Egg alignment apparatus and automatic egg processing system

Abstract

To provide an egg aligning device capable of aligning eggs in accordance with the size of the eggs and / or in accordance with a conveying speed and a dense state of the eggs with a configuration simpler than a conventional technique.SOLUTION: The egg alignment apparatus includes first and second endless conveyors that convey eggs, a random conveyance area that is an area where eggs are randomly conveyed, an alignment conveyance area that is an area where eggs are aligned and conveyed, a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion that can be changed from a linear state to a shape protruding in a V-shape toward the inside of the endless conveyors, each partition portion that allows a pivotally supported conveyance downstream portion to rotate and a conveyance upstream portion to move to the inside of the conveyor in response to the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion changing from a linear shape to a V-shape, and each passage portion formed by the first side wall portion, the second side wall portion, and each partition portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an egg alignment device and an automatic egg processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic dispensing device for substantially circular or oval articles such as eggs, which includes a guide member (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Allows the rod to be pushed upward gradually along the axis greater than 90° It is disclosed that the angle (α) is large. The egg aligning device of Patent Document 2 has a retaining section that retains the eggs while dispersing them in the width direction of the conveying section. and adjacent to the downstream side of the stopping section, and guide the eggs so that they are spaced evenly across the width of the conveying section. The egg maker is provided with a guide section and an aligning partition section that aligns the eggs at the same intervals as those guided by the guide section. The company discloses that: The distribution and alignment device of Patent Document 3 includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a third conveyor. The transport capacity Q1 of the first conveyor and the transport capacity Q3 of the third conveyor are respectively The transport capacity Q2 of the second conveyor is higher than the transport processing capacity Q4 of the processing equipment. The transport capacity of the second conveyor Q2 is set equal to the transport capacity of the distribution and alignment device for agricultural and livestock products. The second conveyor is configured to be a rate-limiting device. The force that restricts the movement of agricultural and livestock products is the force that restricts the movement of agricultural and livestock products. The force is set higher than the limiting force. The conveyance density information of the agricultural products on the third conveyor is detected by the conveyance density detecting means provided thereon. Based on this, the condition that the conveying capacity Q2 and the conveying processing capacity Q4 are equal is lifted, and the second conveyor The drive speed of the motor 2 is controlled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3853033 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-116624 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-19026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned patent documents, the density of eggs conveyed to the guide member (also called the aligning partition) is Various solutions have been proposed to avoid these problems (such as eggs rising).

[0005] The first object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement that is simpler than the prior art and that is adapted to the size of eggs; and / or to provide an egg arranging device that enables arranging eggs according to the conveying speed and the density of the eggs. do. The second purpose is to ensure that the eggs sent from the egg sorting device to downstream equipment (e.g., an automated egg processing system) are The egg arranging device and the downstream device (e.g., a self-adjusting device) can suppress (supply control) the excessive supply of eggs. We provide a moving egg processing system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The egg sorting device randomly supplies and transports eggs from upstream to downstream equipment (e.g., automatic egg processing equipment). This is a device that aligns and supplies parts to processing systems, transport conveyors, etc. The egg alignment device (1) is at least one endless conveyor (11, 12) for transporting eggs; In the at least one endless conveyor (11, 12), eggs are transported randomly. A random transport area (A) is an area where The at least one endless conveyor (11, 12) conveys eggs in an aligned manner. An alignment and conveyance area (B) is an area where The at least one endless conveyor (11, 12) is arranged as a side wall along the conveying direction thereof. and can be changed from a straight state to a shape that protrudes in a dogleg shape toward the inside of the endless conveyor. a first side wall portion (14) and a second side wall portion (15); In the alignment and conveyance area (B), the first side wall portion (14) and the second side wall portion (15) and arranged along the conveying direction of the endless conveyor (11, 12), The side wall portion (14) and the second side wall portion (15) change from a straight line to a dogleg shape, and the shaft The downstream part of the conveyor rotates, and the upstream part of the conveyor can move inside the conveyor (each (The distance between the tips must be adjustable to narrow the gap at a fixed distance.) Cutting section (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) and The first side wall portion (14), the second side wall portion (15), and at least two or more partition portions (21, At least three passages (31, 32, 33) formed by the passages (22, 23, 24, 25) , 34, 35, 36) and Equipped with. The angle θ formed by the dogleg may be, for example, from 150 degrees to less than 180 degrees. The number of the at least two partitions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) is odd. In this case, the partition (23) located in the middle may be configured not to move.

