Powdery and granular material feeder

Abstract

To accurately and rapidly measure a desired amount of a powder and granular material.SOLUTION: A supplying machine 30 includes a shutter member 33 and a passage plate 34. In the passage plate 34, a passage hole 34K for allowing passage of a powder and granular material is formed. The passage hole 34K is formed in such a manner that a large-hole part 34K1 in a substantially elliptical shape, a medium-hole part 34K2 becoming smaller in a part thereof more distant from the band plate part 34B, and a small-hole part 34K3 extending on a straight line from the top edge of the medium-hole part 34K2 are sequentially arranged from the direction of a band plate part 34B continuously. The shutter member 33 is deposited on the lower surface of the passage plate 34 and makes a linear motion and gradually changes the opening degree of the passage hole 34K.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a powder and granular material feeder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a powder and granular material feeder that supplies powder and granular materials from a powder and granular material discharge port provided at the bottom of a powder and granular material container has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is required to accurately and promptly weigh a target amount of powder and granular materials.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The powder and granular material feeder of the present disclosure is a powder and granular material feeder that supplies powder and granular materials from a powder and granular material discharge port provided at the bottom of a powder and granular material container. The powder and granular material discharge port is formed through a closing plate portion disposed at the bottom of the powder and granular material container, and extends such that the width in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction decreases as it goes in one direction of the first horizontal direction. A shutter member that can linearly move in the first horizontal direction so as to be overlapped with the closing plate portion and gradually open the powder and granular material discharge port from the one direction of the first horizontal direction and a plate-shaped bypass plate that is stacked on the blocking plate portion from above, a recess formed on the lower surface of the bypass plate, at least a part of which overlaps the powder discharge port in the vertical direction, a communication hole formed in the bypass plate, extending downward from the upper surface of the bypass plate and communicating with the recess, and not overlapping or only partially overlapping the powder discharge port when viewed from above, and a bypass portion that includes the communication hole and the recess and bypasses at least a part of the flow of the powder to the powder discharge port is a powder and granular material feeder.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure Powder feederAccording to the present invention, when starting the supply (when far from the target amount), a large amount of powder particles can be discharged. On the other hand, when approaching the target amount, the powder particles can be accurately weighed with a very small amount of supply, and the powder particles of the target amount can be accurately and quickly weighed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27, the compounding device 10 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the compounding device 10 includes a base 11, a slider 12 placed on the base, and a plurality of material supply mechanisms 20 attached to the slider 12.

[0009] The base 11 includes a U-shaped gantry 11B with a downward opening on one side of a rectangular base plate 11A. The gantry 11B has a pair of legs 11C arranged at both ends of one side of the base plate 11A and a top plate 11D connecting the upper ends of the legs 11C. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the top plate 11D (the extending direction of one side of the base plate 11A) is referred to as the first horizontal direction H1, and the direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction is referred to as the second horizontal direction H2.

[0010] The slider 12 is arranged on the top plate 11D of the gantry 11B. The slider 12 has a fixed base 12A having a rectangular shape in plan view extending in the first horizontal direction H1 and a slider table 12B supported by the fixed base 12A and capable of linearly moving in the first horizontal direction H1 by a motor (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, a screw shaft 12A1 extending in the first horizontal direction H1 is provided on the fixed base 12A, and a nut (not shown) screwed onto the screw shaft 12A1 is provided on the slider table 12B. The slider table 12B linearly moves in the first horizontal direction H1 by a so-called ball screw mechanism using these screw shaft 12A1 and nut.

[0011] [Regarding the Vibration Type Supply Mechanism] As shown in FIG. 1, three material supply mechanisms 20 are arranged side by side on the slider table 12B. In FIG. 1 and the like, an example is shown in which three vibration type supply mechanisms 20A are used as the material supply mechanism 20. The vibration type supply mechanism 20A has a fixed part 20X fixed on the slider table 12B, and a projecting part 20Y that projects from the fixed part 20X in the second horizontal direction H2 and is displaced (overhung) from the slider table 12B and the gantry 11B. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the projecting part 20Y has a bracket 21 on which a feeder 30 (corresponding to a "powder and granule container") is supported, and a vibration unit 22 fixed to the bracket 21. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the bracket 21 has a pair of strip plate parts 21A extending in the second horizontal direction H2, and a feeder receiving recess 21B arranged at the center of the strip plate parts 21A and opening upward. The lower part of the pair of strip plate parts 21A in the feeder receiving recess 21B is a notch 21C. As shown in FIG. 4, the feeder 30 is mounted in the feeder receiving recess 21B of the bracket 21.

[0012] The feeder 30 includes a feeder base 31. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the feeder base 31 has a holder 32 with a thick bottom wall 32T in a cylindrical shape, a shutter member 33, a passing plate 34, and a pressing plate 35. The shutter member 33 has a strip plate shape extending from the side of the fixed part 20X of the holder 32 to the central part of the holder 32, with the tip end having an arc shape, and two through holes 33K are formed at the base end.

[0013] The passing plate 34 has a rectangular main plate portion 34A and a strip plate portion 34B extending from one corner of the main plate portion 34A. A passing hole 34K (corresponding to the "powder granule discharge port") through which the powder granules can pass is formed through the main plate portion 34A. As shown in FIG. 8, the passing hole 34K is composed of a generally elliptical large hole portion 34K1 arranged in order from the strip plate portion 34B side, a middle hole portion 34K2 whose width decreases as it moves away from the strip plate portion 34B, and a small hole portion 34K3 extending linearly from the tip of the middle hole portion 34K2. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the shutter member 33 is overlaid on the lower surface of the passing plate 34 and changes the opening degree of the passing hole 34K by linearly moving in the second horizontal direction H2. When the tip of the shutter member 33 is arranged at the end of the small hole portion 34K3 of the passing hole 34K, the passing hole 34K is completely closed. When the tip of the shutter member 33 is arranged at the middle portion of the middle hole portion 34K2 of the passing hole 34K, the passing hole 34K is opened by about 30%. When the tip of the shutter member 33 is arranged at the boundary portion between the large hole portion 34K1 and the middle hole portion 34K2 of the passing hole 34K, the passing hole 34K is opened by about 60%. When the tip of the shutter member 33 is arranged on the strip plate portion 34B side of the large hole portion 34K1 of the passing hole 34K, the passing hole 34K is opened 100%. That is, the shutter member 33 can change the opening degree of the passing hole 34K step by step between the fully open state and the fully closed state. Also, when changing the passing hole 34K from the fully open state to the fully closed state, it is closed in order from the large hole portion 34K1 side. Thus, for example, when the shutter member 33 is slid from the fully open state to start closing the passing hole 34K, it starts closing from the large hole portion 34K1. When it is in a state close to fully closed, only the small hole portion 34K3 is in an open state, so that the powder granules can be supplied little by little.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 10, the pressing plate 35 has a disk portion 35A and a handle portion 35B extending radially outward from a part of the outer edge of the disk portion 35A. In the disk portion 35A, two relatively large-diameter large holes 35M are arranged on the handle portion 35B side, and two relatively small-diameter small holes 35N are arranged on the side opposite to the handle portion 35B. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, on the pressing plate 35, a lower surface recess 35L is formed in the lower part in the plate thickness direction so as to communicate with each large hole 35M and each small hole 35N. As shown in FIG. 10, it has an arc portion 35L1 extending through the two large holes 35M and small passages 35L2 respectively extending from the two small holes 35N to the central portion of the side of the arc portion 35L1 on the small hole 35N side. The handle portion 35B is about 1 / 3 of the width of the shutter member 33.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 12, the portion where the two small passages 35L2 intersect is located above the middle portion of the middle hole portion 34K2 of the through hole 34K, and the side of the through hole 34K on the small hole portion 34K3 side from the middle portion of the middle hole portion 34K2 is covered from above by the pressing plate 35. On the other hand, the side of the through hole 34K on the large hole portion 34K1 side from the middle portion of the middle hole portion 34K2 entirely overlaps with the large hole 35M of the pressing plate 35. Thereby, the granular material accommodated in the feeder 30 passes through the large holes 35M and small holes 35N of the pressing plate 35 and then reaches the through hole 34K of the through plate 34 via the lower surface recess 35L. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, a plurality of locking pieces 35K projecting laterally from the outer edge are formed on the disk portion 35A of the pressing plate 35.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 13, on the bottom wall 32T of the holder 32, a receiving recess 32U capable of receiving the tip of the shutter member 33, the main plate portion 34A of the through plate 34, and the disk portion 35A of the pressing plate 35 in order from below is formed. In the center of the bottom wall 32T of the holder 32, a protruding portion 32S extending downward is formed, and a discharge hole 32K penetrating this protruding portion 32S is also formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a through hole 21K through which this protruding portion 32S is inserted is formed in the bottom wall of the feeder receiving recess 21B.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 7, a notch 32B is formed in the side wall 32A of the holder 32, extending vertically from the upper end to the central portion and overlapping with the notch 21C of the feeder receiving recess 21B. These notches 21C and 32B receive the shutter member 33, the strip portion 34B of the passing plate 34, and the handle portion 35B of the pressing plate 35. The widths of the notches 21C and 32B are sized to exactly receive the shutter member 33 and the strip portion 34B of the passing plate 34, and the handle portion 35B of the pressing plate 35 is about one-third of that size. As a result, the pressing plate 35 is slidable within the holder 32.

[0018] Also, as shown in Figs. 7 and 13, a plurality of ridges 32C extending along an imaginary helix are formed on the inner surface of the side wall 32A of the holder 32, and a female screw portion 32D is constituted by these plurality of ridges 32C. The plurality of ridges 32C are arranged vertically side by side at the central portions of each of the four regions obtained by circumferentially dividing the inner surface of the side wall 32A of the holder 32. That is, on the inner surface of the side wall 32A of the holder 32, regions with ridges 32C provided and regions without ridges 32C provided are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. Note that one of the regions without ridges 32C is the notch 32B.

[0019] The locking piece 35K of the pressing plate 35 is sized to pass through the interval between the ridges 32C in the circumferential direction of the holder 32. And as shown in Fig. 12, in the state where the handle portion 35B is arranged at one end portion within the notches 21C and 32B (the state shown by the solid line in Fig. 12. Hereinafter referred to as the "mounting position"), the locking piece 35K of the pressing plate 35 and the ridge 32C of the holder 32 overlap in the vertical direction, and in the state where the handle portion 35B is arranged at the other end portion within the notches 21C and 32B (the state shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 12. Hereinafter referred to as the "fixed position"), the locking piece 35K of the pressing plate 35 and the ridge 32C of the holder 32 do not overlap in the vertical direction. With the shutter member 33 and the passing plate 34 received in the receiving recess 32U from above, the pressing plate 35 in the mounting position is received from above, and by sliding the pressing plate 35 to the fixed position, the shutter member 33, the passing plate 34, and the pressing plate 35 are attached to the holder 32.

[0020] Then, the male screw portion 40A of the bottle 40 containing the powder particles is screwed into the female screw portion 32D of the holder 32. The holder 32 is attached to the bottle 40 with the opening facing upward in a posture where the female screw portion 32D is positioned downward. Then, with the through hole 34K blocked by the shutter member 33, the bottle 40 together with the holder 32 is turned over and mounted in the feeder receiving recess 21B. Note that the feeder 30 can be fixed by a bolt 21G that penetrates the bottom wall of the feeder receiving recess 21B.

[0021] The fixing portion 20X includes a shutter driving portion 38 for linearly moving the shutter member 33 in the second horizontal direction H2. The shutter driving portion 38 has a shutter support plate 38A that supports the shutter member 33 and a motor (not shown) for linearly moving the shutter support plate 38A. Two pins 38B protruding upward are formed on the shutter support plate 38A, and these pins 38B are fitted into the through holes 33K of the shutter member 33, and the shutter member 33 is fixed to the shutter support plate 38A. A groove portion 33M extending in the second horizontal direction H2 is formed on the back surface of the shutter member 33, and a plunger pin 32P received in this groove portion 33M is provided on the bottom wall 32T of the holder 32. This prevents the shutter member 33 from falling off.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the vibration unit 22 is arranged next to the bottle 40 of the feeder 30 and has two armatures 22A driven by an electromagnetic solenoid and arranged vertically to collide with the side wall of the bottle 40. In the vibrating supply mechanism 20A, with the through hole 34K opened by the shutter member 33, the armature 22A vibrates the bottle 40, causing the powder particles to fluidize by vibration, pass through the large holes 35M and small holes 35N of the pressing plate 35, reach the passage plate 34, and the powder particles that have passed through the lower surface recess 35L or the powder particles arranged on the shutter member 33 pass through the through hole 34K and flow down from the opened portion and are discharged from the discharge hole 32K. When the viscosity of the powder particles is low, the powder particles can be discharged without vibrating the bottle 40.

[0023] In the vibration type supply mechanism 20A, the discharge amount of the granular material can be adjusted by changing the opening degree of the through hole 34K according to the position of the shutter member 33 and the strength of the vibrator 22A. That is, the shutter member 33 can stepwise change the opening degree of the through hole 34K between the fully open state and the fully closed state. When the through hole 34K is changed from the fully open state to the fully closed state, it is blocked in order from the large hole portion 34K1 side. For example, when the shutter member 33 is slid from the fully open state to start closing the through hole 34K, when it is in a state close to fully closed, only the small hole portion 34K3 is in an open state, so that the granular material can be supplied little by little. Also, the larger the vibration of the vibrator 22A, the larger the discharge amount of the granular material, and the smaller the vibration of the vibrator 22A, the smaller the discharge amount of the granular material. Thereby, at the start of supply (when far from the target amount), a large amount of granular material can be discharged. On the other hand, when approaching the target amount, the granular material can be accurately weighed with a small amount of supply, and the granular material of the target amount can be accurately and quickly weighed.

