Egg processing device and method for redispensing eggs

Abstract

An egg processing device comprising:-an endless feed conveyor (2), such as a feed belt or bar conveyor, providing a horizontal top surface for supporting eggs; -a roller conveyor (3) for receiving the eggs from the feed conveyor (2); -opposing egg guide walls (8, 9) extending above the top surface of the feed conveyor (2), the egg guide walls (8, 9) defining a convergent egg receiving space (G) as viewed in the egg conveying direction (X) of the feed conveyor (2); and-a horizontal egg distribution plate (10) extending laterally above the top surface of the feed conveyor (2) downstream of the convergent egg receiving space wherein the egg distribution plate (10) is configured for laterally dispersing the eggs received from the feed conveyor (2). The invention also provides a method of redispensing eggs.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an egg processing apparatus.

[0002] In known egg processing systems, eggs (particularly poultry / chicken eggs) are conveyed via a conveyor system (e.g., a rack cage) to a packaging device. In the packaging device, eggs are transported side-by-side via a circular conveyor and placed into packaging containers via a carrier device. The number of eggs arranged side-by-side on the conveyor corresponds to the number of compartments in the corresponding packaging container. Known roller conveyors have rollers of variable diameter (also known as double-conical rollers). In each case, the egg is placed between the two rollers at the position of minimum diameter. WO2021045613 describes an example of an egg processing apparatus that provides a packaging device capable of placing eggs pointed downwards more reliably compared to previously known packaging devices.

[0003] A known machine uses a circular conveyor to transport eggs in a random, transverse arrangement (relative to their respective conveying directions) to a downstream roller conveyor via an egg buffer plate. The drawback is that the eggs received by the roller conveyor are randomly arranged transversely, meaning they are not always evenly distributed (transversely). This can lead to inefficient subsequent egg processing, such as in later egg packaging operations, thus reducing the machine's efficiency and output.

[0004] JP2012-116624 discloses an egg arranging device capable of arranging eggs at equal intervals. It includes a conveying member for conveying eggs along the X-direction, an arc-shaped buffer band for cushioning the eggs and dispersing them across the width of the conveying member, a guide member located downstream of the buffer band (for guiding the eggs to be arranged at equal intervals across the width of the conveying member), and an alignment / separation member for arranging the eggs E at intervals equal to the guide spacing of the guide member. A disadvantage of the disclosed system is that the reliability of the device is relatively low, for example, under high throughput or increased processing speed conditions.

[0005] JPH045410U discloses a straight buffer plate for buffering eggs on a roller conveyor.

[0006] The present invention aims to alleviate or solve the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide an improved egg processing apparatus in which eggs can be processed reliably and efficiently.

[0007] According to the invention, this is achieved by the features in the independent claim.

[0008] Advantageously, according to one aspect of the invention, an egg processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0009] - A circular feed conveyor, such as a feed belt or rod conveyor, which provides a horizontal top surface for supporting the eggs; and

[0010] - Roller conveyor, used to receive eggs from the supply conveyor;

[0011] - A corresponding egg guide wall, extending above the top surface of the supply conveyor, defines a converging egg receiving space as viewed along the egg conveying direction of the supply conveyor; and

[0012] - A horizontal egg distribution plate extending laterally above the top surface of the supply conveyor, located downstream of the converging egg receiving space, wherein the egg distribution plate is configured to laterally disperse the eggs received from the supply conveyor.

[0013] In this way, improved device operation can be achieved, where the egg distribution plate can perform relatively controlled lateral (i.e., horizontal) egg distribution before the eggs are received by the roller conveyor. Therefore, the possibility of empty egg receiving nests in any downstream part of the roller conveyor and the device can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. Furthermore, a relatively high egg processing throughput can be obtained in this way.

[0014] One aspect of the invention provides an egg processing method comprising using an egg processing apparatus according to the invention. Advantageously, eggs pass sequentially through respective converging egg receiving spaces on the top surface and on both sides of a continuous conveyor, where they are received and laterally dispersed by an egg distribution plate, and then conveyed by a conveyor to a roller conveyor.

