Circular array-type combination

Abstract

To allow uniform distribution in all circumferential directions by a distributed feeder to be suitably performed in a circular array-type combination.SOLUTION: A deflecting supply funnel 25 for guiding supplied articles downward to the distributed feeder 5 is arranged above the distributed feeder 5, and a deflection drive mechanism 31, 32 for changing a lower-end discharge position of the deflecting supply funnel 25 in plan view is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circular array combination weigher that weighs and discharges predetermined weights of items to be weighed, such as confectioneries and various foods. [Background technology]

[0002] In a circular array type combination weigher, if items are not fed evenly to the group of linear feeders arranged to surround the dispersion feeder in the entire circumferential direction, the weighing accuracy of the combination weigher will decrease, and processing will not be performed using the entire group of weighing hoppers, reducing the operating efficiency of the combination weigher.

[0003] Therefore, as a means for feeding articles uniformly into a group of straight feeders, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a pair of opposing gates are arranged above a dispersion table (dispersion feeder) so that each can be tilted independently, and the weight of articles in two areas on the dispersion table is measured by a pair of measuring units, and the tilting of both gates is controlled based on the unevenness of the articles on the table detected by the weight measurement, thereby correcting the unevenness of the articles, and thereby enabling uniform transport of articles in the group of straight feeders. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2008-196978 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the means shown in Patent Document 1, a pair of opposing gates is used to control the distribution of goods supplied onto the dispersion table, so the direction in which the goods are guided down by the gates is limited, making it difficult to properly correct deviations in all directions of the dispersion feeder.

[0006] The present invention has been made with attention to these points in mind, and aims to enable uniform dispersion in all directions by a dispersion feeder in a circular array type combination weigher. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0008] (1) The circular array combination weigher according to the present invention is A circularly arranged combination weigher is configured such that a number of linear feeders are arranged in a circle surrounding a dispersion feeder, and the articles to be weighed are dispersed and conveyed outward by the dispersion feeders, and then further radially conveyed outward by the linear feeders, and are sent to weighing hoppers arranged below each of the supply hoppers via supply hoppers arranged adjacent to the end of each linear feeder, A deflection feed funnel is provided above the dispersion feeder to guide the supplied articles downward into the dispersion feeder, and a deflection drive mechanism is provided to move and change the discharge position at the bottom end of the deflection feed funnel in a plane.

[0009] According to this configuration, by moving and changing the lower end discharge position of the deflection supply funnel in a plane, deflection can be appropriately corrected in all directions, and uniform transport by the group of straight feeders becomes possible.

[0010] (2) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, The system is provided with a dispersion detection means for detecting the degree of dispersion bias of articles by the dispersion feeder, and is configured to operate the deflection drive mechanism based on the detection information of the dispersion detection means, thereby changing and controlling the discharge position of the deflection supply funnel so as to correct the dispersion bias of the articles.

[0011] According to this configuration, the dispersion deviation of the articles can be always maintained within an allowable range, and highly accurate combination weighing can be efficiently performed.

[0012] (3) In another embodiment of the present invention, The dispersion detection means is configured to detect dispersion deviation of the article by taking an image from the dispersion conveyance path of the article.

[0013] According to this configuration, by using an image sensor or the like that is capable of monitoring a wide area, it is possible to accurately detect dispersion deflection in all directions with a small number of sensors.

[0014] (4) In another embodiment of the present invention, The deflection supply funnel is supported so as to be swingable independently about a first horizontal support point and a second horizontal support point which are orthogonal to each other.

[0015] With this configuration, the support structure for the deflection supply funnel is simpler than a structure in which the deflection supply funnel is slid horizontally in two perpendicular directions to move and change the lower end discharge position of the deflection supply funnel in a plane, and the deflection supply funnel can be moved smoothly without problems such as distortion that tend to occur with sliding movement.

[0016] (5) In another embodiment of the present invention, The first horizontal support point and the second horizontal support point that support the deflection supply funnel so that the deflection supply funnel can swing are set near the upper end of the deflection supply funnel.

[0017] With this configuration, the deflection supply funnel, which swings around a horizontal fulcrum, experiences little positional fluctuation at the upper end inlet as it swings, allowing it to accurately receive the articles that are dropped in and supplied.

[0018] (6) In another embodiment of the present invention, The deflection supply funnel is connected to and supported by a movable frame so as to be swingable around the first horizontal fulcrum, and the movable frame is supported on a fixed portion of the device so as to be rotatable around a second horizontal fulcrum perpendicular to the first horizontal fulcrum. The deflection drive mechanism is composed of a first actuator that drives the deflection supply funnel to swing around the first horizontal fulcrum, and a second actuator that drives the movable frame to swing around the second horizontal fulcrum.

[0019] With this configuration, the lower end discharge position of the deflection supply funnel can be driven and moved accurately in all directions in a plane. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, in a circular array type combination weigher, the dispersion feeder can suitably convey articles in a uniformly dispersed manner in the entire circumferential direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a circular array combination weigher according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the combination weigher of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the combination weigher of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main part of the combination weigher of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of a circular array type combination weigher according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the upper part thereof.

