Egg sensor

Abstract

To provide an egg sensor capable of highly accurately detecting the size or the number of conveyed eggs without being affected by refuse such as feather, dust and disturbance light in a poultry house.SOLUTION: An egg sensor 100 for detecting the size or the number of eggs E in a conveyance section 2 capable of conveying two or more eggs arranged side-by-side in a width direction Y, includes: a plurality of contact bodies 4 provided above the conveyance section 2 along the width direction Y and displaced by coming into contact with the conveyed eggs E, where the number thereof is greater than the number of the eggs E that can be disposed in the width direction Y; and a detection unit 5 for detecting the size or the number of the eggs E on the basis of an amount of displacement of the plurality of contact bodies 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an egg sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, egg sensors using reflective or other photo sensors have been considered for counting eggs conveyed by a conveying unit such as an egg collection belt or a bar conveyor, as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] However, photo-sensor-based systems are susceptible to contamination from feathers and other debris and dust in the poultry house, which can lead to counting errors. Furthermore, periodic maintenance is required to reduce the impact of contamination from feathers and other debris and dust. In particular, in recent multi-layered, high-density poultry farming, not only are there a large number of egg sensors, but the sensors are installed in locations ranging from low to high, making maintenance difficult and requiring a significant amount of labor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 58-141735 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to accurately detect the size or number of eggs being transported while being less susceptible to the influence of dust and debris such as feathers inside the chicken coop. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In other words, the egg sensor of the present invention is an egg sensor that detects the size or number of eggs in a conveying section that can convey two or more eggs lined up in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and is arranged above the conveying section along the width direction, and is displaced by coming into contact with the eggs being conveyed, and is characterized by having a plurality of contact bodies that is greater than the number of eggs that can be arranged in the width direction, and a detection section that detects the size or number of the eggs based on the amount of displacement of the plurality of contact bodies.

[0007] With this type of egg sensor, the size or number of eggs is detected based on the amount of displacement of the contact body that comes into contact with the eggs being transported, making it less susceptible to the influence of dust and debris such as feathers in the chicken coop. As a result, not only can the frequency of maintenance of the egg sensor be reduced, but maintenance-free operation can also be achieved. Furthermore, the egg sensor of the present invention has a number of contact bodies that is greater than the number of eggs that can be arranged in the width direction, and detects the size or number of eggs based on the amount of displacement of these multiple contact bodies, making it possible to accurately detect the size or number of eggs being transported.

[0008] As a specific embodiment of the multiple contact bodies, it is desirable that the multiple contact bodies are rotatable around a rotation axis provided along the width direction, and that they come into contact with the eggs being transported and rotate around the rotation axis. With this configuration, the contact body can be brought into contact with the eggs without interfering with the movement of the eggs transported by the transport section.

[0009] In the case of a configuration in which a plurality of contact portions rotate around a rotation axis, it is desirable that the detection unit detects the size or number of the eggs based on the rotation angle of the plurality of contact bodies.

[0010] In chicken coops, when chickens are replaced, the entire coop is disinfected with a water-soluble disinfectant to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. During this process, electronic devices such as egg sensors must be covered with vinyl or removed. These tasks also require a large amount of labor. In order to suitably solve this problem, it is desirable that the detection unit include a magnet provided on the contact body, a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the magnet due to the displacement of the contact body, an arithmetic circuit that detects the size or number of the eggs based on the output signal from the magnetic sensor, and a dustproof or waterproof casing that houses the magnetic sensor and the arithmetic circuit.

[0011] When the eggs are being conveyed by the conveying unit, when the conveying unit starts, or when the conveying unit stops, the eggs on the conveying unit may shake or move. If the eggs shake or move on the conveying unit, this may cause false detection by the egg sensor. In addition, the expansion or contraction of the belt that makes up the conveying unit may also cause false detection by the egg sensor. To solve this problem, it is desirable that the detection unit detects the size or number of the eggs based on the conveyance signal or drive signal of the conveyance unit in addition to the displacement amount of the plurality of contact bodies. By using the conveyance signal or drive signal of the conveyance unit, false detection by the egg sensor can be suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the size or number of eggs being transported can be detected with high accuracy while being less susceptible to the influence of dust and debris such as feathers in the chicken coop. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a conveying section provided with an egg sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the configuration of the egg sensor in the same embodiment, in which FIG. 3A is a diagram seen from the rear in the conveying direction, and FIG. 3B is a diagram seen from one side in the width direction. [Figure 3] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating a state in which the contact body of the embodiment rotates around a rotation axis. [Figure 4] In this embodiment, (a) a view from above, (b) a view from one side in the width direction, and (c) a view from the front in the transport direction, showing how some of the multiple contact bodies are rotating due to the transported eggs. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic diagram showing input and output signals to and from the arithmetic circuit of the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a casing of the detection unit of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a contact body of a modified embodiment as viewed from one side in the width direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An embodiment of the egg sensor according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for ease of understanding, all of the drawings shown below are drawn in a schematic manner with appropriate omissions or exaggerations. Identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0015] <Device configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the egg sensor 100 of this embodiment detects the size or number of eggs E in a conveying section 2 provided along a cage row 11 in which multiple cages 10 are arranged in a row in an egg-laying hen house.