[0015] In this way, the aforementioned advantages can be achieved. A basic idea of ​​the invention is to first significantly reduce the flow of eggs carried on the feed conveyor, and then to widen and disperse the flow (i.e., disperse it laterally / horizontally) before it is received by the roller conveyor (the rollers of the roller conveyor extend laterally relative to the egg conveying direction of the feed conveyor). Furthermore, it has been found that a relatively simple horizontal plate can be configured to provide a relatively uniform lateral egg distribution. The same applies to the upstream guide walls, which provide a converging egg receiving space. For example, in this way, the invention can be applied relatively directly to known systems (e.g., egg packaging systems or egg sorting systems).

[0016] Furthermore, one aspect of the invention provides a method for redistributing eggs, for example, as described above, wherein an egg stream moves along a conveying direction on a continuous feed conveyor, wherein the egg stream converges into a relatively narrow stream, which is then widened, and the eggs are then conveyed to a roller conveyor for further conveying.

[0017] Similarly, this method allows for efficient egg processing.

[0018] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A top view of a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image; and

[0023] Figure 4A-4G A top view of another embodiment of the egg distribution plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] In this application, similar or corresponding features are represented by similar or corresponding reference symbols.

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of an egg processing machine is shown, such as a packaging device / machine 1 for packaging eggs. This device may be substantially similar to the machine disclosed in WO2021045613, the contents of which are considered to be incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0026] Specifically, the processing machine 1 has a continuous feed conveyor 2 (also referred to as a accumulator), such as a feed belt 2 (or a continuous rod conveyor). The machine is preferably configured such that, viewed from the direction of egg transport, at the end of the roller conveyor 3, the eggs are transferred (e.g., dropped) from the roller conveyor 3 and collected by a carrier device 4 (known in itself). The carrier device 4 may be configured to convey the eggs downwards and then place them into one of the packaging containers 5 (e.g., egg trays). The packaging containers 5 may be conveyed by a packaging conveyor (e.g., a packaging belt) 6 to a position below the carrier device 4. The packaging conveyor may transport the packaging containers 5 filled with eggs to an unloading conveyor (not shown), which then unloads the packaging containers 5 filled with eggs.

[0027] Specifically, the egg processing apparatus includes: a continuous feed conveyor 2 that provides a horizontal top surface for supporting eggs; and the aforementioned roller conveyor 3 configured to receive eggs from the feed conveyor 2. The apparatus may include a packaging conveyor configured to transport packaging containers 5 containing eggs to a position, for example, below the back of the roller conveyor 3, and unload the packaging containers filled with eggs.

[0028] The top surface of the supply conveyor 2 is preferably configured to allow the egg to move freely laterally on the supply conveyor 2 (this will be apparent to those skilled in the art, for example, when the supply conveyor is a belt or a rod conveyor).

[0029] In addition, the device may optionally include a carrier device 4 located below the back of the annular roller conveyor 3. The carrier device 4 includes a plurality of egg carriers arranged side by side with the conveying direction arranged laterally relative to the conveying direction. During operation, the carrier device 4 is first in a relatively high position to collect the eggs conveyed to the carrier device 4 by the roller conveyor 3 along the conveying direction, and then moves them downward to the direction of the packaging conveyor 6. Then, in a second relatively low position, the carrier device 4 places them into the packaging container conveyed by the packaging conveyor.

[0030] The roller conveyor 3 can be configured in various ways. For example, the roller conveyor 3 may have an annular series of interconnected rollers spaced apart from each other, each roller having a longitudinal direction that is laterally oriented relative to the conveying direction of the conveying track of the roller conveyor. These rollers are, for example, double-conical rollers, and include a profile having a first (relatively wide) portion and a second relatively narrow portion (the second portion is narrower than the first portion) having a longitudinal direction, wherein the second portion is configured to carry eggs during conveying (providing a corresponding egg receiving slot), wherein the annular series of rollers of the roller conveyor is, for example, wound around at least one conveying roller on the back side of the roller conveyor 3.

