Patent Description:
A combination weighing apparatus is configured to obtain a plurality of measured weight values, perform combination calculation, select a combination of the measured weight values, whose total weight is close to a target weight, and discharge objects of the selected combination.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a combination weighing apparatus including memory hoppers. The memory hoppers temporarily hold the objects weighed by the corresponding weighing hoppers. As a selection method of the objects which is used by a combination selection means, a method of selecting a combination of the objects from the objects held in the weighing hoppers and the objects held in the memory hoppers may be used.

Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a combination weighing apparatus including double-chamber weighing hoppers. Each of the double-chamber weighing hoppers is connected to a single weighing sensor and includes two weighing chambers. The two weighing chambers may be provided with gates which can be opened and closed independently of each other. In this configuration, the objects held in each of the weighing chambers can be independently discharged. In a case where the objects are supplied to the weighing hopper, the objects are supplied to one of the weighing chambers, and the weight of the objects supplied to that weighing chamber can be detected, based on a difference between detection values of the weighing sensors which are obtained before and after the objects are supplied to the weighing chamber. The combination calculation is performed by use of the detected weight values, and the objects are discharged from the selected weighing chamber. In this way, each of the weighing chambers can operate like an independent weighing hopper.

<CIT> relates to a combination weigher comprising a plurality of discharge hoppers which hold objects to be weighed; weight detecting devices for detecting measured values of weights of the objects to be weighed which are held in or fed to the discharge hoppers; and a controller; wherein the controller is configured to select an optimal composite combination from composite combinations each of which chooses a plurality of combinations made up of the measured values such that elements of the measured values do not duplicate between the combinations.

<CIT> relates to a combination weigher configured such that a plurality of weighing hoppers are divided into base groups and adjustment groups between them, collecting funnels are provided at a lower part of a collecting chute, and movable plates are provided to selectively discharge the objects to weighed from each adjustment group to one of the collecting funnels. A control unit is configured to combine each adjustment group with either one of the base groups to create discharge groups each including one base group and made up of the weighing hoppers arranged continuously and to perform combination calculation to determine weighing hoppers forming an optimal combination in each discharge group, and configured to cause the movable plate to move according to the discharge group to which each discharge group belongs and to cause the weighing hoppers forming the optimal combination to discharge the objects to be weighed.

<CIT> relates to a combined weigher including: a first combined weighing unit having a left inner shoot, an outer shoot, centralized hoppers, a measuring hopper and a memory hopper which are arranged above the left shoots; a second combined weighing unit having a right inner shoot, an outer shoot, centralized hoppers, a measuring hopper and a memory hopper which are arranged above the right shoots, and a control unit for controlling the entire device. The control unit performs a combination process for each combined weighing unit. In each combined weighing unit, each time a combination process is performed, the discharge direction of the measuring hopper and the memory hopper belonging to the discharge combination is alternately switched between the inner direction and the outer direction to discharge material to be weighed. In accordance with this, material to be weighed is alternately discharged from the two centralized hoppers.

In a combination weighing apparatus, typically, weighing accuracy increases with an increase in the number of the measured weight values which participate in combination calculation. As defined herein, the phrase "weighing accuracy is high" indicates that a difference between a total (combination total weight) of the measured weight values which participate in an optimal combination selected as a result of the combination calculation and a target value (combination target weight) of the weight of objects discharged from the combination weighing apparatus is small.

To increase the number of the measured weight values, the number of the weighing hoppers may be increased. However, this causes problems that the size of the apparatus increases, a processing speed reduces, and manufacturing cost increases. The objects discharged from a plurality of hoppers selected as the combination slide on a collecting chute in a state in which the objects have a certain length (hereinafter this will be referred to as "string-out length" from the head to the tail. Then, the objects are fed into a packaging machine disposed downstream of the combination weighing apparatus. As a distance over which the objects slide on the collecting chute increases, the objects are more affected by a friction received from the collecting chute or the like, so that the string-out length increases. Therefore, it takes longer time for the objects with a longer string-out length to reach the packaging machine, in a case where a comparison is made for the objects with an equal amount (volume).

To prevent a situation in which the objects get stuck in a sealed portion while the packaging machine is performing sealing, it is necessary to secure a certain distance between the tail of the objects selected as a specified combination and discharged from the hoppers and the head of the objects selected at next time as another (next) combination and discharged from the hoppers (hereinafter this distance will be referred to as "product window"). If the string-out length is increased under the condition in which time required for a weighing cycle is constant, the product window is reduced, and the object may get stuck in the sealed portion. Product mix in which the objects of the specified combination and the objects of the next combination are mixed is likely to occur, and in this state the packaging machine cannot perform sealing. If the time required for one weighing cycle is increased to secure the product window, the processing speed of the combination weighing apparatus is reduced.

As should be appreciated from the above, the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus is undesirable, because the string-out length is increased, the product window is reduced, and the product mix may occur depending on the case. If the time required for the weighing cycle is increased to secure a required product window while dealing with the increased string-out length, a weighing speed is undesirably reduced. Under the circumstances, for example, if the number of the measured weight values can be increased without increasing the number of the weighing hoppers, to improve weighing accuracy while preventing the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus, advantages can be obtained.

As a method of increasing the measured weight values without increasing the number of the weighing hoppers, memory hoppers may be used. The objects, whose measured weight values have been obtained, are temporarily held in the memory hoppers, and the measured weight values of the memory hoppers participate in the combination calculation. In this way, the number of the measured weight values which participate in the combination calculation can be increased.

As another method of increasing the measured weight values without increasing the number of the weighing hoppers, double-chamber weighing hoppers may be used. The double-chamber weighing hopper is connected to a single weighing sensor and includes two weighing chambers. In a case where the objects are supplied to the weighing hopper, the objects are supplied to one of the two weighing chambers, the weight of the objects supplied to this weighing chamber is detected based on a difference between detection values of the weighing sensor which are obtained before and after the objects are supplied to the weighing chamber. The combination calculation is performed by use of the detected weight values, and the objects are discharged from the selected weighing chamber. In this way, one weighing hopper can operate like two weighing hoppers.

In the combination weighing apparatus, for each of the weighing hoppers, upstream constituents (linear feeder, feeding hopper, etc.) which feed the objects to each weighing hopper, and downstream constituents (memory hopper, etc.) which process the objects discharged from the weighing hopper and discharge the objects to an outside area of the apparatus, are provided to correspond to each other. Hereinafter, each of the weighing hoppers, the upstream constituents corresponding to each weighing hopper, and the downstream constituents corresponding to each weighing hopper will be collectively referred to as a unit. Each unit includes, for example, one linear feeder, one feeding hopper, and one weighing hopper. Or, each unit includes, for example, one feeding hopper, one weighing hopper, and one memory hopper.