[0007] The at least two partitions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) are (supported by a shaft) ) from the downstream conveyance part (212, 222, 232, 242, 252) to the upstream conveyance part (211, 2 21, 231, 241, 251) to the center imaginary line (x1, x2, x3, x4, x5) From a parallel state, the center imaginary line (x1, x2, x3, x The extensions of the x4 and x5 may intersect with each other (x11 and x12). There may be multiple locations. There may be non-intersecting central imaginary lines. The adjacent downstream conveying portions (212, 222, 232, 242, 252) are rotatably supported. The interval (d1) between the positions where the lines are aligned may be the same. The adjacent central transport upstream sections (211, 221, 231, 241, 251) are in parallel. ) at the tip of the central imaginary line (x1, x2, x3, x4, x5) , d23, d24) may be the same. The distance between the first side wall portion (14) and the partition portion at the closest position and the distance between the second side wall portion (15) and the partition portion at the closest position are The distance between the partitions at the contact position is the distance (d1) or the distance (d21, d22, d23 , d24), or may be smaller or larger than them ( (The longitudinal width is substantially the same). When the slits are deformed into a dogleg shape, the adjacent central transport upstream parts (211, 221, 231, 241 , 251) at the tip of the central imaginary line (x1, x2, x3, x4, x5) (d31 , d32, d33, d34) may be the same or may become smaller toward the center. The intervals (d21, d22, d23, d24) may be greater than the interval (d1).

[0008] The upstream conveying portion (2) of the at least two partitioning portions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) The tip of each of the first side wall portion (14) and the second side wall portion (251) is The bending position (imaginary line a1) of the L-shaped portion (15) (first connecting portion 143, second connecting portion 153) ) may be located at the same (substantially the same) or downstream.

[0009] A first endless conveyor (11) on the upstream side and a second endless conveyor (12) on the downstream side are installed in series. 12) and form a part of each passage part. , 63, 64, 65, 66) may be provided. Each of the bridge plate-shaped portions corresponds to each of the passage portions. It may also be installed in a The crossover plate portions (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The gap (P) may be configured to be movable. Partitions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) are arranged between the partitions (64, 65, 66). Good too.

[0010] At the downstream conveyance portion of the at least two or more partition sections (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), A transfer guide (21a, 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a) for sending eggs to the subsequent device The transfer guide portion may correspond to the difference in height between the endless conveyor and the downstream device. Alternatively, the tray may be extended to guide the eggs at a position higher than the height of the partition.

[0011] In the endless conveyor (11, 12), the rear of the random transport area (A), The entrance of the alignment and conveyance area (B), the at least two partitions (21, 22, 23, 24 , 25) the tip of the upstream conveying portion or the upstream side of the tip, the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion Select from the upstream side of the L-shaped protrusion tip position (transport upstream side of the first and second connecting parts). At one or more positions selected, in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the conveying direction of the endless conveyor It is provided with a first detection unit (41a, 41b) for detecting whether or not an egg is present at a predetermined height. Good too.

[0012] In the endless conveyor (11, 12), the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion have a dogleg-shaped protrusion. Downstream of the tip position (downstream of the first and second connecting portions), in the alignment and conveyance area (B) outlet, downstream of the at least two partitions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) or on the upstream side of the tip, the at least two or more partitions (21, 22 , 23, 24, 25) or the upstream side of the upstream part of the conveyance At one or more positions where the conveyor is moved in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the conveying direction of the endless conveyor, The second detector (42a, 42b) detects whether an egg is present at a certain height. good.

[0013] The egg alignment device includes at least one endless conveyor (11, 12) driving the at least one endless conveyor. At least one drive unit (111, 121) and a control unit (50) that controls the at least one driving unit (111, 121); It may be possible. The control unit (50) detects the first detection unit (41a, 41b) and / or the second detection unit (41a, 41b). Depending on the detection result of (42a, 42b) (egg is detected at a predetermined height), the endless conveyor (1 The conveying speed (rotation speed) of 1, 12) may be controlled.

[0014] The first side wall portion (14) includes a first upstream wall portion (141) and a first downstream wall portion (142). and a first connecting portion (141) connecting the first upstream wall portion (141) and the first downstream wall portion (142). 43, and the pivot support 142a of the first downstream wall portion 142 and the first connecting portion 143 ) (based on the pivot support (143a)) may be bent in a dogleg shape. The second side wall portion (15) includes a second upstream wall portion (151) and a second downstream wall portion (152). and a second connecting portion (151) connecting the second upstream wall portion (151) and the second downstream wall portion (152). 53), and the second downstream wall portion (152) and the second connecting portion (15 3) It may have a structure that bends in a V-shape (based on the pivot support (153a)). When the first connecting portion (143) is in the V-shape, the first connecting portion (143) is in contact with the first upstream wall portion (141) and / or or a side wall surface (143b) (which may have a step) continuing from the first downstream side wall portion (142). It may be possible to do so. When the second connecting portion (153) is in the V-shape, the second connecting portion (153) is in contact with the second upstream wall portion (151) and / or or a side wall surface (153b) (which may have a step) continuing from the second downstream side wall portion (152). It may be possible to do so. The longitudinal length of the first upstream wall portion (141) is the same as that of the second upstream wall portion (151). and the longitudinal length of the first downstream wall portion (142) and the longitudinal length of the second downstream wall portion (152) are may be the same. The longitudinal length (L1) of the first upstream wall portion (141) is The longitudinal length (L2) may be the same, shorter, or longer. The longitudinal length of the second upstream wall portion (151) is equal to that of the second downstream wall portion (152). It can be the same, shorter, or longer. The length (L1) of the first downstream wall portion (142) in the longitudinal direction is 24, 25) may be the same or shorter. The partitions may all have the same length in the longitudinal direction, or may have different lengths. The longitudinal length of the portion may be longer on the tip side toward the upstream side than on both sides.

