Redistribution device

Abstract

This provides a redistribution device with a configuration different from conventional technology, and that is simpler and easier to use than conventional technology. [Solution] The first multi-row conveyor 1 includes a horizontal conveying section 111 for horizontally conveying eggs, an inclined conveying section 112 that is inclined diagonally upward from the horizontal section 111, a first opening 1121 provided in the upstream part of the inclined conveying section 112, an opening / closing guide 1122 that moves on the exit side of the first opening to control the release of eggs from the opening of the first opening, and a second opening 1123 provided in the downstream part of the inclined conveying section. The first transfer unit 3 includes a first intermediate conveyor 31 that receives and transports one row of eggs released from the first opening 1121, a first synchronous transfer unit 32 that receives one row of eggs from the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them to a first single-row conveyor 2a perpendicular to the first intermediate conveyor 31, a second intermediate conveyor 34 that receives and transports one row of eggs released from the second opening 1123, and a second synchronous transfer unit 35 that receives one row of eggs from the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them to a second single-row conveyor 2b perpendicular to the second intermediate conveyor 34.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a transfer and distribution device for chicken eggs.

Background Art

[0002] In order to process a large number of chicken eggs, it is effective to increase the conveyance speed of the eggs and increase the number of columns to be processed simultaneously. However, if the speed is increased, the impact on the eggs becomes large, and if the number of columns is increased, the installation area and the number of inspection devices increase, resulting in higher costs. Therefore, it is appropriate to increase the conveyance speed without increasing the number of columns in the upstream processes (egg washing, drying, inspection, etc.) with a slow conveyance speed, and increase the number of columns in the downstream processes (distribution section) with a fast conveyance speed. Various transfer devices have been disclosed so far, such as Patent Documents 1 to 6, but there is a demand for a simpler and easier-to-handle transfer and distribution device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a device for transferring eggs from a multi-column conveyor to another multi-column conveyor. The transfer device of Patent Document 2 discloses a first conveyor and a second conveyor in a direction orthogonal to the first conveyor. Patent Document 3 discloses a first conveyor having at least a single transport row composed of egg carriers in the forward transport direction T, and a second conveyor having at least a single transport row composed of egg carriers in the direction P. This second conveyor is arranged below the first conveyor in the direction P and intersects the first conveyor thereby. In such a device, the carrier of the first conveyor is movable in the direction P at least during the above delivery.

[0004] Patent Document 4 discloses a transfer device that includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an array of egg holders. The array includes at least one row of egg holders, each row having a number of egg holders corresponding to the number of lanes of the first conveyor, and the array further includes a number of rows corresponding to the number of lanes of the second conveyor.

[0005] The egg transfer device of Patent Document 5 includes an acceleration means for biasing each row of storage containers on an endless conveyor in the same direction as the conveying direction of the next conveyor to bring it closer to the conveying speed of the next conveyor when each row of storage containers on an endless conveyor arrives on the next conveyor, and a release means for releasing the eggs contained in the storage seats of the storage containers onto the storage seats of the next conveyor when the speed at which the storage containers move in the biasing direction is substantially synchronized with the conveying speed of the next conveyor by the acceleration means.

[0006] The transfer unit of the egg transport device described in Patent Document 6 includes a pitch conversion unit that receives n eggs, corresponding to one row of eggs arranged in n columns, from a first transport unit at a first pitch and converts the first pitch to a second pitch that is narrower, and a speed synchronization unit that receives n eggs from the pitch conversion unit at a second pitch and passes the n eggs to the second transport unit while synchronizing them in the row direction. The pitch conversion unit includes n first egg containers that receive eggs in a one-to-one relationship with the n eggs, and the n first egg containers repeatedly move back and forth between a first position that receives eggs at the first pitch and a second position that passes the eggs to the speed synchronization unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-153160 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-212025 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2014-520375 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2018-507150 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 5063241 [Patent Document 6] Patent No. 6106349 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a redistribution device with a configuration different from the prior art, and that is simpler and easier to use than the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The redistribution devices (A1, A2, A3) of this disclosure are: The system comprises a multi-row conveyor (1) that transports eggs (E) in multiple rows (for example, 4 to 12 rows) in the X direction (transporting them with the blunt and sharp ends aligned), and at least one single-row conveyor (2) that transports eggs in a single row in the Y direction perpendicular to the multi-row conveyor (1), with transfer sections (3, 4, 7) that receive eggs row by row (sent sequentially from multiple rows) from the multi-row conveyor (1) and transfer them to one or more of the single-row conveyors (2). The number of eggs transferred from a multi-row conveyor to a single-row conveyor does not necessarily have to match the total number of rows, depending on the timing of the transfer; fewer eggs than the number of rows may be transferred.

