Egg filling device

Abstract

To increase a processing speed while simplifying a configuration in an egg filling device for filling an egg tray with eggs.SOLUTION: An egg filling device 100 for filling an egg tray 11 with eggs E comprises: an individual egg cup collecting part 3 where egg-containing cups 2A with the egg E mounted thereon one by one are collected; a filling place information acquisition part 4 for acquiring information of a place into which the egg E is to be filled in the egg tray 11; an egg transferring mechanism 5 for transferring the egg E from the egg-containing cup 2A in the individual egg cup collecting part 3 to the egg tray 11 on the basis of filling place information which the filling place information acquisition part 4 acquires; and an individual egg cup removing mechanism 6 for removing an empty cup 2B from the individual egg cup collecting part 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an egg filling machine for filling egg trays with eggs. [Background technology]

[0002] Eggs, such as chicken eggs, include eggs for eating, eggs for producing chicks, eggs for producing vaccines, etc. These eggs are placed in egg trays such as setter trays and undergo an incubation process in an incubator.

[0003] Conventionally, before or during the incubation process, eggs placed on an egg tray are inspected with an egg inspection device, and defective eggs such as non-viable eggs are removed. Then, the space in the egg tray from which the defective eggs were removed is filled with new viable eggs.

[0004] Here, as a method for filling egg trays with new viable eggs, in addition to manual work, stabilization equipment (equipment for filling egg trays with eggs) shown in Patent Document 1 has been considered.

[0005] The stabilization equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a reservoir having a plurality of cells in which eggs are placed, and a transfer plate that transfers the eggs between the reservoir and the egg tray. In this reservoir, the plurality of cells are movably mounted on guide rails. In the reservoir, the cells are moved along the guide rails by a driving means, and are positioned so as to correspond to the locations in the egg tray where eggs should be replenished. The transfer plate then transfers the eggs between the reservoir and the egg tray.

[0006] However, the stabilization device described above requires the cells in the reservoir to be moved to correspond to the location of the egg tray where eggs are to be replenished, which makes the configuration complicated and increases the cost of the device. Furthermore, the operation of moving the cells in the reservoir is time-consuming, making it difficult to improve the processing speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6629752 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to simplify the configuration of an egg filling device that fills egg trays with eggs and to improve the processing speed for filling eggs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] That is, the egg filling device of the present invention is an egg filling device that fills eggs into egg trays, and is characterized by comprising: an individual egg cup collection section in which a plurality of individual egg cups, each with an egg placed therein, is collected; a filling location information acquisition section that acquires information about locations in the egg tray where eggs should be filled; an egg transfer mechanism that transfers eggs from individual egg cups in the individual egg cup collection section to the egg tray based on the filling location information acquired by the filling location information acquisition section; and an individual egg cup removal mechanism that removes empty individual egg cups from the individual egg cup collection section.

[0010] With this egg filling device, multiple individual egg cups, each containing a single egg, are collected in an individual egg cup collection area, and the egg transfer mechanism transfers eggs from the individual egg cups in the individual egg cup collection area to egg trays based on filling location information, allowing eggs to be automatically filled into egg trays using multiple individual egg cups. Furthermore, since empty individual egg cups are removed from the individual egg cup collection area, it is only necessary to replenish individual egg cups containing eggs in the same number as the removed individual egg cups. These configurations enable the egg filling device that fills egg trays with eggs to have a simple configuration while improving the egg filling processing speed.

[0011] It is desirable that the individual egg cup removal mechanism removes empty individual egg cups from the individual egg cup collection section during the egg transfer operation by the egg transfer mechanism. With this configuration, by performing the individual egg cup removal operation during the transfer operation, the processing speed can be improved compared to when these operations are performed separately.

[0012] It is desirable that the egg filling device according to the present invention further comprises an individual egg cup refilling mechanism that refills individual egg cups in which eggs are placed in the individual egg cup collecting section. With this configuration, the operation of replenishing the individual egg cups containing eggs in the individual egg cup assembly can be automated. Also, by replenishing the individual egg cups containing eggs in the individual egg cup assembly one by one, egg replenishment can be achieved with a simple configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention configured as described above, in an egg filling device that fills egg trays with eggs, the configuration can be simplified while improving the processing speed for filling eggs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of an egg loading device in a state before a transfer operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the individual egg cup collection section after the transfer operation and the egg tray at the filling position in the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the egg transfer mechanism and the individual egg cup removal mechanism during a transfer operation in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the egg transfer mechanism and the individual egg cup removal mechanism of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically illustrating the operation of the egg transfer mechanism and the individual egg cup removal mechanism of the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an egg tray with 7 rows x 6 rows of egg trays. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of an egg filling machine 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 diagrammatically illustrated with appropriate omissions or exaggerations. Identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the egg filling device 100 of this embodiment fills eggs E into egg trays 11 such as setter trays, and more specifically, fills normal eggs into egg trays 11 from which defective eggs such as non-viable eggs have been removed after inspection by the egg inspection device 200.