[0015] The angle θ1 of the side wall surface 141b of the first upstream wall portion 141 with respect to the conveying direction and the the angle θ2 of the side wall surface 142b of the first downstream wall portion 142 with respect to the direction, and the angle θ Adding this together gives us 180 degrees. The angle θ1 of the side wall surface 151b of the second upstream wall portion 151 with respect to the conveying direction and the the angle θ2 of the side wall surface 152b of the second downstream wall portion 152 with respect to the direction, and the angle θ Adding this together gives us 180 degrees. θ1 and θ2 may be the same, or either may be larger.

[0016] (variable actuator) The egg alignment device (1) is The first side wall portion (14) and the second side wall portion (15) are moved from a straight state toward the inside of the endless conveyor. First and second variable actuators (71, 72) for varying the shape of the protruding arm The first and second variable actuators (71, 72) may be The structure may include a link mechanism such as a mechanism. The first variable actuator (71) has a first end (711a) connected to the first frame (14). 0) in the longitudinal direction (transport direction), and the second end (71 1b) is fixed (rotatably fixed about a vertical axis) to the first downstream wall portion (142). A support member (711) and a first end (712a) thereof are fixed to the first frame (140). The second end portion (712b) of the first main support member (71b) is located at the intermediate portion (approximately the intermediate portion) of the first main support member (71b). and a first secondary support member (712) fixed to the The second variable actuator (72) has a first end (721a) connected to the second frame (15 0) in the longitudinal direction (transport direction) by a predetermined distance, and its second end ( 721b) is fixed to the second downstream wall portion (152) (fixed rotatably about a vertical axis). Two main support members (721) and a first end (722a) thereof are attached to the second frame (150). The second end (722b) of the second main support member (721) is fixed to the intermediate portion (approximately the intermediate portion) of the second main support member (721). and a second sub-support member (722) fixed to the support member (722). The first and second sub-support members (712, 722) have their respective first ends (712a, 722a) fixed. The first and second main support members (711, 712) are attached to the first end (711a, 712a) of each of the first and second main support members (711, 712). When the first end portions (712a, 722a) slide a predetermined distance toward the first endless conveyor, and each second end (712b, 722b) serves as a movement restricting member, and the first and second main support members ( The second ends (711b, 721b) of the respective plates (711, 712) move toward the inside of the conveyor. As a result, the first side wall portion (14) and the second side wall portion (15) move from a straight state toward the inside of the endless conveyor. It has a U-shaped protruding shape.

[0017] The egg alignment device (1) is The first side wall portion (14) and the second side wall portion (15) are arranged in a straight line to form a dogleg shape. In response to this, the downstream transport part that is supported by the shaft rotates, and the upstream transport part moves inside the transport conveyor. and a third variable actuator (80) for moving the actuator toward the side. The third variable actuator (80) is connected to the first and second variable actuators (71, 72). They may be configured to operate together or may be separate components. The third variable actuator (80) The upstream ends (211, 221, 231, 241, 251)) and the pitch blocks for partitions (s1, s2, s3) , s4, s5) and A cross-plate-shaped portion connected to each of the cross-plate-shaped portions (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66) Partial pitch blocks (81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86) and The through holes of the partition pitch blocks (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5) and the holes at the ends other than The pitch blocks (82, 83, 84, 85) for the crossover plate portions pass through the through holes and The pitch blocks (81, 86) for the crossover plate at the end have screw holes (one of which is right-hand threaded (89 a) and a pitch adjuster (89) whose other end is threaded with a left-hand thread (89b); Pitch blocks for each partition section (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5) and pitch blocks for each crossover section The pitch adjuster (89) of the pitch block (81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86) a connecting portion (pantograph 88) that connects the slides so that the slides move along the same pitch; The device may also include: Partition pitch When the number of blocks (i.e., the number of partitions) is odd, the center partition pitch The pitch block (s3) is fixed so as not to slide relative to the pitch adjuster (89). It may be fixed to.

