Apparatus and method for peeling the shells off boiled eggs

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for peeling the shell of a boiled egg (60) is disclosed. It comprises a peeling section (10) having an egg inlet (601) and an egg outlet (602), and an egg transport direction (T) extending from the egg inlet (601) to the egg outlet (602). The peeling section comprises at least two elongated peeling elements (11), each extending along its respective longitudinal axis and rotatable about its respective longitudinal axis, and at least one elongated pressing element (12) positioned at a predetermined distance from the elongated peeling elements. The egg contact surfaces (121, 127) of the elongated pressing element (12) are angled with respect to the egg contact surfaces (111) of the elongated peeling elements (11) such that the distance between the egg contact surfaces is greater at the egg inlet (601) than at the egg outlet (602). A method for peeling an egg is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for peeling the shells of boiled eggs each having an eggshell, the device comprising a shell peeling part having an egg inlet and an egg outlet, the egg transfer direction of the device extending from the egg inlet to the egg outlet, the shell peeling part comprising at least two elongate shell peeling elements each extending along its respective longitudinal axis, at least one of which is rotatable about its respective longitudinal axis, and their respective longitudinal axes are arranged to extend in the same direction as the egg transfer direction, the two elongate shell peeling elements being configured to support an egg moving in the egg transfer direction and to remove the eggshell from the egg, each of the two elongate shell peeling elements having an egg contact surface, at least two elongate shell peeling elements, and at least one elongate pressing element having a longitudinal axis extending in the same direction as the egg transfer direction, at least one pressing element being arranged at a predetermined distance from the elongate shell peeling element, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shell peeling element, and having an egg contact surface.

Background Art

[0002] This type of device, which provides industrial-scale automatic egg shell peeling and can peel up to 20,000 eggs per hour, is known from TWM555648. This device comprises, in addition to the shell peeling part, a egg splitting part for splitting the eggshell before the egg enters the shell peeling part. Splitting the eggshell facilitates peeling the shell without breaking the egg.

[0003] The limitations of the device described in TWM555648, and many other prior art devices, are that due to natural variations in eggshell characteristics such as egg size, egg shape, and / or thickness, the shells of some eggs are not completely peeled, and other eggs are damaged. In particular, it has been found that peeling the shells of soft-boiled eggs is problematic.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved eggshell peeling device and an improved method for peeling hard-boiled eggs, which reduce the risk of the eggs breaking.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, this and further objectives are achieved by the apparatus described in the introduction, wherein the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element is angled with respect to the egg contact surface of the elongated peeling element such that the first shortest distance between the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element and the egg contact surface of the elongated peeling element, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated peeling element at the egg inlet, is greater than the second shortest distance between the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element and the egg contact surface of the elongated peeling element, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated peeling element at the egg outlet.

[0006] By inclining at least the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element relative to the egg contact surface of the elongated peeling element, the elongated pressing element and the elongated peeling element work together to form a funnel, which narrows toward the egg exit. Peeling of large eggs begins at the start of the peeling section, while smaller eggs may not come into contact with the elongated pressing element until they enter the peeling section further, resulting in peeling occurring closer to the egg exit. Even if small eggs are already in contact with the elongated pressing element at the start of the peeling section, the pressure applied to them by the elongated pressing element at the egg entrance is less than the pressure applied to larger eggs. Larger eggs, having already been peeled, will not break as they enter the narrower part of the funnel at the egg exit. The egg white of a boiled egg is smoother than the eggshell, especially when wet, resulting in less friction against the egg contact surface. Furthermore, since the egg white and yolk of a boiled egg are considerably more elastic than the eggshell, a peeled egg can withstand the pressure in the narrow part of the funnel better than an unpeeled egg. The difference in elasticity between the eggshell and the contents of the egg, namely the egg white and yolk, is particularly pronounced in soft-boiled eggs, resulting in a higher risk of breakage during peeling. Yet another important factor for egg breakage is the adhesion of the egg white to the eggshell membrane. When at least a portion of the eggshell is removed, the eggshell membrane is broken, and the force applied to the egg can be distributed more evenly than if the eggshell simply cracked.

[0007] The hardness of eggshells can vary due to differences in shell thickness, density, or structure, which can occur when eggs come from different breeds of hens or when the hens are fed different feeds. This can result in some eggs being more difficult to peel than others, even if they are the same size. Gradually increasing the force applied to the peeling area allows peeling to begin with the minimum necessary force, reducing the risk of the egg breaking.

