Combination weighing device

Abstract

To easily replace a discharge chute with an article receiving box.SOLUTION: A combination weighing device 1 includes a timing hopper 10 temporarily receiving articles discharged from at least one or more hoppers as a result of combinational calculation in the combination weighing device 1 and then discharging the articles to either one of a first path D1 and a second path D2, a bracket 30 disposed at a vicinity of a second discharge position 102 from which the timing hoppers 10 discharge the articles to the second path D2, and a recovery mechanism 20 positioned by being hooked on the bracket 30 and recovering the articles discharged from the timing hoppers 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination weighing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a combination weighing device provided with a timing hopper 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] In a conventional combination weighing device, there is a case where a discharge chute is provided downstream of the timing hopper.

[0005] In such a combination weighing device, for the purpose of reusing the articles to be weighed or checking defective products, instead of such a discharge chute, it may be attached to a receiving box for such articles.

[0006] However, in the above-described combination weighing device, since the discharge chute is firmly fixed by a support member, there is a problem that it cannot be easily removed for attaching the above-described receiving box.

[0007] Further, in the above-described combination weighing device, although the attachment of the above-described receiving box is often temporary, the receiving box has to be firmly fixed using the above-described support member, which is inconvenient.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a combination weighing device that can easily realize the replacement between a discharge chute and a receiving box for articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the combination weighing device comprises: a timing hopper that temporarily receives articles discharged from at least one hopper as a result of a combination calculation in the combination weighing device and then discharges the articles to either a first or second path; a bracket positioned near a second discharge position where the timing hopper discharges the articles to the second path; and a recovery mechanism that is positioned by hooking onto the bracket and recovers the articles discharged from the timing hopper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a combined weighing device is provided that allows for easy replacement of the discharge chute and the receiving box for the items. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a combined weighing device 1 according to one embodiment, in which a recovery mechanism 20 is provided. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a combined weighing device 1 according to one embodiment, in which a discharge chute 50 is provided. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first discharge position 101 and the second discharge position 102 in a combined weighing device 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the recovery mechanism 20 is fixed to the bracket 30 in a combination weighing device 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between a timing hopper and a recovery mechanism 40 in a combined weighing device 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the combination weighing device 1 according to modification example 1. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the combination weighing device 1 according to modification example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of dimensions, etc., may differ from those of reality. Therefore, specific dimensions, etc., should be determined by referring to the following description. Furthermore, there may be parts in the drawings where the relationships and ratios of dimensions differ from those of other parts. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustration.

[0013] (First Embodiment) The combination weighing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The combination weighing device 1 according to this embodiment may be of any type: circular, linear, or manually operated.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the combined weighing device 1 according to this embodiment has a timing hopper 10 directly below the discharge chute (not shown).

[0015] The timing hopper 10 is located directly below a plurality of collection chutes. The timing hopper 10 temporarily receives articles discharged from at least one hopper (not shown) as a result of the combination calculation in the combination weighing device 1, and then discharges the articles to either the first path D1 or the second path D2.

[0016] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the timing hopper 10 discharges an article onto the first path D1, such an article is discharged to a device 40 (e.g., a packaging device, etc.) that is used in conjunction with the combination weighing device 1. Note that the timing hopper 10 discharges an article onto the first path D1 at the first discharge position 101 shown in FIG. 3.

[0017] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the timing hopper 10 discharges an article onto the second path D2, such an article is discharged to the recovery mechanism 20 attached to the bracket 30. Note that the timing hopper 10 discharges an article onto the second path D2 at the second discharge position 102 shown in FIG. 3.

[0018] Here, the recovery mechanism 20 may be a box-shaped member that stores the discharged article as shown in FIG. 1. Also, the recovery mechanism 20 may be a discharge chute 50 that further guides the article downstream as shown in FIG. 2. In short, the recovery mechanism 20 may use any mechanism as long as it is a member that temporarily stores or further guides the article discharged onto the second path D2.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the timing hopper 10 can slide and move along the lateral direction L between the first discharge position 101 and the second discharge position 102. Specifically, the timing hopper 10 can selectively move between the first discharge position 101 and the second discharge position 102 by moving on the rail 70 by the action of an air cylinder. Note that the rail 70 is attached to the main body of the combination weighing device 1.

