is in operation.

[0052] In step S3, a set value, for example, an operating parameter according to the set value in step S1, for example, an operating parameter for the target number of combinations, is set.

[0053] In step S4, a unit weight control transmission control parameter, that is, a control parameter for transmitting unit weight data to the preceding stage device, the article manufacturing device 4, for example, a control parameter for the number of unit weights to be transmitted for averaging, is set.

[0054] In step S5, the number of averaged unit weight values ​​to be sent in memory, i.e., the number of data items to be sent to the upstream device, the product manufacturing device 4, which is the unit weight data obtained by averaging the unit weight values ​​weighed by each of the multiple weighing hoppers 14, is initialized.

[0055] In step S6, the record at the address in the memory where the unit weight data is recorded is initialized.

[0056] In step S7, the dispersion feeder 11 is controlled.

[0057] In step S8, each linear feeder 12 is controlled so that one article is fed into each weighing hopper 14.

[0058] In step S9, the supply hopper 13 is controlled.

[0059] In step S10, the process described in detail in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is executed.

[0060] In step S11, which will be explained in detail in the flowchart of Figure 6, if the weight value of the goods placed in each weighing hopper 14 is within a predetermined unit weight range, the weight value is controlled to be sent as unit weight data to the preceding item manufacturing device 4.

[0061] In step S12, the process described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7 is executed. In step S13, it is determined whether or not there are a predetermined number or more weigh hoppers (effective hoppers) that can participate in the combination calculation.

[0062] In step S14, it is determined whether or not there is an article discharge command signal from the packaging machine 2. If it is determined that there is an article discharge command signal, the process proceeds to step S15, and if it is determined that there is not, step S14 continues.

[0063] In step S15, the weighing hopper 14 is controlled.

[0064] In step S16, it is determined whether the operation of the present system is OFF. If it is determined that the operation is OFF, the process returns to step S1, and if it is determined that the operation is not OFF, the process returns to step S7.

[0065] According to the above flowchart, when the number of detected unit weight values ​​becomes equal to or greater than the unit weight average transmission number, the unit weight average data is transmitted to the article manufacturing apparatus 4 at the preceding stage.

[0066] As described above, each linear feeder 12 is controlled so that one article is fed into each weighing hopper 14, and if the weight value of the article fed into each weighing hopper 14 is within a predetermined unit weight range, that weight value can be controlled to be sent as unit weight data to the article manufacturing device 4, which is the upstream device of the system. This prevents articles that have been improperly filled or damaged during transport from being used to calculate unit weights.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the weighing control and single sample weight recording.

[0068] In step S20, the weighing hopper 14 to be controlled is the weighing hopper 14 numbered k, ie, for convenience, referred to as weighing hopper k.

[0069] In step S21, it is determined whether the goods feed start flag for weigh hopper k is ON. The goods feed start flag is a flag indicating that the feeding of goods into weigh hopper k has started, and if the goods feed start flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S22, and if the goods feed start flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S27. The ON / OFF state of this goods feed start flag is necessary for subsequent processing.

[0070] In step S22, a weighing stabilization time timer for weighing hopper k is set. Here, the weighing stabilization time refers to the time until the articles fed into weighing hopper k are stabilized within weighing hopper k, physically stabilized in the sense that it does not affect the weighing value of weighing hopper k, and are stationary enough within the weighing hopper to allow the weight of the articles to be accurately measured, for example.

[0071] In step S23, the weighing stabilization waiting flag of the weighing hopper k is set to ON. The weighing stabilization waiting flag indicates that the weighing hopper k is waiting until the articles fed into the weighing hopper k are stabilized.

[0072] In step S24, the flag for starting to feed goods into the weighing hopper k is turned OFF.

[0073] In step S25, the number of the weighing hopper 14 is set to k+1.

[0074] In step S26, it is determined whether the number k+1 of the weigh hopper 14 to be controlled is n+1. If the number k+1 of the weigh hopper 14 to be controlled is not n+1, the process returns to step S21, and if the number k+1 is n+1, the process returns.

[0075] In step S27, it is determined whether the weighing stabilization waiting flag of the weighing hopper k is ON in step S21. If it is determined that the weighing stabilization waiting flag of the weighing hopper k is ON, the process proceeds to step S28, and if it is determined that the weighing stabilization waiting flag of the weighing hopper k is not ON, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0076] In step S28, the weighing stabilization time timer for weighing hopper k is decremented. The weighing stabilization time timer is decremented to measure time. When it reaches 0, it means that the time has expired. The weighing control and unit weight sample recording program in Figure 5 is started at regular intervals, so it is possible to measure time.

[0077] In step S29, it is determined whether the weighing stabilization time timer of weighing hopper k has timed out. If it is determined that the weighing stabilization time timer has timed out, the process proceeds to step S30, and if it is determined that the weighing stabilization time timer has not timed out, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0078] In step S30, the weighing value of the weighing hopper k is set.