[0018] The first, second and third variable actuators may be connected to other mechanisms, for example, linear slide guides. mechanism, rack and pinion mechanism, ball screw, linear cylinder actuator (hydraulic, The pressure sensor may be configured to have one or more of the following: The first side wall portion does not have the variable actuator, and the fixing positions of the respective members are changed. (14) and the second side wall portion (15) are moved from a straight state toward the inside of the endless conveyor in a V-shape. variable in shape to project, and / or The partition is rotated by rotating the downstream conveying portion supported by a shaft, and the upstream conveying portion is positioned inside the conveyor. It may also be movable.

[0019] The partition section may have a triangular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The cross section of the downstream conveyance portion may be larger than the triangular cross section of the upstream conveyance portion. The size of the triangular cross section gradually increases (proportional increase, stepwise increase) from the upstream side of the conveying upstream part to the downstream side ) may also be used. The tip of the upstream conveying section may be rounded and made of an elastic material or may be coated. stomach.

[0020] The egg alignment device (1) is Eggs randomly supplied and transported from upstream are fed to downstream equipment (e.g., automatic egg processing system, transport system). An egg aligning device that aligns and supplies eggs to a feed conveyor, at least one endless conveyor for transporting eggs; A plurality of egg passages formed by a plurality of partitions arranged parallel to the conveying direction of the endless conveyor. The egg conveying device has an egg passage and an aligning section that passes the eggs through the egg passage and conveys them in an aligned manner. The center of gravity (G1) of the eggs transported by the endless conveyor is the roller conveyor of the downstream device. (90) The conveying surface of the endless conveyor is positioned lower than the center of gravity (G2) of the eggs on the conveyor. By positioning the device in this position, it is possible to prevent an excessive supply of eggs to the device in the subsequent stage. The height (H1) of the conveying surface (101) of the endless conveyor is The height (H3) of the conveying position (901) may be higher. From the height (H1), the height position (H2) at which eggs are transferred from the endless conveyor to the front and rear rollers is It can be the same or lower. (If it is lower, the distance from the bottom of the egg on the conveying surface of the endless conveyor to the center of gravity of the egg.) (It may be smaller than the vertical distance to (G1).)

[0021] The automatic egg processing system (9) An automatic egg processing system in which eggs are aligned and supplied from an egg alignment device upstream of the conveyance. , It has a roller conveyor (90) for transporting eggs. The center of gravity (G2) of the eggs on the roller conveyor (90) of the automatic egg processing system is The position is higher than the center of gravity (G1) of the eggs transported by the endless conveyor (11, 12) of the row device (1). The conveying position (901) of the roller conveyor (90) of the automatic egg processing system is set to By positioning the automatic egg processing system, an excessive supply of eggs is prevented. The height (H3) of the conveying position of the roller conveyor (90) is equal to the conveying surface (1 The height (H1) of the endless conveyor (11, 12) may be higher than the height (H1) of the The height position (H2) at which eggs are transferred between the rollers is the same as the height (H1) of the conveying surface (101) of the endless conveyor. ) may be equal to or lower.

[0022] The endless conveyors (11, 12) are The rotating body (endless belt), At least two rolls (e.g., belt pulleys) that tension the rotating body; At least one of the rolls is a drive roll (the rest are passive rolls that rotate freely). ), and a drive unit (111, 121) (for example, a motor) that rotates the drive roll. ) and The drive (e.g., positioning motor) may be adjusted depending on, for example, egg size and / or egg density. The conveying speed (rotation speed) may be controlled depending on the collection state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1A] 1 shows an example of a plan view of the egg alignment device (first and second side wall portions and each partition portion in a parallel state). FIG. [Figure 1B]1 shows an example of a plan view of the egg alignment device (moving states of the first and second side walls and each partition). FIG. [Figure 1C] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the parallel state of the first and second side wall portions and the partition portions. [Figure 1D] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement of the first and second side walls and the partitions. [Figure 1E] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of the structure of a variable actuator. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of a side view of an egg alignment device and an automated egg processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] (Egg alignment device) Figure 1A shows a plan view of the egg alignment device (the first and second side walls and the partitions are parallel). FIG. 1B shows a plan view of the egg alignment device (the first and second side walls and the moving state of each partition). 1D shows the parallel state of the first and second side walls and the partitions. Fig. 1E shows an example of the structure of a variable actuator.