[0017] This egg filling device 100 is provided at a position where eggs E can be filled into inspected egg trays 11 being transported along tray transport path 10, and specifically, is provided to the side of tray transport path 10. Here, egg trays 11 to be filled with eggs E by egg filling device 100 are stopped at a predetermined filling position P set on tray transport path 10. An egg inspection device 200 is provided upstream of tray transport path 10.

[0018] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the egg filling apparatus 100 includes an individual egg cup collection section 3 that collects a plurality of individual egg cups 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "egg-containing cups 2A") each having one egg E placed thereon, a filling location information acquisition section 4 that acquires information about the location in the egg tray 11 where the egg E should be filled, an egg transfer mechanism 5 that transfers the egg E from the egg-containing cups 2A in the individual egg cup collection section 3 to the egg tray 11, an individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 that removes emptied individual egg cups 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "empty cups 2B") from the individual egg cup collection section 3, and an individual egg cup refilling mechanism 7 that refills the individual egg cup collection section 3 with egg-containing cups 2A.

[0019] The individual egg cup assembly unit 3 is a unit where a plurality of egg-containing cups 2A are assembled, and in this embodiment, the plurality of individual egg cups 2A are assembled to correspond to the arrangement and pitch of the plurality of egg receiving seats 11a in the egg tray 11. For example, if the egg tray 11 is provided with a total of 36 egg receiving seats 11a in 6 rows and 6 columns, the individual egg cup assembly unit 3 is configured to collect a total of 36 or more egg-containing cups 2A in 6 rows and 6 columns, corresponding to the arrangement and pitch of the plurality of egg receiving seats 11a. In this embodiment, the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction (X direction) of the tray conveying path 10 is defined as rows, and the conveying direction (X direction) is defined as columns.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, this individual egg cup collecting section 3 is arranged alongside the tray conveying path 10 and has a plurality of collecting rows 3R corresponding to each of the plurality of rows of egg trays 11, with a plurality of individual egg cups 2 collected in each collecting row 3R. Specifically, the individual egg cup collecting section 3 has guide rails 31 for forming the plurality of collecting rows 3R. Note that individual egg cups 2 are replenished to this guide rail 31 by an individual egg cup replenishing mechanism 7, which will be described later. In addition, the individual egg cup collecting section 3 has a regulating member 32 for defining a collecting area for the plurality of individual egg cups 2. The individual egg cup collecting section 3 is configured to support the individual egg cups 2 by the guide rails 31, but may also be configured to have a support member for supporting the individual egg cups 2 separate from the guide rails 31.

[0021] 2 and 3, each individual egg cup 2 is configured to accommodate one egg E, and is, for example, rectangular in plan view, with a storage section 2a formed in the center thereof for storing one egg E. In this embodiment, the sides of the individual egg cups 2 in at least the collection row 3R come into contact with each other, so that the spacing between the storage sections 2a is the same as or substantially the same as the spacing between the egg storage seats 11a of the egg tray 11.

[0022] 1, the filling location information acquisition unit 4 acquires information about the location where eggs E should be filled in the egg tray 11. Here, the location where eggs should be filled is, for example, the location of the egg receiving seat 11a in the egg tray 11 from which defective eggs such as non-viable eggs have been removed.

[0023] Specifically, the filling location information acquisition unit 4 acquires filling location information from the egg inspection device 200 that has performed the defective egg removal operation. The filling location information is position information of the egg receiving seat 11a from which the defective eggs have been removed. When the filling location information acquisition unit 4 is configured to acquire filling location information from the egg inspection device 200, the filling location information acquisition unit 4 may be configured by the control device CTL, which will be described later. The filling location information acquisition unit 4 may also be a filling location detection device, such as an optical sensor, that is separate from the egg inspection device 200 and detects the egg receiving seat 11a in the egg tray 11 that does not receive an egg E.