[0008] The device preferably includes an egg-breaking section configured to crack the eggshell before the egg enters the peeling section, in order to further facilitate shelling. The egg-breaking section, located in front of the egg entrance, may be positioned in continuity with the peeling section when viewed in the direction of egg transport, but may also be positioned above, below, and / or to the side of the peeling section to make the device more compact.

[0009] While elongated pressing elements and elongated deshelling elements are primarily described as continuous elements extending substantially along the entire length of the deshelling portion, i.e., from the egg entrance to the egg exit, it should be noted that using elongated pressing elements and / or elongated deshelling elements composed of two or more separate members is within the scope of the present invention. As an example, a plurality of separate pressing members may be arranged in a continuous manner with respect to each other, and may be interconnected, and may be able to operate independently of each other, to function as an elongated pressing element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the elongated pressing element is positioned at a vertical distance of 30 to 70 mm, preferably 40 to 50 mm, above the elongated shell-peeling element, as measured at the egg entrance and from egg contact surface to egg contact surface.

[0011] Here, it is considered advantageous for the distance between the egg contact surfaces of the long pressing element and the long shell-peeling element to decrease at a constant gradient. However, it is also possible to have a relatively small angle near the entrance and a steeper angle towards the end of the shell-peeling section as it approaches the exit, or vice versa. A small initial angle means that the initial shell-peeling is performed relatively carefully, while a steeper angle afterward ensures that even smaller eggs are reliably shelled, although larger eggs are subjected to high pressure over a relatively short distance.

[0012] Angling the egg contact surfaces relative to each other may be provided in several embodiments, including making the elongated pressing element conical when the elongated dehulling element is cylindrical. In another embodiment currently considered advantageous, the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated dehulling element. This allows both the elongated pressing element and the elongated dehulling element to have an overall cylindrical shape, which means that the angles of each other can be changed by changing the angle of one or more longitudinal axes.

[0013] It should be noted that the statement that the longitudinal axes of the elongated shell-peeling element and the elongated pressing element extend in the same direction as the transport direction is intended to indicate that their axes extend substantially parallel to the egg transport direction, but are not necessarily perfectly parallel, as one or more of them may be slightly angled to incline the egg contact surfaces relative to each other.

[0014] If the eggshell peeling element is angled with respect to the horizontal level, the eggs can move forward in the egg transport direction solely due to gravity. However, in one embodiment, the apparatus includes a transport device for moving the eggs in the egg transport direction, the transport device comprising a plurality of conveying elements extending laterally with respect to the egg transport direction between the elongated pressing element and the elongated peeling element. The transport device is configured to move the conveying elements in the egg transport direction, and the conveying elements are configured to engage with the eggs and carry them in the egg transport direction. The movement of the conveying elements may be carried out by conveying elements connected to a conveyor, such as a belt or chain conveyor extending along the elongated peeling element.

[0015] The advantage of using a transport device with a transport element is that the eggs may be moved in the egg transport direction at a controlled speed, and the peeling process can be optimized by simply holding the eggs on the elongated peeling element for as long as necessary to achieve satisfactory peeling. This can further reduce the risk of egg breakage because unnecessary physical interaction with the eggs is reduced. Reducing unnecessary physical interaction can also lead to improved egg product quality, as it reduces the risk of damage to the egg whites of already peeled eggs.

[0016] Another advantage of using a transport device with a transport element is that the transport element prevents the egg from moving backward, i.e., in the direction opposite to the egg transport direction. Due to the funnel shape of the space between the elongated pressing element and the elongated peeling element, pressure on the egg in a direction perpendicular to the egg transport direction can cause the egg to slide backward toward the egg inlet. This effect is particularly pronounced when the elongated pressing element and the elongated peeling element are all of a continuous design without protrusions. A transport element extending across the egg transport direction restricts such backward movement.

[0017] In one embodiment, the transport elements form compartments between them, with each compartment configured to receive a single egg. The use of such compartments allows for individual egg shelling without interference from other eggs, which may result in, for example, the egg not being able to roll freely on the elongated peeling element, or eggshells from other eggs adhering to the eggshell, preventing proper contact with the elongated peeling element. However, it is also possible to use larger compartments configured to receive, for example, two, three, or more eggs.

[0018] In one embodiment, the elongated pressing element has projections spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element. The projections are configured to interact with the eggs and push them toward the eggshell peeling element, which can contribute to cracking the eggshells. The projections can further push the eggs along the egg transport direction, thereby contributing to moving the eggs forward. It is also possible to move the eggs using only the elongated pressing element, thereby eliminating the need for a separate transport device.

[0019] Such protrusions are included insofar as they contribute to the shelling process when measuring the distance between the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element and the egg contact surface of the elongated shelling element.