[0020] Furthermore, the combination weighing device 1 has a bracket 30. The bracket 30 is a support member disposed in the vicinity of the above-described second discharge position 102. Also, the bracket 30 is attached to a position on the rail 70 that does not interfere with the movement of the timing hopper 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the bracket 30 is composed of two rod-shaped members 30A and a clamping member 30B.

[0021] The two rod-shaped members 30A are fixed to the rail 70. Here, the rod-shaped members 30A may be rod-shaped members of any shape, such as round bars or square bars. The fastening member 30C is made up of, for example, a screw. The rod-shaped members 30A may also be fixed to a part other than the rail 70, such as the main body of the combined weighing device 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the clamping member 30B is constructed by overlapping three plate-like members 30B1 to 30B3. A hole 30D is formed in the lower plate-like member 30B3. Furthermore, since the plate-like member 30B2 is shorter in width (length in the width direction W) than the plate-like members 30B1 and 30B3, a gap 30E is formed in the clamping member 30B.

[0023] Here, the recovery mechanism 20 is positioned by hooking onto the bracket 30, and recovers or guides the items discharged from the timing hopper 10 further downstream.

[0024] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the worker inserts the plate-shaped member 20A, which is provided on the side of the recovery mechanism 20, into the gap 30E formed in the clamping member 30B, and inserts the fastening member 30C from below into the hole 30D provided in the plate-shaped member 30B3, thereby positioning and fixing the recovery mechanism 20 relative to the bracket 30 (clamping member 30B). In this case, the fastening member 30C consists of a threaded cylindrical metal member welded to the plate-shaped member 20A, and a wing nut or thumb screw attached to the metal member. From the viewpoint of preventing foreign matter contamination of the produced goods, the wing nut cannot be removed from the metal member. The worker attaches the plate-shaped member 20A to the clamping member 30B by inserting the threaded metal member into the hole 30D with the wing nut loosened. In this state, the recovery mechanism 20 is fixed to the bracket 30 by the worker tightening the wing nut.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, when the discharge chute 50 is installed, the worker inserts a plate-shaped member (not shown) provided on the side of the discharge chute 50 into the gap 30E formed in the clamping member 30B, and tightens a wing nut to position and fix the discharge chute 50 relative to the bracket 30 (clamping member 30B).

[0026] Here, the retrieval mechanism 20 is not directly fixed to the rail 70 or the main body of the combined weighing device 1, but is fixed via a bracket 30. The bracket 30 is suspended from the rail 70 or the combined weighing device 1. In other words, the bracket 30 is positioned offset vertically downward from the rail 70 or the combined weighing device 1.

[0027] With this configuration, even if the bracket 30 is positioned at a high place, the fastening member 30C is positioned on the lower side, allowing the worker to perform the work easily. In other words, the worker can remove the recovery mechanism 20 without having to stretch their arms unnecessarily, compared to the case where the recovery mechanism 20 is directly attached to the rail 70 or the combined weighing device 1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, a notch 20C may be formed on the side of the recovery mechanism 20 on the first discharge position 101 side. In this case, the timing hopper 10 can pass through the notch 20C when it slides from the first discharge position 101 to the second discharge position 102. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, when the timing hopper 10 is at the second discharge position 102, the uppermost end 20U of the recovery mechanism 20 is positioned higher than the lowermost end 10D of the timing hopper 10.

[0029] With this configuration, articles discharged from the timing hopper 10 can be reliably discharged without leaking out of the recovery mechanism 20.

[0030] Furthermore, the upper part of the recovery mechanism 20 may move between the first discharge position 10 described above and the removable removal position 103 of the timing hopper 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second discharge position 102 and the removal position 103 may be the same position. With this configuration, the timing hopper 10 only needs to be slid to the second discharge position 102, thus simplifying the structure.