The present inventors intensively studied the method of increasing the number of the measured weight values while preventing the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus. As a result, the present inventors discovered the following respects. If the memory hoppers are provided to correspond to the weighing hoppers, respectively, or the weighing hoppers are replaced by the double-chamber weighing hoppers, respectively, in a conventional combination weighing apparatus which does not include the memory hoppers and the double-chamber weighing hoppers, the size of the apparatus is increased. This is because it is necessary to increase a pitch between the hoppers to prevent interference between adjacent memory hoppers or between adjacent double-chamber weighing hoppers.

For example, the memory hopper is required to hold the objects with an amount (volume) equal to that of the objects held in the weighing hopper. The size of the memory hopper is approximately equal to that of the weighing hopper. In a case where the units are arranged to form a circumference in a horizontal direction, each memory hopper is disposed inward of the corresponding weighing hopper (on a side which is closer to a vertical axis passing through the center of the circumference). The size of the circumference formed by the memory hoppers is smaller than that of the weighing hoppers. For this reason, if an attempt is made to accommodate the memory hoppers which are equal in number to the weighing hoppers, the memory hoppers interfere with each other. If the memory hoppers are arranged while preventing interference between the memory hoppers, the diameter of the circumference formed by the memory hoppers is unavoidably increased, which leads to the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus.

In the double-chamber weighing hopper, each of the weighing chambers is required to hold the objects with an amount (volume) equal to that of the objects held in the weighing hopper. For this reason, the double-chamber weighing hopper has a size which is about twice as large as that of the conventional weighing hopper. In the conventional combination weighing apparatus, spacing (distance) between the weighing hoppers is set to a value which is as small as possible, to reduce the size of the apparatus. Therefore, if an attempt is made to accommodate the double-chamber weighing hoppers which are equal in number to the conventional weighing hoppers, the double-chamber weighing hoppers interfere with each other. If the double-chamber weighing hoppers are arranged while preventing interference between the double-chamber weighing hoppers, the diameter of the circumference formed by the double-chamber weighing hoppers is unavoidably increased, which leads to the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus.

The phrase "the hoppers interfere with each other" includes a case where gates of the hoppers interfere with each other when the gates are opened.

For the purpose of increasing the number of the measured weight values, it is not necessary to provide the memory hoppers corresponding to all of the weighing hoppers, or replace all of the weighing hoppers by the double-chamber weighing hoppers. The number of the measured weight values can be increased while suppressing the increase in the size of the apparatus, by providing the memory hoppers corresponding to some (one or more) of the weighing hoppers, or replace some of the weighing hoppers by the double-chamber weighing hoppers.

In other words, the number of the measured weight values can be increased while suppressing the increase in the size of the apparatus, by use of a configuration in which the unit including the memory hopper and the unit which does not include the memory hopper co-exist, or a configuration in which the unit including the double-chamber weighing hopper and the unit which does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper co-exist. Furthermore, the interference between the memory hoppers and/or the interference between the double-chamber weighing hoppers can be easily prevented by preventing the interference between the units each including the memory hopper and/or preventing the interference between the units each including double-chamber weighing hopper.

Specifically, in a combination weighing apparatus, a plurality of units are arranged to form a circumference in a horizontal direction. The plurality of units include weighing hoppers, respectively, each of which holds, weighs and discharges objects. Each of the plurality of units is a small unit (first unit) or a large unit (second unit). The combination weighing apparatus of the invention is defined by the disclosure of independent claim <NUM>.

The existing combination weighing apparatus may be altered (modified). The existing combination weighing apparatus is defined as a combination weighing apparatus including a plurality of units arranged to form a circumference in a horizontal direction, in which each of the units includes a weighing hopper which holds, weighs, and discharges the objects, and does not include a memory hopper which is disposed below the weighing hopper, holds the objects discharged from the weighing hopper and discharges the objects. In the alteration, the memory hoppers are provided to correspond to only some of the weighing hoppers. Or, the memory hoppers may be provided in such a manner that both of the two adjacent units do not include the memory hoppers. In this configuration, the combination weighing apparatus which meets the condition (B) can be manufactured. This makes it possible to provide the manufacturing method of the altered (modified) combination weighing apparatus or an alteration method of the combination weighing apparatus.

Hereinafter, throughout the embodiments and drawings, the same or corresponding constituents or members are designated by the same reference symbols and the constituents described once will not be described in repetition.

A first combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> is a combination weighing apparatus as defined in claim <NUM>.

In the above-described combination weighing apparatus, some of all of the units are selectively configured as the small units. In this way, the combination weighing apparatus which is compact and has a high performance can be realized.

In the above-described combination weighing apparatus, which meets the condition (A), the small unit may include the memory hopper and the large unit may not include the memory hopper. Or, in the above-described combination weighing apparatus, which meets the condition (B), the small unit may include the double-chamber weighing hopper and may not include the single-chamber weighing hopper, and the large unit may include the single-chamber weighing hopper and may not include the double-chamber weighing hopper.

In the above-described combination weighing apparatus, which meets the condition (A), each of the small unit and the large unit may include the memory hopper. In this configuration, the number of the measured weight values can be increased while preventing an increase in the size of the apparatus, compared to a configuration in which each of all of the units includes the memory hopper and the single-chamber weighing hopper.

In the above-described combination weighing apparatus, which meets the condition (B), each of the small unit and the large unit may include the double-chamber weighing hopper. In this configuration, the number of the measured weight values can be increased while preventing the increase in the size of the apparatus, compared to a configuration in which each of all of the units includes the memory hopper and the single-chamber weighing hopper.

In the above-described combination weighing apparatus, adjacent memory hoppers do not interfere with each other, and adjacent double-chamber weighing hoppers do not interfere with each other. The size of the whole of the combination weighing apparatus can be reduced compared to the combination weighing apparatus including only large units, and the number of the measured weight values can be increased compared to the combination weighing apparatus including only small units. Therefore, the combination weighing apparatus which is compact and has a high performance can be easily realized.