[0020] The protrusions may vary in size along the entire length of the elongated pressing element, for example, being larger at the egg inlet than at the egg outlet, thereby creating or contributing to the creation of a funnel.

[0021] If the space between the protrusions is larger than the size of the egg, the egg may be subjected to alternating impacts from the elongated pressing element. This can facilitate shelling, as the egg is first pressed against the elongated shelling element, then released, and then pressed again. This results in a portion of the eggshell being firmly pressed against the shelling element during each press, potentially causing the shell to crack, and then the shell being removed. Note that the rotation of the elongated shelling element(s), combined with the forward movement of the egg in the egg transport direction, usually causes the egg to roll as well, so that different sides of the egg face the elongated pressing element at different times.

[0022] The protrusions on the elongated pressing element may be formed, for example, by a helical member wound around the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element, and the elongated pressing element may be advantageously configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The helical member may be an integral part of the body of the elongated pressing element, or it may be applied as a separate member such as a strip, rod, or tube made from an elastic polymer such as polyurethane. Having elasticity may be advantageous in that it can press the egg relatively gently. If a tube is used, the tube may be filled with air or another fluid, and the pressure applied by the elongated pressing element may be adjusted by adjusting the pressure inside the tube.

[0023] When a long pressing element having a helical member rotates about its longitudinal axis, the position of the projection changes during operation. When the long pressing element is not rotating, the egg passes under the projection and is pressed against the projection by forward movement in the egg transport direction. In this case, it is particularly advantageous to provide a transport device that pushes the egg forward. This also applies to embodiments in which the fixed projection is formed by means other than a helical member.

[0024] The protrusions may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element at various distances from each other. The various distances between the protrusions may be configured to strike and press the egg from, for example, various angles and / or at various intervals. In one embodiment, the protrusions are closer to each other in the central part of the elongated pressing element than at the ends near the egg inlet and egg outlet. In another embodiment, the distance gradually decreases towards the egg outlet.

[0025] In one embodiment, the position of the elongated pressing element relative to the elongated shell-peeling element is adjustable, thereby allowing the elongated pressing element and the elongated shell-peeling element to be repositioned horizontally, vertically, or both. The advantage of being able to adjust the relative positions of the elongated pressing element and the elongated shell-peeling element is that it is possible to adjust the position where the egg first contacts the elongated pressing element, thereby potentially improving the shelling of eggs of various sizes. Another advantage is that general adaptability is possible for processing smaller or larger eggs.

[0026] In one embodiment, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element and at least one of the longitudinal axes of the elongated peeling element is adjustable in both the horizontal and vertical planes, preferably within a range of 0.1 to 15 degrees, 0.1 to 5 degrees, and more preferably within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 degrees. This angle is configured to facilitate peeling eggs of varying sizes and in both hard-boiled and soft-boiled states. The advantage of having the possibility to change the relative angles is that the same apparatus can be arranged and configured in different configurations to process different types or sizes of eggs. For example, if the apparatus is used to peel hard-boiled eggs and then to peel soft-boiled eggs, the relative angles may be reduced.

[0027] In one embodiment, the elongate shell stripping elements are arranged such that there is a gap between them, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shell stripping elements. Thereby, the eggshell can pass between them. If the elongate shell stripping elements are configured to rotate in opposite directions on the sides facing the elongate pressing element, the eggshell can be pulled downward and inward toward the gap between the two elongate shell stripping elements. An eggshell receiving portion may be provided below the elongate shell stripping elements for receiving the eggshell.

[0028] The gap between the elongate shell stripping elements is currently considered to be advantageously 0 to 2 mm, about 0.5 mm, as it allows for rapid removal of the eggshell with a low risk of pinching the shelled egg.

[0029] [[ID=⑧]]Rotating the elongate shell stripping elements in opposite directions may have the further advantage that the egg is pushed inward toward the gap between the elongate shell stripping elements, thereby reducing the risk of the egg falling off the elongate shell stripping elements.

[0030] In one embodiment, the elongate shell stripping elements, which are preferably cylindrical, are arranged in the same horizontal plane. This can reduce the risk of the egg rolling off the elongate shell stripping elements in that the elongate shell stripping elements form a cradle between them. However, if the elongate pressing element is arranged on the second opposite side of the elongate shell stripping elements to prevent the egg from rolling off the elongate shell stripping elements, it is also possible to arrange the first of the elongate shell stripping elements higher than the second elongate shell stripping element. Thereby, the egg can remain in particularly good contact with the second elongate shell stripping element and / or the elongate pressing element under the influence of gravity, thereby potentially improving the shell stripping.