[0024] [Regarding the control of the compounding device] As described above, the compounding device 10 of the present embodiment includes a plurality (for example, three) of vibration type supply mechanisms 20A. In the compounding device 10, the discharge of the granular material from the plurality of vibration type supply mechanisms 20A is controlled so that these granular materials can be automatically compounded. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, a plurality of feeders 30 containing different types of granular materials are stored in a rack 45, and a transfer robot 53 can place the feeder 30 from the rack 45 in a feeder receiving recess 21B. The transfer robot 53 can take out the feeder 30 from the feeder receiving recess 21B and place a container 46 to which the granular material is supplied on an electronic weighing device 54 arranged on the base 11. Thereby, in the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically perform from the set of the container 46 to which the granular material is supplied and the feeder 30 to the discharge of a plurality of types of granular materials into the container 46.

[0025] In addition, a material (powder, granule, or liquid) supply mechanism 20 other than the vibration type supply mechanism 20A may be used in combination with the vibration type supply mechanism 20A to enable the blending of various materials. In this case, the transfer robot 53 may be configured to attach the entire material supply mechanism 20. Examples of the material supply mechanism 20 for liquids include dispensers and gear pumps.

[0026] Hereinafter, an example of automatic blending will be described, taking the case where the development of new materials by materials informatics is performed using the blending device 10. The development of new materials by materials informatics is carried out according to the flow shown in FIG. 16 using the materials informatics PC 50, the molecular weight calculation PC 51, the equipment control PC 52 (or PLC), the transfer robot 53, the blending device 10, and the electronic weighing scale 54 shown in FIG. 15. Note that the blending system 100 is constituted by the equipment control PC 52, the transfer robot 53, the blending device 10, and the like.

[0027] First, the specifications (functions, etc.) required for the new material are determined (S1). Then, the materials informatics PC 50, into which the specifications have been input, determines the target of the new material by materials informatics (S2). In step S2, the materials and their blending ratios, etc. are determined together with the target. Note that materials informatics is a method of determining the materials to be synthesized from the required functions and performance using data science and conducting material development.

[0028] The data (materials, blending ratios, etc.) for the new material determined in step S2 is input from the materials informatics PC 50 to the molecular weight calculation PC 51 (it may also be manually input by the operator), and the molecular weight calculation PC 51 calculates the required amount (measured weight) of each material (S3).

[0029] The required amount (measured weight) of each material determined in step S3 is input from the PC 51 for molecular weight calculation to the PC 52 for equipment control (it may also be manually input by the operator), and the PC 52 for equipment control controls the compounding device 10 and the transfer robot 53 to supply the materials (S4). When all the materials have been measured, a sample is prepared (S5), and analysis and evaluation are performed on whether the sample meets the target specifications (functions, performance) (S6). If it meets the target specifications (YES in S6), the development of the new material is completed. If it does not meet the target specifications (NO in S6), after the data of the sample is input to the PC 50 for materials informatics, the target of the new material is determined again (S2).

[0030] Now, the material supply (S4) will be described in detail. In the material supply (S4), first, an empty container 46 is placed on the electronic scale 54, and the supply machine 30 for the required material is set in the supply machine receiving recess 21B of the compounding device 10, and the supply machine 30 for discharging is arranged on the electronic scale 54 (on the container 46). Here, the transfer program of the supply machine 30 by the transfer robot 53 may be programmed by the PC 51 for molecular weight calculation or the operator and input to the PC 52 for equipment control, so that the transfer robot 53 automatically places the supply machine 30, or the PC 52 for equipment control may control the transfer robot 53 to automatically place the supply machine 30 only by inputting the material to the PC 52 for equipment control, or the operator may manually place the supply machines 30 in sequence. Note that the data set in the PC 52 for equipment control can be confirmed by the touch panel 52A (see FIG. 15).

[0031] Next, the feeder 30 starts feeding, and the material is fed into the container 46. After the feeder 30 stops, if the measured weight of the electronic weigher 54 is within the allowable range of the target amount, the slider table 12B moves linearly, and the next material feeder 30 is placed on the electronic weigher 54 (on the container 46), and the material is fed into the container 46. Before starting the feeding of the first material, the plurality of feeders 30 may be set in the respective feeder receiving recesses 21B, or only the feeder 30 for the material to be fed may be set in the feeder receiving recess 21B each time. Also, after setting the first feeder 30 in the feeder receiving recess 21B and feeding the material from that feeder 30, the first feeder 30 may remain as it is, and the second feeder 30 may be set in the empty feeder receiving recess 21B.

[0032] When there are four or more types of materials, the transfer robot 53 returns the feeder 30 set in the feeder receiving recess 21B to the rack 45, and then sets a new feeder 30 in the feeder receiving recess 21B. After that, the feeder 30 performs feeding. When there are a plurality of measured quantities, the transfer robot 53 takes out the measured container 46 and places it in a measured container stock area (not shown). Then, a new container 46 is placed on the electronic weigher 54, and the feeding of the material is repeated. When there are four or more types of materials and a plurality of measured quantities, the operation of feeding all the materials into one container 46 may be repeated for the number of measured quantities, or the weighing of three types of materials may be performed for the number of measured quantities, and then the feeder 30 may be replaced and the weighing may be further performed for the number of measured quantities.

[0033] Here, in the present embodiment, after the supply device 30 stops, when the measurement result (supply amount) of the electronic weigher 54 is outside the allowable range of the required amount, it is possible to adjust the supply amount. First, when the measured weight (supply amount) is equal to or less than the allowable range of the required amount (below the determination lower limit), the device control PC 52 starts the supply device 30 at the minimum speed to perform the supply, and stops the supply device 30 when it exceeds the lower limit (determination lower limit) of the allowable range of the required amount. This is repeated until the measurement result is within the allowable range of the required amount. Examples of the reasons for the measurement result being equal to or less than the allowable range of the required amount (below the determination lower limit) include the following. That is, since the electronic weigher 54 outputs the weight including the falling acceleration of the material as the weight value, after the supply device 30 stops, when the scale of the electronic weigher 54 stabilizes, the weight value corresponding to the falling acceleration disappears, and the measurement result may be below the determination lower limit. In addition, it is also conceivable that the disturbance of the installation environment is large, or the range between the determination upper limit and the determination lower limit is set strictly.

[0034] When the measured weight (supply amount) is equal to or greater than the allowable range of the required amount (above the determination upper limit), suction of the material exceeding the determination upper limit is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the blending system 100 includes a laser sensor 55 and a suction nozzle 56. The laser sensor 55 measures the height of the peak of the material in the container 46, brings the suction nozzle 56 close to the peak of the material, and performs suction of the material exceeding the determination upper limit. The suction of the suction nozzle 56 is performed in pulses, and the suctioned material passes through the tube 56T and is collected by a material collection mechanism (not shown) provided between the tube 56T and a suction pump 56P (or a suction mechanism such as a suction ejector). After the equipment control PC 52 suctions the material once in pulses, it inputs the weight value from the electronic weigher 54, compares the values before and after suction, and obtains the suction weight per pulse. The weight value exceeding the determination upper limit after one pulse suction, the suction weight per pulse, and the remaining number of suction pulses are calculated, and suction is executed so as to be below the determination upper limit. When the number of suction pulses is large, the pulse time may be lengthened, and the suction weight per time may be calculated and used. Examples of the causes for the measurement result to be equal to or greater than the allowable range of the required amount (above the determination upper limit) include, for example, the following. That is, when the particle size distribution of the material is not uniform and much of the material floating in the air at the time of stopping of the feeder 30 is occupied by the large particle size portion. In addition, cases where the disturbance of the installation environment is large or the range between the determination upper limit and the determination lower limit is set strictly are also considered.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, after the feeder 30 stops, when the measurement result (supply amount) of the electronic weigher 54 is outside the allowable range of the required amount, it is possible to adjust the supply amount. Therefore, even when the disturbance of the installation environment is large, when using a material with a wide particle size distribution or a large bulk density, or when the range between the determination upper limit and the determination lower limit is set strictly, automatic weighing can be performed without generating an NG.

[0036] [Regarding the Molecular Weight Calculation PC and the Equipment Control PC] Hereinafter, the details of the molecular weight calculation PC 51 and the equipment control PC 52 will be described.

[0037] In compounding materials according to the above steps, as a preparation step, data of the materials is set in the PC51 for molecular weight calculation. Fig. 17 shows a material registration screen 51A of the molecular weight calculation program installed in the PC51 for molecular weight calculation. The material registration screen 51A includes a periodic table screen section 51B, a registration screen section 51C, and a registered list section 51D. A periodic table is displayed in the periodic table screen section 51B. For example, when the portion of "C" is clicked, the atomic number "6", the element symbol "C", the element name "carbon", and the atomic weight "12.010712" are displayed. In this periodic table screen section 51B, it is possible to perform an update when there is a change in the default value of each element.

[0038] In the registration screen section 51C, registration of materials is performed. Hereinafter, the registration of materials will be described by taking the case of registering "Silica / Chemical formula: SiO2 / Japanese name: silicon dioxide" as an example.

[0039] (1) Enter the classification name in the classification column using the keyboard, click the classification registration button, and register.

[0040] (2) Enter the manufacturer of the material in the manufacturer column using the keyboard, click the manufacturer registration button, and register.

[0041] (3) Select "Si" in the periodic table screen section 51B, then select "O", and then click "2" in the numeric keypad 51C1 of the registration screen section 51C. Next, click the molecular weight calculation button in the registration screen section 51C, then "SiO2" is entered in the chemical formula column, and the molecular weight "60" automatically calculated by the program is displayed in the molecular weight column.

[0042] (4) Enter "Silica" or "silicon dioxide" in the compound name column using the keyboard.

[0043] (5) Click the downward arrow in the classification column, then the classification name registered in (1) above is displayed in a pop-up (not shown), and click to select.

[0044] (6) Input the powder property coefficient PW and the liquid property coefficient LI, which will be described later, into the coefficient column using the numeric keypad 51C1. Note that this coefficient may be calculated by the operator or may use the one calculated by the device control PC 52.

[0045] (7) When clicking the downward arrow in the reference element column, the names registered in the periodic table of elements will be displayed in a pop-up (not shown), so select by clicking.

[0046] (8) When clicking the downward arrow in the manufacturer column, the manufacturer name registered in (2) above will be displayed in a pop-up (not shown), so select by clicking.

[0047] (9) Input into the LotNo. (lot number) column using the keyboard and the numeric keypad 51C1.

[0048] (10) When clicking the downward arrow in the purchase date column, a calendar will be displayed in a pop-up (not shown), so select by clicking and input the purchase date.

[0049] (11) If there is something to be described in the comment column, input using the keyboard.

[0050] (12) After inputting all the data, click the registration button to register it in the database. The registered materials will be listed in the registered list section 51D. Note that the operations in (1) to (10) above may be performed in any order, and for some materials, there may be operations that are not performed.

[0051] As a preparation step for the material formulation, it is also necessary to register the feeder 30. As shown in Fig. 18(A), the feeder 30 is assigned a feeder number 30A and a reading code 30B such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Then, as shown in Fig. 18(B), on the feeder registration screen 51E of the molecular weight calculation PC 51, the feeder number 30A of each feeder 30, the number of the rack 45, and the contents (material name) are registered, and the bottles 40 of the feeder 30 are filled with the material. For the feeder 30 used during weighing, a use selection mark 51E2 is entered in the use selection column of symbol 51E1 (it may also be a configuration that is displayed when clicked). Note that the feeder number 30A may be automatically input or selected when the reading code 30B is read by a reader. The transfer robot 53 sequentially stores each feeder 30 in the storage space of the rack 45, and stores the feeder number 30A as feeder storage data (data indicating that it has actually been stored) in the equipment control PC 52, or stores it in the molecular weight calculation PC 51 via the equipment control PC 52.

[0052] Next, the details of each step of the material formulation will be described. First, regarding the calculation of the required amount (weighing weight) of each material by the molecular weight calculation PC 51, the calculation for creating a compound of Mg and Si (for example, Mg2Si2X (X = 1 to 5)) will be described as an example. Fig. 19 shows the weight calculation screen 51F of the molecular weight calculation PC 51.

[0053] (1) When the first one of the element input fields is clicked, a list of registered element names is pop-up displayed. Then, when Mg is clicked, Mg is input into the first field. Similarly, when Si is clicked in the second field, Si is input into the second field.

[0054] (2) When a number or a variable is input into the composition ratio field, the composition formula is displayed in the composition formula field. Here, by setting the composition ratio of "Mg" to 2 and the composition ratio of "Si" to the variable X, "Mg2Si" is displayed in the composition ratio field. Note that the variable can be used by selecting the checkbox next to the element field to display "*".

[0055] (3) Set the range of variable X. The input of numbers is done via the keyboard. Also, the numbers can be set arbitrarily. Here, the minimum value is set to 1, the maximum value is set to 5, and the interval value is set to 1.

[0056] (4) Input the total amount of each material. Here, the total amount is set to 2 g. When the button for calculating the measured value under this condition is clicked, from Mg2Si1 to Mg2Si5 will be automatically displayed in the composition formula column, and the composition formulas of the materials SiO2 and MgO will be automatically displayed by referring to the list in the registered list section 51D (see Fig. 17). Then, corresponding to the composition ratios of "Mg" and "Si" from Mg2Si1 to Mg2Si5, the required amount of MgO and the required amount of SiO2 will be automatically calculated and displayed.

[0057] Note that the calculation of the required amount of the material is performed as follows. First, the atomic weight of Mg is 24, the atomic weight of Si is 28, and the atomic weight of O is 16. From Atomic weight = Number of moles × Atomic weight, the atomic weight of Mg2 is 2 × 24 = 48, and the atomic weight of Si1 is 1 × 28 = 28. Thus, the total atomic weight = 48 + 28 = 76.