[0025] The six-row egg arranging device 1 includes a first endless conveyor 11 and a second endless conveyor 12 for transporting eggs. , , the first side wall portion 14, the second side wall portion 15, and the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth partition portions 21, 2 2, 23, 24, and 25. In the first endless conveyor 11, a random conveying area is an area where eggs are randomly conveyed. The area A is an area where the eggs are aligned and transported in the second endless conveyor 12. A transfer area B is formed. The first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion 15 are arranged in the conveying direction of the first and second endless conveyors 11 and 12. These are arranged as side walls along the endless conveyor. It can be changed to a shape that protrudes in the shape of a letter. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth partitions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are aligned and conveyed areas. At B, the conveying direction of the second endless conveyor 12 is between the first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion 15. Each partition is arranged along the direction of the first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion 15. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth partitions 21, 22, 23, The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth downstream conveying sections 212, 222, and 23 of the respective conveying sections 24 and 25 2, 242, and 252, and rotates around the respective shaft supports, and the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth partition portions 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, respectively, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth upstream conveying portions 211 , 221, 231, 241, 251 move to the inside of the conveyor. In this embodiment, the center The third partition portion 23 disposed in the second position is configured not to move. The first side wall portion 14, the second side wall portion 15, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth partition portions 2 1, 22, 23, 24, 25 form the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth passage portions 3 1, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 are formed. The angle θ formed by the dogleg shown in FIG. 1B is, for example, 150 degrees to 180 degrees. It may be full.

[0026] The dogleg deformation will now be described. The first side wall portion 14 includes a first upstream wall portion 141, a first downstream wall portion 142, and a first upstream wall portion 143. The first downstream wall portion 142 has a first connecting portion 143 that connects the first downstream wall portion 141 and the first downstream wall portion 142. The first connecting portion 143 is bent in a dogleg shape with the pivot 142a of the first connecting portion 142 and the pivot 143a of the first connecting portion 143 as the reference. It is a structure. The second side wall portion 15 includes a second upstream wall portion 151, a second downstream wall portion 152, and a second upstream wall portion 153. The second downstream wall portion 152 is connected to the second downstream wall portion 151 through a second connecting portion 153. The wall portion 152 is folded in a dogleg shape with the support 152a of the wall portion 152 and the support 153a of the second connecting portion 153 as the reference. It is a structure that can be used. When the first connecting portion 143 is in the dogleg shape, the first connecting portion 143 is in contact with the first upstream wall portion 141 and / or the first The downstream wall portion 142 is connected to the side wall surface 143b. The portion 153 is continuous with the second upstream wall portion 151 and / or the second downstream wall portion 152, and the side wall surface 1 Form 53b. In this embodiment, the length L1 of the first upstream wall portion 141 is longer than the length L1 of the first downstream wall portion 14 2 has a longer length L2 in the longitudinal direction, but is not limited to this. The angle θ1 of the side wall surface 141b of the first upstream wall portion 141 with respect to the conveying direction, The angle θ2 of the side wall surface 142b of the first downstream wall portion 142 is added to the angle θ to obtain 180 degrees. become. The angle θ1 of the side wall surface 151b of the second upstream wall portion 151 with respect to the conveying direction and The angle θ2 of the side wall surface 152b of the second downstream side wall portion 152 is added to the angle θ, and the result is 18 It becomes 0 degrees.

[0027] The imaginary lines of each partition will be described with reference to FIGS. 1C and 1D. The partitions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are downstream conveying sections 212, 222, 232, and 2 42, 252 to each of the upstream conveying portions 211, 221, 231, 241, 251 When imaginary lines x1, x2, x3, x4, and x5 change from being parallel to each other to a dogleg shape, The extensions of each of the center imaginary lines x1, x2, x3, x4, and x5 toward the upstream side of the endless conveyor are Intersection x11, x12. Intersection x11 is the intersection of the center imaginary lines x2, x3, and x4, and intersection x 12 is where the central imaginary lines x1, x3, and x5 intersect. The adjacent downstream conveying portions 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 are rotatably supported. The distance d1 between the positions where the central upstream conveying sections 211 and 212 are parallel to each other is the same. Center imaginary lines x1, x2, x3, x4, x5 at the tips of 21, 231, 241, and 251 The distances d21, d22, d23, and d24 between the first side wall portion 14 and the closest position are the same. The distance between the first partition portion 21 and the distance between the second side wall portion 15 and the fifth partition portion 25 at the closest position are as follows: The distance d1 or the distances d21, d22, d23, and d24 are approximately the same as each passage portion. The longitudinal width of 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 is wide enough to carry one egg in series. is substantially the same as When the deflection is made in a dogleg shape, the adjacent central conveying upstream portions 211, 221, 231, 241, Distances d31 and d32 between the center imaginary lines x1, x2, x3, x4, and x5 at the tip of 251 , d33, and d34 are substantially the same as the intervals at which one egg can be transported in series.

[0028] In this embodiment, the upstream conveying portions 211 and 22 of the partitioning portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are The tips of the first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion 15 are formed in a dogleg shape (the first The first connecting portion 143 and the second connecting portion 153 are located downstream of the bending position, but are not restricted by this. However, they may extend to the same (substantially the same) position.