[0031] In yet a further embodiment, at least the elongate shell stripping elements are inclined with respect to the transport direction, for example with an upward inclination from the egg inlet to the egg outlet. This can contribute to keeping the egg in contact with the elongate shell stripping elements and / or the conveying elements of the conveying device and can further facilitate integration with other devices. The downward inclination can contribute to the forward movement of the egg under the influence of gravity.

[0032] In one embodiment, the elongated shell-deshelling element is provided with a friction-enhancing shape, coating, or sleeve configured to provide the elongated shell-deshelling element with a surface suitable for separating the eggshell from the egg. The coating or sleeve may be made of, for example, a polymer, and the body of the elongated shell-deshelling element may be made of a different material having other desired properties, such as strong and dimensionally stable stainless steel.

[0033] The coating or sleeve can facilitate cleaning of the elongated shelling element, and the sleeve is removable and can be replaced when worn, or its surface properties can be modified to suit different types of eggs. The elongated shelling element and / or elongated pressing element may also be replaceable in whole.

[0034] In one embodiment, the long shell-deshelling element and the long pressing element are controlled by separate actuators, such as motors, that rotate them. If the device includes a transport device, a separate actuator may be provided for that purpose. This makes it possible to operate the individual components independently in a technically simple manner, for example, at various speeds, and if it is necessary to replace some parts, this can be done without affecting other components of the device.

[0035] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for peeling the shells of boiled eggs, wherein eggs, each having an eggshell, enter the peeling portion of a peeling device through an egg inlet and exit the peeling portion through an egg outlet, and the eggs move in an egg transport direction extending from the egg inlet to the egg outlet, the method comprising: A step of placing the egg on at least two elongated shell-peeling elements, wherein the two elongated shell-peeling elements are arranged such that each elongated shell-peeling element extends along its respective longitudinal axis, and each of the two elongated shell-peeling elements extends in the same direction as the egg transport direction, and each of the two elongated shell-peeling elements has an egg contact surface. A step of rotating at least one of the elongated shell-removing elements about its longitudinal axis, thereby removing the eggshell from the egg, A step of pressing an egg toward a long shell-peeling element using at least one long pressing element having an egg contact surface and a longitudinal axis, wherein the long pressing element is positioned such that its longitudinal axis extends in the same direction as the egg transport direction, and the long pressing element is positioned at a predetermined distance from the long shell-peeling element, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the long shell-peeling element; This method further includes, The pressure on the egg resulting from the use of the elongated pressing element increases when the egg is moving in the egg transport direction, due to the angle between the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element and the egg contact surface of the elongated peeling element. As a result, the first shortest distance between the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element and the egg contact surface of the elongated peeling element, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated peeling element at the egg entrance, is greater than the second shortest distance between the egg contact surface of the elongated pressing element and the egg contact surface of the elongated peeling element, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated peeling element at the egg exit.

[0036] As described above with reference to a first aspect of the present invention, one of the advantages of this method is that it allows for gradually increasing pressure on the egg as the egg moves in the egg transport direction. This is done by angled elongated pressing elements positioned above two elongated shell-peeling elements, where the distance between the two elongated shell-peeling elements is greater at the egg entrance than at the egg exit.

[0037] The advantages and embodiments described in relation to the first aspect of the concept of the present invention are also applicable to the second aspect with necessary modifications. For example, the ability to change the relative angles of the elongated shell-deshelling element and the elongated pressing element is also applicable to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0039] Furthermore, variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and achieved by those skilled in the art when carrying out the claimed invention by examining the drawings, disclosures, and appended claims. In the claims, the phrase “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a or an” does not exclude plurals. The mere fact that certain features are described in mutually distinct dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these features cannot be used advantageously.

[0040] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of a device for peeling eggshells. [Figure 2] This figure corresponds to Figure 1, but shows a different embodiment. [Figure 3] These figures correspond to Figures 1 and 2, but show different embodiments. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a device for peeling eggshells. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus. [Figure 6] This figure corresponds to Figure 5, but with some parts removed. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a portion of the shell-peeling area corresponding to VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is another perspective view of a part of the apparatus shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figures 4 to 8 are side views of the components of the shell-peeling section in the apparatus. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a top view of the shell-peeling section. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a front view of the shell-peeling section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] In the figures, the sizes of components and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are therefore intended to illustrate the general structure of embodiments of the invention. Similar reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout, even if they are not identical.

[0043] Referring first to Figure 1, an apparatus 1 for peeling hard-boiled eggs is shown. This apparatus comprises a peeling section 10 for peeling the eggshells and a transport device 20 for transporting the eggs through the apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an egg-breaking section 30 for cracking the eggshells before peeling, but it should be understood that in some embodiments satisfactory peeling can be achieved without the egg-breaking section. Furthermore, the illustrated apparatus comprises an eggshell receiver 40 positioned below the peeling section to receive the eggshells peeled from the eggs.

