Egg transfer assembly, egg transfer system, and egg processing system

Abstract

An egg transfer assembly comprising two elongated parallel carrier elements having an arrangement of nest sections, a pair of opposing nest sections defining an egg receiving nest therebetween, each nest section being pivotally connected to a respective said carrier element, in particular to provide an arrangement of pivotable egg receiving nests, preferably to provide an arrangement of at least locally expandable egg receiving nests. The invention also provides an egg transfer system, e.g. part of an egg grading system and / or egg packing system, comprising a row of egg transfer assemblies. Furthermore, the invention provides an egg processing system comprising at least one egg supply conveyor for supplying eggs along a conveying direction S, and at least one egg transfer system for receiving eggs from the egg supply conveyor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an egg transfer assembly including two elongated parallel carrier elements having an arrangement of nest portions, the pair of opposed nest portions defining an egg receiving nest therebetween. The present invention also provides an egg transfer system and an egg processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques in which eggs are conveyed by grippers, graded and then discharged to specific locations are generally known, for example from EP 560458. These locations are, for example, located above a packaging device which typically runs in a certain direction below the grading device, usually in a direction different from the egg feed direction. To provide a suitable guide during egg transfer, a transfer unit can be arranged between the egg feed / grading conveyor and the packaging device or the like, which serves as an intermediate station and egg transfer guide.

[0003] JP 11-278428 A discloses a number of pairs of long swingable arms with holders at their ends for receiving eggs, which are pivotally connected to a support frame in a swingable state so that the holders approximate the parabolic path of the eggs discharged from a single line conveyor. The arms are configured to receive the eggs at a vertical level above the support frame. While receiving the eggs, the arms move / swing downwards towards the support frame, which is transported by a chain. To pack the eggs from the holders into containers, the eggs are sucked up by suction cups arranged in a matrix. Alternatively, the holder can be split and one pair of the split holder and swinging arm can be configured as a cantilever shaft, with the opposing pieces sliding outwards to open the gap between them. The eggs can be dropped between the two slid pieces, and in a next step the gap between the eggs can be adjusted before the eggs are packed into the containers. However, the system known from JP 11-278428 is rather bulky, difficult to clean, prone to contamination and does not achieve the desired high speed operation.

[0004] US 2006 / 037840 discloses egg transfer assemblies, also called transport units, as part of an apparatus for transferring products, in particular eggs. In particular, this known apparatus is composed of a number of rows of said transfer assemblies, arranged at a certain height below an endless sorting conveyor. Each transfer assembly comprises an adjacent pair of first and second nest-defining elements, which can be moved relative to one another, in particular away from one another and back again, from an egg-receiving position for picking up the eggs (these elements define the nest) to an egg-discharging position for sending (dropping) the eggs downwards. In operation, the eggs are discharged in a well-defined manner from the sorting conveyor to the transport unit, where they are received and then sent, for example, to a packaging device located below. In this known apparatus, each of the transfer assemblies comprises two parallel shafts which are fitted (i.e. fixed) into a pair of opposing nest-defining elements. The shafts can be pivoted (about a centre line) to adjust the position of the nest-defining elements between egg-receiving and egg-ejecting positions.

[0005] European Patent Publication No. 2842877 relates to an egg conveying apparatus, in which a transfer section includes a pitch change section configured to receive "n" eggs from a first conveying section.

[0006] European Patent Publication No. 2174896 provides an egg transfer apparatus in which buckets function in response to the opening and closing mechanism of an accelerating ejector.

[0007] European Patent Publication No. 0819920 discloses a method and apparatus for grading eggs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Although the egg transfer assembly, respectively the egg transfer system and the egg processing system known from US 2006 / 037840 A1 are durable and capable of providing reliable and hygienic operation over long operating periods, further improvements are desirable. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an egg transfer assembly that can achieve higher processing efficiencies without increasing the likelihood of damaging / breaking the eggs being transported. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a compact transfer assembly (as well as the respective compact egg transfer system and compact egg processing system) that is sufficiently resistant to contamination and dirt and provides reliable operation at high processing efficiencies.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0010] Advantageously, there is provided an egg transfer assembly comprising two elongate parallel (rotatable) carrier elements having an arrangement of nest portions (e.g. respective nest-defining elements, bodies, structures, walls or wall portions) with a pair of opposing nest portions defining an egg-receiving nest therebetween. In particular, to provide an arrangement of pivotable egg-receiving nests, and preferably to provide an arrangement of at least locally expandable egg-receiving nests, each nest portion is pivotally coupled to a respective carrier element (via a respective pivot axis).