In a further combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> which is according to the above-described first combination weighing apparatus, the condition (B) is met, and collecting chutes are provided to correspond to the plurality of units, respectively. In the above-described combination weighing apparatus, a position at which the collecting chute corresponding to the large unit is disposed is adjusted so that the collecting chute does not interfere with the memory hopper. In this way, the size of the whole of the combination weighing apparatus is not increased. In this case, the positions of the collecting chutes may be set so that the upper end of the collecting chute corresponding to the large unit is more distant from a vertical axis passing through the center of the circumference than the upper end of the collecting chute corresponding to the small unit. In this configuration, the interference between the memory hopper and the collecting chute can be easily prevented.

In a further combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> which is according to any one of the above-described combination weighing apparatuses, the condition (B) is met, and the weighing hopper corresponding to the memory hopper is configured to selectively discharge the objects to a proximal region or a distal region, with respect to a center of the circumference (to a region which is more distant from the center of the circumference or to a region which is closer to the center of the circumference). In this configuration, the interference between the weighing hoppers and the interference between the memory hoppers can be easily prevented. In this case, the memory hopper may be disposed closer to the vertical axis passing through the center of the circumference than the corresponding weighing hopper.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view showing the schematic configuration of the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>. <FIG> shows the arrangement of the weighing hoppers and the memory hoppers which are viewed from the underside of the combination weighing apparatus. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along 2A-2A of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along 2B-2B of <FIG>.

Hereinafter, an exemplary apparatus configuration which meets the condition (B), of a combination weighing apparatus <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in the drawings, the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> includes a plurality of units <NUM>. The plurality of units <NUM> are arranged to form the circumference in the horizontal direction. The circumference may have a shape of a circle, an oval or a polygon. In the example of <FIG>, the circumference is the circumference of the circle. Each of the units <NUM> includes a weighing hopper <NUM>. The weighing hopper <NUM> is configured to hold, weigh, and discharge objects (objects to be weighed).

Some (one or more) of the units <NUM> include memory hoppers <NUM>, respectively. The memory hopper <NUM> is disposed below the weighing hopper <NUM>, holds the objects discharged from the weighing hopper <NUM> and discharges the objects. The phrase "the memory hopper <NUM> holds the objects discharged from the weighing hopper <NUM> and discharges the objects" means that the memory hopper <NUM> holds the total amount of the objects discharged from the weighing hopper <NUM> by one discharge operation of the weighing hopper <NUM> and discharges the total amount of the objects by one discharge operation of the memory hopper <NUM> (the same applies, including a case where the weighing hopper is the double-chamber weighing hopper).

In the shown example, drive units <NUM> are provided to correspond to the memory hoppers <NUM>, respectively. The memory hoppers <NUM> include gates <NUM>, respectively. Each of the memory hoppers <NUM> may be integrated with the corresponding drive unit <NUM>. In the shown example, each of the memory hoppers <NUM> is disposed closer to a vertical axis <NUM> passing through the center of the circumference than the corresponding weighing hopper <NUM>.

In the shown example, the weighing hopper <NUM> (the weighing hopper <NUM> included in the unit <NUM> including the memory hopper <NUM>, the weighing hopper <NUM> included in a large unit <NUM>) corresponding to the memory hopper <NUM> is configured to selectively discharge the objects to a proximal region or a distal region, with respect to a center of the circumference (to a region which is more distant from the center of the circumference or to a region which is closer to the center of the circumference). More specifically, the weighing hopper <NUM> includes a gate 27a which is opened to a side opposite to a center column <NUM> and a gate 27b which is opened toward the center column <NUM>. Regarding the weighing hopper <NUM> which is not provided with the memory hopper <NUM>, the gates need not be opened selectively in one of two directions, two gates may be opened simultaneously, or this weighing hopper <NUM> may include only one gate.

In the shown example, weighing sensors <NUM> are provided to correspond to the weighing hoppers <NUM>, respectively. The weighing sensors <NUM> may be constituted by, for example, load cells, respectively.

Each of the units <NUM> is a small unit <NUM> or the large unit <NUM>. The small unit <NUM> is the unit <NUM> which does not include the memory hopper <NUM>. The large unit <NUM> is the unit <NUM> which includes the memory hopper <NUM>. As shown in the drawings, the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> includes at least one small unit <NUM> and at least one large unit <NUM>. In other words, the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> has a configuration in which the small unit <NUM> and the large unit <NUM> co-exist.

The configuration of the weighing hopper <NUM> is not particularly limited. For example, the weighing hopper <NUM> may be a single-chamber weighing hopper including one accommodating chamber for holding the objects or a double-chamber weighing hopper including two accommodating chambers for holding the objects. Both of the small unit and the large unit may include the double-chamber weighing hoppers. In this configuration, the number of the measured weight values can be increased while preventing the increase in the size of the apparatus, compared to a configuration in which each of all of the units includes the memory hopper and the single-chamber weighing hopper.

Although in the shown example, the number of the memory hopper <NUM> included in each of the large units <NUM> is one, this configuration is merely exemplary. Specifically, for example, the number of the memory hopper <NUM> included in each of the large units <NUM> may be two. Or, for example, the number of the memory hopper <NUM> included in some (one or more) of the large units <NUM> may be two, and the number of the memory hopper <NUM> included in some of the large units <NUM> may be one. In the configuration in which the large unit <NUM> includes two memory hoppers <NUM>, these memory hoppers <NUM> may be arranged in a radial direction or the circumferential direction, with respect to the circumference formed by the units <NUM>. Or, for example, some or all of the memory hoppers <NUM> may be double-chamber memory hoppers.

The number of the memory hoppers may be chosen so that the string-out length of the objects is shorter than that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the large units, or is equal to that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the small units. The number of the memory hoppers may be chosen so that the product window is larger in distance than that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the large units or is equal in distance to that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the small units.

In the shown example, at least one small unit <NUM> is disposed between two large units <NUM> selected arbitrarily in the circumference so that the large units <NUM> are not adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. In the example shown in <FIG>, two or three small units <NUM> are disposed between the large units <NUM>. The number of the large units <NUM> is four, and the number of the small units <NUM> is ten. The large units <NUM> form two pairs. The two large units <NUM> forming each pair are positioned on opposite sides with respect to the vertical center axis of the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>. This configuration is merely exemplary. For example, the large unit <NUM> and the small unit <NUM> may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

A position relation between the large units <NUM> and the small units <NUM> may be chosen so that the string-out length is shorter than that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the large units, or is equal to that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the small units. The position relation between the large units <NUM> and the small units <NUM> may be chosen so that the product window is larger in distance than that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the large units or is equal in distance to that of the combination weighing apparatus including only the small units.