[0010] The transport device (A) of this disclosure is A multi-row conveyor (1) that transports eggs in multiple rows (for example, 4 to 12 rows) in the X direction (transporting them with the blunt and sharp ends aligned), At least one single-row conveyor (2) that transports eggs in a single row in the Y direction perpendicular to the multi-row conveyor (1), The system may also include the aforementioned transfer and distribution devices (A1, A2, A3).

[0011] The aforementioned multi-row conveyor (1) is, It has multiple row compartments that divide multiple rows, and multiple transport bars (14) that move eggs along the transport direction, The system may also include a conveyor bar drive unit (15) that drives the conveyor bar (14). The row section may include egg guides for dividing the rows, or rails or concave grooves to restrict the movement trajectory of the eggs. The conveyor bar (14) is attached to the conveyor chain (151) and is driven by the conveyor bar drive unit (15) via a sprocket or the like.

[0012] The aforementioned single-row conveyor (2) is, A cup section (21) for holding one egg, Multiple cup portions (21) are arranged in a single row, and a cup drive unit is provided that is movable in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, It may also be equipped with. The single-row conveyor (2) is preferable from the viewpoint of conveying volume per unit time to be configured by arranging two or more single-row conveyors, with the number of rows being smaller than that of the multi-row conveyor. While increasing the number of single-row conveyors can increase processing capacity without increasing the speed of the single-row conveyors, this also necessitates an increase in the number of receiving mechanisms and packaging devices for sorted eggs located downstream. Therefore, it is desirable to keep the number of single-row conveyors smaller than the number of rows in multi-row conveyors.

[0013] The first multi-row conveyor (1) of the first transfer and distribution device (A1) is, A horizontal conveying unit (111) for horizontally transporting eggs, The horizontal section (111) is inclined upward at an angle (for example, from 10 to 80 degrees from the horizontal) toward the conveying direction, and the inclined conveying section (112) is inclined upward at an angle toward the conveying direction, A first opening (1121) is provided in the upstream part of the inclined conveying section (112) (for example, near the incline rises), On the exit side of the first opening (1121), there is an opening / closing guide (1122) that moves to control the release of eggs from the opening of the first opening (1121), A second opening (1123) is provided in the downstream portion of the inclined conveying section (112), It may also be equipped with.

[0014] The first transfer unit (3) of the first transfer distribution device (A1) is, A first intermediate conveyor (31) receives and transports one row of eggs (sent from multiple rows) released from the first opening (1121) of the multi-row conveyor (1), A first synchronous transfer unit (32) that receives eggs for one row (number of columns) from the first intermediate conveyor (31) and transfers them to a first single-row conveyor (2a) orthogonal to the first intermediate conveyor (31), A second intermediate conveyor (34) that receives and conveys eggs for one row (sent from multiple columns) discharged from the second opening (1123) of the multi-column conveyor (1), A second synchronous transfer unit (35) that receives eggs for one row (sent from multiple columns) from the second intermediate conveyor (34) and transfers them to a second single-row conveyor (2b) orthogonal to the second intermediate conveyor (34), may be provided.

[0015] The first synchronous transfer unit (32) A first rotary transfer plate (323) arranged in the same number as the number of columns of the first intermediate conveyor (31) and at the same interval as the column width, A first egg seat for transfer (321) arranged in the same number as the number of columns of the first intermediate conveyor (31) and at the same interval as the column width, A first rotary transfer plate drive unit (324) that rotates the first rotary transfer plate (323) in conjunction with the first egg seat for transfer (321) (sends eggs in the same conveyance direction as the first intermediate conveyor (31) and rotates so as to transfer them to the first egg seat for transfer (321)), A first egg seat rotation drive unit (322) that controls the stop of the first egg seat for transfer (321) and rotation at a speed synchronized with the first single-row conveyor (2a) (rotates so that the sharp end is downward and the blunt end is upward), may be provided. The first egg seat for transfer (321) may have a mechanism for narrowing the intervals between them so as to match the intervals of the cup portions (21) of the first single-row conveyor (2a), and may be configured to narrow the intervals in accordance with the above rotational operation. The first rotary transfer plate (323) receives eggs one row at a time from the first intermediate conveyor (31) and transfers them to the first egg seat for transfer (321). Then, the first egg seat for transfer (321) transfers the received eggs to the cup portions (21) of the first single-row conveyor (2a).

