Metering device

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A weighing device is known that includes a tank for storing string-like food, a discharge section connected to the tank outlet and discharging the string-like food downward, and a measuring section for measuring the volume of the string-like food discharged from the discharge section. It has been found that in such weighing devices, weighing errors increase when a large amount of string-like food accumulates in the discharge section or the measuring section. It is believed that this occurs because, as the string-like food accumulates, the lower string-like food is pressed by the upper string-like food, reducing the gap and increasing the density of the string-like food.

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

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

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

[0006] According to the present invention, a food processing system includes a main tank that stores string-like food supplied from a predetermined input position together with water and discharges the food strings from a tank outlet, a discharge section connected to the tank outlet and discharging the food strings downward, a measuring section that measures a predetermined amount of the food strings discharged from the discharge section, a buffer tank that stores the food strings together with water, a buffer pipe configured to transfer the food strings from the main tank to the buffer tank, and a return pipe configured to transfer the food strings from the buffer tank to the main tank. The buffer pipe is rotatably connected to the main tank and is configured to be rotatable between a water-cut position where the top of the buffer pipe is located above the water surface of the main tank and a water-passing position where the top of the buffer pipe is located below the water surface of the main tank, and the system further includes a buffer pipe drive device configured to be able to rotate the buffer pipe. A metering device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The weighing device of the present invention is equipped with a main tank and a buffer tank, and is configured to keep the amount of string-like food in the main tank relatively constant by transferring string-like food between the main tank and the buffer tank. This reduces the amount of string-like food sent from the main tank via the discharge section to the weighing section, allowing for more stable weighing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

[0012] The main tank 2 is a vessel open at the top and bottom. It stores the string-like food S, supplied from the upstream device to a predetermined loading position 21, together with water, and discharges the string-like food S from a tank outlet 2a formed at the bottom. When the string-like food S is boiled noodles, the upstream device is, for example, a noodle boiling device. The tank outlet 2a is preferably not directly below the loading position 21 for the string-like food S. In other words, the loading position 21 and the tank outlet 2a are preferably spaced apart to a certain extent when viewed from above. The inclined plate 2b is part of the sheet metal constituting the main tank 2 and is inclined downward from the loading position 21 toward the tank outlet 2a. The string-like food S is transported from the loading position 21 to the tank outlet 2a along the inclined plate 2b. The inclined plate 2b may be constructed by combining multiple sheet metals, and its inclination angle may change along the way. A nozzle hole 2c, which is an opening, is formed in the inclined plate 2b.

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

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

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

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, a measurement sensor 28 is provided on the side of the main tank 2. The measurement sensor 28 is a sensor that measures the amount of string-like food S in the main tank 2. More specifically, the measurement sensor 28 preferably measures the amount of string-like food S above the tank outlet 2a. By knowing the amount of string-like food S using the measurement sensor 28, automatic control related to limiting the supply amount of string-like food S can be easily performed. Multiple measurement sensors 28 may be provided depending on the size and shape of the main tank 2.

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

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

[0019] The supply rate limiting nozzle 29 forms an upward jet of fluid within the main tank 2. The jet acts as a barrier against which the string-like food S moves, causing the string-like food S to remain, thereby maintaining an appropriate amount of the string-like food S sent from the main tank 2 to the measuring unit 5. If the supply rate limiting nozzle 29 is sufficient to limit the amount of string-like food S supplied, the leveling member 25 may be omitted. The supply rate limiting nozzle 29 is provided between the insertion position 21 and the tank outlet 2a in a top view, and more specifically, is provided below the insertion position 21 near the partition plate 2d. In this manner, forced convection is generated by the jet and the partition plate 2d, allowing the string-like food S to remain more appropriately. Furthermore, in order to appropriately spray the jet at the string-like food S moving on the inclined plate 2b, the supply rate limiting nozzle 29 is preferably provided below the inclined plate 2b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a supply amount limiting nozzle 29 is disposed directly below a nozzle hole 2c formed in an inclined plate 2b.

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

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

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

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

[0024] Even when the buffer pipe 35 is returned from the water-passing position to the water-stopping position, the string-like food S and water may continue to be discharged due to the siphon effect. Therefore, a mechanism for preventing the siphon effect may be provided. In this embodiment, an air intake valve 85 is provided at the top of the buffer pipe 35. To stop the transfer of the string-like food S, after positioning the buffer pipe 35 to the water-stopping position, the air intake valve 85 is opened for a predetermined time to suck air into the buffer pipe 35, thereby breaking the siphon effect.

[0025] The return pipe 36 is a pipe configured to transfer the string-like food S together with water from the buffer tank 3 to the main tank 2. As shown in FIG. 9 , in this embodiment, a return nozzle 37 is provided at the bottom of the buffer tank 3, and the return nozzle 37 transfers the string-like food S by forming a jet of fluid toward an inlet opening of the return pipe 36. The inlet opening of the return pipe 36 is provided close to the return nozzle 37, with a gap large enough to allow the string-like food S to pass through. A fluid supply pipe 38 through which the fluid flows is connected to the return nozzle 37. The fluid ejected from the return nozzle 37 is preferably water. The inner diameter of the return nozzle 37 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid supply pipe 38. At this time, the Venturi effect increases the flow velocity of the jet ejected from the return nozzle 37 and reduces the pressure near the jet, making it easier for the string-like food S to ride the jet and be transported to the return pipe 36. In this way, the string-like food S is transferred together with the water through the return pipe 36 from the buffer tank 3 to the main tank 2. With this configuration, the string-like food S is transferred together with the water, so that the string-like food S is less likely to be damaged.

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

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

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

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

[0030] The conveying unit 6 conveys a predetermined amount of string-like food S to a downstream device. The conveying unit 6 in this embodiment is an endless conveying device. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the conveying unit 6 includes a pair of rotatably driven sprockets 61, a chain 63 wound around the sprockets 61, and buckets 65 attached to the chain 63 at predetermined intervals. The conveying unit 6 may transport the buckets 65 continuously or intermittently. To prevent water from accumulating in the buckets 65, the buckets 65 are formed with through-holes. To clean the buckets 65, cleaning nozzles 67 configured to spray water toward the buckets 65 may be provided at appropriate positions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. a main tank that stores the string-like food together with water supplied from a predetermined input position and discharges the food from a tank outlet; a discharge section connected to the tank outlet and configured to discharge the string-like food downward; a measuring unit that measures a predetermined amount of the string-like food discharged from the discharge unit; a buffer tank for storing the string-like food together with water; a buffer pipe configured to transfer the string-like food from the main tank to the buffer tank; a return pipe configured to transfer the string-like food from the buffer tank to the main tank, The buffer pipe is rotatably connected to the main tank and is configured to be rotatable between a water-cut position where a top portion of the buffer pipe is located above the water surface of the main tank and a water-passing position where the top portion of the buffer pipe is located below the water surface of the main tank, The weighing device further includes a buffer pipe driving device configured to be able to rotate the buffer pipe.

2. The metering device of claim 1 further comprising an air intake valve connected to the top portion.

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

4. 4. The metering device of claim 3, wherein the fluid comprises water.

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

6. The weighing device according to claim 5 , wherein the measurement sensor is an image sensor that measures the area occupied by the string-like food within a predetermined area.

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

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

9. The weighing device of claim 1 , wherein the specific gravity of the string-like food product is greater than 1.

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