[0024] 1 and 3, egg transfer mechanism 5 transfers eggs E from egg-containing cups 2A in individual egg cup collection section 3 to egg trays 11 based on filling location information acquired by filling location information acquisition unit 4. Egg transfer mechanism 5 is provided so as to be movable above individual egg cup collection section 3 and egg trays 11 located at filling position P.

[0025] Furthermore, based on the filling location information, egg transfer mechanism 5 sucks up and lifts eggs E from egg-containing cups 2A in individual egg cup assembly section 3, and transfers the eggs E to egg receiving seats 11a in egg tray 11 to be filled.

[0026] 3, egg transfer mechanism 5 has holder 50 having egg adsorption unit 51 that adsorbs eggs E, lifting and moving unit 52 that moves holder 50 up and down, and moving mechanism 53 that moves egg adsorption unit 51 and lifting and moving unit 52 between individual egg cup collection unit 3 and egg tray 11 located at filling position P. The adsorption operation by egg adsorption unit 51, the lifting and moving operation by lifting and moving unit 52, and the moving operation by moving mechanism 53 are controlled by mechanism control unit CTL1 of control device CTL, which will be described later.

[0027] In this embodiment, a plurality of egg adsorption sections 51 are provided in holder 50 corresponding to a plurality of individual egg cups 2. For example, if a total of 36 individual egg cups 2 are collected in individual egg cup collection section 3 in 6 rows and 6 columns, a total of 36 egg adsorption sections 51 are provided in 6 rows and 6 columns.

[0028] Egg adsorption part 51 is connected to a suction device (not shown), and the suction device adsorbs eggs E. Furthermore, an elastically deformable adsorption pad is provided at the tip of egg adsorption part 51.

[0029] Lifting and moving unit 52 can be configured using an actuator such as an air cylinder. Moving mechanism 53 can be configured using a slide moving mechanism 531 that slides egg adsorption unit 51 and holder 50. As slide moving mechanism 531, for example, a configuration using a motor and a ball screw mechanism or a configuration using a linear actuator such as a linear motor is conceivable.

[0030] 3, the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 removes empty cups 2B from the individual egg cup collecting section 3. This individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 is provided above the individual egg cup collecting section 3 so as to be movable back and forth.

[0031] Furthermore, the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 removes the empty cups 2B by suctioning and lifting the empty cups 2B in the individual egg cup collecting unit 3 based on the filling location information. The individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 releases the sucked empty cups 2B in the cup recovery unit 9.

[0032] Specifically, individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 has a cup suction unit 61 that suctions empty cup 2B, a lifting and moving unit 62 that moves cup suction unit 61 up and down, and a moving mechanism 63 that moves cup suction unit 61 and lifting and moving unit 62 toward and away from egg tray 11. The suction operation by cup suction unit 61, the lifting and moving operation by lifting and moving unit 62, and the moving operation by moving mechanism 63 are controlled by a mechanism control unit CTL1 of the control device CTL, which will be described later.

[0033] In this embodiment, a plurality of cup suction units 61 and lifting and moving units 62 are provided corresponding to the plurality of individual egg cups 2. For example, if a total of 36 individual egg cups 2 are collected in 6 rows and 6 columns in the individual egg cup collecting unit 3, a total of 36 cup suction units 61 and lifting and moving units 62 are provided in 6 rows and 6 columns.

[0034] The cup suction part 61 is adapted to suction the bottom surface of the storage part 2a of the empty cup 2B. The cup suction part 61 is connected to a suction device (not shown) and uses the suction device to suction the empty cup 2B. An elastically deformable suction pad is provided at the tip of the cup suction part 61.

[0035] The lifting and moving unit 62 can be configured using an actuator such as an air cylinder. The moving mechanism 63 can be configured using a holder 631 provided with the cup suction unit 61 and the lifting and moving unit 62, and a slide moving mechanism 632 that slides and moves the holder 631. The slide moving mechanism 632 can be configured using, for example, a motor and a ball screw mechanism or a linear actuator such as a linear motor. Note that part of the configuration of the slide moving mechanism 632 (for example, a guide rail, etc.) may be common to the slide moving mechanism 531 of the egg transfer mechanism 5.

[0036] Here, the egg transfer mechanism 5 and the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 are controlled by a mechanism control unit CTL1 of the control device CTL, which will be described later, so that they move in conjunction with one another. Specifically, the movement of the egg transfer mechanism 5 by the movement mechanism 53 and the movement of the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 by the movement mechanism 63 are controlled so that they at least move in conjunction with one another. Additionally, the lifting and lowering of the holder 50 by the lifting and moving unit 52 of the egg transfer mechanism 5 and the lifting and lowering of the cup suction unit 61 by the lifting and moving unit 62 of the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 may be controlled so that they move in conjunction with one another.