[0058] The weight ratio of Si1 is 28 ÷ 76 = 0.3684210526315789, and the weight ratio of Mg2 is 48 ÷ 76 = 0.631578947368421. If Si1 and Mg2 are blended at a weight ratio of 37:63, the composition of Mg2Si1 will be obtained.

[0059] To blend Si1 and Mg2 at a weight ratio of 37:63, it is conceivable to measure the materials so that Si1 is 0.37 g and Mg2 is 0.63 g. The atomic weight of Si1, 28, is 47% of the molecular weight of SiO2, 60. So, if 0.79 g of SiO2 is measured, Si1 will be 0.37 g. Similarly, the atomic weight of Mg2, 48, is 60% of the molecular weight of MgO, 40. So, if 1.05 g of MgO is measured, Mg2 will be 0.63 g. When these two materials are totaled, 0.79 g + 1.05 g = 1.84 g.

[0060] To make the total weight of the required materials 2 g, the weight of SiO2 is 0.79 / 1.84 × 2 = 0.85714 g. Similarly, the weight of MgO is 1.05 / 1.84 × 2 = 1.14286 g. In this way, by simply entering the necessary values on the screen, the required amount (weight) of the desired materials can be obtained.

[0061] (5) When the input and calculation are completed, select whether to perform weighing for each composition formula. Clicking all the check buttons selects all the composition formulas, and clicking all the uncheck buttons makes all the composition formulas unselected. It is also possible to select each composition formula individually.

[0062] (6) Enter the number of weighings of the desired materials using the keyboard. For example, if you want to obtain three materials for each composition formula (if you want to perform compounding three times for each combination of weighing), enter 3.

[0063] (6) Click the "Weigh this compounding" button, and the device control PC 52, the weight of each material, and the number of weighings are input. Clicking the "Register this compounding" button saves the data in the database.

[0064] [Regarding the device control PC] Next, before the supply of materials (S4), the usage method of the device control PC 52 will be described while referring to the display screen of the touch panel 52A of the device control PC 52 shown in FIGS. 20 to 27.

[0065] FIG. 20(A) shows the menu screen D1. On the menu screen D1, there are buttons for transitioning to screens of various items and pop-up display buttons for setting the contents of each item.

[0066] The symbol D1a is the title bar, where the title "Menu" representing the menu screen D1 is displayed. When the title bar D1a is long-pressed, an explanation of the screen content setting method and the screen number are displayed. Also, when the "▽" button of the symbol D1e is pressed, a pre-set selection list of items (not shown in the figure) in the column of the symbol D1e' is pop-up displayed, and when one item is selected from the list of items, the selected item is displayed in that column. When the M1 button of the symbol D1g is operated, the title names of each screen D1~D30 pop up and are displayed, and when one screen is selected from them, the screen moves to that screen. When the "Up" button of the symbol D1h is operated, a screen with a hierarchy one level above the current screen is displayed. When the save button of the symbol D1i is operated, the current content is registered in the database. These items are common to the screens D1~D30.

[0067] In addition to the above common items, on the menu screen D1, transfer buttons to the automatic weighing menu screen D2, standard setting screen, special function screen, constant speed supply menu screen D12, step weighing setting screen D30, supply screen, additional equipment setting screen, and manufacturer setting screen are displayed. Note that in the manufacturer setting screen (not shown in the figure), reference values for bulk density, angle of repose, particle size, specific gravity, and viscosity are registered.

[0068] Figure 20(B) shows the automatic weighing menu screen D2 transferred from the menu screen D1 by the transfer button. On the automatic weighing menu screen D2, transfer buttons to the automatic weighing screen D7, compounding setting screen D5, weight setting screen, weighing setting screen, function menu screen D9, supply machine setting screens (D3, D3L), and record menu screen are displayed. Also, when the transfer button D2d to the supply machine setting screens (D3, D3L) is operated, it is configured to select and transfer to either the supply machine setting screen D3 for powder and granular materials or the liquid supply machine setting screen D3L for liquid materials.

[0069] When the "Next" button of the symbol D2f is operated, it moves to the next screen. Here, for example, it moves to the supply machine setting screen (D3) for powder and granular materials.

[0070] Figure 20(C) shows the first page of the feeder setting screen for the granular material (feeder setting 1-1 screen D3). The feeder setting screen is a screen for inputting data related to the feeder 30. On the first page (reference D3), the feeder number 30A (the number registered in the list shown in Fig. 18(B)), the feeder type, the number of the rack 45 in which it is stored, the number of the storage space in the rack 45, and the shutter number (to be described in detail later) are input and set. Here, as the feeder type, the "vibrating bottom type" corresponding to the vibrating feeder mechanism 20A is selected.

[0071] When the "Next" button D3f is operated on the first page (reference D3) of the feeder setting screen, it shifts to the second page (reference D4) of the feeder setting screen shown in Fig. 20(D). The second page (reference D4) is a screen for inputting material data, and the material name, bulk density, angle of repose, and particle size are input and set. The material name is selected and confirmed from the data transferred from the registered list section 51D of the material registration screen 51A of the PC 51 for molecular weight calculation. If it is not registered, it may be created and saved here. For the bulk density, angle of repose, and particle size, if there are predicted values, the predicted values are entered, and if they are unknown, 0 is entered.

[0072] Some of the feeders 30 are for accommodating liquid materials. Figures 21(A) and (B) show the liquid feeder setting screens D3L and D4L for liquid materials. On the first page (D3L) of the liquid feeder setting screen, similar to the first page (reference D3) of the feeder setting screen, the feeder number 30A, the feeder type, the number of the rack 45 in which it is stored, and the number of the storage space in the rack 45 are input and set. As the feeder types, tubing dispensers, roller tube pumps, pipette dispensers, bottle top dispensers, screw pumps, pipettors, syringe pumps, plunger pumps, and syringes are pre-registered, and here, the tubing dispenser is selected. Also, on the first page (D3L) of the liquid feeder setting screen, the valve number is registered. For a mechanism without a valve or when it is not used, 0 is entered in the valve number column.

[0073] When the "Next" button D3Lf is operated on the first page (reference numeral D3L) of the liquid supply machine setting screen, the screen transitions to the second page (reference numeral D4L) of the supply machine setting screen shown in FIG. 21(B). The second page (reference numeral D4L) is a screen for inputting liquid material data, and the material name, specific gravity, and viscosity are input and set. The material name is selected and confirmed from the data transferred from the registered list section 51D of the material registration screen 51A of the molecular weight calculation PC 51. If it is not registered, it may be created and saved here. For the specific gravity and viscosity, if there are predicted values, the predicted values are input, and if unknown, 0 is input.

[0074] FIG. 20(E) shows the blending setting screen D5. The blending setting screen D5 can be transitioned from the selection screen when the M1 button is operated or from the automatic weighing menu screen D2. The blending setting screen D5 is a screen for setting the supply machine 30 to be used in each weighing pattern determined on the weight calculation screen 51F (FIG. 19) of the molecular weight calculation PC 51, and the weighing pattern number, the supply machine number 30A of the supply machine 30 to be used, the weighing count, and the number of acceptable products are input and set. The weighing pattern number can be selected from the data determined and transferred on the weight calculation screen 51F (FIG. 19) of the molecular weight calculation PC 51. Here, in the column of the supply machine number 30A, 1 (MgO (see FIG. 18(B))), 3 (SiO2 (see FIG. 18(B))), and L1 are input. Note that the "L" in L1 indicates that it is a liquid material. Also, 3 is input for the weighing count and 3 is input for the number of acceptable products. The weighing patterns 2 to 5 are set in the same manner.

[0075] When the "Next" button D5f is operated on the cooperation setting screen D5, the system shifts to the feeder metering setting screen D6 shown in FIG. 20(F). On the feeder metering setting screen D6, first, enter the number of the metering pattern (abbreviated as "P") and the feeder number 30A, and set the set value (set value of the metering weight), determination upper limit, determination lower limit, and drop correction value for the metering pattern and the feeder 30. Based on the material name registered on the second page (reference sign D4) of the feeder setting screen and the metering pattern registered on the cooperation setting screen D5, the value transferred from the molecular weight calculation PC51 is automatically input to the set value (in the case of the weight of SiO2 for Mg2Si1 described above, 0.857 is input). The determination upper limit and the determination lower limit define the allowable error and can be input arbitrarily. Also, when performing metering, as the distance from the material supply mechanism 20 becomes closer later, the airborne weight of the material that was floating in the discharged air and landing on the filled material in the container 46 becomes smaller. However, the drop correction is a numerical value for correcting the change in the airborne weight. Here, 0.005 is input for all of the determination upper limit, determination lower limit, and drop correction. When setting for liquid materials, "Liquid Feeder Metering Setting" is displayed on the title bar D6a of the feeder metering setting screen D6, and "L" is automatically attached to the beginning of the feeder number 30A.

[0076] When the shutter number is input on the first page (reference sign D3) of the feeder setting screen in FIG. 20(C), or when it is selected on the selection screen when the M1 button is operated, the process proceeds to the shutter menu screen DS1 shown in FIG. 22(A). The shutter menu screen DS1 is for setting the operation of the shutter member 33. In the column with reference sign DS1d, the metering pattern number input on the compounding setting screen D5 is automatically input. When other numbers are input here, the screen of that metering pattern is displayed. In the column with reference sign DS1e, high precision, standard, and speed priority are pop-up displayed, and how to control the operation of the shutter member 33 is selected. Here, high precision is selected. In the column with reference sign DS1g, the shutter number is input. Also, when other numbers are input in this column, the screen of that shutter number is displayed. FIG. 22(B) shows a state where the column with reference sign DS1b in the shutter menu screen DS1 is pop-up displayed, and items such as shutter setting, shutter No registration, shutter call No, movement speed registration, single shutter operation, end point registration, and supply amount shutter closing degree setting are listed. Reference sign DS1f is a column for selecting whether to use the shutter or not.

[0077] When the "Next" button is operated on the shutter menu screen DS1, the process proceeds to the moving speed registration screen DS2 shown in Fig. 22(C). The moving speed registration screen DS2 is for setting the opening and closing operations of the shutter member 33. In the columns P1 to P4 for the closing speed, the closing speed values are input, and in the columns P2 to P5 for the opening speed, the opening speed values are input. Here, "P" is an abbreviation for "point". P1 is the position of the shutter member 33 when the through-hole 34K is 100% open (open end position), P5 is the position of the shutter member 33 when the through-hole 34K is closed (closed end position), and P2 to P4 are three positions dividing the space between the two. The positions of P1 to P5 are set on the supply amount shutter closing degree setting screen DS5 described later. The closing speed value and the opening speed value indicate that the larger the number, the higher the slide speed. Here, when opening, the numerical values are input so that the slide speed gradually increases, and when closing, the numerical values are input so that the slide speed gradually decreases. When the buttons of P1 open end, P2, P3, P4, and P5 closed end of the symbol DS2B are operated, the shutter member 33 moves to each position at the set speed. For example, when the shutter member 33 is arranged at P1 and the button of P5 closed end is operated, the shutter member 33 passes through the points while sequentially changing speed and reaches P5.

[0078] When the "Next" button is operated on the moving speed registration screen DS2, the process shifts to the shutter single - action screen DS3 shown in Fig. 22(D). The shutter single - action screen DS3 is a screen for checking the closing speed and opening speed operations of the shutter member 33. When the buttons with P1 open end, P2, P3, P4, and P5 closed ends, denoted by DS3b, are operated, the shutter member 33 moves to their respective positions. When the full - open operation button denoted by DS3c is operated, the shutter member 33 moves to the full - open position regardless of its position other than the full - open position (P1). When the full - close operation button denoted by DS3c' is operated, the shutter member 33 moves to the full - close position regardless of its position other than the full - close position (P5). The stop button denoted by DS3c” stops the movement of the operating shutter member 33. The current position (opening degree) of the shutter member 33 is displayed at DS3d. DS3d' reads and displays the next movement position (opening degree) as the target point each time. The moving speed at DS3d” reads and displays the current speed value of the speed value that changes according to the speed value set on the moving speed registration screen DS2 each time.

[0079] When the "Next" button is operated on the shutter single - action screen DS3, the process shifts to the end - point registration screen DS4 shown in Fig. 22(E). The end - point registration screen DS4 is a screen for data input and operation confirmation of end - point registration. When the inching speed is input in the column denoted by DS4f and the full - open operation button denoted by DS4B is operated, the shutter member 33 moves at the input inching speed while the operation is being performed. When the operation of the full - open operation button DS4b is stopped at the desired position, that position becomes the full - open point. When the full - open registration button denoted by DS4b' is operated, that full - open point is registered, and the open - end lamp denoted by DS4b” lights up. Also, when the full - close operation button denoted by DS4c” is operated, the shutter member 33 moves at the input inching speed while the operation is being performed. When the operation of the full - close operation button DS4c” is stopped at the desired position, that position becomes the full - close point. When the full - close registration button denoted by DS4c' is operated, that full - close point is registered, and the closed - end lamp denoted by DS4c” lights up. After the above registration is completed, save the settings.