[0011] In this manner, the above-mentioned objectives are achieved and the assembly can provide a relatively high throughput without increasing the likelihood of damaging or cracking the eggs being transported, and the resulting transport assembly can be compact and sufficiently resistant to contamination and soiling even at high throughput rates.

[0012] In particular, it has been found that a pair of pivotable nest sections (i.e., nest sections pivotally connected to two parallel, rotatable carrier elements, providing a pivotable egg-receiving nest) can receive eggs and then pivot to some extent (e.g., from an upper position toward a lower position) toward their respective egg-retaining positions. This allows for relatively fast egg processing speeds, particularly when the eggs fall toward the nest sections from an egg-release direction substantially parallel to the respective carrier elements. Preferably, each pair of opposing nest sections can have an initial inclined orientation relative to a vertical centerline to receive eggs that are dropped into that nest. The pair of opposing nest sections is then preferably configured to automatically move to a second, non-inclined (upright) or less inclined orientation to retain the received eggs within that nest. Thereafter, for example after all nests are filled with eggs, the nests can be opened by operating (i.e., rotating) the respective carriers and the eggs can be dropped, i.e., transferred, to a subsequent egg processing device (which may extend below the transfer assembly).

[0013] This significantly reduces the chances of eggs hitting each other in the egg receiving nest (and thereby damaging the eggs) even at relatively fast processing speeds.

[0014] The automatic movement / pivot of each pair of nests relative to the two carrier elements can be, for example, movement under the influence of gravity (due to the weight of the received eggs) and movement under the influence of the kinetic energy of the eggs, preferably countered by suitable spring means allowing a controlled deceleration of the nests and eggs (slowing down to a rest state relative to the two respective carrier elements).

[0015] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, during operation, and particularly while transferring / moving the eggs towards the transfer assembly, each egg preferably assumes a substantially vertical orientation (with its long axis extending vertically). Alternatively, while the eggs are transferred towards the assembly, the eggs may assume an oblique orientation, in which the long axis of the egg forms an angle with the vertical, for example, in the range of about 1 to 15 degrees.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, each pair of nest parts is movable relative to the two elongated parallel carrier elements from a first orientation (i.e. a first position) for receiving eggs falling towards it to a second orientation (i.e. a second position) for transporting eggs received in the respective egg-receiving nest, in particular the first orientation being an orientation inclined with respect to a vertical plane and in particular the second orientation being an orientation parallel to the vertical plane or less inclined than the first orientation, in particular the second orientation being an orientation in which the respective pair of nest parts defines an egg-transporting nest.

[0017] For example, each pair of nest parts may be configured to be located at a first (close) distance from each other along at least a portion of their opposing edges when they are in said first orientation. For example, two egg-receiving nest parts contact each other along at least a portion of their opposing edges when they are in said first orientation. Then, preferably, each pair of nest parts are spaced apart by a second distance greater than the first distance when they are in said second orientation, thereby locally expanding the respective nest (i.e. increasing the volume of at least a portion of the nest). In other words, the two nest parts may be pivotally (i.e. pivotally) coupled to their carrier element such that the movement of the two nest parts from their first position (initial egg-receiving / receiving position) to their second position (egg-retaining position) locally (slightly) expanding each egg-receiving nest (e.g. at the bottom of the nest). This allows to further improve the egg-receiving capacity of the nest parts at relatively high processing speeds (without damaging the eggs) and preferably with relatively small movements of the nest parts. Similarly, the configuration of the transfer assembly is preferably such that when each of the two nest parts returns from said second position to said first position, each egg-receiving nest (slightly) at least locally contracts and returns to its initial state (i.e. the two egg-receiving parts move towards each other).

[0018] Furthermore, the tops of each pair of nest sections preferably move towards each other as the nest sections move from the first orientation to the second orientation, and the bottoms of each pair of nest sections preferably move away from each other as the nest sections move from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby achieving the above-mentioned advantages and further enhancing accurate egg receipt and controlled egg deceleration.