In the shown example, the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> includes the center column <NUM>. Inside the center column <NUM>, a drive unit for a top cone <NUM> (described later), drive units for linear feeders <NUM> (described later), drive units for feeding hoppers <NUM> (described later), drive units for the weighing hoppers <NUM>, and the weighing sensors <NUM> (described later) are provided.

In the shown example, the feeding hoppers <NUM> are provided above the weighing hoppers <NUM> to correspond to the weighing hoppers <NUM>, respectively. Each of the feeding hoppers <NUM> includes a gate <NUM>. Note that the feeding hoppers <NUM> are not essential. For example, a feeder may directly feed the objects to the weighing hoppers <NUM>.

In the shown example, the linear feeders <NUM> are disposed above the feeding hoppers <NUM>, to correspond to the feeding hoppers <NUM>, respectively, in such a manner that the linear feeders <NUM> are arranged radially around the vertical axis <NUM> of the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>. Note that the linear feeders <NUM> are not essential and another feeding means may feed the objects to the feeding hoppers <NUM>. Or, the feeding hoppers <NUM> may be omitted as well, and another feeding means may directly feed the objects to the weighing hoppers <NUM>.

In the shown example, the top cone <NUM> is provided above the linear feeders <NUM> and on the vertical axis <NUM> of the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>. Note that the top cone <NUM> is not essential, and a supply device may directly supply the objects to the linear feeders <NUM>.

In the shown example, collecting chutes <NUM> are disposed below the weighing hoppers <NUM> to correspond to the weighing hoppers <NUM>, respectively. Note that the collecting chutes <NUM> need not correspond to the weighing hoppers <NUM>, respectively, in one-to-one correspondence. For example, one collecting chute <NUM> may be provided to correspond to a plurality of weighing hoppers <NUM> which are adjacent to each other.

In the shown example, the collecting chutes <NUM> are provided to correspond to the units <NUM>, respectively. The collecting chutes <NUM> are disposed so that the upper end of the collecting chute <NUM> corresponding to the large unit <NUM> is more distant from the vertical axis <NUM> passing through the center of the circumference than the upper end of the collecting chute <NUM> corresponding to the small unit <NUM>. In this configuration, it becomes possible to easily prevent interference between the memory hopper included in the large unit and the corresponding collecting chute.

In the shown example, the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is communicatively connected to the drive unit of the top cone <NUM>, the drive units of the linear feeders <NUM>, the drive units of the feeding hoppers <NUM>, the drive units of the weighing hoppers <NUM>, the drive units <NUM> of the memory hoppers <NUM>, and the weighing sensors <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to receive signals from the weighing sensors <NUM> to obtain the measured weight values and control the operations of the top cone <NUM>, the linear feeders <NUM>, and the gates <NUM>, 27a, 27b, and <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include, for example, a processor section and a memory section. The processor section may be CPU. The memory section may be ROM and RAM. The controller <NUM> may include a single processor and perform a centralized control. Or, the controller <NUM> may include a plurality of processor sections and may perform a distributed control.

Hereinafter, the exemplary operation of the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings. The operation described below may be performed, for example, in such a manner that the controller <NUM> executes programs stored in the memory section to control the constituents of the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>.

A supply device which is not shown supplies the objects to the top cone <NUM>. The top cone <NUM> is vibrated by an electromagnetic vibration device to supply the objects to each linear feeder <NUM>. Each linear feeder <NUM> is vibrated by an electromagnetic vibration device to feed the objects to the corresponding feeding hopper <NUM> at a specified timing. Each feeding hopper <NUM> opens the gate <NUM> at a specified timing to feed the objects to the corresponding weighing hopper <NUM>, in a case where the corresponding weighing hopper <NUM> is empty.

Each weighing sensor <NUM> detects the weight (hereinafter will be referred to as the measured weight value) of the objects supplied to the corresponding weighing hopper <NUM> and sends a detection value to the controller <NUM>. Further, the weighing hopper <NUM> for which the memory hopper <NUM> is disposed therebelow, opens the gate 27b to shift the objects from the weighing hopper <NUM> to the memory hopper <NUM>, in a case where the memory hopper <NUM> is empty. The measured weight value corresponding to the weighing hopper <NUM> is stored as the measured weight value corresponding to the memory hopper <NUM>. After that, the feeding hopper <NUM> feeds the objects to the weighing hopper <NUM> which is empty, and the weighing sensor <NUM> sends the detection value to the controller <NUM> again. In this way, the controller <NUM> obtains the measured weight value.

The controller <NUM> performs combination calculation by use of the measured weight values corresponding to the weighing hoppers <NUM> and the memory hoppers <NUM>. In the combination calculation, for example, the controller <NUM> calculates a combination total weight corresponding to each of combinations of the measured weight values (e.g., combinations each formed by <NUM> measured weight values selected from among <NUM> measured weight values corresponding to <NUM> weighing hoppers <NUM> and <NUM> memory hoppers <NUM>). The controller <NUM> selects as an optimal combination, the combination of the measured weight values in which its combination total weight is larger than a combination target weight and closest to the combination target weight.

When the combination calculation completes, the controller <NUM> opens the gates 27a of the weighing hoppers <NUM> and the gates <NUM> of the memory hoppers <NUM>, corresponding to the optimal combination, to discharge the objects to the collecting chutes <NUM>.

After that, the objects are supplied to the weighing hoppers <NUM> and the memory hoppers <NUM> which are empty. In the shown example, a double-shift operation may be performed. In the double-shift operation, while the objects are supplied to the weighing hoppers <NUM> and the memory hoppers <NUM> which are empty, the combination calculation is performed by use of the measured weight values corresponding to the weighing hoppers <NUM> and the memory hoppers <NUM>, which are other than the weighing hoppers <NUM> and the memory hoppers <NUM> which are empty, and the objects of the optimal combination are discharged.

In the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, the memory hoppers <NUM> as well as the weighing hoppers <NUM> can participate in the combination calculation. Therefore, the number of combinations which become candidates for the optimal combination in the combination calculation is increased, compared to a case where the memory hoppers <NUM> are not provided. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the optimal combination is formed by use of <NUM> measured weight values in the double shift operation. In this case, if the memory hoppers <NUM> are not provided, <NUM> out of <NUM> weighing hoppers participate in the combination calculation. The number of combinations to be compared in the combination calculation is <NUM>C<NUM> = <NUM>. In contrast, if the objects are fed to and held in all of the <NUM> memory hoppers <NUM> in the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> weighing hoppers and <NUM> memory hoppers participate in the combination calculation. The number of combinations to be compared in the combination calculation is <NUM>C<NUM> = <NUM> at maximum. In accordance with the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, it is highly probable that the combination total weight which is closer to the combination target weight can be obtained. As a result, the weighing accuracy is improved.