[0016] The second synchronous transfer unit (35) is, The second rotating transfer plates (353) are arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor (34) and at the same intervals as the row width, The second transfer egg seats (351) are arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor (34) and at the same intervals as the row width, The second rotating transfer plate drive unit (354) rotates the second rotating transfer plate (353) in conjunction with the second transfer egg seat (351) (rotating it so that it sends eggs in the same conveying direction as the second intermediate conveyor (34) and transfers them onto the second transfer egg seat (351)), A second egg seat rotation drive unit (352) controls the stopping of the second transfer egg seat (351) and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the second single-row conveyor (2b) (rotating with the sharp end facing down and the blunt end facing up), It may also be equipped with. The second transfer egg seat (351) may have a mechanism to narrow the distance between them to match the spacing of the cup portions (21) of the second single-row conveyor (2b), and may be configured to narrow the distance in accordance with the rotational movement. The second rotating transfer plate (353) receives eggs one row at a time from the second intermediate conveyor (34) and transfers them to the second egg transfer seat (351). The second egg transfer seat (351) then transfers the received eggs to the cup section (21) of the second single-row conveyor (2b).

[0017] The second transfer unit (4) of the second transfer distribution device (A2) is, The first synchronous transfer unit (41) receives the eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor (1) (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downwards) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections (21) of the first single-row conveyor (2a), The second synchronous transfer unit (42) receives the eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor (1) (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downwards) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections (21) of the second single-row conveyor (2b), It may also be equipped with.

[0018] The first synchronous transfer unit (41) is, The first transfer receiving section (411) is the same number as the number of rows (total number of eggs in each row) of the multi-row conveyor (1), The first transfer receiving section (411) is driven to move back and forth between the multi-row conveyor (1) and the first single-row conveyor (2a) by a first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit (412), It may also be equipped with. The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving sections (411) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to the single row of the first single-row conveyor). The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving sections (411) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent column sections of the multi-row conveyor (1).

[0019] The second synchronous transfer unit (42) is, The number of second transfer receiving sections (421) is the same as the number of rows (total number of eggs in each row) of the multi-row conveyor (1), The second transfer receiving section (421) is driven to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor (1) and above the second single-row conveyor (2b) by a second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit (422), It may also be equipped with. The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving sections (421) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to the single row of the second single-row conveyor). The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving sections (421) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent column sections of the multi-row conveyor (1).

[0020] The aforementioned multi-row conveyor (1) is, A flat section (16) is positioned on the downstream end of the endless belt in the conveying direction, on which the egg can move across the upper surface. The row section may extend above the flat section (16), and the eggs may be transported by the transport bar (14). The planar portion (16) may be provided with a first opening / closing gate (161) corresponding to the first transfer receiving portion (411), which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows for releasing eggs downward in row units, and a second opening / closing gate (162) corresponding to the second transfer receiving portion (421), which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows for releasing eggs downward in row units.

[0021] The third transfer section (7) of the third transfer and distribution device (A3) may include a movable egg seat (71_i) and an intermediate single-row conveyor (8). The first to nth movable egg seats (71_i to 7n_i (i = number of rows = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)) have the same number of egg seats (h) as the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor, and the egg seats h of the first to ninth movable egg seats (71_i to 7n_i) may store eggs with the sharp end facing downwards and the blunt end facing upwards. n is an integer and may be 10 or greater, or 20 or greater. The upstream egg seat (h) may be equipped with a longitudinal guide (L1) that guides the blunt end of the egg (E) sent by the conveyor bar (14), and a transverse guide (L2) that guides the sharp end of the egg. The intermediate single-row conveyor (8) may be positioned between the multi-row conveyor (1) and the single-row conveyor (2) traveling at high speed.