[0079] In step S31, the weighing stabilization waiting flag of the weighing hopper k is turned OFF.

[0080] In step S32, weighing hopper k is set as an active hopper.

[0081] In step S33, it is determined whether the weighed value of the weighing hopper k is within an allowable unit weight range, i.e., the allowable unit weight range. If it is determined to be within the allowable unit weight range, <1> If it is determined that the unit weight is not within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0082] In step S34, the weighed value of the weighing hopper k is recorded in the memory 22 as unit weight data.

[0083] In step S35, the record count of the unit weight value in the memory 22 is incremented by 1. Here, the record count literally means the number of recorded unit weight value data.

[0084] In step S36, the unit weight recording point address is incremented in order to set the address at which the next unit weight data is to be recorded.

[0085] In step S37, it is determined whether the recording point address of the unit weight value is outside the area, which means that the address exceeds the maximum address of the storage area for storing the unit weight value.

[0086] In step S38, the recording point address of the unit weight value is initialized. The reason for initializing the address is to return the address for storing the unit weight value to the initial point.

[0087] To summarize the above steps, when an item is placed in the weighing hopper 14, and after the weighing has stabilized, if the weight of the item in the weighing hopper 14 is within the allowable unit weight range, it is recorded as unit weight data. The unit weight record count counts the number of recorded unit weight data. Each time a new unit weight is recorded, the unit weight data recording point address is incremented, but the memory 22 also has a capacity limit, and as the number of unit weight data increases, the unit weight data recording point address is reset to the initial value. New data is stored in the memory in a so-called ring data structure.

[0088] Figure 6 is a flow chart for explaining the control for transmitting unit weight values. Regarding the method for transmitting unit weight values, either a fixed number detection transmission mode or a total number transmission mode is set in the setting of step S1 in Figure 4. If unit weight data is not to be transmitted, do not set either mode.

[0089] In step S40, it is determined whether or not the mode is the fixed number detection transmission mode. If it is determined that it is the fixed number detection transmission mode, the process proceeds to step S41, and if it is determined that it is not the fixed number detection transmission mode, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0090] In step S41, it is determined whether the unit weight record count is equal to or greater than the unit weight average transmission number. If it is determined that the count is not equal to or greater than the unit weight average transmission number, the program returns and exits from this program. If it is determined that the count is equal to or greater than the unit weight average transmission number, the program proceeds to step S42.

[0091] In step S42, the unit weight values ​​in the memory are averaged and the average unit weight value is recorded in the memory. The area in the memory where the unit weight values ​​are recorded is called the unit weight value recording area.

[0092] In step S43, the unit weight value recording area is cleared.

[0093] In step S44, the unit weight record count is cleared.

[0094] In step S45, the recording point address of the unit weight value is initialized.

[0095] In step S46, it is determined whether the number of transmitted units for unit weight averaging is at its maximum. If it is determined that it is at its maximum, the process proceeds to step S48, and if it is determined that it is not at its maximum, the process proceeds to step S47.

[0096] In step S47, the number of unit weight average transmissions is incremented by 1, and this is set as the number of unit weight average transmissions.

[0097] In step S48, it is determined whether or not information on the average unit weight has been added. If it is determined that information has been added, the process proceeds to step S49, and if not, the process proceeds to step S51.

[0098] In step S49, information is added to the average unit weight.

[0099] In step S50, the average unit weight value with additional information is transmitted.

[0100] In step S51, the average unit weight is transmitted.

[0101] In step S52, it is determined whether the all-transmission mode is selected. The all-transmission mode is a mode in which all raw data is transmitted without averaging the unit weight values. If it is determined to be in this mode, the program proceeds to step S53; if it is not, the program returns and exits from this program.

[0102] In step S53, the unit weight recorded in the unit weight recording area is transmitted.

[0103] To summarize the above flowchart, there are two transmission modes: one in which, when a predetermined number of unit weight samples are obtained, the unit weight samples are averaged and transmitted, and another in which the obtained unit weight is transmitted each time.

[0104] When the unit weight record count reaches the unit weight average transmission number, the recorded unit weights are averaged and transmitted. The unit weight average transmission number is incremented by one each time a transmission is made. This increases the interval between the next transmissions.

[0105] After operation starts, the unit weight values ​​are sent at frequent intervals, and then the intervals are widened. A maximum value is set for the number of unit weight averaging data sent so that it does not exceed this maximum. The number of unit weight averaging data sent returns to the initial value when operation is turned OFF and then ON again.

[0106] Adding information to the average unit weight means adding data such as the variety name (raw material), date and time, time since production started, humidity, and temperature to the unit weight value sent to the upstream equipment. For example, this means sending the data necessary for AI (artificial intelligence) to create an optimal AI model by repeating data acquisition, data analysis, and machine learning.