In the example of <FIG>, broken lines indicate virtual arrangement of the memory hoppers <NUM> in a case where the memory hoppers <NUM> are disposed below all of the weighing hoppers <NUM>. In that case, as can be seen from <FIG>, the memory hoppers <NUM> interfere with each other. Therefore, the memory hoppers <NUM> cannot be arranged. As possible options capable of solving this problem, the memory hoppers <NUM> are not provided, or the weighing hoppers <NUM> are arranged at a larger pitch so that the memory hoppers <NUM> do not interfere with each other. However, in the former option, the weighing accuracy cannot be improved, while in the latter option, the size of the whole of the combination weighing apparatus is increased.

In the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, each of the units <NUM> is the small unit <NUM> which does not include the memory hopper <NUM> or the large unit <NUM> including the memory hopper <NUM>. At least one small unit <NUM> is disposed between two large units <NUM> selected arbitrarily so that the large units <NUM> are not adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. In this arrangement, the memory hoppers <NUM> can be provided while preventing interference between the memory hoppers <NUM>. In this way, the memory hoppers <NUM> can be provided without changing the pitch of the weighing hoppers <NUM>. As a result, the weighing accuracy can be improved while preventing the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus.

Although in the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG> memory hoppers <NUM> are provided, the memory hoppers <NUM> with a different number may be provided. The number of the memory hoppers <NUM> may be any of natural numbers which is <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the number of units. In other words, the number of the memory hoppers <NUM> may be set to an integer which is <NUM> or more and <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the number of units. For example, in a case where the number of the units <NUM> is <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the number of the memory hoppers <NUM> may be set to an integer which is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The number of the memory hoppers <NUM> to be provided may be suitably set in view of a desired weighing accuracy, allowable cost, or the like.

Although in the example shown in <FIG>, the drive units <NUM> are disposed outside the center column <NUM>, the drive units <NUM> may be disposed inside the center column <NUM>. In this case, the lower end of the center column <NUM> may be lower than that of the example shown in <FIG>.

Alternatively, by adjusting the positions (e.g., positions in the circumferential direction ) of the memory hoppers <NUM>, some (one or more) of the large units <NUM> may be adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

In a further combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>, which is according to the combination weighing apparatus according to claim <NUM>, the condition (A) is met, and the double-chamber weighing hopper includes two weighing chambers disposed adjacently to each other along the circumference.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view showing the schematic configuration of the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>. <FIG> shows the arrangement of the weighing hoppers which is viewed from the underside of the combination weighing apparatus. <FIG> is a schematic partial view showing a relation between the feeding hopper and the weighing hopper in the large unit of the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>.

The cross-sectional configuration of the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> is identical to that of <FIG> except that some (one or more) of the weighing hoppers <NUM> are replaced by double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b, and each of feeding hoppers 24b corresponding to the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b is configured to selectively feed the objects to each of the two weighing chambers. Therefore, the cross-sectional configuration of the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> is not shown.

A combination weighing apparatus <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> includes the plurality of units <NUM> arranged to form the circumference in the horizontal direction, each of the units <NUM> includes the weighing hopper which holds, weighs and discharges the objects, and each of the units <NUM> is the small unit <NUM> or the large unit <NUM>, as in the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>. The combination weighing apparatus <NUM> includes at least one small unit <NUM> and at least one large unit <NUM>. In brief, the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> has a configuration in which the small unit <NUM> and the large unit <NUM> co-exist.

In the example shown in <FIG>, at least one small unit <NUM> is disposed between two large units <NUM> selected arbitrarily in the circumference so that the large units <NUM> are not adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

Each of the weighing hoppers is a single-chamber weighing hopper 26a or the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b. The small unit <NUM> includes the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a and does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b. The large unit <NUM> includes the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b and does not include the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a. The lateral width of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b is larger than that of the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a. The lateral width is defined as a length in the circumferential direction.

Both of the small unit <NUM> and the large unit <NUM> may include the memory hoppers. In this configuration, the number of the measured weight values can be increased while preventing the increase in the size of the apparatus, compared to a configuration in which each of all of the units includes the memory hopper and the single-chamber weighing hopper.

The double-chamber weighing hopper 26b includes a separating plate <NUM> in a center thereof. Weighing chambers 26c, 26d are provided on both sides of this separating plate. In this configuration, the objects held in the weighing chambers 26c, 26d are not mixed inside the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b. A gate 27c is provided at the underside of the weighing chamber 26c. A gate 27d is provided at the underside of the weighing chamber 26d. When the gate 27c is opened, the objects held in the weighing chamber 26c are discharged. When the gate 27d is opened, the objects held in the weighing chamber 26d are discharged.

The single-chamber weighing hopper 26a and the corresponding feeding hopper may be configured as in the weighing hopper <NUM> and the feeding hopper <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM> and will not be described in repetition.

The feeding hopper 24b disposed above the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b is configured to selectively open the gate 25c or the gate 25d in one of the two directions along the circumferential direction. When the gate 25c is opened, the objects held in the feeding hopper 24b are fed to the weighing chamber 26c (one of the weighing chambers) of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b. When the gate 25d is opened, the objects held in the feeding hopper 24b are fed to the weighing chamber 26d (the other weighing chamber) of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b.

The combination weighing apparatus <NUM> may include the top cone <NUM>, the linear feeders <NUM>, the center column <NUM>, the collecting chutes <NUM>, and the controller <NUM>. The top cone <NUM>, the linear feeders <NUM>, the center column <NUM>, the collecting chutes <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may be configured as in those of Embodiment <NUM>, and detailed description of them is omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings. The operation described below may be performed, for example, in such a manner that the controller <NUM> executes programs stored in the memory section to control the constituents of the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>.

The operation performed when the supply device supplies the objects to the feeding hopper is similar to that of embodiment <NUM> and will not be described in repetition. The feeding hopper corresponding to the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a operates like the feeding hopper <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>. The feeding hopper 24b corresponding to the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b operates as follows.

Specifically, when the weighing chamber 26c of the two weighing chambers included in the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b corresponding to the feeding hopper 24b is empty, the gate 25c is opened. By this opening operation, the objects held in the feeding hopper 24b are fed to the weighing chamber 26c. After that, the weighing sensor <NUM> detects the weight value of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b and sends the detection value to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> obtains the weight value (measured weight value) of the objects held in the weighing chamber 26c by subtracting the weight value of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b which is obtained before the objects are supplied to the weighing chamber 26c, from the weight value of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b which is obtained after the objects are supplied to the weighing hopper 26c.

