Combination weigher

Abstract

To provide a combination balance allowing easy attachment and removal of conveyance adjustment members, even at a site with a low ceiling.SOLUTION: A cylindrical conveyance adjustment member 22, which is hung above a dispersion feeder or a rectilinear feeder and contacts a weighed material to be conveyed to regulate the conveyance thickness of the weighed material, is divided into several parts in a circumferential direction. Each of the divided adjustment members 22A and 22B is removably mounted and connected to an oppositely placed support frame 21. Each of the divided adjustment members 22A and 22B, disconnected from the support frame 21, can move horizontally along the opposing support frame 21 in a direction away from or close to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination weigher for weighing an object to be weighed, such as food. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, in a combination weigher, objects to be weighed are supplied from an upper supply device by a dispersion feeder, which distributes and conveys them to multiple linear feeders arranged around it. The linear feeders then convey the objects further outward and supply them to multiple supply hoppers. The multiple supply hoppers supply the objects to multiple weighing hoppers, which then weigh the objects. Various combinations of the weights of the objects to be weighed from the multiple weighing hoppers result in a combined weight within a predetermined weight range, and the objects are discharged from the appropriate weighing hoppers and fed into a packaging machine or the like below via a collecting chute or the like.

[0003] In such combination weighers, depending on the objects to be weighed, the amount of material conveyed by the dispersion feeders may be uneven in the circumferential direction, causing the thickness of the objects conveyed by each linear feeder to be uneven. One solution to this problem is to hang a cylindrical adjustment member made of an elastic material like a curtain above the conveying trough of the linear feeder, and use the adjustment member to level the objects being conveyed, thereby adjusting the layer thickness, i.e., the conveying thickness, to be uniform (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-326023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The transport adjustment member that adjusts the transport thickness as described above may become attached to the objects to be weighed, and when changing the type of object to be weighed, the transport adjustment member must be replaced with a clean one or removed and cleaned.However, when removing the transport adjustment member, it is necessary to lift the transport adjustment member, which is hanging above the transport trough of the straight feeder, upward.

[0006] Since the dispersion feeder, which transports the objects to the linear feeder, receives the objects by dropping them from the supply device above, the supply device must be installed at a height close to the dispersion feeder in sites with low ceilings. In such sites, the supply device above gets in the way, making it difficult to lift and remove the transport adjustment member, and it may not be possible to install the transport adjustment member.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide a combination weigher in which the transport adjustment member can be easily attached and detached even in a site with a low ceiling height. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0009] (1) A combination weigher according to the present invention comprises a dispersion feeder that conveys objects to be weighed supplied to a top cone that is circular in plan view to the periphery, a plurality of linear feeders that are arranged around the dispersion feeder and each convey the objects to be weighed from the dispersion feeder outward, a cylindrical transport adjustment member that hangs down above the dispersion feeder or the linear feeder and contacts the objects to be weighed being transported to regulate the transport thickness of the objects, and a plurality of support frames that support the transport adjustment member, The conveying adjustment member has a plurality of divided adjustment members divided circumferentially, and the support frame detachably mounts and connects each divided divided adjustment member, and each divided adjustment member that has been released from connection with the support frame can move horizontally along the support frame in a direction away from or towards each other while placed on the support frame.

[0010] With the combination weigher of the present invention, when replacing or otherwise replacing a transport adjustment member, first, each divided adjustment member is disconnected from the support frame and then moved horizontally outward, away from each other, while still placed on the support frame. This eliminates the need to lift the transport adjustment member upward to remove it, and the supply device above does not get in the way.

[0011] In addition, to set the transport adjustment members to their original positions, each divided adjustment member is placed near the outer end of the support frame, and then each divided adjustment member is placed on the support frame and moved horizontally in a direction toward each other, i.e., inward, and then connected and fixed to the support frame at a predetermined position; there is no need to lift them upward.

[0012] (2) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the divided adjustment members comprises a peripheral frame having a partially arcuate shape in a plan view and an adjustment member body hanging down from the peripheral frame, and the peripheral frame is supported on a plurality of the support frames arranged outside it, and has a plurality of connecting portions protruding outward which are detachably connected to the plurality of support frames.

[0013] According to this embodiment, each divided adjustment member can be moved horizontally while being supported on a plurality of support frames by the multiple connecting portions protruding outward from the peripheral frame of each divided adjustment member, which is partially arc-shaped in a planar view, and each divided adjustment member can be connected and fixed to the support frames by being removably connected to each support frame.