[0029] A first endless conveyor 11 on the upstream side and a second endless conveyor 12 on the downstream side are installed in series. The first, second, third and fourth passages are formed so as to cover the gap P (see FIG. 2) and form a part of each passage. , fifth and sixth crossover plate-shaped portions 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 are provided. The plate-shaped portions are provided corresponding to the passage portions. 66 is configured to move the gap P in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. Partitions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are arranged between 1, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66. It will be placed.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the conveying sections of the partitions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are The flow section (212, 222, 232, 242, 252) has a passage for sending eggs to the downstream device. Guide sections 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a, and 25a are provided. To accommodate the difference in height between the end conveyor and the equipment at the rear, eggs are placed at a position higher than the height of each partition. It is extended to provide guidance.

[0031] The first detection units 41a and 41b detect the random transport area A of the first endless conveyor 11. The rear stage or the first and second connecting portions 143 and 153 are slightly upstream (for example, 0.1 cm to 10 cm), at a predetermined height (for example, If the height of one egg in the transport state is 1, the height of the egg is 1.1 times or more. Detect. The second detection units 42a and 42b detect the random transport area A of the second endless conveyor 12. The rear stage or the first and second connecting portions 143, 153 are slightly downstream (for example, 0.1 cm to 10 cm), and at a predetermined height position (for example, If the height of one egg in the current state is 1, it is possible to detect whether there is an egg at a height of 1.1 times or more. do. In this embodiment, the first and second detection units 41a, 41b, 42a, and 42b are reflective sensors. , a photoelectric sensor, a line sensor capable of measuring height levels, an imaging unit and processing the image The method may be configured as a means.

[0032] The egg alignment device 1 includes first and second drive units 11 and 12 that drive the first and second endless conveyors 11 and 12. 1 and 121, and a control unit 50 that controls the driving units 111 and 121. The control unit 50 controls the first detection units 41a, 41b and / or the second detection units 42a, 42b. Depending on the detection result (eggs are detected at a predetermined height), the first and second endless conveyors 11 and 12 are moved. Control the feed speed (rotation speed). The control unit 50 includes a dedicated circuit, firmware, memory for storing instruction codes, and a processor. The egg alignment device 1 may be configured with an upstream and downstream A control device that controls both the above devices in an integrated manner may also be used.

[0033] (variable actuator) The egg alignment device 1 moves the first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion 15 from a straight state to the inside of the endless conveyor. The first and second variable actuators 71, 7 In this embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the first variable actuator 71 has its first The one end 711a slides a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction (transport direction) of the first frame 140. The second end 711b is fixed to the first downstream wall portion 142 (and is rotatable about a vertical axis). a first main support member 711 (fixed to the frame 1) and a first end 712a of the first main support member 711 40, and the second end 712b is fixed to the middle part (approximately the middle part) of the first main support member 71b. and a first sub-support member 712 to which the support member is fixed. The second variable actuator 72 has a first end 721a extending in the longitudinal direction of the second frame 150. The second end 721b is provided so as to be slidable by a predetermined distance in the conveying direction. a second main support member 721 fixed to the downstream wall portion 152 (fixed so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis); , its first end 722a is fixed to the second frame 150, and its second end 722b is a second auxiliary support member 722 fixed to the intermediate portion (approximately the intermediate portion) of the second main support member 721; do. The first end 712a of the first auxiliary support member 712 is fixed, and the first main support member 711 When the first end 711a slides a predetermined distance toward the first endless conveyor 11, the first end 71 2a and the second end 712b of the first main support member 711 serve as movement restricting members. As a result, the first side wall portion 14 moves from a straight state to an endless conveyor. A) It has a shape that protrudes inward in a L-shape. Similarly, the first end 722a of the second sub-support member 722 is fixed, and the second main support member When the first end 721a of the first endless conveyor 11 slides a predetermined distance toward the first endless conveyor 11, The end 722a and the second end 722b act as movement restricting members, and the first end 722a of the second main support member 721 As a result, the second side wall portion 15 is moved from the straight state to the free state. The end of the conveyor has a shape that protrudes in a dogleg shape toward the inside.