Or, when the weighing chamber 26d is empty, the gate 25d is opened. By this opening operation, the objects held in the feeding hopper 24b are fed to the weighing chamber 26d. After that, the weighing sensor <NUM> detects the weight value of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b and sends the detection value to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> obtains the weight value (measured weight value) of the objects held in the weighing chamber 26d by subtracting the weight value of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b which is obtained before the objects are supplied to the weighing chamber 26d, from the weight value of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b which is obtained after the objects are supplied to the weighing chamber 26d.

The controller <NUM> performs the combination calculation by use of the measured weight values of the single-chamber weighing hoppers 26a and the weighing chambers 26c, 26d of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b. The combination calculation is similar to that of Embodiment <NUM> and detailed description is omitted.

When the combination calculation completes, the controller <NUM> opens the gate 27a of the weighing hopper <NUM> and the gates 27c, 27d of the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, corresponding to the optimal combination, to discharge the objects to the collecting chutes <NUM>.

After that, the objects are supplied to the weighing hopper <NUM> and the weighing chambers 26c, 26d which are empty. In the shown example, the double-shift operation may be performed. In this case, while the objects are supplied to the weighing hopper <NUM> and the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, the combination calculation is performed by use of the measured weight values corresponding to the weighing hoppers <NUM> and the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, which are other than the weighing hopper <NUM> and the weighing chambers 26c, 26d which are empty, and the objects of the optimal combination are discharged.

In the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, two measured weight values at maximum, corresponding to each double-chamber weighing hopper 26b, can be used in the combination calculation. Therefore, the number of combinations which become candidates for the optimal combination in the combination calculation is increased, compared to a case where the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b are not provided. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the optimal combination is formed by use of <NUM> measured weight values in the double shift operation. In this case, if the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b are not provided, <NUM> out of <NUM> weighing hoppers participate in the combination calculation. The number of combinations to be compared in the combination calculation is <NUM>C<NUM> = <NUM>. In contrast, if the objects are fed to and held in all of the weighing chambers 26c, 26d of <NUM> double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b in the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, the number of the measured weight values is <NUM> at maximum. In the double shift operation, <NUM> measured weight values of <NUM> measured weight values are used in first combination calculation (combination calculation performed at first time). The number of combinations to be compared in the combination calculation is <NUM>C<NUM> = <NUM> at maximum. In accordance with the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, it is highly probable that the combination total weight which is closer to the combination target weight can be obtained. As a result, the weighing accuracy is improved.

In the example of <FIG>, broken lines indicate virtual arrangement of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b in a case where all of the weighing hoppers <NUM> are the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b. In that case, as can be seen from <FIG>, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b interfere with each other and cannot be arranged. As possible options capable of solving this problem, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b are not provided, or the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b are arranged at a larger pitch so that the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b do not interfere with each other. However, in the former option, the weighing accuracy cannot be improved, while in the latter option, the size of whole of the combination weighing apparatus is increased.

In the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, each of the units <NUM> is the small unit <NUM> which includes the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a and does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b, or the large unit <NUM> which does not include the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a and includes the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b. At least one small unit <NUM> is disposed between two large units <NUM> selected arbitrarily so that the large units <NUM> are not adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. In this arrangement, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b can be disposed while preventing interference between the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b. In this way, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b can be disposed without changing the pitch of the weighing hoppers <NUM>. As a result, the weighing accuracy can be improved while preventing the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus.

Although in the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG> double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b are provided, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b with a different number may be provided. The number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b may be any of natural numbers which is <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the number of units. In other words, the number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b may be set to an integer which is <NUM> or more and <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the number of units. For example, in a case where the number of the units <NUM> is <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b may be set to an integer which is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b to be provided may be suitably set in view of a desired weighing accuracy, allowable cost, or the like.

Alternatively, by adjusting the positions (e.g., positions in the circumferential direction ) of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b, some (one or more) of the large units <NUM> may be adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

In a combination weighing apparatus of Embodiment <NUM>, which is according to the combination weighing apparatus of claim <NUM>, both of the condition (A) and the condition (B) are met. The combination weighing apparatus of Embodiment <NUM> includes the plurality of units arranged to form the circumference in the horizontal direction, each of the units includes the weighing hopper which holds, weighs, and discharges the objects, each of the units is the small unit or the large unit, and the combination weighing apparatus includes at least one small unit and at least one large unit. Each of the weighing hoppers is the single-chamber weighing hopper or the double-chamber weighing hopper. The small unit includes the single-chamber weighing hopper and does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper and the memory hopper. The large unit includes the double-chamber weighing hopper, does not include the single-chamber weighing hopper, and includes the memory hopper. At least one small unit is disposed between two large units selected arbitrarily in the circumference so that the large units are not adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

In a further combination weighing apparatus of Embodiment <NUM>, which is according to the combination weighing apparatus of claim <NUM>, both of the condition (A) and the condition (B) are met, and the double-chamber weighing hopper includes two weighing chambers arranged adj acently to each other along the circumference, and the memory hopper includes two accommodating chambers arranged adjacently to each other along the circumference.

<FIG> is a schematic partial view showing a relation between the feeding hopper and the weighing hopper in the large unit of the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in the combination weighing apparatus of Embodiment <NUM>, which is according to the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>, a memory hopper 28b is disposed below the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b. Specifically, the large unit <NUM> includes the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b, does not include the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a, and includes the memory hopper 28b. The small unit <NUM> includes the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a, and does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b and the memory hopper 28b.

The memory hopper 28b includes a separating plate <NUM> in a center portion thereof. Accommodating chambers 28c, 28d are provided on both sides of this separating plate <NUM>. In this configuration, the objects held in the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d are not mixed inside the memory hopper 28b. A gate 29c is provided below the accommodating chamber 28c. A gate 29d is provided below the accommodating chamber 28d. When the gate 29c is opened, the objects held in the accommodating chamber 28c are discharged. When the gate 29d is opened, the objects held in the accommodating chamber 28d are discharged.

The double-chamber weighing hopper 26b includes the separating plate <NUM> in a center thereof. The weighing chambers 26c, 26d are provided on both sides of this separating plate <NUM>. In this configuration, the objects held in the weighing chambers 26c, 26d are not mixed inside the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b. Gates 27e, 27f are provided at the underside of the weighing chamber 26c. Gates <NUM>, <NUM> are provided at the underside of the weighing chamber 26d.