[0031] Preferably, the roller conveyor 3 is equipped with a plurality of egg inlet channels (ports) defined between corresponding inlet guides 15, which extend a short distance above the downstream end of the egg supply conveyor 2. Specifically, the number of egg inlet channels / ports corresponds to the number of rows of egg receiving slots defined by each roller of the roller conveyor, as will be clear to those skilled in the art (this non-limiting example shows six egg inlet channels defined by spaced inlet guides 15 for supplying eggs to the corresponding six rows of egg receiving slots provided by the roller conveyor 3).

[0032] Advantageously, the device 1 includes opposing (vertical) egg guide walls 8, 9 extending above the top surface of the supply conveyor 2, defining a converging egg receiving space G as viewed along the egg transport direction X of the supply conveyor 2. For example, the guide walls 8, 9 may be elongated egg guide plates or strips extending along the top surface of the conveyor 2, used to converge the incoming egg flow between these plates / strips. The length of the corresponding converging egg receiving space G, measured along the longitudinal centerline Z, is, for example, at least about 0.5 meters, or in the range of, for example, 0.5 to 5 meters, or other lengths that can be understood by those skilled in the art. In this way, the supplied eggs can reliably and smoothly converge into a relatively large egg receiving space G.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, in the upstream portion of the supply conveyor 2, the opposing egg-guiding surfaces of the two guide walls 8 and 9 can be spaced apart by a first distance W1 (i.e., the width of the upstream egg inlet of the converging egg receiving space G), which can be, for example, substantially the same as the width of the egg-bearing top surface of the supply conveyor 2. In the downstream portion, the opposing egg-guiding surfaces of the two guide walls 8 and 9 can be spaced apart by a second distance W2, which is much smaller than the first distance (the second distance W2 is the width of the egg outlet of the converging egg receiving space G). Therefore, the egg receiving space G narrows from the first distance W1 to the second distance W2, wherein preferably, the width of the egg receiving space G gradually narrows. For example, the ratio of the second distance to the first distance W2:W1 can be at most about 1:2, for example at most about 1:3 (for example at most about 1:4 or less).

[0034] Specifically, downstream of the outlet of the converging egg receiving space G, there exists an extended egg receiving space H, which is laterally defined by side walls 12 and 13. During operation, the egg flow expands in the extended space H and is received by the downstream roller conveyor 3 (an optional inlet guide 15 is located between the distal ends of the lateral guide walls 12 and 13, see [reference]). Figure 2 ). Figure 2 Arrow W3 indicates the width downstream of the extended egg receiving space (which may be approximately the same as the width of the rollers of the receiving roller conveyor 3), i.e., the distance between sidewalls 12 and 13 to or near the corresponding egg transfer position on the roller conveyor 3. This third distance W3 may, for example, be smaller than the first distance W1 associated with the converging egg receiving space G, but may be significantly larger than the second distance W2 (i.e., the width of the egg outlet of the converging egg receiving space G). The ratio of the second distance W2 to the third distance W3, W2:W3, is, for example, at most about 1:2, and for example, at most about 1:3.

[0035] It should be understood that from the top view (see...) Figure 2 From this perspective, each guide wall 8 and 9 can be partially or completely curved, or it can be a straight line. The height of the guide walls 8 and 9 is preferably sufficient to contact the eggs conveyed therebetween by the supply conveyor 2 during operation. Optionally, the device 1 may include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the arrangement of the guide walls 8 and 9, for example, for changing the distance W2 between the distal portions of the guide walls (to set the width of the downstream end of the converging egg receiving space G).