[0034] The egg arranging device 1 has a first side wall 14 and a second side wall 15 that are linearly spaced from each other. The downstream conveyor part, which is supported by a shaft, rotates in response to the shape of the conveyor. A third variable actuator 80 is provided, which can move inward. FIG. 1E(a) shows the variable actuator that determines the state of the crossing plate and the partition when the crossing plate is in a straight line. Figure 1E(b) shows the state of the bridge plate and partition when the actuator is in a dogleg shape. 4 shows a variable actuator that defines The third variable actuator 80 is connected to the upstream end 2 of the partitions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. Partition pitch blocks that can be connected to 11, 221, 231, 241, and 251 s1, s2, s3, s4, s5 and the connecting plate portions 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66. and pitch blocks 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86 for the crossing plate portion connected to the respective blocks. , through holes of partition pitch blocks s1, s2, s3, s4, s5 and crossover plates other than those at both ends The pitch blocks 82, 83, 84, and 85 for the crossover plate portions are passed through the through holes of the pitch blocks 82, 83, 84, and 85 for the crossover plate portions at both ends. The pitch adjuster 89 is screwed into the screw holes of the pitch blocks 81 and 86, and the pitch adjuster 89 is screwed into the screw holes of the pitch blocks 81 and 86. pitch blocks s1, s2, s3, s4, s5 and pitch blocks 81 for each crossover plate portion, The slide movement along the pitch adjuster 89 of 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86 is the same pitch. and a pantograph 88 that couples the two wheels so that the two wheels are connected in this order. The pitch adjuster 89 has one end with a right-hand thread 89a and the other end with a left-hand thread 89b. 9b, and the pitch block 81 for the crossover plate is The pitch block 86 for the transition plate portion has a left-hand screw hole. In this embodiment, the number of partition pitch blocks (i.e., the number of partitions) is odd, and the central The partition pitch block s3 should not slide along the pitch adjuster 89. The partition pitch blocks s1, s2, s3, s4, and s5 are fixed in place. Partitions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are connected via members s11, s21, s31, s41, and s51. 25. The pitch blocks for the crossing plate 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 8 6 is connected to the crossover plate portion 6 via intermediate members 811, 821, 831, 841, 851, and 861. It is connected to 1, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66. The pitch adjustment of the pitch block for the crossing plate and the pitch block for the partition The width parallel to the star 89 is the same, and the mechanism of the pantograph 88 and the pitch adjuster The reverse thread structure at both ends of the sta 89 allows each pitch block to have the same pitch (interval) It has a structure that expands and contracts at intervals.

[0035] A manual handle (not shown) or a motor (not shown) for rotating the pitch adjuster 89 is By rotating the pitch block 81, the pitch block 81 for the crossover plate portion slides. The switch block 86 slides in the opposite direction, and the pan tag moves in conjunction with these slides. The rough 88 will be deployed and other pitch blocks will also slide. The roller can drive and control the motor.

[0036] (Another embodiment) The first and second variable actuators 71, 72 are connected to the first upstream wall portion 141 and / or the second upstream wall portion 142. It has a pusher (for example, an air cylinder) that pushes the downstream side wall portion 142 inward. The first side wall portion 14 is pushed out by the pusher and moves from a straight state toward the inside of the endless conveyor. By returning the pusher to its original position, the first side wall portion Change 14 from a curved shape to a straight line. The first and second variable actuators 71, 72 are connected to the second upstream wall portion 151 and / or the second upstream wall portion 152. The second downstream wall portion 152 has a pusher (for example, an air cylinder) that pushes it inward. The second side wall portion 15 is pushed out by the pusher and moves from a straight state toward the inside of the endless conveyor. By returning the pusher to its original position, the second side wall portion 1 Change 5 from a curved shape to a straight line.

[0037] The third variable actuator 80 is provided so as to be movable on the guide rail. The first downstream wall portion 142, the second downstream wall portion 152, the partition portions 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, at an arbitrary position on the upstream side of the conveyance, The sliders are connected to each other, and stoppers are provided at the original position and the stop position of each slider. Equipped with. The guide rail, slider and stopper are located in the gap between the first and second endless conveyors 11 and 12. The first downstream wall portion is connected to the slider along the guide rail. 142, the second downstream wall portion 152, the upstream conveying portions of the partition portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 At any position, each of the crossover plate-shaped portions 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 is located inside the endless conveyor. The first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion 15 are moved and stopped at a predetermined position by a stopper. The third partition portion 23 disposed in the middle between the first and second partition portions 21 and 22 is fixed so as not to move.

[0038] Yet another third variable actuator 80 includes a handle portion or motor and the handle A screw shaft connected to the handle or motor, which rotates with the rotation of the handle or motor. and a plurality of nuts that move linearly relative to the rotation of the screw shaft. good. The plurality of nuts are connected to the first downstream wall portion 142, the second downstream wall portion 152, and the partition portions 21 and 22. , 23, 24, 25, any position in the upstream conveying portion, each of the crossover plate-shaped portions 61, 62, 63, 64, Nuts for the downstream wall portions, nuts for the partition portions, nuts for the crossing plate portions, which are connected to 65 and 66, The screw shaft and the nut are provided below the gap between the first and second endless conveyors. can be done. The screw shaft may be provided with right-handed and left-handed screw grooves with the center position as the boundary. For example, in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, Nuts for the partitions 21 and 22 located on the one side wall 14 side and the first downstream side wall 142 are provided. The first screw shaft is connected to the second side wall portion 15 in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. a second screw shaft on which a nut for the second downstream wall portion 152 is provided; It's fine. By manually turning the handle or by rotating the motor, the screw shaft rotates and each nut The nuts move linearly and each nut stops at a predetermined stopping position (it can also be stopped by a stopper). The first side wall portion 14 and the second side wall portion 15 are configured to change from a straight state to a dogleg shape toward the inside of the endless conveyor. In addition, the partitions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 fixed to the partition nuts are The downstream conveying portions 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 are supported by a shaft and rotate. The flow sections 211, 221, 231, 241, and 251 move to the inside of the conveyor. The third partition 23, which is disposed in the middle between the first side wall 14 and the second side wall 15, is fixed. are.