[0022] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) (1) This provides more time than conventional technology, such as the transfer section. (2) It has a simpler configuration than conventional technology. (3) The amount transported per unit can be increased. (4) It is not necessary to significantly increase the number of rows in a multi-row conveyor; the transport speed can be improved by installing two or more single-row conveyors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the first redistribution device A1. [Figure 2A] This is a side view showing an example of the second transfer distribution device A2. [Figure 2B]This is a plan view showing an example of the second transfer and distribution device A2. [Figure 2C] This is a front view showing an example of the second transfer distribution device A2. [Figure 3A] This is a plan view showing an example of the third transfer distribution device A3. [Figure 3B] This is a side view showing an example of the third redistribution device A3. [Figure 3C] This is a side view showing an example of the third redistribution device A3. [Figure 4A] This is a plan view showing an example of a case where there are two single-row conveyors in the third transfer and distribution device A3. [Figure 4B] This is a plan view showing an example of a case where there are three single-row conveyors in the third transfer and distribution device A3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows an example of the first transfer and distribution device A1.

[0025] The first transfer and distribution device A1 comprises a first transfer section 3, a first multi-row conveyor 1, a first single-row conveyor 2a, and a second single-row conveyor 2b.

[0026] The first multi-row conveyor 1 transports eggs (E) in multiple rows (for example, 6 rows) in the X direction (conveying them with the blunt and sharp ends aligned). The multi-row conveyor 1 has multiple row compartments that divide the multiple rows, and includes multiple transport bars 14 that move along the transport direction of the eggs, and a transport bar drive unit 15 that drives the transport bars 14.

[0027] The first multi-row conveyor 1 includes a horizontal conveying section 111 that conveys eggs horizontally, and an inclined conveying section 112 that is inclined diagonally upward from the horizontal section 111 (for example, from 10 to 80 degrees from the horizontal). A first opening 1121 is provided in the upstream part of the inclined conveying section 112. A second opening 1123 is provided in the downstream part of the inclined conveying section 112. An opening / closing guide 1122 is provided on the exit side of the first opening 1121 to move in order to control the release of eggs from the opening of the first opening 1121. The opening / closing movement section 1122 is driven by a linear motion device such as an air cylinder.

[0028] The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b transport eggs in a single row in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the multi-row conveyor 1. The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b each include a cup section 21 for storing one egg, and a cup drive unit (not shown) that arranges multiple cup sections 21 in a single row and is movable in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction. The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b may be composed of conventional single-row conveyors.

[0029] The first transfer unit 3 receives eggs from all rows of the multi-row conveyor 1 row by row between the first multi-row conveyor 1 and the first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b, and transfers them to the first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b. The first transfer unit 3 includes a first intermediate conveyor 31 that receives and transports one row of eggs (the number of rows) released from the first opening 1121 of the first multi-row conveyor 1. The first transfer unit 3 receives and transports one row of eggs (the number of rows) released from the second opening 1123 of the first multi-row conveyor 1.

[0030] The first synchronous transfer unit 32 receives one row of eggs from all rows of the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them to the first single-row conveyor 2a, which is arranged perpendicular to the first intermediate conveyor 31. However, it is not always the case that all rows are filled with eggs when they are sent, and in some cases, fewer eggs than the total number of rows may be transferred during the transfer process. The second synchronous transfer unit 35 operates similarly.

[0031] The first synchronous transfer unit 32 comprises a first rotary transfer plate 323, a first transfer egg seat 321, a first rotary transfer plate drive unit 324, and a first egg seat rotation drive unit 322. The first rotating transfer plates 323 are arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor 31, and at the same intervals as the row width. The first transfer egg seats 321 are arranged in the same number as the number of rows on the first intermediate conveyor 31, and at the same intervals as the row width. The first rotary transfer plate drive unit 324 is configured to rotate the first rotary transfer plate 323 in conjunction with the first transfer egg seat 321. For example, it rotates the plate so that it sends eggs in the same transport direction as the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them onto the first transfer egg seat 321. The first egg seat rotation drive unit 322 is configured to control the stopping of the first transfer egg seat 321 and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the first single-row conveyor 2a. For example, the first transfer egg seat 321 has a mechanism to narrow the distance between itself and others to match the spacing of the cup portions 21 of the first single-row conveyor 2a, and is configured to narrow the distance before rotation. Then, the first transfer egg seat 321 rotates with its sharp end facing down and its blunt end facing up, transferring eggs to the egg cups 21. As described above, the first rotating transfer plate 323 receives eggs one row at a time from the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them to the first transfer egg seat 321. The first transfer egg seat 321 then passes the received eggs to the cup section 21 of the first single-row conveyor 2a.

[0032] The second synchronous transfer unit 35 receives one row of eggs from all the rows of the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them to the second single-row conveyor 2b, which is perpendicular to the second intermediate conveyor 34.