[0044] During operation, the egg moves through the device 1 in the egg transport direction T, enters the shell-peeling section 10 at the egg inlet 601, and exits the shell-peeling section at the egg outlet 602.

[0045] The egg-breaking section 30 comprises a series of egg-breaking rollers 31 on which the eggs move, and an upper retainer 32 that prevents the eggs from flying out of the egg-breaking rollers. Such egg-breaking sections are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0046] The shell-peeling section 10 comprises two elongated shell-peeling elements 11 and an elongated pressing element 12, arranged side by side so that only one is visible in Figure 1. Each of the two elongated shell-peeling elements has a longitudinal axis L1, and the elongated pressing element has a longitudinal axis L2. The longitudinal axes L1 and L2 extend in the same direction as the egg transport direction T, and the longitudinal axes L1 are parallel to each other but angled slightly with respect to the longitudinal axis L2. This means that the first shortest distance D1 between the elongated pressing element 12 and the elongated shell-peeling element 11, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated shell-peeling element at the egg inlet 601, is greater than the second shortest distance D2 at the egg outlet 602. In other words, the space 14 available for the egg between the elongated shell-peeling element 11 and the elongated pressing element 12 has a funnel shape that gradually narrows toward the egg outlet 602.

[0047] Two elongated shell-peeling elements 11 are rotatable about a longitudinal axis L1 and are configured to support an egg moving in the egg transport direction T and to remove the shell from the egg. An elongated pressing element 12 is configured to press the egg against the elongated shell-peeling elements 11 to facilitate shell-peeling. In some embodiments, the elongated pressing elements merely prevent the egg from bouncing off the elongated shell-peeling elements, while in other embodiments, they apply pressure to the egg to press it against the elongated shell-peeling elements continuously or intermittently.

[0048] The transport device 20 shown in Figure 1 is a belt conveyor in which a belt 21 is guided on wheels 22, and one of the wheels is connected to a drive motor to drive the belt forward.

[0049] Alternative embodiments of the device 1 for peeling boiled eggs are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Only the differences from the embodiment in Figure 1 will be explained.

[0050] In Figure 2, the elongated pressing element 12 is conical rather than cylindrical as in Figure 1, and the inclination of the egg contact surface 121 with respect to the longitudinal axis L2 creates a funnel-shaped space 14 between the elongated pressing element 12 and the elongated shell-peeling element 11, even if their longitudinal axes L1 and L2 are parallel.

[0051] In Figure 3, the elongated pressing element 12 is composed of three separate members 12a, 12b, and 12c, each of which is positioned horizontally, but together they form an inclined longitudinal axis L2 and a stepped egg contact surface 121 that forms a funnel-shaped space 14 above the elongated shell-peeling element 11.

[0052] Further embodiments of the eggshell peeling device 1 are shown in Figures 4 to 8. Although this embodiment is considerably more complex, it comprises the same elements as described with reference to Figure 1, namely, an egg-breaking section 30 and a shell-peeling section 10 arranged continuously with respect to each other in the egg transport direction T, and an eggshell receiving section 40 located below the shell-peeling section. Furthermore, this device comprises a water outlet 80 for wetting the eggs and a water supply system 81 preferably installed for water reuse. The application of water may be used in combination with the surface properties of the elongated shell-peeling element 11 to adjust the friction between the shell-peeling element 11 and the eggshell. Water may also be used to wash the eggs and remove smaller eggshell fragments.

[0053] In Figure 5, the egg-breaking section 30, shell-peeling section 10, and water outlet 80 of the apparatus in Figure 4 are shown together with the apparatus frame 15 and transport device 20 for transporting eggs through the apparatus. The frame 15 and transport device 20 are not visible in Figure 4 because of the cover section 16 attached to the bushing 17 of the frame 15.

[0054] In Figures 6 and 8, the water outlet 80 and frame 15 have been removed, improving the visibility of the egg-breaking section 30, the shell-peeling section 10, and the transport device 20.

[0055] As also explained with reference to Figure 1, the transport device 20 includes a belt conveyor with two belts 21, one on each side of the device. The belts are guided on wheels 22 and guide tracks 25 and driven by a drive motor 54. The wheels 22 and guide tracks 25 differ slightly from the wheels in Figure 1, and the path of the belts 21 is slightly different, but the function is the same.