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the guide walls 8 and 9 are curved, with their convex surfaces (egg guide surfaces) facing each other (see [reference]). Figure 2Studies have found that this method can improve egg distribution, especially in cases of inter-egg pressure buildup between guide walls 8 and 9 on the supply conveyor 2 (e.g., when eggs accumulate between side walls 8 and 9 during operation). For example, the relatively curved portions of guide walls 8 and 9 can be spaced apart from the egg outlet of the converging egg receiving space G (optionally, generally parallel portions of the relatively guide walls 8 and 9 extend between the egg outlet and the curved guide wall portions). Similarly, the opposing guide walls can have relatively converging straight portions upstream of their respective curved guide wall portions (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0037] In addition, a (flat) horizontal egg distribution plate 10 is provided above the supply conveyor 2, extending laterally across the top surface of the supply conveyor 2 (i.e., the distribution plate 10 spans the supply conveyor 2), for example, contacting or maintaining a relatively short distance (e.g., about 1-2 mm) from the supply conveyor 2. Preferably, the egg distribution plate 10 is relatively thin (e.g., less than 5 mm thick). The horizontal top surface of the distribution plate 10 preferably extends to a vertical height of at most 1 cm above the horizontal top surface of the supply conveyor 2, and more preferably to a vertical height of at most 5 mm above the horizontal top surface of the supply conveyor 2. During operation, the distribution plate 10 partially blocks the mechanical contact between the incoming egg flow and the supply conveyor 2 passing below the distribution plate 10. Therefore, the incoming eggs can push against each other, move across the distribution plate 10, move downstream, and return to the supply conveyor 2 for further transport (particularly to the downstream roller conveyor).

[0038] The dispensing plate 10 can be made of, for example, rigid plastic, steel, or similar materials. Preferably, the dispensing plate 10 has a smooth egg-guided surface. Furthermore, preferably, the bottom surface of the dispensing plate 10 (the top surface facing the supply conveyor 3) is a smooth, low-friction surface.

[0039] The distribution plate 10 is located downstream of the converging egg receiving space G, for example, at a relatively short distance R, for receiving the converging egg flow during operation. For example, this short distance can be at most 20 cm, and more particularly at most 10 cm (e.g., about 8 cm). Additional opposing egg guiding walls 12, 13 (see [reference needed]) can be provided. Figure 3 It extends along the top surface of the supply conveyor 2, from the side of the egg flow outlet of the converging egg receiving space G to the side of the distribution plate 10, to prevent eggs from falling from the side of the supply conveyor 2 (and the side of the distribution plate 10).

[0040] Advantageously, the egg distribution plate 10 is configured to laterally disperse eggs (i.e., laterally dispersed and converged egg streams during operation) received from the supply conveyor 2. Figure 3This is explained in more detail: arrow CS represents a convergent egg flow, and arrow DS represents a laterally dispersed (expanded) egg flow.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment (see...) Figure 3 The egg distribution plate 10 includes a first (central) portion D, located opposite the downstream end (outlet) of the converging egg receiving space G (viewed along the conveying direction X of the supply conveyor), for receiving eggs from that space, and at least one second portion S (two second portions S in this example), located laterally beside the downstream end of the converging egg receiving space (viewed along the conveying direction X of the supply conveyor). The first (central) portion D of the distribution plate 10 is preferably longer than each of the second portions S of the distribution plate 10, the length measured along the conveying direction X parallel to the supply conveyor 2. For example, the distribution plate 10 preferably includes a relatively long central first portion D, located between two shorter second portions S. This has been found to yield good results.

[0042] Figures 4A-4F (See below) Another example of an egg distribution plate with a central portion that is longer than the lateral portions is shown. Figure 4G Another example of an egg distribution plate 710 is shown, which does not include a longer central section.

[0043] Furthermore, the preferred egg distribution plate 10 has a mirror-symmetric shape (viewed from the top view), particularly relative to the center line of the plate (which preferably coincides with the center line Z of the converging egg receiving space G when viewed from the top view, see...). Figure 2 ).