[0019] Also, as mentioned above, spring means may be provided to counteract the movement of each nest part (i.e. relative to the two parallel carrier elements which carry / hold them). Relatively strong spring means are preferably selected, i.e. the spring means are arranged to be relatively insensitive to contamination, so as to durably provide the same spring force on each of the two nest parts of a nest pair during operation. As an alternative to spring means, a counterweight may be applied to each nest part to provide a biasing force towards its respective first position.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, each nest part has concave inner and outer sides and a first connector structure projecting outwardly from said outer sides for pivotally connecting said nest part to a second connector structure of a respective elongate carrier element, in particular each first connector structure and each second connector structure being connected by a respective pivot axis. Further, the carrier elements are preferably arranged to be rotatable in opposite directions for opening and closing an egg-receiving nest defined by the pair of nest parts.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an egg transfer system, e.g., part of an egg grading system and / or an egg packaging system, which includes at least one row of egg transfer assemblies according to the present invention, thereby providing the above-mentioned advantages in transferring a relatively large number of eggs. In particular, the row of egg transfer assemblies may provide an array of parallel-extending egg transfer assemblies at the same or substantially the same horizontal level, which assemblies are connected to or held by a frame or similar support structure (and form, e.g., a "receiver set"), e.g., for receiving and transferring a large number of eggs.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an egg processing system comprising at least one egg supply conveyor for supplying eggs along a conveying direction S, and at least one egg transfer system for receiving eggs from the egg supply conveyor, the elongated parallel carrier elements of the egg transfer system preferably extending substantially parallel to the conveying direction of the egg supply conveyor.

[0023] In this way, the egg processing system is provided with the advantages discussed above.

[0024] Further advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, which show non-limiting examples, in which similar or corresponding elements are provided with similar or corresponding reference signs, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known egg transfer system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the system of FIG. 1 in operation. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first advantageous embodiment of an egg transfer assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 when an egg is received. [Figure 5A]1 illustrates a top view of a portion of a second advantageous embodiment of a portion of an egg transfer assembly when the egg-receiving nest is in a first, egg-receiving orientation. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a front view of a portion of a second advantageous embodiment of a portion of an egg transfer assembly when the egg-receiving nest is in a first, egg-receiving orientation; [Figure 5C] 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of a second advantageous embodiment of a portion of an egg transfer assembly when the egg-receiving nest is in a first, egg-receiving orientation. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a top view of a portion of a second advantageous embodiment of an egg transfer assembly when the egg-receiving nest is in a second, egg-receiving orientation. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a front view of a portion of a second advantageous embodiment of an egg transfer assembly when the egg-receiving nest is in a second, egg-receiving orientation; [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of a second advantageous embodiment of an egg transfer assembly when the egg-receiving nest is in a second, egg-receiving orientation. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a side view of the second advantageous embodiment in operation, just before an egg is released towards the egg transfer assembly; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the second advantageous embodiment in operation with the egg transfer assembly receiving an egg; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Figure 1 shows, in an isometric view from above, a schematic representation of a known egg transfer system 101, i.e., transfer unit / apparatus (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 037840). The transfer system 101 may be part of an egg grading and / or egg packing system and includes multiple rows of egg transfer assemblies 103, 104 (one assembly 103, 104 is shown generally). Figure 2 shows part of the system in operation, i.e., while the egg transfer assemblies 103, 104 are receiving eggs E.

[0027] Each of the egg transfer assemblies has two elongated parallel (rotatable) carrier elements (e.g., shafts or rods) 103 having an arrangement of nest portions 104. An opposing pair of nest portions 104 defines a corresponding egg-receiving nest N therebetween. The nest portions 104 may be, for example, nest elements, nest bodies or body portions, nest structures, nest walls, etc. Each nest portion 104 may have, for example, a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface (the side opposite the inner surface). In known assemblies, the nest defining portions 104 have a fixed position relative to their carrier elements 103 (i.e., are non-movably connected / joined to their elements 103).

[0028] The egg transfer system 101 may for example comprise a frame 2 or a similar support structure for holding the rows of transfer assemblies 103, 104. Preferably, all carrier elements 103 run parallel at the same horizontal level, i.e. holding their respective receiving nests in the same horizontal position. Also, according to an embodiment, the frame 2 of the system may be stationary during operation, i.e. while receiving eggs from above (from the egg supply conveyor 20) and / or while dropping the received eggs into a subsequent processing station (not shown) and / or during the period between receiving and discharging the eggs. The feeding direction of the eggs supplied by the supply conveyor 20 is indicated in the drawings by the arrow S.

[0029] The egg transfer system 101 may, for example, form part of an egg grading machine, which may generally be thought of as consisting of a sorting conveyor 20 (or a similar egg supply conveyor) and a number of downstream packaging devices (not shown), and one or more transfer systems 101 for transporting eggs from the sorting conveyor 20 (extending upwardly) to the packaging devices (extending downwardly).