[0037] Specifically, with holder 50 of egg transfer mechanism 5 positioned above individual egg cup collecting section 3, holder 631 of individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 is in a position retracted from individual egg cup collecting section 3. Then, when holder 50 of egg transfer mechanism 5 moves from above individual egg cup collecting section 3 to above egg tray 11, holder 631 of individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 moves above individual egg cup collecting section 3 (see FIG. 3).

[0038] 1 and 2, the individual egg cup replenishing mechanism 7 replenishing cups 2A containing eggs to the individual egg cup collecting section 3. This individual egg cup replenishing mechanism 7 replenishing cups 2A containing eggs to the individual egg cup collecting section 3 in the same number as the number of empty cups 2B removed by the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6.

[0039] Specifically, individual egg cup replenishing mechanism 7 replenishes cups 2A with eggs for each collection row 3R of individual egg cup collection section 3, and has a replenishing path 71 connected to individual egg cup collection section 3 for replenishing cups with eggs 2A, and a pushing-out section 72 that pushes cups with eggs 2A on supply conveyor 81, which will be described later, into replenishing path 71 for replenishing.

[0040] A refilling path 71 is provided corresponding to each collection row 3R of the individual egg cup collection section 3, and a pushing-out unit 72 is also provided corresponding to each collection row 3R of the individual egg cup collection section 3. Refilling path 71 is, for example, linear and is formed, for example, by a guide rail 711 connected to guide rails 31 that form collection row 3R, and a belt conveyor 712. Further, pushing-out unit 72 supplies cups with egg 2A to refilling path 71 by pushing out cups with egg 2A from supply conveyor 81. As a result, cups with egg 2A are transported to individual egg cup collection section 3 by belt conveyor 712 of refilling path 71, and gaps created by the removal of empty cups 2B are filled with cups with egg 2A. This pushing-out unit 72 can be configured using an actuator such as an air cylinder.

[0041] Furthermore, this embodiment has an individual egg cup supply mechanism 8 that supplies cups 2A with eggs to refill path 71. This individual egg cup supply mechanism 8 has, for example, a supply conveyor 81 that is provided upstream of refill path 71 so as to cross refill path 71. Supply conveyor 81 supplies cups 2A with eggs in a single file to refill path 71. Furthermore, the cups 2A with eggs supplied by supply conveyor 81 are supplied to refill path 71 by push-out unit 72.

[0042] This individual egg cup supply mechanism 8 may have a supply device 82 that supplies cups 2A with egg on the upstream side of the supply conveyor 81. This supply device 82, for example, uses empty cups 2B collected in the cup collection unit 9, places an egg in the empty cup 2B to form a cup 2A with egg, and supplies this cup 2A with egg to the supply conveyor 81. A circulation path (not shown) is provided between the supply device 82 and the cup collection unit 9. The supply device 82 reuses the empty cups 2B and circulates them within the egg filling apparatus 100. Note that cups 2A with egg may also be supplied to the supply conveyor 81 manually.

[0043] <Operation of egg filling device 100> Next, the operation of the egg filling apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with particular reference to FIGS.

[0044] The following operations are performed by controlling each part using a mechanism control unit CTL1 of a control unit CTL provided in the egg filling machine 100. The control unit CTL is a computer having a CPU, memory, an input / output interface, an AD converter, a communication device, etc.

[0045] First, egg trays 11 inspected by egg inspection device 200 are stopped at predetermined filling position P on tray conveying path 10. Furthermore, filling place information acquiring unit 4 acquires filling place information from egg inspection device 200.

[0046] Then, egg transfer mechanism 5, which is waiting above individual egg cup assembly unit 3, picks up and lifts up egg E corresponding to the filling location from individual egg cup assembly unit 3 based on the filling location information. Specifically, lifting and moving unit 52 of egg transfer mechanism 5 lowers holder 50, and egg adsorbing unit 51 adsorbs egg E based on the filling location information (see FIG. 4(a)). Once egg adsorbing unit 51 has adsorbed egg E, lifting and moving unit 52 raises holder 50.

[0047] If the standby position of the holder 50 of the egg transfer mechanism 5 is not above the individual egg cup collection section 3, the holder 50 is moved to above the individual egg cup collection section 3, and then the above operation is performed.