[0014] (3) In another embodiment of the present invention, a slit that opens to the split end side is formed in the connecting portion of the peripheral frame of the split adjustment member, and a connecting bolt that engages with the slit in the connecting portion of the peripheral frame is attached to the support frame, and the peripheral frame of the split adjustment member is connected and fixed to the support frame by tightening the connecting bolt that engages with the slit in the connecting portion.

[0015] According to this embodiment, by loosening the connecting bolts slightly, the split adjustment member can be moved horizontally inward or outward while placed on the support frame. To return the removed split adjustment member to its original position, the split adjustment member placed on the support frame is moved horizontally inward, and the slits on the connecting portion of the split adjustment member are engaged with the loosened connecting bolts through the openings on the split end side, thereby positioning the split adjustment member at the desired connecting position. The connecting bolts can then be tightened to secure the split adjustment member in the desired correct position.

[0016] (4) In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting positions of the connecting bolts can be adjusted to change in opposing directions of the support frame.

[0017] According to this embodiment, by adjusting the opposing distance between the support frames that support the division adjustment members, division adjustment members of conveyance adjustment members having different diameters can be connected and supported by the support frames.

[0018] (5) In one embodiment of the present invention, the support frame is connected to and supported by a plurality of fixed upright columns so that the height thereof is adjustable.

[0019] According to this embodiment, by adjusting the height of the support frame, the height of the lower end position of the hanging conveying adjustment member can be adjusted, and the conveying thickness of the object to be weighed can be changed and adjusted as desired. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] Thus, according to the present invention, the conveyance adjustment member can be attached and detached by simply sliding the division adjustment member horizontally while it is placed on the support frame, and there is no need to lift the division adjustment member upward, so it does not get in the way of the supply device above that drops the objects to be weighed into the dispersion feeder. This makes it possible to install the conveyance adjustment member even in sites with low ceiling heights where the supply device must be installed at a height close to the dispersion feeder. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a combination weigher according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper part of the combination weigher of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transport adjustment member of FIG. 2 after it has been divided and moved. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the transport adjustment member. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the main part. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting structure for the transport adjustment member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view showing the connection portion of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an embodiment in which the transport adjustment member is divided into three parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a combination weigher according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The combination weigher of this embodiment weighs and discharges predetermined amounts of various foods and other objects to be weighed. This combination weigher is installed on the upper floor of a tower-shaped frame that workers can climb up and down, and is used on a packaging line where the weighed objects are discharged to a packaging machine (not shown) installed on a lower floor and packed into bags.

[0025] A rectangular base 1 with a large opening in the center is installed on the floor surface F above the frame floor, and a center base 2 formed in the shape of a hollow short column is supported above the center of this base 1 via multiple legs 3.

[0026] A dispersion feeder 5 is mounted at the center of the upper part of the center base 2, which uses vibration to radially disperse the objects to be weighed that are discharged and dropped from a supply device 4 such as a belt conveyor, and is also provided around this dispersion feeder 5 with a number of linear feeders 6 that use vibration to transport the dispersed and transported objects in a straight line outward.

[0027] Furthermore, on the outer periphery of the center base 2, there are provided supply hoppers 7 that temporarily store and discharge the objects to be weighed from each linear feeder 6, and weighing hoppers 8 that weigh the objects to be weighed discharged from each supply hopper 7. A series of multiple weighing units, each consisting of these supply hoppers 7 and weighing hoppers 8, combines and weighs and discharges the objects to be weighed.

[0028] Below each weighing hopper 8 is provided a collecting chute 9 that collects, to the center, the objects to be weighed discharged from the multiple weighing hoppers 8 that have been combined and selected so as to fall within a predetermined weight range, and below the collecting chute 9 is provided a collecting funnel 10 that further collects, to the center, the objects to be weighed that have slid down the collecting chute 9. At the bottom end of this collecting funnel 10 is provided a collecting hopper 11 that temporarily receives and stores the objects to be weighed collected by the collecting funnel 10 and discharges them in response to a discharge request command from the packaging machine.

[0029] The dispersion feeder 5 is configured so that a top cone 12, which is circular in plan view, is vibrated by an electromagnetic vibration mechanism 13. The vibration mechanism 13 is installed at the center of a frame plate 14 disposed inside the center base 2. The vibration mechanism 13 is supported on the frame plate 14 via a weight sensor 15. The weight sensor 15 detects the weight of the objects to be weighed on the dispersion feeder 5, and the supply device 4 is controlled to turn on and off based on the detection information, so that objects to be weighed within a set weight range are supplied onto the dispersion feeder 5.