[0016] The conveying unit 2 is an egg collection belt that receives the eggs E discharged from the multiple cages 10. The conveying unit 2 is capable of conveying two or more eggs E lined up in a width direction Y that is perpendicular to the conveying direction X. The conveying unit 2 also conveys the eggs E discharged from the multiple cages 10 in a state where the eggs E are irregularly arranged in the width direction Y.

[0017] Here, the conveying unit 2 is driven by a belt driving device 3. The belt driving device 3 has a belt driving motor 31 and an encoder 32 provided on the belt driving motor 31. The encoder 32 generates a conveying signal (encoder signal) or a driving signal for the conveying unit 2, and transmits the signal to a calculation circuit 53 described later.

[0018] Specifically, the egg sensor 100 is provided at the downstream end of the conveying section 2, and detects the size or number of the eggs E conveyed downstream by the conveying section 2.

[0019] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the egg sensor 100 has a plurality of contact bodies 4 that come into contact with and displace the eggs E being transported, and a detection unit 5 that detects the size or number of the eggs E based on the amount of displacement of the plurality of contact bodies 4.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of contact bodies 4 are provided above the conveying section 2 along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the plurality of contact bodies 4 are provided at equal intervals in the width direction Y. Furthermore, the number of contact bodies 4 provided is greater than the number of chicken eggs E that can be placed in the width direction Y of the conveying section 2. Note that in this embodiment, the number of chicken eggs E that can be placed in the width direction Y of the conveying section 2 is two, and the number of contact bodies 4 is five. Furthermore, if the number of chicken eggs E that can be placed in the width direction Y of the conveying section 2 is N, it is considered that the number of contact bodies 4 is 2N-1 or more.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each contact body 4 is rotatably provided around a rotation axis 6 provided along the width direction Y, and rotates around the rotation axis 6 when in contact with the conveyed egg E. Each contact body 4 is rod-shaped, and when not in contact with the egg E, the egg contact portion 41 hangs down below the rotation axis 6. In this state, the upper end 42 of each contact body 4 is in contact with the stopper member 7. When each contact body 4 comes into contact with the egg E, it rotates around the rotation axis 6, and the egg contact portion 41 is lifted upward. When the egg E passes through the contact body 4, the contact body 4 rotates downward due to its own weight, and the upper end 42 comes into contact with the stopper member 7 and stops.

[0022] The detection unit 5 detects the size or number of the eggs E based on the displacement of the multiple contact bodies 4. The detection unit 5 of this embodiment detects the size or number of the eggs E based on the rotation angle of the multiple contact bodies 4.

[0023] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 5 includes a magnet 51 provided on each contact body 4, a magnetic sensor 52 that detects the movement of the magnet 51 accompanying the displacement of each contact body 4, and an arithmetic circuit 53 that detects the size or number of eggs based on the output signal from the magnetic sensor 52.

[0024] The magnet 51 is provided on the upper end 42 of each contact piece 4. The magnet 51 is a permanent magnet such as an alnico magnet, a ferrite magnet, or a neodymium magnet.

[0025] The magnetic sensors 52 are provided facing the magnets 51 in the direction along the rotation axis 6. The magnetic sensors 52 are, for example, hall sensors, reed switches, or MR sensors.

[0026] The calculation circuit 53 calculates the rotation angle of each contact body 4 based on the output signal from each magnetic sensor 52, and detects the size or number of the eggs E that have passed through the plurality of contact bodies 4.

[0027] Here, the detection of the size or number of the eggs E by the arithmetic circuit 53 is carried out, for example, as follows. When the rotation angle of one contact body 4 changes from increasing to decreasing, the calculation circuit 53 can determine that the rotation angle before the decrease is the maximum height of the egg E parallel to the conveyance direction at one contact body 4. The calculation circuit 53 can also compare the maximum heights of the egg E at adjacent contact bodies 4 to determine which side, or to which side, the true top of the egg E is located. Furthermore, the calculation circuit 53 can determine whether there are two eggs E side by side from the rotation angles of each of the multiple contact bodies 4. In the case of Figure 4, the calculation circuit 53 determines that there is one egg E. Furthermore, since the rotation angle of the second contact body 4 from the right as viewed in the conveyance direction is the largest, the calculation circuit 53 estimates the size of the egg E using relationship data that indicates a correspondence with the minor axis (size) of the egg E.