[0033] The second synchronous transfer unit 35 includes a second rotary transfer plate 353, a second transfer egg seat 351, a second rotary transfer plate drive unit 354, and a second egg seat rotation drive unit 352. The second rotating transfer plates 353 are arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor 34, and at the same intervals as the row width. The second transfer egg seats 351 are arranged in the same number as the number of rows on the second intermediate conveyor 34, and at the same intervals as the row width. The second rotary transfer plate drive unit 354 is configured to rotate the second rotary transfer plate 353 in conjunction with the second transfer egg seat 351. For example, it rotates the plate to send eggs in the same transport direction as the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfer them onto the second transfer egg seat 351. The second egg seat rotation drive unit 352 is configured to control the stopping of the second transfer egg seat 351 and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the second single-row conveyor 2b. For example, the second transfer egg seat 351 has a mechanism to narrow the distance between itself and other units to match the spacing of the cups 21 of the second single-row conveyor 2b, and is configured to narrow the distance before rotation. Then, the second transfer egg seat 351 rotates with its sharp end facing down and its blunt end facing up, transferring eggs to the egg cups 21. As described above, the second rotating transfer plate 353 receives eggs one row at a time from the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them to the second egg transfer seat 351. The second egg transfer seat 351 then passes the received eggs to the cup section 21 of the second single-row conveyor 2b.

[0034] (Movement of the first redistribution device A1) The opening / closing guide 1122 operates every other row, opening and closing the first opening 1121. This distributes the eggs one row at a time to the first intermediate conveyor 31 and the second intermediate conveyor 34. Downstream in the conveying direction of the first intermediate conveyor 31 and the second intermediate conveyor 34, one row of eggs is received at each location, and the eggs are transferred to the first and second single-row conveyors 2a and 2b, which are perpendicular to the first and second intermediate conveyors 31 and 34.

[0035] The first egg transfer platform 321 is stopped at an interval approximately equal to the row spacing of the first intermediate conveyor 31. Next, the first rotating transfer plate 323 receives eggs row by row from the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them to the first egg transfer platform 321. The first egg transfer platform 321 is rotated to orient the eggs vertically, narrowing the spacing between the eggs to approximately match the transport interval of the first single-row conveyor 2a. The eggs are then accelerated in the direction of the single-row conveyor transport and released into the cup section 21 of the first single-row conveyor 2a when synchronized with the first single-row conveyor 2a. The second egg transfer platform 351 is stopped at an interval approximately equal to the row spacing of the second intermediate conveyor 34. Next, the second rotating transfer plate 353 receives eggs row by row from the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them to the second egg transfer platform 351. The second egg transfer platform 351 is rotated to orient the eggs vertically, narrowing the spacing between the eggs to approximately match the transport interval of the second single-row conveyor 2b. The eggs are then accelerated in the direction of the single-row conveyor transport and released into the cup section 21 of the second single-row conveyor 2b when synchronized with the second single-row conveyor 2b.

[0036] The first single-row conveyor 2a may, after receiving eggs in the first synchronous transfer unit 32, tilt upward to the same height as the second single-row conveyor 2b and be connected to it in a line with the second single-row conveyor 2b. Conversely, the second single-row conveyor 2a may, after receiving eggs in the second synchronous transfer unit 35, tilt downward to the same height as the first single-row conveyor 2a and be connected to it in a line with the first single-row conveyor 2a.

[0037] The egg weighing device may be installed either before the sorting of the first multi-row conveyor 1 (one location) or near the exits of the first and second intermediate conveyors 31 and 35, respectively (two locations).

[0038] (Embodiment 2) Figures 2A (side view), 2B (top view), and 2C (front view) show an example of the second transfer distribution device A2 of Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the second transfer distribution device A2 has the same functions as in Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used, so their descriptions may be omitted.

[0039] The multi-row conveyor 1 is positioned at the downstream end of the endless conveyor in the conveying direction, and has a flat section 16 on which eggs can move across its upper surface, and row sections extending above the flat section 16, with conveying bars 14 used to transport the eggs. The flat section 16 includes a first opening / closing gate 161 that opens and closes in the same number of rows as the number of columns for releasing eggs downward in row units, corresponding to the first transfer receiving section 411, and a second opening / closing gate 162 that opens and closes in the same number of rows as the number of columns for releasing eggs downward in row units, corresponding to the second transfer receiving section 421. The first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 are located on the sharp end side of the egg, and when the gates open and the egg is released downward, the long axis of the egg is vertical. The first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 may have a double-opening structure that opens downward in the direction of travel (front and back) in the X direction, or a single-opening structure that opens downward. When the first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 are open, the egg may be pushed out by a transport bar 14 or another push bar that moves from top to bottom. The drive unit for rotating and opening the first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 may be configured to include an air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, electric cylinder, or motor that is linked to the rotating shaft, or it may be configured to include a cam mechanism that is linked to the drive unit of the multi-row conveyor 1.