[0056] Other motors 51, 52, and 53 are provided to rotate the long shell-peeling element 11, the long pressing element 12, and the egg-breaking roller 31, respectively.

[0057] The transport device 20 shown in Figures 5 to 8 further comprises a plurality of rod-shaped transport elements 23 extending laterally with respect to the egg transport direction T between the elongated pressing element 12 and the elongated shell-peeling element 11. In Figures 5, 6, and 8, most of the transport elements 23 are removed so that other components can be seen more clearly, but the arrangement of the transport elements is shown in detail in Figure 7, which shows the cross section shown in Figure 6 VII. In this embodiment, the transport elements are attached to two belts 21, but other transport means including, for example, a single belt or one or more chain conveyors may be used. The belts 21 drive the transport elements 23 in the transport direction T, and the transport elements push the eggs 60 forward on the shell-peeling element 11. Although only some eggs and some transport elements are shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, it should be understood that the transport elements 23 are evenly distributed along the entire length of the belt 21, resulting in the formation of compartments 24 of equal size between the transport elements. In this embodiment, the size of compartment 24 corresponds to the size of one egg, but larger compartments are also possible.

[0058] As best shown in Figures 7 and 11, the transport element 23 in this embodiment is a steel rod 231 with an enlarged diameter portion 232 in the central part that contacts the egg. The enlarged diameter portion reduces the risk of the egg getting caught between the transport element and the shelling element 10. A similar enlarged diameter portion can also be obtained by providing a sleeve, such as a polymer sleeve, on the rod, and other embodiments are possible as long as the egg can be transported in a safe manner.

[0059] As can be seen in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the elongated pressing element 12 is attached to fixtures 71, 72, which allow adjustment of the position of the elongated pressing element relative to the elongated dehulling element 11. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing brackets 711, 721 on the ends 122, 123 of the elongated pressing element 12, which slide on a rod 74 in a manner that allows for horizontal displacement. It is also within the scope of the present invention to allow vertical displacement of one or both ends 122, 123 of the elongated pressing element 12 by mounting one or both of the rods 74 so that it / they are movable in the vertical direction. The rods 74 are connected to the apparatus frame 15 by mechanical connectors, which may be movable, extendable, or detachable to allow for repositioning of the rods. Adjustment of the position of the elongated pressing element 12 relative to the elongated dehulling element 11 may be used to adjust both the distance between them and the relative angle.

[0060] When moving the end 123 of the elongated pressing element 12 located at the egg outlet 602, it may be necessary to extend or retract the belt 521 of the motor 52, or to move the entire motor.

[0061] Referring here to Figures 9 and 10, which show only the components of the shell-peeling section 10, the elongated pressing element 12 is angled relative to the elongated shell-peeling element 11 in both the vertical and horizontal planes, as indicated by angles A1 and A2, respectively. This can also be seen in Figure 11, which shows the direction from the egg inlet 601 to the egg outlet 602. Here, the egg contact surface 111 of the elongated shell-peeling element 11 is visible due to the vertical angle, and the egg contact surface 121 of the elongated pressing element 12 is visible due to the horizontal angle. The elongated shell-peeling element 11 is positioned on the same horizontal plane H here, but this is not necessary.

[0062] In this embodiment, the elongated shell-peeling element 11 is cylindrical and may have a surface cover suitable for peeling the shell from the egg 60, but other embodiments are also possible. The elongated shell-peeling element 11 is well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0063] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 11, the elongated pressing element 12 has projections 120 spaced apart from each other along its longitudinal axis L2. The elongated pressing element 12 is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis L2, and the projections 120 are formed by a helical member 124 wound around the longitudinal axis L2 of the elongated pressing element 12. During operation, this means that the position of the projections 120 that press the egg 60 against the elongated shell-peeling element 11, i.e., the position of the effective portion of the helical member 124, moves along the longitudinal axis L2. In addition to the egg contact surface 121 formed by the cylindrical rods forming the body of the egg pressing element 12, this embodiment includes an egg contact surface 127 formed by the helical member.

[0064] If the protrusions 120 are formed by the helical members 124, their movement may contribute to moving the egg forward, potentially even eliminating the need for the transport device 20.

[0065] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the helical member may have alternative dimensions such that it is formed by many smaller projections spaced apart from each other, or projections that do not form a helix may be used.

[0066] As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the presence of the projections 120, which are spaced apart from each other, causes the egg 60 moving between the elongated pressing element 12 and the elongated peeling element 11 to encounter two states. In one state, the egg is below the projections, which press against the egg and create one or more impact points on the eggshell; in the other state, the egg is positioned between the projections 120 and receives no pressure or only slight pressure. This intermittent pressure on the elongated peeling element can facilitate peeling in that a new portion of the eggshell can come into contact with it in each cycle, and the egg can be further rotated so that all surfaces eventually come into contact with the peeling element. Furthermore, intermittently releasing or reducing the pressure can reduce the risk of damage to the egg white, as the egg can roll freely on the elongated peeling element when the pressure is removed or reduced.