[0080] When the "Next" button is operated on the end point registration screen DS4, the system transitions to the supply amount shutter closing degree setting screen DS5 shown in FIG. 22(F). The supply amount shutter closing degree setting screen DS5 is a screen for inputting data on the shutter opening degree with respect to the remaining supply amount. On the supply amount shutter closing degree setting screen DS5, the remaining supply amount values and the shutter opening degrees corresponding to the respective positions of the P1 open end, P2, P3, P4, and P5 closed ends are input in %. Here, for the remaining supply amount values, the numbers 100 for the P1 open end, 60 for P2, 10 for P3, 3 for P4, and 0.001 for the P5 closed end are input, and for the shutter opening degrees, the numbers 100 for the P1 open end, 40 for P2, 10 for P3, 5 for P4, and 0 for the P5 closed end are input. As a result, when the remaining supply amount is 100%, the shutter opening degree becomes 100% (P1 open end), when the remaining supply amount becomes 60%, the shutter opening degree becomes 40% (P2), when the remaining supply amount becomes 10%, the shutter opening degree becomes 10% (P3), when the remaining supply amount becomes 3%, the shutter opening degree becomes 5% (P4), and when the remaining supply amount becomes 0.001%, the shutter opening degree becomes 0% (P5 closed end), and the shutter member 33 operates accordingly. Note that setting the shutter opening degree to 0% when the remaining supply amount is 0.001% (closing it at the P5 closed end) is to prevent mechanical operation delays until the shutter member 33 operates from the output signal indicating that the remaining supply amount has become 0%, and to improve the accuracy of drop correction (airborne floating materials).

[0081] When a valve number is input on the first page (reference D3L) of the liquid supply machine setting screen in FIG. 21(A), instead of the shutter menu screen DS1, the moving speed registration screen DS2, the shutter single - action screen DS3, the end point registration screen DS4, and the supply amount shutter closing degree setting screen DS5, a valve menu screen (not shown), a moving speed registration screen, a valve single - action screen, an end point registration screen, and a supply amount valve closing degree setting screen are displayed, and for the operation of the valve, settings and operations similar to those of the shutter member 33 can be performed.

[0082] Figure 23(A) shows the automatic weighing screen D7 that is transferred from the automatic weighing menu screen D2 by the transfer button. The automatic weighing screen D7 is a screen that is displayed when starting weighing (supply), and is displayed from the start of weighing to the completion of weighing. On the automatic weighing screen D7, the weighing pattern number for starting weighing (or performing weighing) and the feeder number 30A of the feeder 30 are input and displayed. In the case of liquid materials, they are input and displayed in the column of "L". When other numbers are input into the feeder number 30A of the feeder 30, the system will transfer to that feeder 30. The column with the symbol D7k is for selecting the type of the automatic weighing program from among the three types: automatic weighing, AI automatic weighing, and step weighing.

[0083] Weighing is started by operating the start button with the symbol D7h. The state shown in Figure 23(A) is the automatic weighing screen D7 in the state where the first automatic weighing has been completed. For the set value (symbol D7d) of 10.000 g, the weighed value (symbol D7f) is displayed as 9.996 g, the measured value (symbol D7g) is displayed as 9.997 g, and the weighing time (D7j) is displayed as 35 sec. The weighed value (symbol D7f) indicates the control value calculated by the program, and the measured value (symbol D7g) is the value of the result (the value output from the electronic scale 54) controlled based on the control value. Here, since the determination upper limit and the determination lower limit were set to 0.005 g on the feeder weighing setting screen D6, both the weighed value (symbol D7f) of 9.996 g and the measured value (symbol D7g) of 9.997 g are within the allowable range, and the first automatic weighing has been completed with an OK determination. At this time, the screen is displayed in green. Note that the weighed value (symbol D7f) here is the control value at the time when the program determines that weighing has ended, and the measured value (symbol D7g) is the value output from the electronic scale 54. The determination of the determination upper limit and the determination lower limit is made based on the measured value (symbol D7g).

[0084] FIG. 23(B) shows the automatic weighing screen D7 in a state where the second automatic weighing has ended with an NG determination. In the example shown in FIG. 23(B), the set value (reference sign D7d) is 10.000 g, the weighed value (reference sign D7f) is 10.009 g, and the actually measured value (reference sign D7g) is 10.010 g, which is outside the allowable range, so it has ended with an NG determination. At this time, the screen is displayed in red.

[0085] FIG. 23(C) shows the function menu screen D9 that is shifted from the automatic weighing menu screen D2 by the shift button. The function menu screen D9 displays shift buttons to the I / O confirmation screen D10 and the acceleration / deceleration time setting screen D11, and is a screen for performing clock setting, function assignment, etc. Also, for those that are set for each of the feeder 30, the shutter member 33, or the valve, they can be called by inputting numbers in the columns of reference signs D9h and D9i.

[0086] FIG. 23(D) shows the I / O confirmation screen D10 that is shifted from the function menu screen D9 by the shift button. On the I / O confirmation screen D10, the connection status of each device connected to the device control PC 52 can be viewed. The buttons starting with X such as reference sign D10B are I / O buttons for input signal display, and the buttons starting with Y such as reference sign D10c are I / O buttons for output signal display. When these buttons are operated, if they are normally connected, a message "Normally connected" is displayed, and if they are not normally connected, a message "Connection cannot be confirmed" is displayed. Also, for those that are set for each of the feeder 30, the shutter member 33, or the valve, they can be called by inputting numbers in the columns of reference signs D10d and D10e. Thereby, on the I / O confirmation screen D10, the input and output of signals can be confirmed when devices, sensors, etc. malfunction.

[0087] Figure 23(E) shows the acceleration / deceleration time setting screen D11 that is shifted from the function menu screen D9 by the shift button. The acceleration / deceleration time setting screen D11 is a screen for setting the acceleration / deceleration time of each device. When a number is input in the column of symbol D11e, the corresponding powder and liquid supply machines 30 can be called, and the acceleration / deceleration of the supply (increase / decrease of the supply amount) of each supply machine 30 can be set.

[0088] Figure 23(F) shows the constant speed supply menu screen D12 that is shifted from the menu screen D1 by the shift button. The constant speed supply menu screen D12 includes a constant speed supply setting screen D13, a constant speed supply screen D14, a measurement interval graph screen D16 (confirmation of the most recent supply graph), an integrated graph screen D17 (confirmation of the most recent supply graph), a supply record table screen D15 (confirmation of the most recent record), in addition to the shift buttons to these, and a button for record browsing (referencing past records in the memory). Note that when a number is input in the column of symbol D12h, the corresponding powder and liquid supply machines 30 can be called.

[0089] Figure 24(A) shows the constant speed supply setting screen D13 that is shifted from the constant speed supply menu screen D12 by the shift button. The constant speed supply setting screen D13 is provided with a column for inputting the operation time of symbol D13B (continuous operation when 0 sec is input), a column for inputting the sampling interval of symbol D13d (sampling function stops when 0 sec is input), and a rotation direction (the rotation direction of the reduction gear motor may be opposite) switching button of symbol D13f. Here, 60 is input for the operation time (symbol D13b) and 5 is input for the sampling interval (symbol D13d). Note that when a number is input in the column of symbol D13g, the corresponding powder and liquid supply machines 30 can be called.

[0090] Figure 24(B) shows a constant-speed supply screen D14 that is transitioned to from the constant-speed supply menu screen D12 by a transition button. On the constant-speed supply screen D14, when a number is entered in the column with the symbol D14b, the corresponding feeder 30 for powder and liquid can be called. In the column for time setting with the symbol D14c, the operating time (symbol D13b. Here, it is 60) set on the constant-speed supply setting screen D13 is displayed. The symbol D14h is an input field for the supply speed, and here, the number 10 is entered. When the scale value button with the symbol D14d is operated, the electronic scale 54 is zero reset (when a scale is connected), and the value becomes 0. Then, when the start button with the symbol D14e is operated, supply is performed at a supply speed of 10% for 60 seconds. During the supply, the elapsed supply time is displayed in the column with the symbol D14g, and in the column D14d, the supply weight output from the electronic scale 54 is displayed in real time.

[0091] Using this constant-speed supply screen D14, it is possible to determine the supply capacity of each registered feeder 30. Specifically, the numbers 100% and 5% are entered in the input field for the supply speed in D14h, the feeder is operated, and the supply weight data for each is acquired. The obtained supply weight data is registered and stored in a database. Note that the reason for acquiring the supply weight data at 100% and 5% of the supply speed is that due to the viscous resistance of the powder, the value calculated from the value at 100% of the supply speed will not be equal to the value at 5%.

[0092] When the "Next" button is operated on the constant-speed supply screen D14, it transitions to the supply record form screen D15 shown in Figure 24(C). On the supply record form screen D15, the elapsed time and weight of the most recent supply are displayed, and the weight per second (supply weight per second) is also displayed. Note that when a number is entered in the column with the symbol D15g, the corresponding feeder 30 for powder and liquid can be called.

[0093] When the "Next" button is operated on the supply record form screen D15, or when "Measurement Interval Graph" is selected from a list (not shown) that pops up in the column with the symbol D15e on the supply record form screen D15, the process moves to the measurement interval graph screen D16 shown in FIG. 24(D). On the measurement interval graph screen D16, the weight values at each sampling interval (symbol D13d. Here, 5 seconds) set on the constant speed supply setting screen D13 are plotted each time. FIG. 24(D) shows the graph after 60 seconds. Also, the date is displayed in the column with the symbol D16e, and the weight near the average value calculated internally is automatically displayed in the column with the symbol D16f.

[0094] When "Integrated Graph" is selected from a list (not shown) that pops up in the column with the symbol D15e on the supply record form screen D15, the process moves to the integrated graph screen D17 shown in FIG. 24(E). On the integrated graph screen D17, the weight values (cumulative values) are plotted each time at the sampling interval set on the constant speed supply setting screen D13 (symbol D13d. Here, every 5 seconds). FIG. 24(D) shows the graph after 60 seconds. Also, the date is displayed in the column with the symbol D17e, and the weight near the cumulative value calculated internally is displayed. Further, on the integrated graph screen D17, a model line (symbol D17g) derived from the measured values is displayed.

[0095] When selected on the selection screen when the M1 button is operated, the process moves to the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18 shown in FIG. 24(E). The automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18 is a screen for inputting data necessary for automatic weighing. The registered weighing pattern and the feeder number are automatically displayed in the automatic weighing column with the symbol D18d and the feeder number column with the symbol D18f. Also, when numbers are input into these columns, the corresponding weighing pattern or the call of the feeder 30 for powders and liquids can be made. In the column with the symbol D18c, the supply accuracy can be selected from high accuracy, standard, and speed priority.

[0096] Fig. 25(A) shows a state where, on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18, a list of common settings displayed when the symbol D18b is operated and a list of individual settings displayed when the symbol D18e is operated are shown.

[0097] Fig. 25(B) shows a weight threshold setting screen D20 that is shifted to when "weight threshold setting" is selected from the common settings on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18. The weight threshold setting screen D20 is a screen for inputting the threshold of the measured value as a percentage. When the measured value reaches the weight of the input threshold, the supplied weight is read from the electronic weighing device 54 and confirmed. When the supply speed of the material supply mechanism 20 is fast, the weight read with respect to the threshold becomes large, and when the supply speed of the material supply mechanism 20 is slow, the weight read with respect to the threshold becomes small.

[0098] Fig. 25(C) shows an accuracy threshold setting screen D21 that is shifted to when the "next" button is operated on the weight threshold setting screen D20 or when "accuracy threshold setting" is selected from the common settings on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18. The accuracy threshold setting screen D21 is an input screen for obtaining a threshold for the standard of the supply amount speed from the measured weight and the measurement accuracy. By adding the determination upper limit and the determination lower limit set on the supply machine weighing setting screen D6 as the coefficient of the measurement accuracy and dividing the set value of the measured weight by the coefficient, the standard of the supply amount speed can be obtained. When both the determination upper limit and the determination lower limit are 0.005 and the set value is 0.857, the coefficient of the measurement accuracy is 0.005 + 0.005 = 0.01, and the standard of the supply amount speed is 0.857 ÷ 0.01 = 85.7. When applied to the numerical field of the symbol D21B, it is 50 times or more of 6 and less than 100 times of 5. However, in order to maintain the measurement accuracy, here, the lower 50 times or more of 6 is selected.

[0099] In Fig. 25(D), when the "Next" button is operated on the threshold setting screen D21, or when "Speed Setting 1-1" is selected from the common settings on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18, the transitioning speed setting 1-1 screen D22 is shown. The speed setting 1-1 screen D22 is a screen for inputting a numerical value for obtaining the initial speed based on how many times the weighing weight is relative to the accuracy. When the setting column of the accuracy threshold setting screen D21 is 1, the initial speed is 60% of 6; similarly, when it is 2, it is 40% of 5; when it is 3, it is 20% of 4; when it is 4, it is 15% of 3; when it is 5, it is 10% of 3; when it is from 6 to 15, it is less than 5%. Note that for changing the allocation, the numerical values in each column are changed, the button with the symbol D22e is operated, and a list from 1 to 15 corresponding to the accuracy threshold setting screen D21 is displayed and can be selected and changed. Here, although it is expressed as speed, for a feeder supplied by the rotation of a motor, it is the rotation speed of the motor, and for a feeder supplied by vibration, it is the vibration frequency. Since both mean the increase or decrease amount of the supply amount, it is expressed as speed.

[0100] In Fig. 25(E), when the "Next" button is operated on the speed setting 1-1 screen D22, or when "Speed Setting 1-2" is selected from the common settings on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18, the transitioning speed setting 1-2 screen D23 is shown. On the speed setting 1-2 screen D23, by inputting the acceleration time timer reset coefficient in the column with the symbol D23b, the weight value is read from the electronic weigher 54 every second multiplied by 0.1 of the acceleration time timer reset coefficient (when the acceleration time timer reset coefficient is 2, every 0.2 seconds), and it is determined whether to perform acceleration with respect to the desired weighing weight value. For example, when the desired weighing weight value is 10 g and the weight at the time of reading is 2 g, the remaining supply weight is calculated using the weight increase value in 0.2 seconds as a constant from the weight increase value in 0.2 seconds. Acceleration is performed until the deceleration weight point for obtaining the desired weighing weight accuracy.