[0107] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the counting weight combination calculation.

[0108] In step S60, the number of articles in each weighing hopper 14 is calculated and stored.

[0109] In step S61, a weighing hopper 14 that matches the target number of combinations of articles or is within a predetermined range of article numbers is searched for and stored as group A (first group).

[0110] In step S62, if it is determined that the number of articles matches the target number of articles to be combined, the process proceeds to step S63, and if it is determined that the number does not match, the process proceeds to step S67.

[0111] In step S63, a combination that is equal to or closest to the target combined weight value is searched for among the combinations of weighing hoppers in group A, and this combination is designated as group B (second group).

[0112] In step S64, it is determined whether the total weight value of the weighing hoppers in the combination of group B is within the allowable weight range. If it is determined that the total weight value is within the allowable weight range, the process proceeds to step S53; if not, the process proceeds to step S67.

[0113] In step S65, the weighing hopper in the combination of group B is set as the discharge hopper.

[0114] In step S66, the valid combination flag is turned ON, and the process returns.

[0115] In step S67, the valid combination flag is turned OFF, and the process returns.

[0116] If the upstream product manufacturing device 4 is controlled by, for example, a CPU, the method of transmitting the unit weight value to the upstream product manufacturing device 4 is to sequentially transmit the newly detected unit weight value as is to the upstream product manufacturing device 4, and the unit weight value data can be processed by the upstream product manufacturing device 4.

[0117] The unit weight value sent to the upstream equipment 4 includes the product name (raw material), date and time, time since production started, humidity, and temperature. The AI ​​repeats data acquisition, data analysis, and machine learning to send the data necessary to create an optimal AI model to the upstream equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Combination weigher 2 Packaging machine 3 Feeding device 4 Article manufacturing equipment 11 Dispersion Feeder 12 Straight feeder 13 Supply hopper 14 Weighing hopper 16 Group Shoot 17 Aggregate Funnel 18 Control Device 19 Operation setting display

Claims

1. Combination weighers, The combination weigher comprises: a conical dispersion feeder that conveys the articles fed from the feeding device outward; a plurality of linear feeders arranged radially around the dispersion feeder to convey the articles conveyed from the dispersion feeder outward by vibration; a plurality of supply hoppers that temporarily store and discharge articles from each of the plurality of linear feeders; a plurality of weighing hoppers disposed below each of the supply hoppers in a corresponding manner to each of the supply hoppers, the weighing hoppers measuring the weight of the articles discharged from each of the supply hoppers; a control device for controlling these; Equipped with The control device controlling the linear feeder so that one article is fed into each of the weighing hoppers; If the weight value of the articles put into each weighing hopper is within a predetermined unit weight range, the weight value is transmitted as unit weight data to a previous stage of the system, or a plurality of the unit weight data is averaged and transmitted to a previous stage of the system. An article counting system characterized by:

2. The control device Calculating and storing the number of articles in each of the weighing hoppers; Among the weighing hoppers, a weighing hopper that matches the target number of combinations of articles or that is within a predetermined range of number of articles is searched for and stored as a first group; If it is determined that the number of articles matches the target combination, a combination that is equal to or closest to the target combination weight value is searched for among the combinations of weighing hoppers in the first group, and this combination is designated as a second group; determining whether the total weight value of the weighing hoppers of the second group combination is within an allowable weight range; If it is determined that the total weight value is within the allowable weight range, the weighing hopper combination of the second group is set as an effective weighing hopper for discharging articles.

2. The article counting system according to claim 1.

3. A recording unit for recording required data, The control device controls the recording of the unit weight data in the recording unit.

3. The article counting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The preceding stage is an article manufacturing apparatus; 4. An article counting system according to claim 1.

5. The control device The data of the unit weights are averaged to obtain an average unit weight, and the data of the average unit weights is recorded and counted, and the recorded data of the average unit weights is transmitted to the preceding stage; each time the number of transmitted data of the average unit weight value reaches a predetermined number, the predetermined number is increased by one; As a result, after the start of operation, the unit weight value data is transmitted to the previous stage at frequent intervals, and thereafter the transmission intervals of the unit weight value data are widened.

5. An article counting system according to claim 1.

6. The control device a maximum value is set for the number of data pieces of the average unit weight value to be transmitted, and the number of data pieces to be transmitted is controlled so as not to exceed the maximum value; 6. The article counting system according to claim 5.

7. A combination weigher for use in the system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the plurality of weighing hoppers; the control device; Equipped with The control device divides the weight value measured for the weight of the items in each weighing hopper by a set unit weight value per item to convert it into a number of items, thereby determining the number of items supplied to each weighing hopper, and performs combination calculations to combine the determined numbers of items in various ways.

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