[0067] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 10, the protrusions 120 are spaced at various distances from each other along the longitudinal axis L2 of the elongated pressing element 12, with the distance decreasing from the egg inlet 601 towards the center of the peeling section 10 and increasing again towards the egg outlet 602. This has been found to result in better peeling in that the pressure from the protrusions 120 is applied more frequently towards the center, thus initiating the peeling of all eggs, but decreasing towards the egg outlet, thereby reducing the risk of larger eggs being damaged. However, other embodiments may be advantageous depending on the nature of the eggs being peeled.

[0068] The helical member 124 shown in Figures 5 to 11 is massive and made of rubber, but may be embodied as an air-filled tube made of another elastic polymer. Here, the helical member is wound around a stainless steel rod with a cross-sectional diameter of 12 mm, a Shore hardness of 60, and a diameter of 20 mm. To hold the helical member in a desired position on the rod, the rod may be provided with a track or a separate recess on which the helical member rests.

[0069] In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 11, the elongated pressing element 12 is positioned at a vertical distance of 50 to 70 mm above the elongated shell-peeling element 11, measured from center to center. In one setting, the center-to-center distance is 63 mm at the egg entrance and 52 mm at the egg exit. As a result, the distance D1 between the egg contact surfaces 111 and 127 at the egg entrance is approximately 35 mm, and at the egg exit it is approximately 22 mm. However, these dimensions may vary depending, for example, on the size of the egg being peeled.

[0070] In Figure 11, the elongated peeling element 11 is configured to rotate in opposite directions as indicated by arrow C. This allows the egg contact surface 111 of the peeling element 11 to grasp the eggshell of the egg 60, thereby allowing the eggshell to be pulled down between the elongated peeling elements 11. The elongated peeling elements 11 are positioned here with a distance D3 between the centers of rotation of 28.5 mm and a relative distance of 0.5 mm measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, allowing the eggshell to move between the elongated peeling elements 11. These distances may vary depending on the type or condition of the egg being processed and other factors such as the surface properties of the elongated peeling elements.

[0071] All dimensions described relate to shelling chicken eggs. For example, when shelling duck eggs, the distance D1 needs to be increased by approximately 30%, so that the center-to-center distance between the long pressing element 12 and the long shell-shelling element 11 is approximately 90 mm at the egg inlet 601 and 65 mm at the egg outlet 602. In this context, it is assumed that the average diameter of chicken eggs is 43 mm and the average diameter of duck eggs is 47 mm.

[0072] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, the horizontal angle A2 of the long pressing element 12 relative to the long shell-peeling element is 0.37°, and the vertical angle A1 is 0.2°. These angles can also be changed to adapt the device to the processing of specific types of eggs.

[0073] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the mutual angles that form a funnel-shaped space between the elongated shell-peeling element 11 and the elongated pressing element 12 can be achieved by shaping the elongated shell-peeling element and the elongated pressing element in various ways. A similar effect can be achieved by providing the elongated pressing element 12 with protrusions of various dimensions along the longitudinal axis L2.

Claims

1. A device (1) for peeling the shells of boiled eggs (60), each having an eggshell, comprising a peeling section (10) having an egg inlet (601) and an egg outlet (602), The egg transport direction (T) of the device extends from the egg inlet (601) to the egg outlet (602), and the shell peeling portion is At least two elongated shell-peeling elements (11), each extending along its respective longitudinal axis, at least one of which is rotatable about its respective longitudinal axis, the at least two elongated shell-peeling elements (11) are arranged such that their respective longitudinal axes extend in the same direction as the egg transport direction (T), the two elongated shell-peeling elements (11) are configured to support an egg (60) moving in the egg transport direction (T) and to remove the eggshell from the egg (60), and each of the two elongated shell-peeling elements (11) has an egg contact surface (111), At least one elongated pressing element (12) having a longitudinal axis extending in the same direction as the egg transport direction (T), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shell-peeling element (11), and positioned at a predetermined distance from the elongated shell-peeling element (11), having an egg contact surface (121, 127), and the at least one elongated pressing element (12), Equipped with, The first shortest distance (D1) between the egg contact surface (121) of the long pressing element (12) and the egg contact surface (111) of the long shell-peeling element (11), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the long shell-peeling element (11) at the egg entrance (601), is the same as the first shortest distance (D1) between the egg contact surface (121) of the long shell-peeling element (12) and the egg contact surface (111) of the long shell-peeling element (11), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the long shell-peeling element (11) at the egg exit (602). An apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60), characterized in that the egg contact surface (121) of the long pressing element (12) is angled with respect to the egg contact surface (111) of the long peeling element (11) such that the second shortest distance (D2) between the egg contact surface (121) of the long pressing element (12) and the egg contact surface (111) of the long peeling element (11).