[0048] Then, egg transfer mechanism 5 moves to egg tray 11 with egg E attached thereto (see FIG. 4(b)), and places egg E in egg receiving seat 11a at the filling location (see FIG. 4(c)). Specifically, holder 50 of egg transfer mechanism 5 moves above egg tray 11 (see FIG. 4(b)). After this movement, lifting and moving unit 52 lowers holder 50, and egg adsorbing unit 51 of lowered holder 50 releases adsorption of egg E, and places egg E in egg receiving seat 11a at the filling location (see FIG. 4(c)). When egg adsorbing unit 51 releases adsorption of egg E, lifting and moving unit 52 raises holder 50 (see FIG. 5(d)).

[0049] Here, in conjunction with the movement of egg transfer mechanism 5 to egg tray 11, individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 moves to individual egg cup collecting section 3 (see FIG. 4(b)), and adsorbs and lifts empty cup 2B (see FIGS. 4(c) and 5(d)). Specifically, holder 631 of individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 moves above individual egg cup collecting section 3 (see FIG. 4(b)). After this movement, lifting and moving section 62 lowers cup suction part 61 based on the filling location information, and the lowered cup suction part 61 adsorbs empty cup 2B (see FIG. 4(c)). Once cup suction part 61 has adsorbed empty cup 2B, lifting and moving section 62 raises cup suction part 61 (see FIG. 5(d)).

[0050] When empty cup 2B is lifted from individual egg cup collecting section 3, individual egg cup refilling mechanism 7 operates to refill individual egg cup collecting section 3 with cups 2A containing eggs (see FIG. 5(e)). Specifically, cups 2A with eggs on refilling path 71 are transported by belt conveyor 712 toward individual egg cup collecting section 3 (see FIG. 2), and cups 2A with eggs are refilled into the area from which empty cups 2B have been removed.

[0051] When the number of cups 2A with eggs remaining in the refilling path 71 falls below a predetermined number, the individual egg cup supply mechanism 8 supplies the cups 2A with eggs to the refilling path 71.

[0052] Thereafter, the egg transfer mechanism 5, which has released the egg E, moves to the individual egg cup collecting section 3, and the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6, which has absorbed the empty cup 2B, retracts from the individual egg cup collecting section 3 (see FIG. 5(e)). Note that, when the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 has retracted from the individual egg cup collecting section 3, a cup recovery section 9 that recovers empty cups 2B is provided below the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6, and the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 stores the empty cup 2B in the cup recovery section 9 (see FIG. 5(f)). In this way, the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 removes the empty cup 2B from the individual egg cup collecting section 3 while the egg transfer mechanism 5 is transferring eggs E. Furthermore, at the same time that the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 stores the empty cup 2B in the cup recovery section 9, the egg transfer mechanism 5 lifts up an egg E from the individual egg cup collecting section 3 based on the filling location information for the next egg tray 11.

[0053] <Effects of this embodiment> According to egg filling apparatus 100 of this embodiment, multiple egg-containing cups 2A, each containing a single egg E, are collected in individual egg cup collecting section 3, and eggs E are transferred from egg-containing cups 2A in individual egg cup collecting section 3 to egg trays 11 by egg transfer mechanism 5 based on filling location information. This allows eggs E to be automatically filled into egg trays 11 using multiple egg-containing cups 2A. Furthermore, since empty cups 2B are removed from individual egg cup collecting section 3, it is only necessary to replenish egg-containing cups 2A in the number of removed empty cups 2B. These configurations enable egg filling apparatus 100, which fills egg trays 11 with eggs E, to have a simple configuration while improving processing speed.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 performs an individual egg cup removal operation while the egg transfer mechanism 5 is performing an egg E transfer operation, thereby improving the processing speed of filling the eggs E compared to when these operations are performed separately.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the individual egg cup replenishing mechanism 7 replenishes the individual egg cup collecting unit 3 with cups 2A containing eggs, thereby automating the operation of replenishing the individual egg cup collecting unit 3 with cups 2A containing eggs. Also, the individual egg cup collecting unit 3 can be replenished with cups 2A containing eggs one by one, and the replenishing of cups 2A containing eggs can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0056] <Modified embodiment of the present invention> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0057] For example, in the above embodiment, the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 performs the individual egg cup removal operation while the egg transfer mechanism 5 is transferring eggs E, but these operations may be performed at different times. For example, after the egg transfer mechanism 5 has completed its egg E transfer operation, the individual egg cup removal mechanism 6 may perform the individual egg cup removal operation before the next transfer operation begins.