[0040] The second transfer unit 4 of the second transfer and distribution device A2 includes a first synchronous transfer unit 41 that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor 1 (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downward) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections of the first single-row conveyor 2a, and a second synchronous transfer unit 42 that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor 1 (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downward) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections of the second single-row conveyor 2b.

[0041] The first synchronous transfer unit 41 includes the same number of first transfer receiving units 411 as the number of rows (total number of eggs in each row) of the multi-row conveyor 1, and a first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 412 that drives the first transfer receiving units 411 to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor 1 and above the first single-row conveyor 2a. The first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 412 may be equipped with an electric cylinder, servo motor, linear motor, etc., that can control its position and speed, and may also be equipped with a reciprocating motion mechanism (such as a cam mechanism, eccentric sprocket, or rotational oscillation conversion mechanism) that is linked to the drive unit of the multi-row conveyor 1 or the first single-row conveyor 2a. The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving sections 411 is equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to a single column of the first single-column conveyor). The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving sections 411 is equal to the pitch of adjacent column sections of the multi-column conveyor 1.

[0042] The second synchronous transfer unit 42 includes a second transfer receiving unit 421 equal to the number of rows (total number of eggs in each row) of the multi-row conveyor 1, and a second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 422 that drives the second transfer receiving unit 421 to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor 1 and above the second single-row conveyor 2b. The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving sections 421 is equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to a single column of the second single-column conveyor). The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving sections 421 is equal to the pitch of adjacent column sections of the multi-column conveyor 1. The second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 422 may be equipped with an electric cylinder, servo motor, linear motor, etc., that can control its position and speed, and may also be equipped with a reciprocating motion mechanism (such as a cam mechanism, eccentric sprocket, or rotational oscillation conversion mechanism) that is linked to the drive unit of the multi-row conveyor 1 or the second single-row conveyor 2b.

[0043] (Movement of the second redistribution device A2) In the case where there is an upstream first opening / closing gate 161 and a downstream second opening / closing gate 162 in the row-by-row transport direction, the transport bar 14 alternately feeds the eggs row by row to the first opening / closing gate 161 and the second opening / closing gate 162, and then the eggs are released row by row from the first opening / closing gate 161 to the first transport receiving section 411, and then the eggs are released row by row from the second opening / closing gate 162 to the second transport receiving section 421.

[0044] The first and second transfer receiving sections 411 and 421 are stopped below the multi-row conveyor 1 when the first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 open, and all the eggs in one row are released from the multi-row conveyor 1 and received by the first and second transfer receiving sections 411 and 421. Then, the first and second transfer receiving sections 411 and 421 accelerate in the Y direction and release the eggs to the first and second single-row conveyors 2a and 2b, which are moving in sync with the first and second single-row conveyors 2a and 2b. The first and second transfer receiving units 411 and 421 decelerate after egg release, and immediately accelerate in the reverse direction upon stopping, returning to the receiving position and stopping.

[0045] The distance between the first opening / closing gate 161 and the second opening / closing gate 162 can be set arbitrarily, but it is preferable to set it to an integer multiple of the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1, more preferably an odd multiple, and particularly preferably 3 times. The first and second transfer receiving sections 411 and 421 repeatedly move back and forth by the first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 412 and the second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 422, respectively. By setting the distance between the first opening / closing gate 161 and the second opening / closing gate 162 to an odd multiple of the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1, they can move back and forth at the same timing, thus resolving the problem of the reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit becoming complex.

[0046] The configuration described here is for two single-row conveyors, but the system may consist of three or four single-row conveyors. In that case, corresponding opening and closing gates, transfer receiving sections, reciprocating movement mechanisms, and drive units will also be added. In the case of three single-row conveyors, the spacing between the opening and closing gates is preferably an integer multiple of the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1, more preferably an even multiple, and particularly preferably 2 or 4 times. In the case of four single-row conveyors, the spacing between opening and closing gates is preferably an integer multiple of the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1, more preferably an odd multiple, and particularly preferably three times. The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b may be a single unit as shown in Figure 2A, or they may be separate units.