[0023] This combination weigher is configured in a circular arrangement and weighs and discharges items such as sweets and various foods at predetermined weight intervals.It is installed on the floor of the upper floor of a platform (not shown) assembled like a tower that workers can climb up and down, and is used in packaging processing lines, etc., where the weighed items of the predetermined weight are dropped and supplied to the next processing device, such as a packaging device (not shown), installed on the floor below.

[0024] A hollow base 1 with a large opening in the center from top to bottom is installed on the floor of the frame (not shown), and a hollow center base 2 is supported above the center of the base 1 via multiple legs 3.

[0025] Above the center of the center base 2, a dispersion feeder 5 is installed, which places the objects to be weighed, which are dropped and supplied from a supply conveyor (not shown), on a top cone 4 and distributes them in all directions.In addition, a number of straight feeders 7 are arranged in a circle surrounding the dispersion feeder 5, which place the objects dispersed and transported in all directions by the dispersion feeder 5 on troughs 6 and transport them radially outward.

[0026] Although the detailed structure is not shown, the top cone 4 of the dispersion feeder 6 is detachably connected to a vibration mechanism installed inside the center base 2.

[0027] The troughs 6 of the linear feeders 7 are also detachably connected to a vibration mechanism installed inside the center base 2, so that each trough 6 is independently vibration-driven and controlled.

[0028] In addition, the vibration mechanism of the dispersion feeder 6 is connected to and supported by a weight detection unit installed inside the center base 2, so that the weight of the items placed on the top cone 5 can be detected.Based on this detection information, the operation of a supply conveyor (not shown) is controlled, and the items are supplied so that the weight of the items placed on the top cone 5 is maintained within a set range.

[0029] On the outer peripheral wall of the center base 2, there are provided supply hoppers 8 that temporarily store and discharge articles conveyed in small amounts by each linear feeder 7, and weighing hoppers 9 that receive the articles discharged from the supply hoppers 8 and measure their weight, for each supply hopper 8. The combination weighing and discharge control of the articles is carried out by a multi-series weighing unit consisting of these supply hoppers 8 and weighing hoppers 9, 14 in this example.

[0030] Below each weighing hopper 9 is provided a collecting chute 10 that guides the articles discharged from the multiple weighing hoppers 9, which have been combined and selected to achieve a predetermined weight, downward toward the center of the device, and below and in the center of the collecting chute 10 are provided a collecting funnel 11 that collects the articles that have flowed down along the collecting chute 10 to the center, and a collecting hopper 12 that temporarily stores the collected articles of a predetermined weight. The collecting hopper 12 controls discharge based on a discharge request from the next processing device, such as a packaging device.

[0031] The above configuration is basically the same as that of a conventional combination weigher, but the present invention is characterized in that the following configuration is added to prevent large circumferential bias from occurring during distributed transport by the distribution feeder 5.

[0032] To explain further, pillars 20 are erected at four locations on the outer periphery of the center base 2, and an upper frame 21 and a lower frame 22 in a grid shape are erected and supported across these pillars 20.

[0033] A pair of stays 21a are installed facing each other at a predetermined distance on the upper frame 21. A drop feed funnel 23 is connected and fixed across these stays 21a via support brackets 24. The drop feed funnel 23 is installed concentrically with the dispersion feeder 5 and guides articles drop-fed from a supply conveyor (not shown) downward toward the center of the dispersion feeder 5.

[0034] The lower frame 22 supports a deflection feed funnel 25 that relays the articles discharged from the drop feed funnel 23 and guides them to the dispersion feeder 5.

[0035] The deflection supply funnel 25 is formed vertically, and the diagonal portion of its upper end is supported rotatably around a first horizontal fulcrum x via a first support shaft 27 on a ring-shaped movable frame 26 that is arranged to surround the vicinity of the upper end of the deflection supply funnel 25.

[0036] The movable frame 26 itself is supported at its diagonal corners by a fulcrum bracket 28 of the lower frame 22 via a second support shaft 29 so as to be rotatable about a second horizontal fulcrum y.

[0037] The first horizontal fulcrum x and the second horizontal fulcrum y are perpendicular to each other, and the deflection supply funnel 25 and the movable frame 26 are swung independently around these horizontal fulcrums x and y, so that the position of the lower end discharge outlet 25a of the deflection supply funnel 25 can be moved and changed in all directions in an approximately planar manner.

[0038] A first actuator 31 consisting of an electric cylinder or air cylinder with servo function is connected between the upper frame 21 and the upper end of the deflection supply funnel 25 as a deflection drive mechanism, and the extension and contraction operation of this first actuator 31 causes the deflection supply funnel 25 to swing around the first horizontal fulcrum x.

[0039] A second actuator 32 consisting of an electric cylinder or air cylinder with a servo function is connected between the upper frame 21 and the movable frame 26 as a deflection drive mechanism, and the extension and contraction operation of this second actuator 32 causes the deflection supply funnel 25 to swing around the second horizontal fulcrum y together with the movable frame 26.