[0030] The linear feeders 6 are configured so that a gutter-shaped trough 16 is vibrated by an electromagnetic vibration mechanism 17. The vibration mechanisms 17 of each linear feeder 6 are arranged on a frame plate 14 inside the center base 2 so as to surround the vibration mechanisms 13 of the dispersion feeders 5.

[0031] A drive unit 18 is attached to the outer periphery of the center base 2, and incorporates a drive mechanism for opening and closing the gates of the supply hopper 7 and weighing hopper 8 that make up the weighing unit, as well as a weight sensor that measures the weight of the object to be weighed in the weighing hopper 8, and the supply hopper 7 and weighing hopper 8 are removably attached and supported on the exposed outward parts of this drive unit 18 using a hook system.

[0032] The combination weigher of this embodiment is configured as follows to ensure that the thickness of the objects to be weighed conveyed by the linear feeder 6 is uniform.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2, which is a perspective view of the upper part of the combination weigher, support columns 20 made of round bars or round pipes are erected at four locations on the outer periphery of the center base 2. Two support frames 21, each with an inverted L-shaped cross section, are connected to and supported across the upper part of each pair of support columns 20 so as to face each other in parallel, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0034] A cylindrical transport adjustment member 22 is connected and fixed between the two support frames 21 so as to surround the vicinity of the outer periphery of the dispersion feeder 5.

[0035] The conveyance adjustment member 22 has an adjustment member main body 24 made of, for example, a urethane rubber sheet material attached so as to hang down from a flanged peripheral frame 23. The lower end of this adjustment member main body 24 is connected and supported by the support frame 21 so that the distance between it and the outer periphery of the top cone 12 in the dispersion feeder 5 and the distance between it and the trough 16 in the linear feeder 6 are predetermined dimensions.

[0036] The cylindrical conveying adjustment member 22 is divided into two parts in the circumferential direction, and as shown in the plan view of the conveying adjustment member 22 in Figure 4, each divided adjustment member 22A, 22B is formed in a semicircular arc shape when viewed from above, i.e., a semicircular shape when viewed from above, and is supported and connected across both support frames 21 so that it can be attached and detached independently.

[0037] That is, near both circumferential ends of each of the division adjustment members 22A and 22B, a pair of connecting portions 23a extend outward from the peripheral frame 23. Each connecting portion 23a is placed on the opposing support frame 21 and fastened by a connecting bolt 25 with a handle.

[0038] 3, in which one division adjustment member 22A has been moved, and as shown by the imaginary lines in FIG. 4, connecting portion 23a is formed with a slit 26 for inserting a bolt that opens toward the division line between opposing division adjustment members 22A and 22B, i.e., the division end side is open. By loosening connecting bolt 25, division adjustment members 22A and 22B can be moved horizontally along the upper surface of support frame 21 in directions in which they move away from or toward each other.

[0039] The support frame 21 has both ends inserted into the support posts 20, and as shown in Figure 5, the upper and lower collars 27, 28 attached to the support posts 20 are tightened and fixed to the support posts 20 with set bolts 29, 30 with handles, so that the support frame 21 can be fixed at the desired height.

[0040] By adjusting the height of the support frame 21 in this way, the height of the lower end position of the conveyance adjusting member 22 can be adjusted, and the conveyance thickness of the objects to be weighed can be changed and adjusted as desired.

[0041] According to this embodiment having the above configuration, when removing the conveyance adjustment member 22 at the end of work or when changing the type of object to be weighed, the connecting bolt 25 is slightly loosened, and the division adjustment members 22A, 22B are slid horizontally outward along the support frame 21, i.e., in the direction away from each other, while still resting on the upper surface of the support frame 21. This allows the conveyance adjustment member 22 to slide to the open space above the dispersion feeder 5 without being lifted.

[0042] Furthermore, clean new division adjustment members 22A, 22B are placed on the upper surface of the outer end of the support frame 21 and slid horizontally inward, i.e., toward each other, so that the slits 26 of the connecting portion 23a engage with the loosened connecting bolts 25, and the two division adjustment members 22A, 22B are butted together and positioned, and then the connecting bolts 25 are tightened to complete the installation of the conveying adjustment member 22.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, when replacing the transport adjustment member 22, there is no need to lift the transport adjustment member 22 above the dispersion feeder 5; each division adjustment member 22A, 22B can be slid horizontally while placed on the support frame 21 and moved to an open space above. Therefore, the supply device 4 above the dispersion feeder 5 shown in FIG. 1 does not get in the way of replacing the transport adjustment member 22. This makes it possible to install the transport adjustment member 22 even in sites where the ceiling height is low and the supply device 4 must be installed at a height close to the dispersion feeder 5.