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the egg distribution plate 10 includes a raised upstream edge 10a, which preferably has a top portion 10t located at the center (and opposite) of the downstream portion (i.e., the egg flow outlet) of the converging egg receiving space G, as viewed from a top view.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the egg distribution plate 10 includes a raised downstream edge 10b, which preferably has a top portion 10u (viewed from a top view) located at the center of the downstream portion of the converging egg receiving space. As shown, the raised top portions 10t and 10u of the edges are far apart from each other (viewed from a top view), with the top portion 10t of the upstream edge protruding toward the outlet of the egg receiving space, and the top portion 10u of the downstream edge protruding toward the downstream roller conveyor 3.

[0046] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the top portion 10t of the upstream edge of the egg distribution plate 10 has a first curvature (viewed from a top view). Additionally, the top portion 10u of the downstream edge of the egg distribution plate 10 may have a second curvature (viewed from a top view), wherein the first curvature is greater than / higher than the second curvature, which has been shown to result in better egg dispersion (expansion). Or (e.g., as...) Figure 4C , 4E As shown), the raised edge portion or edge of the distribution plate can be a sharp corner portion (i.e., without curvature).

[0047] Specifically, according to a preferred embodiment, the upstream edge 10a of the egg distribution plate 10 may include two recessed lateral portions 10s and a raised central portion 10t, wherein the recessed lateral portions 10s and the central portion 10t are preferably curved. Figure 3 As shown, the curvature of the lateral portion 10s is preferably (significantly) smaller than the curvature of the central portion 10t.

[0048] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the downstream edge 10b of the egg distribution plate 10 may include two lateral portions 10w and a raised central portion 10u. Each lateral portion of the downstream edge 10b has an angle α greater than zero degrees with a vertical plane Y extending perpendicular to the egg conveying direction X of the supply conveyor 2. The angle α is, for example, in the range of about 1-30 degrees, especially about 5-20 degrees.

[0049] During operation, the distribution plate 10 partially blocks the mechanical contact between the incoming egg flow and the conveyor 2 passing beneath it. Therefore, the incoming eggs can push against each other, cross the distribution plate 10, move downstream, and then return to the conveyor 2 for continued transport.

[0050] Specifically, during operation, the egg flow passes sequentially along the top surface of the annular supply conveyor 2 and the opposing egg guide walls 8 and 9 through the corresponding converging egg receiving space G (converging flow). The laterally converging eggs (converging flow CS) are received and laterally dispersed by the distribution plate 10, and then the egg flow (laterally widening flow DS) is conveyed by the supply conveyor 2 to the roller conveyor 3, and finally, depending on the configuration of the processing system, is filled into the packaging container 5 by the downstream packaging conveyor.

[0051] Specifically, this operation may involve a method of redistributing eggs, wherein a stream of eggs is transferred along the conveying direction X on / through a circular feed conveyor 2, wherein the egg stream first converges into a relatively narrow stream CS (in the egg receiving space G), wherein the narrow egg stream CS is then widened, and the eggs are then conveyed to a roller conveyor 3 for further conveying. During operation, the narrow / converging egg stream CS from the converging egg receiving space G first encounters the upstream edge 10a of the distribution plate 10, and particularly the central portion 10t of the edge 10a. Eggs temporarily buffered along the upstream plate edge 10a on the feed conveyor 2 are eventually pushed onto the horizontal distribution plate 10 by subsequently entering eggs. It has been found that as the corresponding egg stream passes through the distribution plate 10, it can expand uniformly (laterally) and return to the feed conveyor 2 in the form of a relatively uniformly distributed egg stream DS. Therefore, reliable system operation and relatively high throughput can be achieved.

[0052] As mentioned above, Figure 1-3 The preferred shape of the egg distribution plate is shown. Figure 4A An alternative shape that can be applied is shown. In this case, the dispensing plate 110 has a straight upstream edge and a curved downstream edge, with relatively small curvature of the edges.