When the gate 27e is opened, the objects held in the weighing chamber 26c are discharged to the accommodating chamber 28c of the memory hopper 28b. When the gate 27f is opened, the objects held in the weighing chamber 26c are discharged to the collecting chute <NUM>. When the gate <NUM> is opened, the objects held in the weighing chamber 26d are discharged to the accommodating chamber 28d of the memory hopper 28b. When the gate <NUM> is opened, the objects held in the weighing chamber 26c are discharged to the collecting chute <NUM>.

Except the above, the apparatus configuration is similar to that of Embodiment <NUM>, and therefore detained description is omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings. The operation described below may be performed, for example, in such a manner that the controller <NUM> executes programs stored in the memory section to control the constituents of the combination weighing apparatus.

The operation performed when the supply device supplies the objects to the feeding hopper and the feeding hopper feeds the objects to the weighing chamber is similar to that of embodiment <NUM> and will not be described in repetition.

When the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d of the memory hopper 28b, corresponding to the weighing chambers 26c, 26d of the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b, are empty, the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b opens the corresponding gates 27e, <NUM> to supply the objects to the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d. The measured weight values corresponding to the weighing chambers 26c, 26d are stored as the measured weight values corresponding to the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d.

The controller <NUM> performs the combination calculation by use of the measured weight values obtained for the single-chamber weighing hoppers 26a, the weighing chambers 26c, 26d of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b, and the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d of the memory hoppers 28b. The detail of the combination calculation is similar to that of Embodiment <NUM> and will not be described in repetition.

When the combination calculation completes, the controller <NUM> opens the gate 27a of the weighing hopper <NUM>, the gates 27f, <NUM> of the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, and the gates 29c, 29d of the memory hoppers 28b, corresponding to the optimal combination, to discharge the objects to the collecting chutes <NUM>.

After that, the objects are supplied to the weighing hopper <NUM>, the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, and the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d which are empty. In the shown example, the double shift operation may be performed. In this case, while the objects are supplied to the weighing hopper <NUM>, the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, and the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d, the controller <NUM> performs the combination calculation by use of the measured weight values corresponding to the weighing hoppers <NUM>, the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, and the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d, which are other than the weighing hopper <NUM>, the weighing chambers 26c, 26d, and the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d which are empty, and the objects of the optimal combination are discharged.

In the combination weighing apparatus of Embodiment <NUM>, two measured weight values at maximum, corresponding to each double-chamber weighing hopper 26b, and two measured weight values at maximum corresponding to each memory hopper 28b, can be used in the combination calculation. Therefore, the number of combinations which become candidates for the optimal combination in the combination calculation is increased, compared to a case where the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b are not provided. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the optimal combination is formed by use of <NUM> measured weight values in the double shift operation. In this case, if the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b are not provided, <NUM> out of <NUM> weighing hoppers participate in the combination calculation. The number of combinations to be compared in the combination calculation is <NUM>C<NUM> = <NUM>. In contrast, if the objects are fed to and held in all of the weighing chambers 26c, 26d of <NUM> double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and all of the accommodating chambers 28c, 28d of <NUM> memory hoppers 28b in the combination weighing apparatus <NUM>, the number of the measured weight values is <NUM> at maximum. In the double shift operation, <NUM> measured weight values of the <NUM> measured weight values are used in the first combination calculation (combination calculation performed at first time). The number of combinations to be compared in the combination calculation is <NUM>C<NUM> = <NUM> at maximum. In accordance with the combination weighing apparatus of Embodiment <NUM>, it is highly probable that the combination total weight which is closer to the combination target weight can be obtained.

As a result, the weighing accuracy is improved.

In the example of <FIG>, broken lines indicate virtual arrangement of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b in a case where all of the weighing hoppers <NUM> are the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b are provided below the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b. <FIG> is a top plan view, and the memory hoppers 28b overlap with the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b, respectively, and therefore are not shown. In that case, as can be seen from <FIG>, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b interfere with each other, and the memory hoppers 28b interfere with each other. Therefore, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b cannot be disposed. As possible options capable of solving this problem, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b are not provided, or the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b are arranged at a larger pitch (pitch: distance from a center of a specified hopper to a center of adjacent hopper) so that the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b do not interfere with each other and the memory hoppers 28b do not interfere with each other. However, in the former option, the weighing accuracy cannot be improved, while in the latter option, the size of the whole of the combination weighing apparatus is increased.

In the combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>, each of the units <NUM> is the small unit <NUM> which includes the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a, and does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b and the memory hopper 28b, or the large unit <NUM> which does not include the single-chamber weighing hopper 26a, and includes the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b and the memory hopper 28b. At least one small unit <NUM> is disposed between two large units <NUM> selected arbitrarily so that the large units <NUM> are not adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. In this arrangement, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory chambers 28b can be disposed while preventing interference between the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and interference between the memory chambers 28b. In this way, the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the memory hoppers 28b can be disposed without changing the pitch of the weighing hoppers. As a result, the weighing accuracy can be improved while preventing the increase in the size of the combination weighing apparatus.

Each of the number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the number of the memory hoppers 28b are not particularly limited. Each of the number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the number of the memory hoppers 28b may be any of natural numbers which is <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the number of units. In other words, each of the number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the number of the memory hoppers 28b may be set to an integer which is <NUM> or more and <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the number of units. For example, in a case where the number of the units <NUM> is <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, each of the number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the number of the memory hoppers 28b may be set to an integer which is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Each of the number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b to be provided and the number of the memory hoppers 28b to be provided may be suitably set in view of a desired weighing accuracy, allowable cost, or the like. The number of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b and the number of the memory hoppers 28b may be different from each other.

The memory hoppers 28b may not be provided below some (one or more) of the double-chamber weighing hoppers 26b. It is not essential that the memory hopper disposed below the double-chamber weighing hopper 26b is the double-chamber memory hopper. Instead, a single-chamber memory hopper may be provided to correspond to only one of the weighing chambers.

In a manufacturing method of a combination weighing apparatus, which has been altered, according to Embodiment <NUM>, the combination weighing apparatus which meets the condition (B) of claim <NUM> is manufactured by incorporating the memory hoppers corresponding to only some (one or more) of the weighing hoppers, into the existing combination weighing apparatus to be altered, which includes a plurality of units arranged to form a circumference in a horizontal direction, in which each of the units includes the weighing hopper which holds, weighs, and discharges the objects, and does not include the memory hopper which is disposed below the weighing hopper, holds the objects discharged from the weighing hopper and discharges the objects.