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

[0045] (1) As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, which is a partial enlarged view of the connection portion, a long hole 31 extending along the opposing direction of the opposing support frames 21 may be provided at the connection portion of the transport adjustment members 22 on the support frames 21, and as shown in Fig. 6, a connecting bolt 25 with a handle and a back nut 32 with a handle may be provided so that their positions can be changed along the long hole 31. This makes it possible to connect transport adjustment members 22 with different diameters.

[0046] 6, by forming a notch 33 on the lower edge of the vertical wall portion 21a of the support frame 21, it is possible to avoid interference with the bolts and nuts 34 for attaching the adjustment member main body that protrude outward from the outer periphery of the split adjustment members 22A, 22B. This allows the split adjustment members 22A, 22B to be connected and supported as close as possible to the vertical wall portion 21a of the support frame 21.

[0047] (2) By connecting the opposing support frames 21 to the support columns 20 in a manner that allows the spacing between them to be changed, it is possible to accommodate conveyance adjustment members 22 with different diameters.

[0048] (3) As shown in Figure 8, when the guide rib 21b is bent and raised along the outer edge of the support frame 21, when the removed split adjustment members 22A, 22B are attached to the support frame 21, the two connecting portions 23a of the peripheral frame 23 placed on the support frame 21 can be slid inward while being guided in sliding contact with the inner surfaces of the opposing guide ribs 21b, thereby easily engaging and guiding the slit 26 with the connecting bolt 25.

[0049] (4) As shown in FIG. 8, if arched handles 35 are provided at appropriate positions on the upper surface of the peripheral frame 23 of the division adjustment members 22A and 22B, the division adjustment members 22A and 22B can be easily inserted, removed, and moved.

[0050] (5) The adjusting member body 24 of the conveying adjusting member 22 can be made of any material, such as a hard resin plate or a thin metal plate, depending on the properties and size of the objects to be weighed. Also, the adjusting member body 24 may be cut at an appropriate pitch around the circumference so that it can be deformed into a curtain shape.

[0051] (6) The conveyance adjustment member 22 is not limited to being divided into two as described above, but may also be divided into, for example, three in the circumferential direction. As shown in Fig. 9, the conveyance adjustment member 22 may be configured as divided adjustment members 22A, 22B, and 22C divided equally into three in the circumferential direction, and three support frames 21 each having a mountain-shaped planar shape may be connected to the top of a pair of support columns 20, and the connecting portions 23a of each of the divided adjustment members 22A, 22B, and 22C may be mounted on and connected to parallel opposing portions of adjacent support frames 21 so as to be slidable inward and outward. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 4 Feeding device 5. Dispersion feeder 6 Straight feeder 20 pillars 21 Support frame 22 Transport adjustment member 22A, 22B, 22C Split adjustment members 23 Circumference frame 23a Connecting part 24 Adjustment member body 25 Connecting bolt 26 Slit

Claims

1. The weighing device comprises a dispersion feeder that conveys the objects to be weighed supplied to a top cone that is circular in plan view to the periphery, a plurality of straight feeders that are arranged around the dispersion feeder and that respectively convey the objects to be weighed from the dispersion feeder to the outside, a cylindrical conveyance adjustment member that hangs down above the dispersion feeder or the straight feeder and contacts the conveyed objects to regulate the conveyed thickness of the objects, and a plurality of support frames that support the conveyance adjustment member, the conveyance adjusting member has a plurality of divided adjusting members divided along a circumferential direction, The support frame detachably mounts and connects each of the divided adjustment members, The division adjustment members, which have been released from connection with the support frame, are horizontally movable along the support frame in a direction away from each other or in a direction approaching each other while being placed on the support frame. A combination weigher characterized by:

2. Each of the divided adjustment members includes a peripheral frame having a partially arcuate shape in a plan view, and an adjustment member main body suspended from the peripheral frame, The peripheral frame is placed on and supported by the plurality of support frames arranged outside the peripheral frame, and has a plurality of connecting portions protruding outward to be detachably connected to the plurality of support frames. The combination weigher according to claim 1 .

3. a slit that is open on the division end side is formed in the connecting portion of the peripheral frame of the division adjustment member, A connecting bolt is attached to the support frame, and the connecting bolt engages with a slit in the connecting portion of the peripheral frame. The peripheral frame of the division adjustment member is connected and fixed to the support frame by tightening the connecting bolt with the slit of the connecting portion engaged therewith. The combination weigher according to claim 2.

4. The mounting position of the connecting bolt can be changed and adjusted in the opposing direction of the support frame. The combination weigher according to claim 3.

5. The support frame is connected to and supported by a plurality of fixed upright columns so as to be height-adjustable. The combination weigher according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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