[0030] The transfer system 101 may form a so-called receiver set, which receives the eggs E discharged from the sorting conveyor 20 and transfers the eggs downwards from this receiver set, for example to a buffer set or other egg processing station (not shown).

[0031] Optionally, the carriers 103 of each egg transfer assembly 103, 104 can be releasably coupled to the respective frame (for example according to the teachings of US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 037840). Moreover, the carriers 103 of the egg transfer assemblies are preferably rotatable or pivotable (synchronously) relative to the support structure 2 about respective (horizontal and parallel) centerlines L (i.e. respective rotation axes) in order to open and close (allow eggs E to be discharged therefrom) the respective nests, as will be clear to those skilled in the art. That is, each carrier 103 can be pivotally held by or pivotally coupled to the respective frame 2 of the transfer system 101. The rotation directions for rotating the two carriers 103 to open the nests are indicated by the arrows R1, R2. Means for actuating the carriers (rotating the carriers 103 between the egg receiving and egg discharging positions), such as drive means, motors, cam engagement means, etc., are not depicted in FIG. 1 and are known per se to those skilled in the art.

[0032] 2 shows the operation of the system at a relatively high processing speed. Due to the high processing speed, dropped eggs (i.e. eggs dropped by the above-mentioned egg supply conveyor 20) arrive at an egg receiving nest of the transport system 101 at a relatively high horizontal speed and may bounce (at contact point K) against eggs already received in an adjacent nest. Such bouncing may lead to damage to the eggs E. The following embodiment provides a solution to this problem.

[0033] 3-4 show an example of an egg transfer assembly 3, 4a, 4b which may for example be part of the above-mentioned egg transfer system 101 (e.g. different from the above-mentioned transfer assemblies 103, 104). Similar to known egg transfer assemblies, the innovative egg transfer assembly of the present invention comprises (only) two elongated parallel carrier elements 3 having an arrangement of nest portions (elements, bodies, structures, walls) with a pair of opposing nest portions defining an egg-receiving nest therebetween.

[0034] The two nests 4 a , 4 b are preferably of mirror-symmetric construction, in particular as viewed with respect to a central vertical mirror plane which centrally intersects the nest N and runs parallel to the two carrier elements 3 .

[0035] In this case, advantageously, each nest part 4a, 4b is pivotally connected to a respective rotatable carrier element 3. For example, the nest parts 4a, 4b are pivotally arranged to provide an arrangement of pivotable egg-receiving nests N. According to further embodiments (described below with reference to Figures 5, 6), it may be arranged to provide an arrangement of egg-receiving nests N that are at least locally expandable.

[0036] As mentioned above, each of the carriers 3 is pivotally held by or pivotally coupled to the frame 2 of the transfer device 101 (direction of rotation is indicated by arrow R) so as to open the nests N and allow the received eggs E to fall towards a further processing station. The two carrier elements are thus rotatable in opposite directions R1, R2 in order to open and close the egg-receiving nests N defined by a pair of nest portions 4a, 4b. The two carrier elements 3 may, for example, be interconnected by an actuation mechanism 15 for cooperatively rotating the elements 3 in opposite directions R1, R2 in order to simultaneously open and close an array of nests N provided between the respective nest-defining portions 4a, 4b.

[0037] Each nest part 4a, 4b may have a concave inner side and a (convex) outer side. A first connector structure 6 may be provided protruding outwardly from the outer side of each nest part 4a, 4b, thereby allowing the nest part to be pivotally connected to a second connector structure 7 of the respective elongated carrier element 3. Each first connector structure 6 and its corresponding second connector structure 7 may be connected by a respective pivot axis 8. According to one embodiment, each pivot axis 8 pivotally (i.e. pivotably) connecting the nest part 4a, 4b to the respective carrier element 3 extends horizontally (wherein the pivot axes all extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the center line L of the carrier element 3). Preferably, the pivot axis 8 of the first connector structure 7 is located at a vertical level below the center line L of the carrier element 3. For example, the second connector structure 7 may extend downwards from the respective carrier element 3 to provide a lowered pivot point. Preferably, the upper edge 4d, 4e of each nest can be at a vertical level above the carrier element 3 (and can be at a vertical level above the first connector structure 6 which, when viewed in side view, extends along the carrier element 3 between these vertical levels), thus allowing a compact, relatively durable and reliable structure to be achieved.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the connector structures 6, 7 can be implemented in a variety of ways including, for example, a variety of pivot connections including arms, notches or cams that pivotally interconnect with one another.