[0053] Figure 4B It shows an alternative shape, with Figure 4A The shapes shown are similar, but the downstream edge of the distribution plate 210 is curved, and its central protrusion has a relatively large curvature.

[0054] Figure 4C An alternative shape is shown, in which the upstream edge of the distribution plate 310 is straight and the downstream edge is a raised sharp angle (triangle).

[0055] Figure 4D An alternative shape is shown, in which the upstream and downstream edges of the distribution plate 410 are both raised and curved, and the curvature of the two edges is substantially the same.

[0056] Figure 4E An alternative shape is shown, in which the upstream edge of the distribution plate 510 is a sharp-angled triangle and the downstream edge is curved.

[0057] Figure 4F An alternative shape is shown, which is similar to Figure 3 The example shown is similar, but the curvature of the downstream edge is greater.

[0058] Figure 4G An alternative shape is shown, in which the upstream and downstream edges of the distribution plate 710 are both straight.

[0059] This document will describe the invention with reference to specific examples of embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from its essence. For clarity and conciseness, features are described herein as part of the same or different embodiments; however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these different embodiments are also contemplated.

[0060] In the claims, any reference marks enclosed in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other features or steps not listed in the claims. Furthermore, “a” and “an” should not be construed as limited to “one”, but are used to indicate “at least one”, and do not exclude multiple. The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different claims does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to achieve an advantage.

[0061] For example, the term "basic level" should be interpreted broadly, because a basic level direction can be a perfectly horizontal straight line or a direction at a small angle to the horizontal plane (e.g., about 30 degrees). The same applies to a basic level surface (which can be a slightly inclined surface).

[0062] Furthermore, in this application, egg processing is specifically targeted at unfertilized eggs. In other words, egg E is a dead egg (non-living egg) containing no embryo.

[0063] It should be understood that the device may include one or more drive devices, such as one or more motors, for driving at least the corresponding supply conveyor 2 (and other conveyors 3, 6, if any).

[0064] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the egg processing apparatus 1 may include a support frame F (see...). Figure 1 ( ), used to support or fix the various parts of a machine, for example, a frame supported on wheels W, so as to facilitate easy positioning of the machine on the ground, such as a poultry farm.

[0065] Furthermore, the illustrated example shows a packaging machine for loading eggs into egg trays, but it is clear that the invention can also be applied to different types of egg processing machinery, such as egg sorting systems and / or the like.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device may include a control unit C (such as...) Figure 2 (as shown), such as a computer, processor, etc., used to control the operation of various components of the system, such as controlling or setting the speed of one or more corresponding conveyor sections (e.g., supply conveyor 2 and roller conveyor 3).

[0067] Preferably, the device includes one or more sensors 20, 21 (such as...) Figure 2 As shown), it is used to detect the flow of eggs through the convergent egg receiving space G during operation. For example, sensor 20 can be mounted or integrated on the lateral guide walls 8, 9 and can be configured to detect the pressure on the respective guide walls 8, 9 (i.e., the pressure caused by the egg flow), and / or configured to detect the deflection of the respective guide walls 8, 9 (if the respective guide wall deflects due to the egg flow pressure during operation).

[0068] Alternatively, an optical sensor 21, such as a camera, may be provided for optical detection of the egg flow, the sensor being used to detect, for example, an area located at and / or upstream of the exit of the converging egg receiving space G.

[0069] During operation, the sensor results of one or more egg flow sensors 20, 21 can be processed by the control unit C, for example, controlling the speed of the supply conveyor 2 based on the sensor detection results. Thus, when a relatively small number of eggs are detected in or near the egg outlet of the converging egg receiving space G based on the corresponding sensor detection results, the supply conveyor speed can be increased (by the control unit C) relative to the set conveyor speed. Similarly, when a relatively large number of eggs are detected in the converging egg receiving space G based on the corresponding sensor detection results (e.g., eggs are overcrowded), for example near its egg outlet, the supply conveyor speed can be decreased (by the control unit C) relative to the set conveyor speed.