[0101] Also, by entering the initial minimum supply amount in the column of symbol D23c, the supply speed of the supply machine is maintained up to the entered value for the desired measured weight value. For example, when the desired measured weight value is 10 g and the initial minimum supply amount is 40, the supply is performed at the given initial speed up to 4 g which is 40% of 10 g, and acceleration according to the acceleration time timer reset coefficient determined by symbol D23b is started after exceeding 4 g. By entering the hanging rate at the minimum supply weight in the column of symbol D23d, during automatic weighing alone, automatic weighing is performed from the entered hanging rate value at the minimum supply weight.

[0102] In FIG. 25(F), when the "Next" button is operated on the speed setting 1-2 screen D23, or when "Speed setting 1-3" is selected from the common settings on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18, the transferred speed setting 1-3 screen D24 is shown. The speed setting 1-3 screen D24 is a screen for determining the quality of the initial speed supply amount with the entered value by entering the initial speed determination time (symbol D24b). By entering the acceleration time in the column of symbol D24c, the supply machine is accelerated with the entered value to increase the supply amount. By entering the maximum initial speed in the column of symbol D24d, the acceleration of the supply machine is stopped with the entered value. By entering the target supply time in the column of symbol D24e, the target supply amount is calculated with the entered value. Note that the target supply time is the target time until the initial speed supply amount is reached.

[0103] Figure 26(A) shows the deviation width setting screen D25 that appears when the "Next" button is operated on the speed setting 1-3 screen D24, or when "Deviation width setting" is selected from the common settings on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18. The deviation width setting screen D25 is a screen for inputting and setting the deviation width in the column marked with symbol D25B and the deviation time in the column marked with symbol D25c. In the column marked with symbol D25b, the deviation width weight is input as a percentage in each column from 1 to 6, and based on these numerical values, the difference in the supply weight at the weight of the threshold value set on the weight threshold setting screen D20 (the difference between the threshold weight and the supply weight (measured value) at the time when the measured value reaches the threshold) is used to determine the deviation width. Here, the numerical values 1 to 2, 2 to 4, 3 to 6, 4 to 8, 4 to 12, and 4 to 16 are input. By inputting and setting the deviation time in the column marked with symbol D25c, based on the difference in the supply time at the weight of the threshold value set on the weight threshold setting screen D20 from the input numerical values (the time difference between when the measured value reaches the threshold weight and when the supply weight (measured value) reaches the threshold weight), the deviation time is determined. Here, the numerical value 3 is input.

[0104] Figure 26(B) shows the acceleration / deceleration rate setting screen D26 that appears when the "Next" button is operated on the deviation width setting screen D25, or when "Acceleration / deceleration rate setting" is selected from the common settings on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18. The acceleration / deceleration rate setting screen D26 is a screen for setting the acceleration / deceleration rate. There are columns from 1 to 6 for each of the items of large acceleration, acceleration, maintenance, deceleration, and large deceleration. By inputting numerical values in each column, the input values are used in the calculation to determine by what percentage the current supply amount will be accelerated or decelerated in the future. Also, the numbers from 1 to 6 correspond to the numbers from 1 to 6 on the deviation width setting screen D25. If the weighing accuracy is not achieved, these numbers should be set smaller, and if the weighing time is long, these numbers should be set larger.

[0105] In Fig. 26(C), when the "Next" button is operated on the acceleration / deceleration rate setting screen D26, or when "Upper / Lower Limit Speed Setting" is selected from the common settings on the automatic metering menu 2 screen D18, the upper / lower limit speed setting screen D27 to which the transition is made is shown. The upper / lower limit speed setting screen D27 is a screen for setting the maximum speed and the minimum speed of the supply speed when the acceleration / deceleration does not work well depending on the properties of the material. When the acceleration does not work well depending on the properties of the material, an upper limit value is set in the maximum speed column of the symbol D27b, and when the deceleration does not work well, a lower limit value is set in the minimum speed column of the symbol D27c, so that the supply is not performed exceeding the set value.

[0106] In Fig. 26(D), when the "Next" button is operated on the upper / lower limit speed setting screen D27, or when "Accuracy Coefficient Setting" is selected from the common settings on the automatic metering menu 2 screen D18, the accuracy coefficient setting screen D28 to which the transition is made is shown. The accuracy coefficient setting screen D28 is a screen for inputting the width of the accuracy. The number entered in the accuracy coefficient column of the symbol D28c becomes the number of operands of the operation for determining whether to reduce the supply amount with respect to the set tolerance. For example, when the accuracy coefficient is set to 5, automatic speed change is performed so that the supply amount (supply amount per second) is the value obtained by dividing the tolerance range by 5. For example, in the case of ±10 mg, 10÷5 = 2, and the final supply amount is 2 mg. When the accuracy coefficient is set to 2, automatic speed change is performed so that the supply amount is the value obtained by dividing the tolerance range by 2. For example, in the case of ±20 mg, 20÷2 = 10, and the final supply amount is 10 mg.

[0107] Figure 26(E) shows the AI setting screen D29 that appears when "AI settings" is selected on the selection screen when the M1 button is operated. On the AI setting screen D29, various settings are made as to whether to use automatic weighing (reference D29b), shutter (reference D29c), valve (reference D29d), AI weighing (settings made on the automatic weighing menu 2 screen D18) (reference D29e), feeder 30, automatic exchange (reference D29k), etc. In the column of reference D29f, the weighing pattern number input on the compounding setting screen D5 is automatically input. By operating the button of reference D29f', a list of other weighing patterns can be displayed and changed. In the column of reference D29g, the shutter number input on the feeder setting 1-1 screen D3 is automatically input. By operating the button of reference D29g', a list of other shutters can be displayed and changed.

[0108] The column of reference D29h is for selecting whether to perform initial speed fixing. Specifically, it is a selection of whether to use or not use the initial speed change interruption when the initial speed calculated by automatic weighing or AI automatic weighing is increased, for example, when weighing takes a long time or the target weighing weight is particularly large. The usage method is to turn on the column of reference D29h and change the initial speed value calculated by automatic weighing or AI automatic weighing displayed in D29h" to the desired numerical value and confirm that value. Then, weighing starts at the initial speed of the input numerical value. If no NG occurs during weighing, it is automatically written into the data of automatic weighing and AI automatic weighing, and thereafter, automatic weighing is performed with this value.

[0109] FIG. 26(F) shows a step measurement setting screen D30 that is transitioned from the menu screen D1 by a transition button. The step measurement setting screen D30 is a screen for inputting each setting when using step measurement. In the column of reference D30c, the set value (here, 10.000) input on the automatic measurement screen D7 is automatically input. Each column of reference D30b’ is for inputting the remaining amount with respect to the set weight as a percentage in accordance with the notations of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Here, 30 is input for 1st, 15 is input for 2nd, 4 is input for 3rd, and 2 is input for 4th, respectively. When the set value is 10 g, the remaining amount at 1st (30%) is 10 g × 30% = 3 g, the remaining amount at 2nd (15%) is 10 g × 15% = 1.5 g, the remaining amount at 3rd (4%) is 10 g × 4% = 0.4 g, and the remaining amount at 4th (2%) is 10 g × 2% = 0.2 g. In the column of reference D30b”, in accordance with the items of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and set value, the remaining amount of the above calculation is displayed as a weight value corresponding to the percentages of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and set weight in the horizontal column of D30b’ when automatic measurement is performed on the D7 automatic measurement screen D7.

[0110] Each column of "Compliance D30d" is input as a percentage of the output with respect to the supply capacity of the supply machine in accordance with the notations of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Here, 20 is input for 1st, 10 for 2nd, 5 for 3rd, 1 for 4th, and 0.5 for 5th. The numerical values of this "Compliance D30d" are linked to the numerical values and set values input to "Compliance D30b'", where 20 of 1st of "Compliance D30d" corresponds to 30 of 1st of "Compliance D30b'", 10 of 2nd of "Compliance D30d" corresponds to 15 of 2nd of "Compliance D30b'", 5 of 3rd of "Compliance D30d" corresponds to 4 of 3rd of "Compliance D30b'", 1 of 4th of "Compliance D30d" corresponds to 2 of 4th of "Compliance D30b'", and 0.5 of 5th of "Compliance D30d" corresponds to 10.000 of the set value, respectively. As a result, every time the measured value or the actual measured value reaches the remaining amount in the column of "Compliance D30b", an operation to reduce the supply amount is performed. When the "▽" button of "Compliance D30g" is operated, a selection list of items of 1.5 times, 2.0 times, 2.5 times, 3.0 times, 3.5 times, 4.0 times, 4.5 times, and 5.0 times (not shown in the figure) pops up in the "Compliance D30g'" selector frame. When a desired multiple is selected from the list of items, the initial supply amount can be determined as the multiple selected for 30 of 1st. In the columns of "Compliance D30e", "Compliance D30f", and "Compliance D30h", the measurement pattern number, supply machine number (or supply machine number for liquid materials), and shutter number input (or automatically input) on the automatic measurement screen D7 are input.

[0111] Note that the input contents from the weight threshold setting screen D20 to the accuracy coefficient setting screen D28 and the step measurement setting screen D30 are parameters used for both powder material supply and liquid material supply. Figure 27 shows a keyboard etc. displayed on the touch panel 52A for input to the screen of the device control PC52. Specifically, Figure 27(A) shows a numeric input keyboard, Figure 27(B) shows a calculator function, and Figures 27(C) to (E) show a character input keyboard. The character input keyboard is switchable.

[0112] In the machine control PC 52, in the above-described feeder setting screen (reference sign D4, see Fig. 20(D)) and the feeder setting screen (reference sign D4L, see Fig. 21(B)), the bulk density, angle of repose, particle diameter of the granular material, and the specific gravity and viscosity of the liquid material are input in advance. The machine control PC 52 has a program that automatically changes the feeding speed (meaning the feeding amount) of the feeder based on these values to obtain the desired weighing weight and weighing accuracy for the desired granular material and liquid material. Further, in the machine control PC 52, as reference values, a bulk density of 1, an angle of repose of 40°, a particle diameter of 0.1 mm, a specific gravity of 1, and a viscosity of 1 are registered, and the feeding speed (meaning the feeding amount) is changed from the comparison between this reference value and the input value. Note that the reference values are determined from the past handling experience of the granular material and the liquid material.

[0113] A coefficient for setting the feeding speed is calculated from the above-described reference value and the input value. First, the granular material will be described. When the bulk density of the material to be used is 0.1, 1÷0.1 = 10 is obtained as the coefficient, and when the bulk density of the material to be used is 2, 1÷2 = 0.5 is obtained as the coefficient. This coefficient is defined as the bulk density coefficient K. When the same feeder is used, unless the feeding speed of the material with a bulk density of 0.1 is 10 times and the feeding speed of the material with a bulk density of 2 is 0.5 times, an equivalent feeding weight cannot be obtained in terms of the volume ratio to the material with a bulk density of 1.

[0114] Similarly, when the angle of repose of the material to be used is 20°, 20÷40 = 0.5 is obtained as the coefficient, and when the angle of repose of the material to be used is 60°, 60÷40 = 1.5 is obtained as the coefficient. This coefficient is defined as the angle of repose coefficient A. When the same feeder is used, unless the feeding speed of the material with an angle of repose of 10° is 0.5 times and the feeding speed of the material with an angle of repose of 60° is 1.5 times, an equivalent feeding weight cannot be obtained in terms of the fluidity ratio to the material with an angle of repose of 40°.

[0115] Similarly, when the particle size of the material used is 0.04 mm, 0.1÷0.04 = 2.5 is obtained as the coefficient, and when the particle size of the material used is 1 mm, 0.1÷1 = 0.1 is obtained as the coefficient. Let this coefficient be the particle size coefficient Pa. When using the same feeder, if the supply rate of the material with a particle size of 0.04 mm is not set to 2.5 times and that of the material with a particle size of 1 mm is not set to 0.1 times, an equivalent supply weight value cannot be obtained in terms of the volume ratio to the material with a particle size of 0.1 mm.

[0116] When the bulk density of a certain granular material is 0.5, the angle of repose is 45°, and the particle size is 0.02 mm, the bulk density coefficient K is 2, the angle of repose coefficient A is 1.125, and the particle size coefficient Pa is 5. The value obtained by multiplying these coefficients (2×1.125×5 = 11.25) is defined as the powder property coefficient PW.

[0117] Next, the liquid material will be described. When the specific gravity of the material used is 0.8, 1÷0.8 = 1.25 is obtained as the coefficient. Let this coefficient be the specific gravity coefficient SG. When the viscosity of the material used is 0.9, 1÷0.9 = 1.11 is obtained as the coefficient. Let this coefficient be the viscosity coefficient VC. The value obtained by multiplying these coefficients (1.25×1.11×5 = 1.39) is defined as the liquid property coefficient LI.

[0118] Also, in the equipment control PC 52, it is necessary to obtain the supply capacity of each registered feeder 30 using the constant-speed supply screen D14 (see Fig. 24(B)). Operate the feeder 30 at supply speeds of 100% and 5% respectively, and acquire the supply weight data for each case. The obtained supply weight data is registered and stored in the database. The reason for acquiring the supply weight data at supply speeds of 100% and 5% is that due to the viscous resistance of the powder, the value calculated from the value at a supply speed of 100% will not be equal to the value at 5%.

[0119] [Regarding weighing] Next, the weighing (material supply) will be described. The material supply is started by selecting a weighing pattern on the automatic weighing screen D7 (see Fig. 23(A)) and operating the start button (reference sign D7h).

[0120] For example, a case where 10 g of the material of the feeder 30 with feeder number 12 stored in the 10th storage space of the 1st rack 45 is weighed will be described as an example. In this feeder 30 (feeder number 12), 1 is input to the shutter number (refer to the feeder setting 1-1 screen D3, Fig. 20(C)), SiO2 (silica) is input to the material name (refer to the feeder setting 1-2 screen D4, Fig. 20(D)), 10 is input to the weighing pattern number (refer to the compounding setting screen D5, Fig. 20(E)), 5 is input to the weighing number (refer to the compounding setting screen D5, Fig. 20(E)), and 5 is input to the OK quantity (refer to the compounding setting screen D5, Fig. 20(E)). Further, in the feeder weighing setting screen D6, it is assumed that 10.000 is input to the set value, and 0.005 is input to the determination upper limit, determination lower limit, and drop correction.