[0032] Note that the second discharge position 102 and the removal position 103 may be in different positions. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the removal position 103 may be located further out than the second discharge position 102. In this case, the timing hopper 10 may be configured to move from the first discharge position 101, past the second discharge position 102, to the removal position 103, as shown in Figure 3. With this configuration, since the removal position 103 is located further out than the second discharge position, the operator can more easily replace the recovery mechanism 20 and the discharge chute 50.

[0033] (Example of change 1) Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 6, we will explain Modification Example 1 of the First Embodiment described above, focusing on the differences from the First Embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the bracket 30 is formed by making the rod-shaped member 30A into a U-shape.

[0035] The bracket 30 supports the retrieval mechanism 20 with the horizontal portion of the rod-shaped member 30A, and positions the retrieval mechanism 20 with the vertical portion of the rod-shaped member 30A that extends vertically.

[0036] On the side of the recovery mechanism 20 that does not have a notch 20C, a retaining member 60 is provided for hooking onto the horizontal portion of the rod-shaped member 30A, as shown in Figure 6.

[0037] With this configuration, when attaching the retrieval mechanism 20, the worker can easily attach and detach the retrieval mechanism 20 by hooking the retaining member 60 onto the horizontal portion of the rod-shaped member 30A, and when removing the retrieval mechanism 20, by detaching the retaining member 60 from the horizontal portion of the rod-shaped member 30A.

[0038] (Example of change 2) Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 7, the modified example 2 of the first embodiment described above will be explained, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and modified example 1 described above.

[0039] In this modification example 2, as shown in Figure 7, a fastening component 61 is provided to securely fix the discharge chute 50 to the horizontal portion of the rod-shaped member 30A. As shown in Figure 7, this fastening component 61 is provided on the discharge chute 50 side.

[0040] Furthermore, it is desirable that the fastening component 61 be one that can be securely fixed without the need for tools, such as a snap lock, and it is even more desirable that it be able to directly fasten the rod-shaped member 30A.

[0041] Furthermore, the discharge chute 50 may be equipped with a positioning member 62 to ensure more reliable positioning.

[0042] With this configuration, even if the center of gravity of the discharge chute 50 is located outside the bracket 30, the discharge chute 50 can be more reliably fixed to the bracket 30.

[0043] Furthermore, with this configuration, since the fastening component 61 is provided on the discharge chute 50 side, the hygiene and ease of cleaning of the bracket 30 can be improved when the discharge chute 50 is removed.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the embodiments described above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive in any way to the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1…Combination weighing device 10... Timing Hopper 10D...Lowest end of the timing hopper 101…1st discharge position 102…Second discharge position 103...Removal position 20…Recovery mechanism 20A, 30B1~30B3... Plate-shaped members 20U... Topmost part of the recovery mechanism 30…Bracket 30A...Rod-shaped member 30B... Clamping component 30C… Fastening member 30D…hole 30E…gap 40…Equipment 50... Discharge chute 60…Retaining member 61… Fastening components 62... Positioning member 70... Rail D1...First route D2...Second route

Claims

1. A combination weighing device, As a result of the combination calculation in the aforementioned combination weighing device, a timing hopper temporarily receives the articles discharged from at least one hopper and then discharges the articles to either the first or second path. The timing hopper is positioned near a second discharge position where the article is discharged along the second path, and includes a bracket that supports a plate-shaped member from below, A recovery mechanism having the aforementioned plate-shaped member on its side surface, The recovery mechanism is positioned by hooking the plate-shaped member onto the bracket, and is a combined weighing device that recovers the articles discharged from the timing hopper.

2. The combination weighing device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a fastening member for positioning and fixing the plate-shaped member.

3. The combined weighing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the uppermost end of the recovery mechanism is positioned higher than the lowermost end of the timing hopper.

4. The combination weighing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing hopper moves the upper part of the recovery mechanism between a first discharge position for discharging the article to the first path and a removable removal position of the timing hopper.

5. The combination weighing device according to claim 4, wherein the second discharge position and the removal position are the same position.

6. The combination weighing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the timing hopper moves from the first discharge position, past the second discharge position, to the removal position.

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