In a manufacturing method of an further combination weighing apparatus, which has been altered, according to Embodiment <NUM>, the combination weighing apparatus which meets the condition (B) of claim <NUM> is manufactured by incorporating the memory hoppers in such a manner that both of two adjacent units do not include the memory hoppers, into the existing combination weighing apparatus to be altered, which includes a plurality of units arranged to form a circumference in a horizontal direction, in which each of the units includes the weighing hopper which holds, weighs, and discharges the objects, and does not include the memory hopper which is disposed below the weighing hopper, holds the objects discharged from the weighing hopper and discharges the objects.

In the above-described manufacturing method, the measured weight values can be increased by incorporating the memory hoppers into (adding the memory hoppers to) the existing combination weighing apparatus. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily obtain the combination weighing apparatus which is compact and has a high performance, at low cost.

Each of the weighing hoppers included in the existing combination weighing apparatus, to be altered, may be configured to selectively discharge the objects to a proximal region or a distal region, with respect to a center of the circumference (to a region which is more distant from the center of the circumference or to a region which is closer to the center of the circumference).

In a manufacturing method of a further combination weighing apparatus, which has been altered, according to Embodiment <NUM>, the manufacturing method of the combination weighing apparatus being according to the above-described manufacturing method of the combination weighing apparatus, which has been altered, the vertical positions of the units are changed in such a manner that the upper ends of the weighing hoppers of the altered combination weighing apparatus including the memory hoppers are higher than the upper ends of the weighing hoppers in the existing combination weighing apparatus to be altered. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the diameters of the whole of the collecting chutes while preventing interference between the memory hoppers and the collecting chutes.

In a manufacturing method of a further combination weighing apparatus, which has been altered, according to Embodiment <NUM>, the manufacturing method of the combination weighing apparatus being according to any one of the above-described manufacturing methods of the combination weighing apparatuses, which have been altered, each of the existing combination weighing apparatus to be altered and the altered combination weighing apparatus includes a plurality of collecting chutes corresponding to the plurality of units, respectively, and the positions of the collecting chutes are changed in such a manner that the upper ends of the collecting chutes corresponding to the memory hoppers of the altered combination weighing apparatus including the memory hoppers are more distant from the vertical axis <NUM> passing through the center of the circumference than the upper ends of the collecting chutes of the combination weighing apparatus to be altered. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the whole of the combination weighing apparatus while adjusting the positions of the collecting chutes corresponding to the large units to prevent interference between the memory hoppers and the collecting chutes.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of an unaltered combination weighing apparatus in the manufacturing method of the altered combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the altered combination weighing apparatus in the manufacturing method of the altered combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the altered combination weighing apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in <FIG>, the configuration of the unaltered combination weighing apparatus may be similar to a configuration in which the memory hoppers <NUM> are omitted from the combination weighing apparatus <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>. Specifically, the unaltered combination weighing apparatus includes the plurality of units <NUM> arranged to form the circumference in the horizontal direction, and each of the units <NUM> includes the weighing hopper <NUM> and does not include the memory hopper <NUM>.

The configuration of the weighing hopper <NUM> is not particularly limited. For example, the weighing hopper <NUM> may be either the single-chamber weighing hopper including the single accommodating chamber for holding the objects, or the double-chamber weighing hopper including two accommodating chambers. All of the units <NUM> may include the double-chamber weighing hoppers. In this configuration, by providing the memory hoppers corresponding to some (one or more) of the units, the number of the measured weight values can be increased while preventing the increase in the size of the apparatus.

As shown in <FIG>, in the manufacturing method of the altered combination weighing apparatus of Embodiment <NUM>, the memory hoppers <NUM> are provided to correspond to the weighing hoppers <NUM> of some (one or more) of the units <NUM>, rather than the weighing hoppers <NUM> of all of the units <NUM>. In this case, as shown in <FIG>, both of two adjacent units <NUM> do not include the memory hoppers. In the shown example, the drive units <NUM> are provided together with the memory hoppers <NUM>. The drive units <NUM> are fastened to the lower end surface of the center column <NUM> by, for example, screws. An opening is provided between each of the drive units <NUM> and the center column <NUM>. Through this opening, a power cable, a signal cable, and the like are provided. Since the memory hoppers <NUM> are incorporated, the operation programs stored in the controller <NUM> may be changed.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the collecting chutes <NUM> are provided to correspond to the units, respectively. In the combination weighing apparatus into which the memory hoppers <NUM> are incorporated, the positions of the collecting chutes <NUM> are changed in such a manner that the upper ends of the collecting chutes <NUM> corresponding to the large units <NUM> including the memory hoppers <NUM> are more distant from the vertical axis <NUM> passing through the center of the circumference than the upper ends of the collecting chutes <NUM> of the combination weighing apparatus to be altered, in order to prevent interference between the incorporated memory hoppers <NUM> and the existing collecting chutes <NUM>. Note that the existing members or new members may be used, as the collecting chutes <NUM> corresponding to the large units <NUM> including the memory hoppers <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of an altered combination weighing apparatus in a manufacturing method of the altered combination weighing apparatus according to Modified Example of Embodiment <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A combination weighing apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of units (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged to form a circumference in a horizontal direction,
wherein the plurality of units (<NUM>) include weighing hoppers (<NUM>), respectively, each of the weighing hoppers (<NUM>) being configured to hold, weigh and discharge objects,
characterized in that:
the combination weighing apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising; at least one first unit (<NUM>) and at least two second units (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the at least one first unit (<NUM>) is disposed between two second units (<NUM>, <NUM>) so that the second units (<NUM>, <NUM>) are thereby not adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction;
wherein the combination weighing apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) meets at least one of the following two conditions A and B:
condition A:
in which each of the weighing hoppers (<NUM>) is a single-chamber weighing hopper (26a) including a single chamber or a double-chamber weighing hopper (26b) including two weighing chambers (26c, 26d), the first unit (<NUM>) includes the single-chamber weighing hopper (26a) and does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper (26b), and each of the second units (<NUM>) includes the double-chamber weighing hopper (26b) and does not include the single-chamber weighing hopper (26a), and
condition B:
in which some of the plurality of units (<NUM>) include memory hoppers (<NUM>) each of which is disposed below the weighing hopper (<NUM>), holds the objects discharged from the weighing hopper (<NUM>) and discharges the objects, the first unit (<NUM>) does not include the memory hopper (<NUM>), and each of the second units (<NUM>) includes the memory hopper (<NUM>).