[0039] (Interlocking of automatic egg processing system and egg sorting device) FIG. 2 shows a side view of the egg alignment device 1 and the automatic egg processing system 9. The egg sorting device 1 sorts eggs randomly supplied and transported from upstream to a downstream device (for example, an automatic egg sorting device). This is an egg alignment device that aligns and supplies eggs to the processing system (transport conveyor). The egg alignment device 1 includes first and second endless conveyors 11 and 12 for transporting eggs, A plurality of egg passages formed by a plurality of partitions arranged parallel to the conveying direction of the endless conveyor. and an aligning section (alignment and conveying area B) that passes eggs through the egg passage and conveys them in an aligned manner. . The center of gravity G1 of the eggs being transported by the endless conveyor is the center of gravity G1 of the eggs on the roller conveyor 90 of the downstream device. By positioning the conveying surface 101 of the endless conveyor so that it is lower than the center of gravity G2, To prevent excessive supply of eggs to a downstream device. From the height H1 of the conveying surface 101 of the endless conveyor, the conveying position 901 of the roller conveyor 90 Height H3 is higher. The height H1 of the conveying surface of the endless conveyor is higher than the height H2 of the conveying surface of the endless conveyor. The height H2 at which the eggs are passed between the rollers is low. The automatic egg processing device 9 is an automatic device in which eggs are aligned and supplied from the egg alignment device 1 upstream of the conveyance. An egg processing system. The automatic egg processing system 9 includes a roller conveyor 90 for transporting eggs. At 90, a recess (not shown) is formed between the front and rear rollers in which the eggs are placed. The center of gravity G2 of the eggs on the roller conveyor 90 of the automatic egg processing system 9 is The position of the center of gravity G1 of the eggs transported by the second endless conveyors 11 and 12 is automatically set to be higher than the center of gravity G1 of the eggs transported by the second endless conveyors 11 and 12. By positioning the conveying position 901 of the roller conveyor 90 of the automatic egg processing system, This prevents an excessive supply of eggs to the processing system 9. The height H3 of the conveying position of the roller conveyor 90 is the height of the conveying surface 10 of the second endless conveyor 12. The height at which eggs are delivered from the second endless conveyor 12 to the front and rear rollers may be higher than the height H1. H2 is lower than the height H1 of the conveying surface 101 of the endless conveyor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 Egg alignment device 11 First endless conveyor 12 Second endless conveyor 14 First side wall part 15 Second side wall part 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Partitions 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a Crossing guide area 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Passage section 41a, 41b First detection unit 42a, 42b Second detection unit 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 Gangway plate 50 control section 71 First variable actuator 72 Second variable actuator 80 Third variable actuator

Claims

1. A method of transferring eggs from an endless conveyor of an egg aligning device that aligns and supplies eggs randomly supplied and conveyed from upstream to a roller conveyor of a downstream device, comprising: This conveying method prevents eggs having a diameter smaller than the center-to-center spacing of the rollers of the roller conveyor but larger than the diameter of the rollers, by positioning the center of gravity (G1) of the eggs conveyed by the endless conveyor on the conveying surface of the endless conveyor so that it is lower than the center of gravity (G2) of the eggs on the roller conveyor, thereby preventing excessive supply of eggs to the downstream device.

2. A method for designing a conveying device equipped with an endless belt and a roller conveyor, which aligns and supplies eggs randomly supplied and transported from upstream to a downstream device, and transfers the eggs from the endless conveyor of the egg aligning device to the roller conveyor of the downstream device, comprising: A method for designing a conveying device that prevents eggs from being excessively supplied to the downstream device by positioning the center of gravity (G1) of the eggs conveyed by the endless conveyor on the conveying surface of the endless conveyor so that the center of gravity (G2) of the eggs on the roller conveyor is lower than the center of gravity (G2) of the eggs on the roller conveyor, for eggs with a diameter smaller than the center-to-center spacing of the rollers of the roller conveyor but larger than the diameter of the rollers.

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