[0047] (Embodiment 3) Figures 3A (plan view), 3B (side view), and 3C show an example of the third transfer distribution device A3 of Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the third transfer distribution device A3 uses the same reference numerals for the same functions as Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0048] The multi-row conveyor 1 transports eggs by gripping them with the conveyor bars 14, with the blunt and sharp ends aligned in one direction. The third transfer section 7 includes a movable egg seat 71_i and an intermediate single-row conveyor 8.

[0049] In Figure 3A, the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i (i = number of rows = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) have the same number of egg seats h as the number of rows in the multi-row conveyor. The egg seats h of the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i store eggs with the sharp end facing downwards and the blunt end facing upwards. The system is not limited to the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i, but includes even more movable egg seats. At the upstream egg seat h, there is a longitudinal guide L1 that guides the blunt end of the egg E that has been transported by the conveyor bar 14, and a transverse guide L2 that guides the sharp end of the egg. Although egg E is supported by the longitudinal guide L1, it separates from the support of the transverse guide L2 first, and is then placed in the egg seat h with its sharp end facing downwards.

[0050] The first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i are configured to move in the conveying direction (x), narrowing the spacing between the egg seats so that they are the same spacing as the conveying egg seats 81 of the intermediate single-row conveyor 8. In Figures 3A and 3B, at the position of the ninth movable egg seat 79_i, the eggs are released downwards and sent to the conveying egg seat 81.

[0051] The intermediate single-row conveyor 8 is positioned between the multi-row conveyor 1 and the high-speed single-row conveyor 2. The intermediate single-row conveyor 8 operates intermittently and circulates. The intermediate single-row conveyor 8 is equipped with egg conveying seats 81 at the same intervals as the single-row conveyor 2. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when the intermediate single-row conveyor 8 is stopped, it receives one row of eggs from the first to ninth movable egg conveying seats 71_i to 79_i located above it. As shown in Figure 3C, when the intermediate single-row conveyor 8 accelerates in the conveying direction of the single-row conveyor 2 and synchronizes its speed, it opens the bottom of the egg conveying seats 81 and releases the eggs onto the single-row conveyor 2. After releasing the eggs, it decelerates and closes the opened egg conveying seats 81 to stop.

[0052] The single-row conveyor 2 may consist of one, two, or three or more units, depending on the processing capacity, as long as the number of units is less than the number of rows in the multi-row conveyor 1.

[0053] If there are multiple single-row conveyors 2, then multiple intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyors 8 are also provided accordingly, and the egg-seat discharge sections of the multi-row conveyor 1 are also multiplied accordingly. Preferably, the spacing between the multiple discharge sections of the multi-row conveyor 1 is an integer multiple of the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1. When there are two or four single-row conveyors 2, it is preferable that the row spacing be three times that of the multi-row conveyor 1. Figure 4A shows an example of the arrangement when there are two single-row conveyors 2. When there are three single-row conveyors 2, it is preferable that the row spacing be twice or four times that of the multi-row conveyor 1. Figure 4B shows an example of the arrangement when there are three single-row conveyors 2.

[0054] Each of the first to ninth movable oviposition units 71_i to 79_i is equipped with a spacing adjustment mechanism that ensures the spacing is approximately equal in both the state where the oviposition spacing is at its widest and the state where it is at its narrowest. The spacing adjustment mechanism may consist of, for example, a predetermined elongated hole and a projection that fits therein, or it may be a link mechanism such as a pantograph. By regulating the positions of the oviposition units on both outer sides of the row of oviposition units with guides or the like, the spacing between the oviposition units during receiving and releasing is appropriately maintained.

[0055] Each of the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i is structured to maintain a closed state. At the discharge section, an opening mechanism operates to open only the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i that should be opened at that position, and the egg seats are opened, releasing the eggs onto the conveying egg seats of the stopped intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8.

[0056] The intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8 is equipped with an intermittent operation drive unit, and as the intermittent operation drive unit, a roller gear cam mechanism or an eccentric sprocket mechanism that repeatedly stops and starts can be used. The intermittent operation drive unit receives power from the drive unit of the single-row conveyor and operates mechanically in conjunction with the single-row conveyor.

[0057] It is preferable that the intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8 moves a number of egg seats equivalent to half the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor 1 in one stop-and-start cycle. For example, if the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor 1 is 6, controlling it to move half the number of egg seats (3) and then stop ensures a good balance between the time it receives from the multi-row conveyor 1 and the time it releases to the single-row conveyor 2.