[0028] The arithmetic circuit 53 of this embodiment can also calculate an estimated weight of the eggs E from the size of the eggs E. The arithmetic circuit 53 can then output the detected size, number or estimated weight of the eggs to an external display 200 (see FIG. 1).

[0029] The arithmetic circuit 53 of this embodiment can obtain a conveyance signal or a drive signal from the encoder 32 in addition to the output signals from each magnetic sensor 52, and can use these to detect the size or number of the eggs E.

[0030] For example, when the conveying unit 2 is started or stopped, the eggs E in contact with the contact body 4 may sway or roll due to their shape that makes them prone to rolling. The arithmetic circuit 53 receives a conveyance signal or a drive signal from the encoder 32 of the conveying unit 2, and can acquire a rotation angle signal of the contact body 4 in synchronization with the conveyance of the eggs E by the conveying unit 2. As a result, the arithmetic circuit 53 can detect swaying or egg turning when the conveying unit 2 is stopped, thereby improving the accuracy of counting.

[0031] 6, the detection unit 5 further includes a dustproof or waterproof casing 54 that houses the magnetic sensor 52 and the arithmetic circuit 53. A cable K having a power line and a signal line is connected to the casing 54 via a waterproof connector 55. The casing 54 of this embodiment is provided with a bearing 541 that supports a rotating shaft 6 on which a plurality of contact bodies 4 are rotatably mounted. Furthermore, the casing 54 is provided with recesses 54M at locations corresponding to the upper ends 42 of the contact bodies 4, around which the upper ends 42 can rotate. The magnetic sensor 52 is provided adjacent to these recesses 54M.

[0032] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the egg sensor 100 of this embodiment, the size or number of eggs E is detected based on the amount of displacement of the contact body 4 that comes into contact with the eggs E being transported, making it less susceptible to the influence of dust and debris such as feathers in the chicken coop. As a result, not only can the frequency of maintenance of the egg sensor 100 be reduced, but maintenance-free operation can also be achieved. Furthermore, the egg sensor 100 of this embodiment has a plurality of contact bodies 4 that is greater than the number of eggs E that can be arranged in the width direction, and detects the size or number of eggs E based on the amount of displacement of these plurality of contact bodies 4, making it possible to accurately detect the size or number of eggs E being transported.

[0033] <Modified embodiment of the present invention> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0034] 7, each contact body 4 may be provided rotatably around a rotation axis 6 by a parallel link mechanism 8. In this case, each contact body 4 may be formed in the shape of a flat plate extending in the conveying direction. Furthermore, an upper end portion 811 of one link 81 of the parallel link mechanism 8 contacts the stopper member 7.

[0035] Furthermore, each contact body 4 may be configured to rotate in contact with the eggs E being transported, or may be configured to slide up and down in contact with the eggs E being transported.

[0036] The egg sensor 100 of the above embodiment may be configured separately from the transport unit 2, or may be configured integrally with the transport unit 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 100···Egg sensor E. Egg 2. Conveyor section 4...Contact body 5. Detection unit 51 Magnet 52 Magnetic Sensor 53...Arithmetic circuit 54 Casing

Claims

1. An egg sensor for detecting the size or number of eggs in a conveying section capable of conveying two or more eggs lined up in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, a plurality of contact bodies provided above the conveying section along the width direction, which come into contact with the conveyed eggs and are displaced, the number of contact bodies being greater than the number of eggs that can be arranged in the width direction; and a detection unit that detects the size or number of the eggs based on the amount of displacement of the plurality of contact bodies.

2. 2. The egg sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contact bodies are rotatable around a rotation axis provided along the width direction, and rotate around the rotation axis by contacting the transported egg.

3. The egg sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the detection unit detects the size or number of the eggs based on the rotation angles of the plurality of contact bodies.

4. The detection unit a magnet provided on the contact body; a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the magnet in accordance with the displacement of the contact body; an arithmetic circuit for detecting the size or number of the eggs based on the output signal from the magnetic sensor; The egg sensor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dustproof or waterproof casing that houses the magnetic sensor and the arithmetic circuit.

5. 3. The egg sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the size or number of the eggs based on a transport signal or a drive signal from the transport unit in addition to the amount of displacement of the plurality of contact bodies.

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