[0040] That is, when the first actuator 31 is extended, the lower end discharge outlet 25a of the supply funnel 25 is moved in the X direction, and when the first actuator 31 is retracted, the lower end discharge outlet 25a of the supply funnel 25 is moved in the X' direction, and when the second actuator 32 is extended, the lower end discharge outlet 25a of the supply funnel 25 is moved in the Y direction, and when the second actuator 32 is retracted, the lower end discharge outlet 25a of the supply funnel 25 is moved in the Y' direction.

[0041] In addition, to allow independent swinging around orthogonal horizontal fulcrums x and y, ball joints are interposed at the connection point a between the deflection supply funnel 25 and the first actuator 31 and at the connection point b between the movable frame 26 and the second actuator 32, and the first actuator 31 and the second actuator 32 themselves are connected and supported by brackets 33 and 34 of the upper frame 21 so as to be swingable around fulcrums p and q, respectively.

[0042] In addition, image sensors 35 are installed at multiple appropriate locations on the support pillars 20 as distributed detection means for monitoring the area around the outer periphery of the distributed feeder and the conveying path of the straight feeder 7, so that these conveying paths can be imaged and monitored from multiple locations in all directions.

[0043] The image information obtained by the image sensor 35 is analyzed in the control device to detect the circumferential dispersion deviation of the article, and if a deviation greater than a set amount is detected, one or both of the actuators 31, 32 are operated and controlled to deflect the attitude of the deflected supply funnel 25 to correct the dispersion deviation, and the lower end discharge position is changed in all directions.

[0044] Other Embodiments The present invention can also be implemented in the following embodiments.

[0045] (1) In the above embodiment, the deflected supply funnel 25 is supported so that it can swing independently around orthogonal horizontal supports x and y, and the discharge position of the lower end of the deflected supply funnel 25 is moved in a plane. However, it is also possible to implement the deflected supply funnel 25 in a form in which it is supported so that it can move horizontally independently in two orthogonal directions, and the deflected supply funnel 25 is moved horizontally in a plane within a range in which the upper end opening of the deflected supply funnel 25 does not deviate from the lower end discharge outlet of the drop supply funnel 23.

[0046] (2) In order to detect deviation in dispersion, it is also possible to use means for detecting the volume of articles near the outer periphery of the dispersion feeder 5 or on the conveying path of the linear feeder 7 using an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0047] (3) A rotary actuator such as a stepping motor can also be used as the deflection drive mechanism.

[0048] (4) A simple method is to visually check for dispersion bias, and when a large bias occurs, manually operate and control the deflection drive mechanism by operating a switch or the like to correct the bias. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 5. Dispersion feeder 7 Straight feeder 8 Supply Hopper 9 Weighing hopper 25. Deflected Supply Funnel 26 Movable frame 31 First actuator (deflection drive mechanism) 32 Second actuator (deflection drive mechanism) 35 Imaging sensor (distributed detection means) x 1st horizontal fulcrum y Second horizontal fulcrum

Claims

1. A circularly arranged combination weigher is configured such that a number of linear feeders are arranged in a circle surrounding a dispersion feeder, and the articles to be weighed are dispersed and conveyed outward by the dispersion feeders, and then further radially conveyed outward by the linear feeders, and are sent to weighing hoppers arranged below each of the supply hoppers via supply hoppers arranged adjacent to the end of each linear feeder, A deflection feed funnel is provided above the dispersion feeder to guide the articles supplied as the objects to be weighed downward into the dispersion feeder; a deflection drive mechanism for moving and changing the discharge position at the bottom end of the deflection supply funnel in a plane; A circular array type combination weigher characterized by the above.

2. a dispersion detection means for detecting a degree of dispersion bias of the articles by the dispersion feeder; The deflection drive mechanism is operated based on the detection information of the dispersion detection means, and the discharge position of the deflection supply funnel is changed and controlled to correct the deflection of the articles. The circular array type combination weigher according to claim 1 .

3. The dispersion detection means is configured to detect dispersion deviation of the article by capturing an image from a conveying path of the article. The circular array type combination weigher according to claim 2 .

4. the deflection supply funnel is supported so as to be swingable independently about a first horizontal support point and a second horizontal support point which are orthogonal to each other; The circular array type combination weigher according to claim 1 .

5. the first horizontal support point and the second horizontal support point for swingably supporting the deflection supply funnel are set near an upper end of the deflection supply funnel; The circular array type combination weigher according to claim 4.

6. the deflection supply funnel is connected to and supported by a movable frame so as to be swingable about the first horizontal fulcrum, and the movable frame is supported on an apparatus fixed portion so as to be rotatable about a second horizontal fulcrum perpendicular to the first horizontal fulcrum; the deflection drive mechanism is composed of a first actuator that drives the deflection supply funnel to swing around the first horizontal fulcrum, and a second actuator that drives the movable frame to swing around the second horizontal fulcrum. The circular array type combination weigher according to claim 5 .

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