[0121] (1) When the start button (symbol D7h) is operated, the setting content of the feeder setting 1-1 screen D3 and the operation command signal are output from the device control PC52 to the transfer robot 53.

[0122] (2) The transfer robot 53 takes out an empty container 46 from the empty container stock area (not shown) and places the container 46 on the weighing instrument. Next, the transfer robot 53 takes out the feeder 30 with feeder number 12 from the 10th storage space of the 1st rack 45, attaches it to the feeder receiving recess 21B, and outputs a transfer operation completion signal of the container 46 and the feeder 30 with feeder number 12 to the device control PC52.

[0123] (3) The device control PC52 that has received the transfer operation completion signal starts with a weighing program that selects automatic weighing of the material supply of the feeder 30 (feeder number 12). Details of this weighing program will be described later.

[0124] (4) When the automatic weighing is completed and within the allowable range of weighing accuracy with respect to the preset weighing weight (set value) (in the case of OK determination), the automatic weighing screen D7 (see Fig. 23(A)) is displayed in green, and the first weighing is completed. When it is outside the allowable range of weighing accuracy with respect to the preset weighing weight (set value) (in the case of NG determination), the automatic weighing screen D7 (see Fig. 23(A)) is displayed in red, and the first weighing is completed. Then, the equipment control PC52 outputs an OK or NG weighing completion signal to the transfer robot 53.

[0125] (5) The transfer robot 53 that has received the weighing completion signal takes out the container 46 and places the OK products in the OK zone (not shown) of the weighed container stock area and the NG products in the NG zone (not shown) of the weighed container stock area.

[0126] After that, the movement and automatic weighing of the container 46 in (2) to (5) are repeated, and when the number of OK products reaches 5, the individual weighing of this feeder 30 (feeder number 12) is completed.

[0127] Now, on the equipment control PC52, in the automatic weighing screen D7 (see Fig. 23(A)), the weighing program can be selected from three types: the automatic weighing program, the AI automatic weighing program, and the step weighing program.

[0128] [Regarding step weighing] First, the step measurement will be described. In the step measurement program, the settings on the step measurement setting screen D30 and the settings on the supply amount shutter closing degree setting screen DS5 are read, and automatic measurement is performed according to these settings. That is, along with the settings on the step measurement setting screen D30, when the remaining amount reaches 3g (1st remaining amount 10g × 30% = 3g), the output of the material supply mechanism 20 (output relative to the supply capacity of the material supply mechanism 20) is set to 20% (1st), when the remaining amount reaches 1.5g (2nd remaining amount 10g × 15% = 1.5g), the output of the material supply mechanism 20 is set to 10% (2nd), when the remaining amount reaches 0.4g (3rd remaining amount 10g × 4% = 0.4g), the output of the material supply mechanism 20 is set to 5% (3rd), when the remaining amount reaches 0.2g (4th remaining amount 10g × 2% = 0.2g), the output of the material supply mechanism 20 is set to 1% (4th), and when the remaining amount reaches 0.1g which is half of the 4th remaining amount, the output of the material supply mechanism 20 is set to 0.5% (5th). In this way, the supply is performed while changing the output of the material supply mechanism 20 until the supply amount (measured weight) reaches 10g. Also, the output of the material supply mechanism 20 at the start of supply (referred to as the initial supply amount) is applied with a numerical value obtained by multiplying the 1st supply amount (output) by the multiple selected due to the operation of the "▽" button corresponding to D30g. For example, when 4 times is selected, it becomes 80% (20 × 4 = 80). It should be noted that it is preferable to determine the initial supply amount by judging from the supply amount data obtained by performing the program on the constant speed supply screen D14 in view of a reasonably considered supply amount.

[0129] Furthermore, along with the settings on the supply amount shutter closing degree setting screen DS5, the shutter member 33 is sequentially controlled so that the shutter opening degree is fully opened at 100% when the supply remaining amount is 100% (P1 start end), the shutter opening degree is 40% when the supply remaining amount is 60% (P2), the shutter opening degree is 10% when the supply remaining amount is 10% (P3), the shutter opening degree is 5% when the supply remaining amount is 3% (P4), and the shutter opening degree is fully closed at 0% when the supply remaining amount is 0.001% (P5 end).

[0130] The countermeasures in case of NG judgment will be explained. For example, when the set value is 10.000 g, the measured value is 10.009 g, and the actual measured value is 10.010 g, the fall correction value of 0.005 g is changed to 0.015 g, and the program ends (the supply ends) with the actual measured value 0.015 g before the set value of 10.000 g. In this way, 0.015 g (the fall correction value after change) - 0.005 g (the fall correction value before change) = 0.01 g less is likely to be supplied, and 10.010 g (the actual measured value before the fall correction value change) - 0.01 g is likely to be close to 10.000 g. Also, on the step measurement setting screen D30, the 4th or 5th output (supply amount) may be reduced. The automatic measurement of the liquid material can be operated in the same way.

[0131] This step measurement program is, so to speak, similar to the operation of a manual transmission (MT) car of a motor vehicle, and the creation of each shift point parameter in the program is performed by the input person.

[0132] [Regarding Automatic Measurement] Next, automatic measurement will be explained. In the automatic measurement program, the necessary parameters are sequentially read from the parameters set on each screen, and the automatic measurement is performed according to these parameters.

[0133] In the case of powder and granular materials, the following processing is performed based on the calculated bulk density coefficient K (for example, 0.5), the angle of repose coefficient A (for example, 0.5), and the powder property coefficient PW (for example, 11.25).

[0134] (1) First, determine the desired error range for this automatic weighing. From the settings on the automatic weighing screen D7 (see Fig. 23(A)), since the upper judgment limit value and the lower judgment limit value are both 0.005 g, the allowable error value is 0.005 g + 0.005 g = 0.01 g. Dividing the set value of 10.000 g by the allowable error value of 0.01 g gives a coefficient of 10.000 g ÷ 0.01 g = 1,000. Incidentally, if the set value is 50.000 g with the same allowable error value, a coefficient of 50.000 g ÷ 0.01 g = 5,000 is obtained, and if the set value is 0.500 g, a coefficient of 0.500 g ÷ 0.01 g = 50 is obtained. The obtained coefficient is the multiple of the allowable error value with respect to the set value in automatic weighing. Let this multiple of the allowable error value be coefficient B.

[0135] (2) Read the accuracy threshold value on the accuracy threshold setting screen D21 from coefficient B. Since 1,000 of coefficient B corresponds to 1,000 times of "1" in the accuracy threshold setting screen D21, 1 is read.

[0136] (3) Corresponding to "1" on the accuracy threshold setting screen D21, 100% of "1" is read from the weight threshold setting screen D20. The content of this 100% becomes the number of the upper limit of the supply speed, and acceleration is performed up to 100%.

[0137] (4) Corresponding to "1" on the accuracy threshold setting screen D21, 60% of "6" is read from the speed setting 1-1 screen D22.

[0138] (5) From the input on the speed setting 1-2 screen D23, the acceleration time timer reset coefficient is 2, the initial speed minimum supply weight is 10, and the input value of the hanging rate at the minimum supply weight is 2 are read.

[0139] (6) From the input on the D24 speed setting 1-3 screen D24, the initial speed determination time is 50, the acceleration time is 30, the maximum initial speed is 100, and the target supply time is 2 are read. Note that

[0140] (7) The automatic weighing program performs calculations by multiplying the values read in (2) to (6) above by 11.25 of the powder property coefficient PW, and automatic weighing (supply) is started.

[0141] (8) When the automatic measurement starts, until reaching 10% of the initial speed minimum supply weight in (5) above (10,000 g × 10% = 1 g), the supply is carried out at the supply amount (output) obtained by multiplying 60% of (4) above by 100% of the maximum initial speed in (6) above. At the same time, according to the acceleration time timer reset coefficient 2 in (5) above, the weight value is read every 0.2 sec.

[0142] (9) From the time when 10% of the initial speed minimum supply weight in (5) above (10,000 g × 10% = 1 g) is reached, calculate the supply amount (g / sec) per unit time. At the same time, compare this time with the target supply time of 2 sec in (6) above, and calculate the time difference in the case of being early and the time difference in the case of being late. This calculated value is reflected in the subsequent measurement. For example, when the time to reach 1 g is 2.5 sec, the supply amount (g / sec) is 0.4 g / sec. Also, since it is 0.5 sec late compared to the target supply time of 2 sec, increase the supply amount by 0.25 times (0.5 sec ÷ 2 sec).

[0143] (10) Read the value of "2" from the accuracy threshold setting screen D21, and a weight value of 0.01 g × 800 = 8 g is obtained from 800 times the accuracy threshold value. Change the supply amount to 100% and continue the supply.

[0144] (11) Calculate the supply amount (g / sec) at a speed of 100% from the supply amount (g / sec) at 60%, and compare the predicted time when passing 8 g obtained by the calculation with the time when the weight is 8 g. This is to increase the supply speed to the limit within the range where no measurement NG occurs in order to shorten the measurement time.

[0145] (12) Calculate the error value between the actual weight value at the predicted time when passing 8 g obtained by the calculation and 8 g. Compare the calculated error value % with the numerical values of the deviation width weight % from 1 to 6 on the deviation width setting screen D25, and read the number notation from 1 to 6 on the deviation width setting screen D25. If it is less than 2%, select 1. If it is between the numerical values, select the lower numerical value, and if it is 8%, select 2.

[0146] (13) Control is performed on the current speed based on the settings of the acceleration / deceleration rate setting screen D26. Specifically, a number corresponding to the numbers 1 to 6 of the deviation width setting screen D25 read from the numbers 1 to 6 of the acceleration / deceleration rate setting screen D26 is selected. Also, from among large acceleration, acceleration, maintenance, deceleration, and large deceleration, when the deviation time of the symbol D25c is 0 to ±10 ms, maintenance is selected, when it is 10 ms to 30 ms, deceleration is selected, when it exceeds 30 ms, large deceleration is selected, when it is -10 ms to -30 ms, acceleration is selected, and when it exceeds -30 ms, large acceleration is selected. Then, the numerical value in the column where the selected number and the selected item of large acceleration, acceleration, maintenance, deceleration, and large deceleration intersect is read, and control is performed on the current speed.

[0147] In this way, the automatic weighing program is a program that reads the basic numerical values necessary for weighing set on each setting screen in order to achieve the set weight value and accuracy, determines the weight value and supply speed, sequentially reads the given parameters, and repeatedly performs calculations to perform automatic weighing. Liquid automatic weighing can also be operated in the same way.

[0148] This automatic weighing is, so to speak, similar to the operation of an automatic transmission (AT) vehicle of a car, and the switching of each shift point in the program reads the set parameters and is performed.

[0149] [Regarding AI Automatic Weighing] Next, AI automatic weighing will be described. To perform AI automatic weighing, it is necessary to turn on the AI weighing button of the symbol D29e on the AI setting screen D29 and turn off the automatic weighing button of the symbol D29b.

[0150] In the AI automatic measurement program, the set value is taken as variable S, and the allowable error value is taken as variable k. Divide variable S by variable k to obtain the solution. The obtained solution is the multiple of the allowable error value with respect to the set value. Let this multiple be the multiple coefficient Ba. When performing the operation to obtain the multiple coefficient Ba with a set value of 10.000 g and an allowable error value of 0.01 g, from variable S ÷ variable k = multiple coefficient Ba, we get 10.000 g ÷ 0.01 g = 1,000. Multiply this multiple coefficient Ba by the powder property coefficient PW11.25 of the feeder 30 with feeder number 12. Divide the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage display, and we get (operation 1) 1,000 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 112.5. Take the obtained value as the initial velocity coefficient T and load it as the coefficient of the initial velocity. In this way, even if the set value and the allowable error value are changed, the reading operation can be performed as the proportional constant value of the set value and the allowable error value.

[0151] As an example, assuming that the powder property coefficient PW of 11.25 is constant, and by changing the numbers of variable S and variable k and performing the operation to obtain the initial velocity coefficient T, the following results are obtained. (Operation 2) If S remains 10,000 and k is changed to 0.02, then 10,000 ÷ 0.02 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 56.25. (Operation 3) If S is changed to 5,000 and k remains 0.02, then 5,000 ÷ 0.02 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 28.125. (Operation 4) If S is changed to 1,000 and k remains 0.02, then 1,000 ÷ 0.02 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 5.625. (Operation 5) If S remains 1,000 and k is changed to 0.01, then 1,000 ÷ 0.01 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 11.25. (Operation 6) If S is changed to 0.500 and k remains 0.01, then 0.500 ÷ 0.01 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 5.625. (Operation 7) If S is changed to 0.200 and k is changed to 0.004, then 0.200 ÷ 0.004 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 5.625. (Operation 8) If S is changed to 0.100 and k remains 0.004, then 0.10 ÷ 0.004 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 2.813. (Calculation 9) If S is changed to 0.050 and k remains 0.004, then 0.050 ÷ 0.004 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 1.403. (Calculation 10) If S is changed to 0.020 and k remains 0.004, then 0.020 ÷ 0.004 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 0.563. (Calculation 11) If S is changed to 0.010 and k remains 0.004, then 0.010 ÷ 0.004 × 11.25 ÷ 100 = 0.281.