[0058] It is preferable that the egg seats of the intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8 open only when the opening mechanism is in operation, and remain closed when the opening mechanism is not in operation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] A1 First Redistribution Device A2 Second Redistribution Device A3 Third Reprint Distribution Device 1. Multi-row conveyor 2a First single-row conveyor 2b Second single-row conveyor 3. First Reprint Section 4. Second Reprint Section 7. Third Reprint Section

Claims

1. The system comprises a multi-row conveyor that transports eggs in multiple rows, and at least one single-row conveyor that transports eggs in a single row perpendicular to the multi-row conveyor, with a transfer unit that receives eggs row by row from the multi-row conveyor and transfers them to one or more of the single-row conveyors. Redistribution and distribution device.

2. The aforementioned multi-row conveyor is, A horizontal conveying unit that transports eggs horizontally, The aforementioned horizontal section includes an inclined conveying section that slopes diagonally upward, A first opening is provided in the upstream portion of the inclined conveying section, On the exit side of the first opening, there is an opening / closing guide that moves to control the release of eggs from the opening of the first opening, A second opening is provided in the downstream portion of the inclined conveying section, The transfer distribution device according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The aforementioned reprinted section is, A first intermediate conveyor receives and transports one row of eggs released from the first opening of the aforementioned multi-row conveyor, A first synchronous transfer unit receives one row of eggs from the first intermediate conveyor and transfers them to a first single-row conveyor perpendicular to the first intermediate conveyor, A second intermediate conveyor receives one row of eggs released from the second opening of the aforementioned multi-row conveyor and transports them, A second synchronous transfer unit receives one row of eggs from the second intermediate conveyor and transfers them to a second single-row conveyor perpendicular to the second intermediate conveyor, The transfer distribution device according to claim 1, comprising:

4. The first synchronous transfer unit is, The first rotating transfer plates are arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor, and at the same intervals as the row width, The first transfer egg seats are arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor, and at the same intervals as the row width, A first rotary transfer plate drive unit rotates the first rotary transfer plate in conjunction with the first transfer egg seat, The system includes a first egg seat rotation drive unit that controls the stopping of the first transfer egg seat and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the first single-row conveyor, The second synchronous transfer unit is, A second rotating transfer plate is arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor, and at the same intervals as the row width, A second set of egg transfer platforms is arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor, and at the same intervals as the row width. A second rotary transfer plate drive unit rotates the second rotary transfer plate in conjunction with the second transfer egg seat, The system includes a second egg seat rotation drive unit that controls the stopping of the second transfer egg seat and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the second single-row conveyor, The redistribution device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned reprinted section is, A first synchronous transfer unit receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections of the first single-row conveyor, A second synchronous transfer unit receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections of the second single-row conveyor, The transfer distribution device according to claim 1, comprising:

6. The first synchronous transfer unit is, The first transfer receiving section is the same number as the number of rows in the aforementioned multi-row conveyor, The first transfer receiving section is driven to move back and forth between the lower part of the multi-row conveyor and the upper part of the first single-row conveyor by a first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit, The second synchronous transfer unit is, The same number of second transfer receiving sections as the number of rows in the aforementioned multi-row conveyor, The second transfer receiving section is driven to move back and forth between the lower part of the multi-row conveyor and the upper part of the second single-row conveyor by a second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit. The reprinting and distribution device according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned multi-row conveyor is, It is positioned at the downstream end of the endless belt in the conveying direction, and has a flat surface on which the egg can move. The planar portion is provided with a first opening / closing gate, corresponding to the first transfer receiving section, which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows for releasing eggs downward in row units, and a second opening / closing gate, corresponding to the second transfer receiving section, which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows for releasing eggs downward in row units. The reprinting and distribution device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned transfer section comprises first to nth movable egg seats and an intermediate single-row conveyor. The first to nth movable egg seats each have the same number of egg seats as the number of rows in the multi-row conveyor, and the egg seats of the first to ninth movable egg seats store eggs with the sharp end facing downwards and the blunt end facing upwards. The aforementioned intermediate single-row conveyor is positioned between the multi-row conveyor and the single-row conveyor. The reprinting and distribution device according to claim 1.

9. The upstream egg seat is equipped with a longitudinal guide that guides the blunt end of the egg as it is carried by the conveyor bar, and a transverse guide that guides the sharp end of the egg. The reprinting and distribution device according to claim 8.

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