[0058] In addition, in the above embodiment, the holder 50 provided with multiple egg adsorption sections 51 is configured to be raised and lowered, but it is also possible to configure the multiple egg adsorption sections 51 to be raised and lowered individually based on filling position information.

[0059] Furthermore, the egg tray, such as a setter tray, into which the egg filling device of the present invention fills the eggs E may have circular egg trays on which the eggs E are placed arranged in a zigzag pattern of 7 rows x 6 rows, as shown in Figure 6.

[0060] To fill eggs into the egg tray shown in Figure 6, individual egg cup refilling mechanisms 7 are arranged in seven rows, and individual egg cups 2 are gathered at the end of individual egg cup gathering section 3 at positions offset every other row to correspond to the shape of the egg tray shown in Figure 6, and the pitch between the rows is reduced during transfer.

[0061] In addition to the 6-row x 6-row egg tray 11 shown in Figure 1 etc. and the 7-row x 6-row egg tray shown in Figure 6, the number of rows of individual egg cup refilling mechanism 7 may be changed so that eggs can be filled into various types of egg trays, such as a 10-row x 15-row egg tray or an 8-row x 11-row egg tray arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0062] Alternatively, after the individual egg cups are collected at the end of the individual egg cup collection section, the pitch between the rows may be reduced before transfer. Specifically, at the end of the individual egg cup collection section, the individual egg cups are moved from one side or both sides perpendicular to the direction of transport of the individual egg cups to positions where the individual egg cups are offset every other row to correspond to the shape of the egg tray shown in Figure 6.

[0063] The egg inspection device may be any type that can remove defective eggs, such as non-viable eggs. Examples include devices that use transmitted light, devices that use reflected light, devices that detect the amount of transmitted light of a specific wavelength, devices that detect changes over time in the amount of transmitted light (biological signals such as the heartbeat or embryo movement inside the egg), devices that take photographs with a camera, and appropriate combinations of these. Defective eggs are eggs that do not require continued incubation, such as eggs that have stopped developing, rotten eggs, unfertilized eggs, and eggs that are expected to be one of the two genders, male or female. The egg inspection device may also be one that identifies characteristic parts within the egg (for example, the degree of blood vessel development, the yolk ratio, parts of the embryo, etc.).

[0064] The individual egg cups are not limited to those having a rectangular shape in plan view as described above, but may also have a circular shape in plan view, as described in JP 2020-11745 A, for example. The individual egg cups are configured to hold one egg, have a circular outline in plan view with a diameter larger than the diameter of the egg body, and have a holding seat for holding one egg formed in the center. The individual egg cup assembly may support the individual egg cups with a guide rail, or may be configured to have a support member that supports the individual egg cups separately from the guide rail. In this case, the individual egg cups may be supported so as to be rotatable horizontally relative to the guide rail or support member.

[0065] The egg transfer mechanism may be one that picks up the eggs by suction or one that grabs and lifts them. In this case, the holder may have a holding part that can change its position between a holding position that holds the eggs and a release position that releases the eggs from their holding state.

[0066] The individual egg cup removal mechanism may also be one that grips and lifts the individual egg cups, in addition to one that sucks and lifts the individual egg cups. In this case, the holder may have a holding part that can change its position between a holding position that holds the individual egg cups and a release position that releases the held state of the individual egg cups.

[0067] 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]

[0068] 100...egg filling equipment 11 Egg tray 2 individual egg cups 2A Cup with egg 2B Empty Cup 3. Egg cup assembly area 4. Filling location information acquisition unit 5. Egg transfer mechanism 6. Individual egg cup removal mechanism 7. Egg cup refill mechanism

Claims

1. 1. An egg filling device for filling eggs into egg trays, comprising: an individual egg cup assembly unit in which a plurality of individual egg cups, each containing an egg, are assembled; a loading location information acquisition unit that acquires information about a location in the egg tray where eggs should be loaded; an egg transfer mechanism that transfers eggs from the individual egg cups in the individual egg cup collection unit to the egg tray based on the filling location information acquired by the filling location information acquisition unit; and an individual egg cup removal mechanism that removes empty individual egg cups from the individual egg cup collection section.

2. 2. The egg filling device according to claim 1, wherein the individual egg cup removal mechanism removes emptied individual egg cups from the individual egg cup collection section during an egg transfer operation by the egg transfer mechanism.

3. 3. The egg filling device according to claim 1, further comprising an individual egg cup refilling mechanism that refills individual egg cups in which eggs are placed in the individual egg cup gathering section.

Images