[0039] As is also evident from the figures, in particular the rotation axis of the carrier element 3 does not coincide with the pivot axis 8 of the respective nest part 4a, 4b. In this embodiment the rotation axis of the carrier element 3 extends substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis 8 of the respective nest part 4a, 4b. In alternative embodiments (see below and Figures 5-8) the pivot axis 8 of the respective nest part 4a, 4b is inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the carrier element 3.

[0040] As is evident from the figures, each pair of nest parts 4a, 4b is preferably movable relative to the two elongated parallel carrier elements 3 from a first orientation for receiving an egg E falling towards said pair of nest parts 4a, 4b to a second orientation for transporting the received egg E in the respective egg receiving nest N. In particular the first orientation is an orientation inclined with respect to the vertical plane VP and in particular the second orientation is an orientation parallel to the vertical plane VP (the vertical plane VP extending perpendicularly to the centre lines of the two carrier elements 3 of the transfer assembly). As shown in Fig. 3, the centre line of each nest N in the inclined position may for example include an angle β greater than 1 degree with respect to the vertical plane VP, for example an angle β ranging from 1 to 30 degrees. Preferably, the nest parts 4a, 4b extend along the carrier element 3 in each position / orientation of the nest parts 4a, 4b relative to the carrier element 3 (i.e. both the first and second orientations) when viewed in side view.

[0041] Each nest part 4a, 4b is preferably associated with a respective spring means 9 for counteracting movement of the nest part relative to the carrier element 3. Such spring means may include elastic elements, torsion springs, leaf springs, helical springs, magnetic springs and / or different types of spring means as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, such spring means 9 may provide a biasing spring force between the carrier element 3 and the respective nest part 4a, 4b for biasing the nest part to its first position (upward / inclined position) which allows the nest part 4a, 4b to move to its second position (due to gravity, i.e. the weight of the egg) when the respective nest N receives an egg E.

[0042] Optionally, each nest portion 4a, 4b includes a support member 11 (e.g. a flange or end stop) extending laterally and above a top surface of the respective carrier element 3. For example, the support member 11 may be spaced from the carrier element 3 when the respective pair of nest portions 4a, 4b are in their first position, and the support member 11 may be supported by (i.e. in mechanical contact with) the top surface of the carrier element 3 when the respective pair of nest portions 4a, 4b are in their second position.

[0043] In operation, the eggs E are fed (at a vertical level above the height of the transfer assemblies 3, 4), for example, by a feed conveyor. In Figs. 3, 4, the depicted part of the feed conveyor 20 includes a gripper, but different types of feed conveyors can also be implemented. Before the eggs E are received by the nest N of the transfer assemblies 3, 4, the nest N is in a first inclined (slightly upward) orientation with respect to the two carrier elements 3. After the eggs E are released, they follow a downward path P towards the inclined nest N (as will be clear to those skilled in the art, the release of the eggs E is timed such that the path P enters the nest N). In particular, when viewed along the egg transport direction S (of the feed conveyor), the nest N can be inclined such that the upstream upper edge 4d of the nest (i.e. the respective nest parts 4a, 4b) is lower than the downstream upper edge 4e of the nest (i.e. the nest parts 4a, 4b).

[0044] Once an egg E has been received in the nest N, each pair of nest parts 4a, 4b are (synchronously, simultaneously) pivoted on their pivot axes 8 to a second (egg-carrying) position, in particular so that the nest N assumes a non-inclined (vertical) position, e.g. so that the upper edges 4d, 4e are at the same vertical level.

[0045] After a certain number or all of the nests N of the transfer assemblies 3, 4 have been filled with eggs E in the manner described above, the nests N can be opened at the appropriate discharge time for all the eggs E to fall out at once, by rotating the carrier elements 3 in opposite directions R1, R2. The opening of the nests N includes in particular moving the respective nest parts 4a, 4b into respective third orientations (where they no longer define egg-carrying nests). After the eggs E have been released, the spring means 9 can bias the respective nest parts 4a, 4b back into their initial inclined positions relative to the two carrier elements 3, which can then be rotated back into their initial positions in order to close the now emptied nests N.