Claims

1. An egg processing apparatus, comprising: - A ring-shaped supply conveyor (2), such as a supply belt or rod conveyor, provides a horizontal top surface for supporting the egg; - Roller conveyor (3), configured to receive eggs from said supply conveyor (2); - Opposing egg guide walls (8, 9) extending above the top surface of the supply conveyor (2), the egg guide walls (8, 9) defining a converging egg receiving space (G) as viewed from the egg conveying direction (X) of the supply conveyor (2); and - A horizontal egg distribution plate (10) extending laterally above the top surface of the supply conveyor (2) and located downstream of the converging egg receiving space, wherein the egg distribution plate (10) is configured to laterally disperse the eggs received from the supply conveyor (2).

2. The egg processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the converging egg receiving space (G), measured along the longitudinal centerline (Z), is at least about 0.5 meters, or for example, in the range of 0.5 meters to 5 meters.

3. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The egg receiving space (G) converges from a first distance (W1) to a second distance (W2), wherein the ratio of the second distance to the first distance, W2:W1, is at most about 1:

2.

4. The egg processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The ratio of the second distance to the first distance, W2:W1, is at most about 1:3, for example, at most about 1:4 or less.

5. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The egg distribution plate is configured such that during operation, the convergent egg flow (CS) provided from the convergent egg receiving space (G) first encounters the upstream edge (10a) of the distribution plate (10), and the corresponding egg flow diverges laterally as it passes the distribution plate (10), thereby being sent back to the supply conveyor (2).

6. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The egg distribution plate (10) includes a first part (D), which is disposed opposite to the downstream end of the converging egg receiving space (G) for receiving eggs from the converging egg receiving space; And at least one second portion (S), which is laterally located next to the downstream end of the convergent egg receiving space when viewed along the conveying direction (X) of the supply conveyor; wherein the length of the first portion (D) of the distribution plate (10) is greater than that of each second portion (S) of the distribution plate (10), as measured along the conveying direction (X) parallel to the supply conveyor (2).

7. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The egg distribution plate (10) includes a raised upstream edge (10a), preferably having a top portion located at the center of the downstream portion of the converging egg receiving space, as viewed from a top view.

8. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The egg distribution plate (10) includes a raised downstream edge (10b), preferably having a top portion located at the center of the downstream portion of the converging egg receiving space, as viewed from a top view.

9. The egg processing apparatus according to claims 7 and 8, wherein, The top portion of the upstream edge of the egg distribution plate (10) has a first curvature, and the top portion of the downstream edge of the egg distribution plate (10) has a second curvature, wherein the first curvature is greater than the second curvature.

10. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The upstream edge (10a) of the egg distribution plate (10) includes two recessed lateral portions and a raised central portion.

11. The egg processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The recessed lateral portion of the upstream edge (10a) of the egg distribution plate (10) and the central portion of the protrusion of the upstream edge (10a) of the egg distribution plate (10) are curved.

12. The egg processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The curvature of the lateral portion of the upstream edge (10a) of the egg distribution plate (10) is less than the curvature of the central portion of the upstream edge (10a) of the egg distribution plate (10).

13. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The downstream edge (10b) of the egg distribution plate (10) includes two recessed lateral portions and a raised central portion.

14. The egg processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, Each lateral portion of the downstream edge (10b) includes an angle (α) greater than zero degrees between itself and a vertical plane (Y) perpendicular to the egg conveying direction (X) of the supply conveyor (2), such angle being, for example, in the range of about 1-30 degrees, particularly about 5-20 degrees.

15. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The roller conveyor has an annular series of interconnected rollers spaced apart from each other, the longitudinal direction of each roller being transversely parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying track of the roller conveyor, the longitudinal profile of the rollers including a first (relatively wide) portion and a second (relatively narrow) portion, wherein the second portion is used to carry eggs during conveying, and the annular series of rollers of the roller conveyor is preferably wound around at least one conveying roller on the back side of the roller conveyor (3).

16. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a packaging conveyor configured to supply a packaging container (5) filled with eggs to a position below the back of the roller conveyor (3).

17. The apparatus of claim 16, comprising a carrier device (4) located below the back of the annular roller conveyor (3), the carrier device comprising a plurality of egg carriers arranged laterally and side by side along the conveying direction, which, in operation, are initially positioned at a relatively high position to collect eggs conveyed to the carrier device by the roller conveyor along the conveying direction, then move them downward toward the direction of the packaging conveyor, and finally positioned at a relatively low position to place the eggs into the packaging container conveyed by the packaging conveyor.

18. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposing egg guide walls (8, 9) are curved and have opposing convex egg guide surfaces.

19. An egg processing apparatus, for example, the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - A ring-shaped supply conveyor (2), such as a supply belt or rod conveyor, provides a horizontal top surface for supporting the egg; and - Roller conveyor (3) for receiving eggs from the supply conveyor (2); - Opposing egg guide walls (8, 9) extending above the top surface of the supply conveyor (2), the egg guide walls (8, 9) defining a converging egg receiving space (G) as viewed from the egg conveying direction (X) of the supply conveyor (2); and - A horizontal egg distribution plate (10) extending laterally above the top surface of the supply conveyor (2) and located downstream of the converging egg receiving space, wherein the egg distribution plate (10) is configured to laterally disperse eggs received from the supply conveyor (2). The length of the converging egg receiving space (G), measured along the longitudinal centerline (Z), is at least about 0.5 m, or for example, in the range of 0.5-5 m. The egg receiving space (G) converges from a first distance (W1) to a second distance (W2), wherein the ratio of the second distance to the first distance, W2:W1, is at most about 1:

2.

20. An egg processing apparatus, for example, the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - A ring-shaped supply conveyor (2), such as a supply belt or rod conveyor, provides a horizontal top surface for supporting the egg; and - Roller conveyor (3) for receiving eggs from the supply conveyor (2); - Opposing egg guide walls (8, 9) extending above the top surface of the supply conveyor (2), the egg guide walls (8, 9) defining a converging egg receiving space (G) as viewed from the egg conveying direction (X) of the supply conveyor (2); and - A horizontal egg distribution plate (10) extending laterally above the top surface of the supply conveyor (2) and located downstream of the converging egg receiving space, wherein the egg distribution plate (10) is configured to laterally disperse eggs received from the supply conveyor (2). The egg distribution plate (10) includes a central portion (D) located between two second portions (S), the length of which is greater than the length of the two second portions (S), as measured along the conveying direction (X) of the annular supply conveyor (2).

21. A method of processing eggs, comprising using an egg processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eggs are conveyed on the top surface of an annular supply conveyor (2) and along opposing egg guide walls (8, 9) through respective converging egg receiving spaces (G), wherein the eggs are received and laterally dispersed by the egg distribution plate (10), and then the eggs are conveyed by the supply conveyor (2) to the roller conveyor (3), for example, by a downstream packaging conveyor into the packaging container (5).

22. A method for distributing eggs, such as the method according to claim 21, wherein the egg stream is conveyed in a conveying direction (X) on an annular supply conveyor (2), wherein the egg stream converges into a relatively narrow stream, wherein the narrow egg stream then widens, and the eggs are then conveyed to the roller conveyor (3) for further conveying.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The egg flow converges within the egg receiving space (G), which converges from a first distance (W1) to a second distance (W2), wherein the ratio of the second distance to the first distance, W2:W1, is at most about 1:

2.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22-23, wherein, The egg stream diverges laterally as it flows through the distribution plate (10).

25. The method according to any one of claims 21-24, comprising detecting egg flow, for example by one or more sensors (20, 21), and controlling the speed of the annular supply conveyor (2) based on the detection result of egg flow detection.

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