2. The apparatus for peeling an egg (60) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element (12) is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shell-peeling element (11).

3. The apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a transport device (20) for moving the egg (60) in the egg transport direction (T), wherein the transport device (20) comprises a plurality of transport elements (23) that extend laterally with respect to the egg transport direction and between the elongated pressing element (12) and the elongated shell-peeling element (11).

4. The apparatus for peeling an egg (60) according to claim 3, wherein the transport elements (23) form compartments (24) between them, and each of the compartments is configured to receive a single egg.

5. The apparatus for peeling an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongated pressing element (12) has projections (120) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (L2) of the elongated pressing element (12).

6. The apparatus for peeling an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protruding portion (120) is formed by a helical member wound around the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element (12).

7. The apparatus for peeling an egg (60) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the protrusions (120) are spaced apart at various distances from each other along the longitudinal axis of the elongated pressing element (12).

8. The apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein the position of the long pressing element (12) relative to the long shell peeling element (11) is adjustable.

9. The apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elongated shell-peeling elements (11) are arranged at a distance of 0.5 mm from each other, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shell-peeling elements (11).

10. The apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein the elongated shell-peeling element (11) is configured to rotate in opposite directions.

11. The apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein the long shell-peeling element (11) is arranged in the same horizontal plane.

12. The apparatus for peeling an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, wherein the elongated shell-peeling element (11) is provided with a coating or sleeve to increase friction, and the coating or sleeve may be a polymer.

13. The apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, wherein the elongated pressing element (12) is positioned at a vertical distance of 30 to 70 mm, preferably 40 to 50 mm, above the elongated shell-peeling element (11) when measured at the egg entrance (601).

14. An apparatus for peeling an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis of the long pressing element (12) and at least one of the longitudinal axes of the long shell peeling element (11) is adjustable, preferably within an interval of 0.1 to 1 degree, more preferably within an interval of 0.2 to 0.5 degrees.

15. An apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, wherein the elongated shell-peeling element (11), the elongated pressing element (12), and the transport device (20) each have individual actuators (51, 52, 53, 54).

16. The apparatus for peeling the shell of an egg (60) according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an egg-breaking portion (30) configured to break the eggshell, wherein the egg-breaking portion is positioned in front of the egg entrance (601).

17. A method for peeling the shells off boiled eggs, wherein each egg (60) having an eggshell enters the peeling section (10) of a peeling device through an egg inlet (601), exits the peeling section (10) through an egg outlet (602), and moves in an egg transport direction (T) extending from the egg inlet (601) to the egg outlet (602), A step of placing the egg (60) on at least two elongated shell-peeling elements (11), wherein each of the elongated shell-peeling elements (11) extends along its respective longitudinal axis, and the two elongated shell-peeling elements (11) are arranged such that their respective longitudinal axes extend in the same direction as the egg transport direction (T), and each of the two elongated shell-peeling elements (11) has an egg contact surface (111), The steps include rotating at least one of the elongated shell-removing elements (11) about its longitudinal axis, thereby removing the eggshell from the egg (60), A step of pressing the egg (60) toward a long shell peeling element (11) using at least one long pressing element (12) having an egg contact surface (121) and a longitudinal axis, wherein the long pressing element (12) is positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the long pressing element (12) extends in the same direction as the egg transport direction (T), and the long pressing element (12) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the long shell peeling element (11), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the long shell peeling element (11), In a method including, The pressure on the egg (60) resulting from the use of the elongated pressing element (12) increases when the egg (60) is moving in the egg transport direction (T) because the egg contact surfaces (121, 127) of the elongated pressing element (12) are angled with respect to the egg contact surface (111) of the elongated shell peeling element (11), thereby measuring perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shell peeling element (11) at the egg entrance (601). A method characterized in that the first shortest distance between the egg contact surface (121) of the elongated pressing element (12) and the egg contact surface (111) of the elongated shell peeling element (11) is greater than the second shortest distance between the egg contact surface (121) of the elongated pressing element (12) and the egg contact surface (111) of the elongated shell peeling element (11), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shell peeling element (11) at the egg exit (602).

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