[0046] Figures 5-8 show a second advantageous embodiment of the transfer assembly, which is a significant improvement compared to the example of Figures 3, 4. According to one aspect, the second embodiment differs from the previous example in that the nest parts 4a', 4b' are connected to the carrier element 3 via non-horizontal pivot axes 8a, 8b. In Figures 5A, 5B, 5C a pair of nest parts 4a', 4b' is shown in a first position / orientation (relative to the carrier 3), while in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C the same pair of nest parts 4a', 4b' is shown in a second position (relative to the carrier 3'). As in the previous example, each nest part 4a, 4b is associated with a respective spring means 9 for counteracting the movement of the nest part relative to the carrier element 3. Two spring means 9' are applied for the two nest parts 4a', 4b', preferably the two spring means 9' being identical. In this way, the spring means 9' can provide a reliable and consistent spring action resulting in synchronized nest section movement when receiving an egg, and the inclined orientation of the pivot axes 8a, 8b also improves the reliability of the transfer assembly as each pivot is less susceptible to wear.

[0047] For example, each nest portion 4a', 4b' may include an outwardly projecting first connector structure 6' for pivotally connecting the nest portion to a connector structure 7' of the respective elongated carrier element 3'. Also, the pivot axis 8a, 8b may be located at a vertical level below the center line L of the carrier element 3'. For example, the respective second connector structure 7' may extend downwardly from the respective carrier element 3' to provide a lower pivot point. Preferably, the upper end of each nest may be located at a vertical level above the carrier element 3'. Moreover, preferably, the respective first connector structure 6' may also be located at a relatively lower level, such as below the carrier element 3'.

[0048] Advantageously, each pivot axis 8a, 8b extends along a respective imaginary line (shown in dashed lines) that intersects with a horizontal plane H (which is defined by the centre lines L of the two carrier elements 3).

[0049] Also, according to another aspect of the second embodiment, when viewed in top view (see FIG. 5A), the two pivot axes 8a, 8b of each pair of nest parts extend along imaginary lines that intersect each other at a crossing point Q. The same is true for a pair of nest parts when viewed in front view (FIG. 5B). The crossing point Q can, for example, be located upstream and in front of the two respective nest parts 4a', 4b' (as viewed with respect to the egg drop / conveyance direction S). The crossing point Q can also be located at a vertical level below the pivots / pivot axes 8a, 8b themselves.

[0050] For example, good results can be achieved if, when viewed in top view, the pivot axes 8a, 8b of each nest portion 4a', 4b' can form an angle φ in the range of 20 to 70 degrees, in particular an angle φ in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, with respect to the centre line of its elongated carrier element 3' (i.e. extending along respective imaginary lines making an angle φ).

[0051] Similarly, good results can be achieved, for example, when viewed in side view, if the pivot axes 8a, 8b of each nest portion 4a', 4b' form an angle ρ1 in the range of 1 to 45 degrees, in particular an angle ρ1 in the range of 2 to 30 degrees, relative to the aforementioned horizontal plane H defined by the two parallel carrier elements 3 (i.e. if the pivot axes extend along respective imaginary lines forming an angle ρ1).

[0052] Similarly, good results can be achieved, for example, when viewed in front view (i.e. when viewed in the egg conveying direction S), if the pivot axes 8a, 8b of each nest part 4a', 4b' form an angle ρ2 in the range of 1 to 45 degrees, in particular an angle ρ in the range of 2 to 30 degrees, with respect to the aforementioned horizontal plane H defined by the two parallel carrier elements 3 (i.e. when the pivot axes extend along respective imaginary lines that form an angle ρ2).

[0053] In this way, depending on the pivoted state of the two respective nest parts 4a', 4b', the width of each of the egg-receiving nests N' can be locally varied, thereby improving the reception of the eggs and further reducing the possibility of bouncing of the received eggs E. In particular, according to aspects of the second embodiment, each pair of nest parts 4a', 4b' can provide a locally (and laterally) expanded egg-receiving nest (at the top of the nest) when they are in a first position relative to the two carrier elements, and the pair of nest parts provides a locally (and laterally, at the top of the nest) contracted egg-receiving nest when they are in a second position relative to the two carrier elements. Similarly, each pair of nest parts 4a', 4b' can provide a locally (laterally) contracted egg-receiving nest (at the lower part of the nest) when they are in a first position relative to the two carrier elements, and the pair of nest parts can provide a locally (and laterally, at the lower part of the nest) expanded egg-receiving nest when they are in a second position relative to the two carrier elements. More specifically, for example with reference to Figs. 5A, 5B, each pair of nest parts 4a', 4b' contact each other along at least a part of their opposing edges when they are in said first orientation. For example, when the two nest parts 4a', 4b' are in their initial pivot orientation relative to the parallel carriers 3 (also in their initial nest closed state), the lower parts of the two nest parts (parts located below the vertical level of the respective pivot axes 8a, 8b) can be in mechanical contact with each other or can be located close to each other (at a relatively short, initial intermediate distance). Also, when the two nest parts 4a', 4b' are in their initial pivot orientation relative to the parallel carrier 3 (also in their initial nest closed state), the upper parts of the two nest parts (the parts located above the vertical level of the respective pivot axes 8a, 8b) can be spaced apart from each other (by a relatively large distance).