[0152] In the above calculation of the initial velocity coefficient T, even if the variables S and k are interchanged, (Calculation 4), (Calculation 6), and (Calculation 7) will all be the same value of 5.625, and the correlation between the set value and the allowable error value can be obtained. When loading the initial velocity coefficient T, if 10 ≤ T for the initial velocity coefficient T, the obtained value is used as it is. If T ≥ 10, the obtained value is calculated with the square root and loaded as the initial velocity. If 100 ≤ T, it is loaded as 100 and used as the initial velocity.

[0153] The AI automatic weighing program creates a threshold value for the weight value check against the set value. The threshold points are set with the set value of 10.000 g as 100%P, 9.000 g as 90%P, and decreased in 10% units, setting the points of 80%P, 70%P, 60%P, 50%P, 40%P, 30%P. From 30%P, it is decreased in 5% units, setting the points of 25%P, 20%P, 15%P, 10%P. From 10%P, it is decreased in 1% units, setting the points of 9%P, 8%P, 7%P, 6%P, 5%P. From 5%P, it is decreased in 0.2% units, continuous with 4.8%P, 4.6%P, 4.4%P, and setting the points up to 0%P. The numbers of each of these points %P are the weight value check coefficients P%. Thus, even if the set value is changed, the reading is performed as the proportionality constant of the set value.

[0154] (1) When the automatic weighing (supply) is started, the supply speed of the supply machine 30 starts from the initial velocity coefficient T from the set value. The required time is measured at 5% of the weight of the set value, the weight value per unit time (g / sec) is calculated, and saved as the coefficient F1. Also, the required time from the weight value of 0 to 5% is saved as the coefficient T1.

[0155] (2) Increase the supply speed to twice the initial speed coefficient T, measure the required time at 10% by weight of the set value, and calculate and save the weight value per unit time g / sec as the coefficient F2 through calculation.

[0156] (3) Next, using the coefficient F2, until reaching the remaining amount of 3g with respect to the weight value check coefficient P of 30% for the set value of 10.000g, calculate the supply speed through calculation based on the program of the sampling method PID control formula (since there are many documents and books on the PID control formula, it will not be described here) and perform the supply. Sampling is performed every 0.2 sec to adjust the supply speed. At the weight value check coefficient P%, check the weight value and sequentially confirm the deviation width. If a deviation occurs, perform correction and correct the supply speed.

[0157] (4) Next, from the weight value check coefficient P of 30%, obtain the deceleration supply speed through sampling method PID control and perform the supply. At the weight value check coefficient P%, check the weight value and sequentially confirm the deviation width. If a deviation occurs, correct the supply speed through correction and perform the supply so that it falls within the allowable error value range. The liquid automatic metering can also be operated in the same way. The shutter member 33 and the valve operate with the closing degree calculated based on the weight value check coefficient P%.

[0158] This AI automatic metering program creates a program using these coefficients such as the multiple coefficient B of the allowable error value of the powder material, the bulk density coefficient k, the angle of repose coefficient A, the particle size coefficient Pa, the powder property coefficient PW, and the multiple coefficient BL of the allowable error value of the liquid material, the specific gravity coefficient SG, the viscosity coefficient VC, and the liquid property coefficient LI, and accumulates data, enabling automatic metering with higher-precision metering accuracy regardless of the metering weight. When the bulk density, angle of repose, particle size, specific gravity, and viscosity are unknown, substitute the reference values for calculation, start with an initial speed of 2%, perform sampling, compare the results, and perform automatic metering.

[0159] Generally used PID control is used for continuous operation control to reduce the upper and lower errors with respect to the set value. However, in the automatic weighing operation control here, the weight of the set value is the end point. An algorithm program is created to obtain a program that does not output NG when the weighing result falls between the judgment upper limit and the judgment lower limit.

[0160] This AI automatic weighing program is, so to speak, similar to the operation of an AI (system-operated) car of a car. By repeating judgments and calculations, it creates and accumulates parameters.

[0161] [Regarding the minus NG restart program] In the PC 52 for equipment control, a minus NG restart program for restarting weighing to avoid NG is incorporated in the case of NG when the weighing result is below the judgment lower limit. The reason for the occurrence of NG below the judgment lower limit may be external disturbances in the installation environment, but fluctuations in the airborne amount after the supply machine 30 stops are considered. Specifically, the PC 52 for equipment control receives a weight value signal from the electronic weighing scale 54. When the weight value becomes a value obtained by subtracting the drop correction value from the set value or a value obtained by subtracting the judgment lower limit value from the set value, the supply machine 30 is stopped. At this time, the electronic weighing scale 54 outputs the weight including the falling acceleration of the material as the weight value. Therefore, after the supply machine 30 stops, when the scale of the electronic weighing scale 54 stabilizes, the weight value corresponding to the falling acceleration disappears, and the weighing result may fall below the judgment lower limit. This phenomenon appears prominently when materials with a bulk density of about 1.5 or more are used, or when the range between the judgment upper limit and the judgment lower limit is set strictly, such as 1 to 4% with respect to the set value.

[0162] When the minus NG restart program is activated, the supply machine 30 is started at the minimum speed for supply, and the supply machine 30 is stopped when the weight value exceeds the judgment lower limit. If the weight value after the second stop is compared with the judgment upper limit, the judgment lower limit, and the measured value and is within the accuracy range, an OK judgment is made and the process ends. If the process ends with a negative value lower than the judgment lower limit and an NG judgment is made, the minus NG restart program is activated again, and supply is continued until an OK judgment is made. Liquid automatic weighing can be operated in the same way.

[0163] [Regarding the plus NG restart program] In addition, the device control PC 52 is incorporated with a plus NG restart program that resumes measurement to avoid NG when the measurement result is NG above the determination upper limit. The reasons for NG above the determination upper limit may include, in addition to external disturbances in the installation environment, the particle size of the material. Specifically, this may occur when the particle size distribution of the material is not uniform and most of the material floating in the air at the time of stopping the feeder 30 is occupied by the larger particle size portion. It may also occur by making the range between the measurement determination upper limit and the determination lower limit stricter, such as 1 to 4% with respect to the set value.

[0164] As shown in Fig. 15, in the plus NG restart program, the laser sensor 55 measures the height of the peak of the material in the container 46, brings the suction nozzle 56 closer to the peak of the material, and sucks the material exceeding the determination upper limit. The laser sensor 55 may be fixed or the transfer robot 53 may be used. The suction nozzle 56 may be fixed in a nozzle extension type (the tip of the nozzle moves back and forth), or may be configured to bring the tip of the nozzle into contact with the peak of the material using the transfer robot 53.

[0165] Specifically, when the measurement result is equal to or greater than the judgment upper limit and NG occurs, the height of the peak head is measured with the laser beam of the laser sensor 55, and the data is output to the device control PC 52. Based on the input data, the device control PC 52 applies the tip of the suction nozzle 56 to the material peak head. The suction of the suction nozzle 56 is performed in pulses, and the suctioned material passes through the tube 56T and is collected by a material collection mechanism (not shown) provided between the tube 56T and the suction pump 56P (or a suction mechanism such as a suction ejector). After sucking the material once in pulses, the device control PC 52 inputs the weight value from the electronic scale 54, compares the values before and after suction, and obtains the suction weight per pulse. The weight value exceeding the judgment upper limit after one pulse suction, the suction weight per pulse, and the remaining number of suction pulses are calculated, and suction is executed so as to be below the judgment upper limit. When the number of suction pulses is large, the pulse time may be lengthened, and the suction weight per time may be calculated and used.

[0166] In the case of liquid automatic weighing, it is premised that liquid weighing is performed first or there is a part where liquid can be collected by a suction nozzle (such as a pipette) in the container 46. The tip of the liquid suction nozzle may be applied to the bottom of the container 46 or the liquid collection part. The suctioned material passes through the tube 56T and is collected by a material collection mechanism (not shown) provided between the tube 56T and the suction pump 56P (or a suction mechanism such as a suction ejector), and can be used as a material again.

[0167] When the judgment lower limit is exceeded by executing the plus NG restart program, the minus NG restart program is started again, and supply is performed until an OK judgment is obtained.

[0168] By using this plus NG restart program and minus NG restart program, even when there is a large disturbance in the installation environment, when using a material with a wide particle size distribution or a large bulk density, or when the range between the judgment upper limit and the judgment lower limit is set strictly, automatic weighing can be performed without issuing an NG.

[0169] In addition, in the device control PC 52, the history of the used materials measured, variable values, date and time, time, set weight, and actual weight data are stored in the database. Then, after checking the content of the actual weight error with respect to the set weight from the database history, it is possible to determine whether to proceed to the sample preparation (step S5) process.

[0170] [Modification Example] (1) In the above embodiment, the vibration unit 22 is an electromagnetic solenoid. However, as long as it is a mechanism capable of fluidizing the powder or granular material by vibration, it may be a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element vibration method, an ultrasonic vibration method, a pneumatic ball vibrator, a pneumatic turbine vibrator, an electric vibrator, an electromagnetic vibrator, an air piston type vibrator, or the like.

[0171] (2) As shown in Fig. 28(A), a funnel-shaped adapter 40H may be attached inside the male screw portion 40A of the bottle 40 so that the material can be discharged from the center of the opening of the bottle 40.

[0172] (3) As shown in Fig. 28(B), a through hole 40K may be provided at the bottom (the upper end portion in Fig. 28(B)) of the bottle 40 so that the material can be replenished by the pipe 40P. The through hole 40K is arranged inside the bottle 40 and is always closed by an elastic member 40F biased toward the bottom, and the contents are held even when inverted. Then, when the elastic member 40F is pushed in from the outside by the pipe 40P, the through hole 40K is opened. Thereby, even when the bottle 40 is attached to the holder 32, the material can be replenished from the outside, and continuous use can be performed.

[0173] (4) As shown in Fig. 29, the pressing plate 35W may be configured to have a central hole 35H formed at the center instead of the large hole 35M, the small hole 35N, and the lower surface recess 35L, and a mesh member 31M may be sandwiched between the pressing plate 35W and the passing plate 34. According to this configuration, while regulating and adjusting the material discharge amount, it is possible to reduce the powder or granular material remaining in the bottle 40 without being discharged.

[0174] (5) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the vibratory feeding mechanism 20A is used in the compounding device 10 is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 30, the fixing portion 20X of the vibratory feeding mechanism 20A may be fixed on the electronic weigher 54 and used in the subtractive feeder 110. In this subtractive feeder 110, since the discharged amount (the amount supplied to the container 46) and the measured value of the electronic weigher 54 decrease, the supply amount can be measured. When the vibratory feeding mechanism 20A is used, due to vibration, a phenomenon occurs in which the display value of the electronic weigher 54 is unstable. However, it is preferable to use a program that sets an upper limit for the input value (measured value) and ignores inputs above the upper limit as noise. Alternatively, it is preferable to take a stationary time after applying vibration and perform control so as to capture the signal when the display value (measured value) is stable as the input value.

[0175] [Second Embodiment] As the material supply mechanism 20, instead of the vibratory feeding mechanism 20A of the first embodiment, a table feeder mechanism 20B may be used. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 31 to 37, the table feeder mechanism 20B will be described. The table feeder mechanism 20B includes a bracket 60 fixed to the slider table 12B and a feeder 61 attached to the bracket 60. As shown in FIG. 32, the bracket 60 has a shape in which a flat plate is bent in a crank shape, and includes a first plate portion 60A overlapping the slider table 12B, an upright portion 60B standing from one end of the first plate portion 60A, and a second plate portion 60C extending from the upper end of the upright portion 60B to the side opposite to the first plate portion 60A. A through hole 60D is formed in the second plate portion 60C, and the feeder 61 (see FIG. 31) is attached to the through hole 60D.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 33, the feeder 61 has a cylindrical case 62 that is flat and open at both ends. The cylindrical case 62 is provided with a flange 62F protruding laterally from the upper end, and the upper end opening of the cylindrical case 62 is closed by a case lid 63 that overlaps the flange 62F.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 34, the lower end opening of the cylindrical case 62 is closed by a rotary table 65. The rotary table 65 is disc-shaped and is rotationally driven via a rotary shaft 65J by a motor 65M disposed on the case lid 63. Inside the cylindrical case 62, a scraper 70 that is in sliding contact with the rotary table 65 is disposed. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the scraper 70 has a shape that extends in a spiral curve from the center of the rotary table 65. Specifically, in FIG. 36, the scraper 70 extends about two turns while gradually increasing the radius of curvature clockwise from a position slightly to the left of the rotary shaft 65J, and has a spiral outer surface 70A facing outward, and from a position slightly to the left of the center side end of the spiral outer surface 70A, extends about one turn while gradually increasing the radius of curvature clockwise, and has a spiral inner surface 70B facing inward.

[0178] As shown in FIGS. 33 and 36, a notch 63 is formed in a portion of the cylindrical case 62 that is about 1 / 4 of the circumferential direction. The outer end of the scraper 70 abuts against the inner end surface of the notch 63, and the outer portion of the spiral outer surface 70A is exposed from the notch 63. Also, the outer end of the spiral outer surface 70A is located outside the outer surface of the cylindrical case 62. Note that the scraper 70 is positioned so as not to rotate even when the rotary table 65 rotates by abutting against the inner end surface of the notch 63.

[0179] As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the feeder 61 has a material input hopper 71 that discharges a granular material onto the rotary table 65. The material input hopper 71 has a hopper portion 71A for inputting the material and a cylindrical portion 71B that extends from the lower end of the hopper portion 71A to the rotary table 65. At the lower end of the cylindrical portion 71B, a hopper discharge hole 71C that penetrates in a part of the circumferential direction, to the left in FIG. 36, that is, in the direction in which the spiral outer surface 70A extends outward, is formed.