[0054] 6A, 6B, due in particular to the orientation of the pivot axes 8a, 8b, the lower parts of the nest parts 4a', 4b' can be spaced apart (i.e. they are no longer in contact with each other) or can be further apart relative to their initial intermediate distance after the nest parts 4a', 4b' are rotated to their second orientation relative to the carrier 3. Similarly, the upper parts of the two nest parts 4a', 4b' (i.e. the parts located above the vertical level of the respective pivot axes 8a, 8b) can be moved towards each other relative to their initial relatively large intermediate distance after the nest parts reach their second positions.

[0055] As is also evident from the drawing, the upper edges of the two nest parts 4a', 4b' can remain near the upper side of the respective carrier element 3' when they are in the first and second orientations, so that the eggs can be well guided into the nest N and reach a relatively low vertical speed, which significantly reduces the chance of egg collisions (even when the egg feed speed is relatively high).

[0056] Figures 7 and 8 show the second embodiment in operation, as well as Figures 3 and 4. The operation of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, but with the additional advantage that, in addition to pivoting (relative to the two carriers 3) from an inclined orientation to a non-inclined or less inclined orientation, each egg-receiving nest N' contracts laterally locally (in particular at the top) while receiving an egg E. Similarly, the bottom of the nest N' can expand slightly laterally while receiving an egg E. In other words, the arrangement is such that the tops of each pair of nest parts 4a', 4b' move towards each other when the nest parts 4a', 4b' move from their first orientation (i.e. the upper position) to their second orientation (i.e. the lower position), and the bottoms of each pair of nest parts 4a', 4b' move preferably slightly away from each other (without yet rotating the carrier elements 3) when the nest parts 4a', 4b' move from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0057] Also, the configuration of the second embodiment allows the nest parts 4a', 4b' to only require a relatively short movement to adjust from their first orientation to their second orientation, so that subsequent nests can be placed closer to each other in the respective nest arrangement. Also, a relatively strong spring means 9' can be applied (i.e. to provide an adequate nest deceleration during egg reception, counteracting these short movements and returning the nest parts to their initial orientation). This structure is relatively insensitive to contamination and dirt, so that high reliability can be achieved with high system processing efficiency without damaging the eggs. Moreover, due to the orientation of the pivot axes 8a, 8b (particularly the inclined orientation, i.e. the orientation at an angle to both the horizontal and vertical planes), those pivot axes 8a, 8b are less susceptible to wear, such as wear that may be caused by eggs hitting the nest parts 4a', 4b' during the egg reception operation.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0059] For example, each of the connector structures 6', 7' may be configured in various ways, for example having U-shaped or L-shaped or differently shaped coupling arms pivotally joined by pivot axes 8a, 8b. The aforementioned spring means 9' may be attached or carried or integrated by or between these connector structures 6', 7' in various ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0060] Further, for example, the first connector structure 6, 6' (or coupling portion) may be integral with or joined, for example by welding or otherwise, to the respective nest portion 4a, 4b, 4a', 4b', and the first connector structure may be located, for example, at or near the vertical midpoint of the respective nest portion, although this is not required.

[0061] Further, for example, the second connector structures 7, 7' (or coupling portions) may be made integral with the respective carrier elements 3, 3' or joined thereto, for example by welding or in another manner, and the second connector structures 7, 7' may for example be located on or extend from various faces, for example the bottom or lower face or different faces, of the respective carrier elements.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the eggs E to be treated are non-live, dead, unfertilized poultry eggs.

[0063] Also, for example, each carrier element 3, 3' may include a planar horizontal upper support surface, for example to support any of their support members 11 when the respective nest portions 4a, 4b are in the second position, although this is not required.

Claims

1. 1. An egg transfer assembly comprising two elongated parallel carrier elements having an arrangement of nest parts, a pair of opposing nest parts defining an egg receiving nest therebetween, said carrier elements being rotatable in opposite directions (R1, R2) for opening and closing the egg receiving nest defined by the pair of nest parts, characterized in that each nest part is pivotally connected to a respective one of said rotatable carrier elements, in particular to provide an arrangement of rotatable egg receiving nests, preferably to provide an arrangement of at least locally expandable egg receiving nests, and in that the egg transfer assembly comprises pivot axes (8: 8a, 8b) for pivotally connecting the nest parts to the respective rotatable carrier elements.

2. 2. An egg transfer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two elongated parallel carrier elements are configured to be pivotally held by or pivotally coupled to respective frames (2) of a transport system (101), the carrier elements (3) being interconnected by an actuation mechanism (15) for cooperatively rotating the elements (3) in opposite directions (R1, R2) to simultaneously open and close the egg receiving nest, in particular wherein the rotation axis (L) of the carrier elements does not coincide with the pivot axes (8:8a, 8b) of the nest parts.

3. 3. The egg transfer assembly of claim 1, wherein each pair of nest sections is movable relative to the two elongated, parallel carrier elements from a first orientation for receiving eggs falling towards the pair of nest sections to a second orientation for transporting eggs received in the respective egg receiving nest, the first orientation being an orientation inclined with respect to a vertical plane, and the second orientation being either parallel to the vertical plane or less inclined than the first orientation.

4. 4. An egg transfer assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each pair of nest portions provides an at least locally contracted egg receiving nest when they are in a first position relative to the two carrier elements, e.g. by contacting each other along at least a part of their opposing edges, and each pair of nest portions provides an at least locally expanded egg receiving nest when they are in a second position relative to the two carrier elements, e.g. by being spaced apart.

5. 5. An egg transfer assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tops of each pair of nest portions move towards each other as the nest portions move from a first orientation to a second orientation relative to the two carrier elements, and wherein the bottoms of each pair of nest portions preferably move away from each other as the nest portions move from the first orientation to the second orientation relative to the two carrier elements.

6. 6. An egg transfer assembly according to any preceding claim including spring means for counteracting movement of the nest portion relative to the two carrier elements.

7. 7. An egg transfer assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the pivot axes connecting a nest portion to a respective rotatable carrier element extends parallel to a horizontal plane, the horizontal plane being defined by the centre lines of the two carrier elements.

8. 7. An egg transfer assembly as described in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the pivot axes connecting a nest portion to a respective rotatable carrier element extends along a respective imaginary line that intersects a horizontal plane, the horizontal plane being defined by the centerlines of the two carrier elements.

9. 9. An egg transfer assembly as claimed in at least claim 8, wherein, when viewed in top plan view, said two pivot axes of each pair of nests extend along imaginary lines that intersect with each other.

10. 10. An egg transfer assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, when viewed in top view, the pivot axis of each nest forms an angle in the range of 20 to 70 degrees, in particular an angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, with respect to a centre line of its elongate carrier element.

11. An egg transfer assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the pivot axis of each nest section forms an angle with respect to the horizontal plane in the range of 1 to 45 degrees, in particular an angle in the range of 2 to 30 degrees.

12. 12. An egg transfer assembly according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the nest section is connected to the carrier element via a non-horizontal pivot axis.

13. 13. An egg transfer assembly according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein each pivot axis connecting a nest section to a respective rotatable carrier element is inclined relative to both the horizontal and vertical planes.

14. 14. An egg transfer assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each nest portion has concave inner and outer surfaces and a first connector structure projecting outwardly from the outer surfaces for pivotably connecting the nest portion to a second connector structure of a respective elongate carrier element, in particular each first connector structure and each second connector structure being connected by a respective pivot axis.

15. 15. An egg transfer assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nest pivot axes (8) are located at a vertical level below the centre line (L) of each rotatable carrier element (3).

16. 16. An egg transfer assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the assembly is configured such that, during receipt of an egg, the pivotal movement of each pair of nest portions relative to the two respective carrier elements is subject to the influence of gravity and the kinetic energy of the egg.

17. 17. Part of an egg transport system, such as an egg grading system and / or an egg packaging system, comprising at least one row of egg transport assemblies according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. 18. An egg transfer system according to claim 17, comprising a support structure, e.g. a frame (2), for supporting the at least one row of egg transfer assemblies.

19. 19. An egg processing system comprising at least one egg supply conveyor for supplying eggs along a conveying direction S, and at least one egg transfer system as claimed in claim 17 or 18 for receiving eggs from the egg supply conveyor, wherein the elongated parallel carrier elements of the egg transfer system extend substantially parallel to the conveying direction of the egg supply conveyor.

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