[0180] When the rotating table 65 is rotating clockwise and powder particles are fed into the material feed hopper 71, the powder particles are discharged little by little from the hopper discharge hole 71C. The discharged powder particles move on an imaginary arc 65E centered on the rotation center. Then, when the powder particles contact the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70, due to the rotation of the rotating table 65 and the reaction force of the spiral outer surface 70A, the powder particles move while approaching the outside along the spiral outer surface 70A. Then, the powder particles that reach the outer end of the spiral outer surface 70A fall from the dropping point 65H where the outer edge of the rotating table 65 and the spiral outer surface 70A intersect.

[0181] At this time, since the length of the spiral outer surface 70A for each angle becomes longer as it goes outward, the powder particles moving along the spiral outer surface 70A move faster toward the outside. As a result, the distance between the powder particles becomes wider and sparser toward the outside, so that the powder particles can be discharged little by little.

[0182] Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the feeder 61 of the present embodiment is provided with a shutter member 72 capable of changing the opening degree of the hopper discharge hole 71C in the material feed hopper 71. The shutter member 72 is driven by a motor 72M and can move vertically. By suppressing the amount of powder particles discharged from the hopper discharge hole 71C by this shutter member 72, the distance between the powder particles near the dropping point 65H becomes sparser, and the powder particles can be discharged in smaller amounts.

[0183] The table feeder mechanism 20B of the present embodiment may be used instead of the vibratory feeder mechanism 20A, or the table feeder mechanism 20B and the vibratory feeder mechanism 20A may be used in combination. It is preferable to adopt the table feeder mechanism 20B for materials that are difficult to fluidize by vibration. Further, since the vibratory feeder mechanism 20A is more compact than the table feeder mechanism 20B, in the case of materials that are fluidized by vibration, adopting the vibratory feeder mechanism 20A can make the entire compounding device 10 more compact or can mount more material supply mechanisms 20 on the slider table 12B. Further, it may also be used in combination with the material supply mechanism 20 for liquid materials.

[0184] [Modified Example] (1) The granular material in contact with the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70 moves outward due to the rotation of the rotary table 65. However, since the granular material is in point contact (point contact both between the spiral outer surface 70A and the rotary table 65), depending on the properties of the granular material, the adhesion force of the granular material to the scraper 70 may be stronger, resulting in slippage between the rotary table 65 and the granular material not moving. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 38, when a recess 65U is provided in the rotary table 65W, the granular material accumulates in the recess 65U, and friction occurs between the granular material in contact with the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70 and the granular material accumulated in the recess 65U. Therefore, the granular material in contact with the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70 is more likely to move according to the rotation of the rotary table 65.

[0185] Alternatively, instead of providing the recess 65U, the friction force may be improved by roughening the material contact surface of the rotary table 65 to provide unevenness. Examples of methods for roughening the rotary table 65 include shot blasting, chemical etching or electrolytic etching (electrolytic corrosion), and applying streaks to the entire surface to the extent of scratching with a scribing needle, etc.

[0186] (2) In the modified example shown in FIG. 39, a bypass flow path 70R penetrating in the inner and outer directions is provided in a part of the spiral wall of the scraper 70, and an outer surface protrusion 70T is provided slightly closer to the center side than the bypass flow path 70R on the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70. Further, a linear movement member 74 that moves linearly in the inner and outer directions is arranged in the bypass flow path 70R. According to this configuration, when the granular material moving along the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70 contacts the outer surface protrusion 70T, it then moves on an imaginary arc 65F passing through the outer surface protrusion 70T and is separated into those taken into the bypass flow path 70R and those heading toward the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70 beyond the bypass flow path 70R. The granular material taken into the bypass flow path 70R moves along the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70 again and heads outward.

[0187] Here, since the arc 65F intersects the outer part of the spiral outer surface 70A of the scraper 70 that is outside the bypass channel 70R, when the tip of the linear member 74 is arranged inside the arc 65F, it is considered that most of the granular material reaches the drop point 65H as it is. When the linear member 74 is driven by the motor 74M and the tip of the linear member 74 is arranged outside the arc 65F, the granular material is separated into those guided by the linear member 74 and passing through the bypass channel 70R and those jumping over the linear member 74 and heading towards the drop point 65H, and the amount of granular material reaching the drop point 65H (i.e., the discharge amount) can be made a minute amount. And the larger the protruding amount of the linear member 74 from the arc 65F, the more granular material is taken into the bypass channel 70R and the smaller the discharge amount becomes.

[0188] Thus, according to this modification example, by adjusting the position of the linear member 74 (the protruding amount from the arc 65F), the amount of granular material passing through the bypass channel 70R and the amount of granular material heading towards the drop point 65H can be adjusted.

[0189] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the shape of the scraper 70 was spiral, but it may be a shape like the scraper 70W shown in FIGS. 40 to 42. As shown in FIG. 40, the scraper 70W has a 90°-bent drop-shaped first component 70X and a linear second component 70Y. The first component 70X extends rightward from the rotation center of the rotary table 65 in FIG. 40(A) and then bends forward, and its outer surface is an arc outer surface 70X1 that is curved as a whole. The second component 70Y extends in the depth direction to the left of the rotation center of the rotary table 65, and as shown in FIG. 40(B), a gap is provided between the first component 70X and the second component 70Y at the lower part of the scraper 70W. Even with this configuration, due to the rotation of the rotary table 65, the granular material discharged from the funnel discharge hole 71C moves along the inner surface of the second component 70Y and then moves outward along the arc outer surface 70X1 of the first component 70X and is discharged from the drop point 65H.

[0190] (4) As shown in FIG. 43, the table feeder mechanism 20B may be fixed on the electronic weigher 54 and used as the subtraction type feeder 110W. In this subtraction type feeder 110W, since the discharged amount (the amount supplied to the container 46) and the measured value of the electronic weigher 54 decrease, the supply amount can be measured.

[0191] [Other Embodiments] (1) Instead of the transfer robot 53, a configuration may be adopted in which an operator manually mounts, replaces the material supply mechanism 20 or the supply machines 30, 61, or moves the container 46.

[0192] (2) The number of material supply mechanisms 20 arranged in the compounding device 10 is not limited to three, and may be two, or four or more.

[0193] (3) The compounding device may be used as a single material supply mechanism.

[0194] (4) A configuration may be adopted in which the container 46 is placed on a tray (not shown), and the transfer robot 53 takes out the tray from the tray rack and returns the tray on which the weighed container 46 is placed to the tray rack.

[0195] (5) A configuration may be adopted in which an RFID tag (a system that reads and writes RF tag data non - contact using radio waves), a barcode, a two - dimensional code, etc. to which information such as weighing date and time, weighing material lot, empty container weight, material variety, weighing weight, feeder number, etc. is attached is attached to the container 46.

[0196] (6) As the material supply mechanism 20, other types than the table feeder mechanism 20 and the vibratory feeder mechanism 20A may be used, for example, a vibratory conveyor feeder, a lift table feeder, an auger feeder, a mesh extrusion feeder, a spiral feeder, etc.

[0197] (7) Surround the entire compounding device 10 to form an airtight space, make the interior a clean room, or replace it with an inert gas, and it may be used for the use of an active material that reacts when exposed to air. The transfer robot 53 may transfer the supply machine to the airtight space and the loading and unloading of the metered containers through the pass box, and it may be used in a method where the inside of the airtight space is unmanned.

[0198] (8) Also in the automatic metering and AI automatic metering, similar to the column of the symbol DS1e on the shutter menu screen DS1 (see Fig. 22(A)), the operation control of the shutter member 33 may be configured to be selectable from high-precision, standard, and speed priority.

[0199] <Supplementary Note> The above embodiments include the following features.

[0200] [Feature 1] A compounding device capable of supplying each of a plurality of types of fluid materials that are powder particles or liquids, A plurality of fluid supply mechanisms in which the plurality of types of fluid materials are separately accommodated and can be discharged, A slider table on which the plurality of fluid supply mechanisms are arranged and fixed on a horizontal plane, A movable means for moving the slider table in the direction in which the plurality of fluid supply mechanisms are arranged and capable of arranging any of the fluid supply mechanisms at a specific position, and a compounding device provided with the same.

[0201] [Feature 2] Among the plurality of fluid supply mechanisms, at least one fluid supply mechanism is a vibration type supply mechanism in which a powder discharge port is provided at the bottom of a powder container capable of accommodating powder particles, and the powder particles are discharged from the powder discharge port by the vibration of the powder container. The compounding device according to Feature 1.

[0202] [Feature 3] The vibration type powder supply machine has a solenoid for vibrating the powder container. The compounding device according to Feature 2.

[0203] [Feature 4] The powder discharge port is formed through a closing plate portion disposed at the bottom of the powder container, and extends such that the width in the second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction decreases as it goes in one direction of the first horizontal direction. The compounding device according to feature 2 or 3, further comprising a shutter member that is overlapped on the closing plate portion and is linearly movable in the first horizontal direction so as to gradually open the powder discharge port from the one direction of the first horizontal direction.

[0204] [Feature 5] The compounding device according to feature 4, further comprising a bypass portion that bypasses at least a part of the flow of the powder to the powder discharge port.

[0205] [Feature 6] a plate-shaped bypass plate that is overlapped on the closing plate portion from above; a concave portion formed on the lower surface of the bypass plate, at least a part of which vertically overlaps the powder discharge port; a communication hole formed in the bypass plate, extending downward from the upper surface of the bypass plate and communicating with the concave portion, and not overlapping or only partially overlapping the powder passage hole when viewed from above; and The compounding device according to feature 5, wherein the bypass portion is composed of the communication hole and the concave portion.

[0206] [Feature 7] At least one of the plurality of fluid supply mechanisms is a discharge portion that discharges powder; a support base; a rotating stage that rotates with respect to the support base; a fixed surface that is fixed to the support base and curves and extends so as to approach the outer edge of the rotating stage as it goes forward in the rotation direction of the rotating stage; and a rotary powder feeder that moves the powder discharged onto the rotating stage along the fixed surface while dispersing it and moves it to the discharge portion, the compounding device according to any one of features 1 to 6.

[0207] [Feature 8] The compounding device according to feature 7, wherein the fixed surface is the outer surface of a fixed wall extending in a spiral shape whose curvature gradually decreases from the center side to the outer side of the rotating stage.

[0208] [Feature 9] A return passage that penetrates the fixed wall having the fixed surface and can guide the powder and granular material from the outside to the inside of the rotating stage, A protruding member that protrudes outward from the return passage and takes in the powder and granular material into the return passage, The compounding device according to feature 8, further comprising an adjustment unit capable of adjusting the amount of protrusion of the protruding member from the return passage.

[0209] [Feature 10] The compounding device according to any one of features 1 to 9, A meter, A fluid supply replacement device capable of replacing the fluid supply mechanism fixed to the slider table, and a fluid compounding system comprising the same.

[0210] [Feature 11] Compounding control means for controlling the compounding device to supply the fluid to the target value while gradually reducing the supply amount from the start of supply when the target value of the total supply amount is set, Resupply means for performing resupply when the measured value by the meter is less than or equal to the target value after the supply is completed, The fluid compounding system according to feature 10, further comprising suction means for sucking the supplied fluid and reducing the total supply amount when the measured value by the meter is greater than or equal to the target value after the supply is completed.

[0211] [Feature 12] The fluid compounding system according to feature 11, wherein the suction means includes a laser sensor for measuring the height of the peak head of the pile of powder and granular material as the supplied fluid, and a suction nozzle that is applied to the peak head according to the data of the laser sensor and sucks the powder and granular material.

[0212] Note that although specific examples of the technology included in the claims are disclosed in this specification and the drawings, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes those obtained by various modifications and changes to the specific examples, and those obtained by taking out a part from the specific examples alone.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0213] 10 Blending device 12 Slider 12B Slider table 20 Material supply mechanism 20A Vibration type supply mechanism 20B Table feeder mechanism 22 Vibration unit 30 Feeder 33 Shutter member 33 34 Passing plate 34K1 Large hole part 34K2 Medium hole part 34K3 Small hole part 40 Bottle 45 Rack 50 PC for materials informatics 51 PC for molecular weight calculation 52 PC for equipment control 53 Transfer robot 54 Electronic weighing instrument 55 Laser sensor 56 Suction nozzle 61 Feeder 65, 65W Rotary table 65H Drop point 70, 70W Scrapper 71 Material input hopper

Claims

1. A powder / granular material supplying device that supplies powder / granular material from a powder / granular material outlet provided at a bottom of a powder / granular material container that contains the powder / granular material, the powder / granular material discharge port is formed through a closure plate portion disposed at a bottom portion of the powder / granular material container, and extends such that a width in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction decreases toward one side in a first horizontal direction, a shutter member that is overlapped with the closing plate portion and is translatable in the first horizontal direction so as to gradually open the powder / granular material discharge port from one side in the first horizontal direction; A plate-shaped bypass plate that is overlapped on the closure plate portion from above; a recess formed on a lower surface of the diversion plate, at least a portion of which overlaps with the powder / granular material discharge port in a vertical direction; a communication hole formed in the diversion plate, extending downward from an upper surface of the diversion plate to communicate with the recess, and not overlapping or only partially overlapping with the powder / granular material discharge port when viewed from above; a diversion section including the communication hole and the recess, which diverts at least a portion of the flow of powder or granular material to the powder or granular material discharge port.

2. A powder / granular material supplying machine that supplies powder / granular material from a powder / granular material outlet provided at the bottom of a powder / granular material container that contains powder / granular material, the powder / granular material discharge port is formed through a closure plate portion disposed at a bottom portion of the powder / granular material container, and extends such that a width in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction decreases toward one side in a first horizontal direction, a shutter member that is overlapped with the closing plate portion and is translatable in the first horizontal direction so as to gradually open the powder / granular material discharge port from one side in the first horizontal direction; a bypass section that is disposed on the blocking plate section and takes in powder or granular material from an intake port that does not overlap or only partially overlaps with the powder or granular material discharge outlet when viewed from above, and guides the powder or granular material to the powder or granular material discharge outlet.

Images