Packaged Egg Production System

Abstract

To suppress deterioration of production efficiency even if the number of anomalies in the entire packed egg production system increases due to increasing in the number of pack-related devices lined up along the packed egg conveying device.SOLUTION: A packed egg production system of the present invention includes multiple pack-related devices (8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) used to produce packed eggs in which eggs are accommodated in a container P, a container conveying device 6 including multiple conveyors (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m) in which the multiple pack-related devices are arranged in series, and a control device that changes the flow of conveyance of containers P to be different between the upstream side and the downstream side of specific conveyors included in the container conveying device 6. When an anomaly occurs in one of the multiple pack-related devices, the control device keeps driving downstream conveyors rather than the specific conveyors corresponding to the pack-related devices in question.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for producing packaged eggs, in which eggs are contained within a container. [Background technology]

[0002] One example of a system for producing packaged eggs is known from Patent Document 1. This system has two production lines. The first production line is arranged along a conveying device and includes an egg labeling unit that attaches small labels to egg shells and a sealing unit for sealing the containers. The second production line is arranged along a conveying device and includes a tape sealing unit that seals the containers with tape material and an outer labeling unit that attaches outer labels to the outside of the containers.

[0003] In recent years, the production of a wide variety of packaged eggs in small quantities has progressed, and the number of types of equipment used to produce packaged eggs that can be arranged on a single production line is increasing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-97989 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If an abnormality occurs in one of the multiple devices lined up on one production line, the entire production line stops. Therefore, as the number of devices related to the production of packaged eggs lined up along the conveyor increases, the number of abnormalities occurring on the entire production line increases, resulting in a decrease in the production efficiency of packaged eggs.

[0006] The present invention aims to suppress a deterioration in production efficiency even if the number of abnormalities occurring in the entire packed egg production system increases due to an increase in the number of pack-related devices lined up along the conveying device of the packed egg production system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The packaged egg production system of the present invention comprises a plurality of pack-related devices used to produce packaged eggs in which eggs are contained in containers, a container transport device including a plurality of conveyors on which the plurality of pack-related devices are arranged in a series, and a control device that changes the flow of container transport so that it is different on the upstream and downstream sides of a particular conveyor included in the container transport device, and when an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of pack-related devices, the control device continues to drive the conveyor downstream of the particular conveyor corresponding to that pack-related device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, even if the number of abnormalities occurring in the entire packed egg production system increases due to an increase in the number of pack-related devices lined up along the conveying device of the packed egg production system, a deterioration in the production efficiency of packed eggs can be suppressed.

[0009] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a packaged egg production system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of conveyor control according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a main part of a packaged egg production system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a main part of the packaged egg production system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following description will be given with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a schematic plan view showing a packaged egg production system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The packaged egg production system according to this embodiment includes a supplying and conveying device 1, a control device (not shown), a weighing section 2, a distributing and conveying device 3, an abnormal egg inspection section 4, a discharging section 5, a container conveying device 6, and package-related devices (8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14).

[0013] The supplying and conveying device 1 is a conveyor that transports eggs laid in the chicken coop in six rows in flow direction T1, and the supplying and conveying device 1 transports the eggs at equal intervals with their long axes horizontal. On the upstream side of the supplying and conveying device 1, there are provided devices (not shown) that wash, dry, inspect for cracks, and inspect the eggshells for dirt on the eggs laid in the chicken coop, and the inspection data for each egg is input into a control device as control data used for distribution by the distribution and conveying device 3.

[0014] The control device is composed of a dedicated computer or a general-purpose computer, including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), internal memory, an input / output interface, an AD (analog-to-digital) converter, etc. The function of the control device is fulfilled by the cooperation of the CPU and its peripheral devices according to the program stored in the internal memory.

[0015] The weighing section 2 is provided at the downstream end of the supplying and conveying device 1. At the downstream end of the supplying and conveying device 1, the eggs are transferred to the distributing and conveying device 3, and each egg is weighed in the weighing section 2 immediately before the transfer. The weighing data obtained as a result of the weighing is input to the control device as control data used for distributing the eggs in the distributing and conveying device 3.

[0016] The distributing and conveying device 3 is a device that distributes eggs based on signals output from a control device, and conveys eggs transferred from the supplying and conveying device 1 in flow direction T2. ​​The distributing and conveying device 3 is provided with an abnormal egg inspection unit 4. The abnormal egg inspection unit 4 is a device that irradiates the eggs with light and inspects the inside of the eggs for abnormalities from the light that passes through the interior, and the inspection data obtained for each egg as a result of the inspection is input into the control device as control data to be used for distribution in the distributing and conveying device 3.

[0017] The distributing and conveying device 3 is equipped with a plurality of discharge units 5 that distribute and discharge eggs. Although omitted in Figure 1, a plurality of discharge units 5 are provided at predetermined intervals downstream in the flow direction T2. ​​The eggs are discharged from each discharge unit 5 based on a signal output from the control device. The eggs discharged from each discharge unit 5 are stored in a container P on a container conveying device 6 provided below.

[0018] The container conveying device 6 is composed of multiple conveyors (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m) that transport containers P supplied from the container supply section 7 in the flow direction T3, and the container conveying device 6 has multiple pack-related devices (8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) arranged in a series.

[0019] The pack-related devices are used to produce packed eggs, in which eggs are contained in containers, and a plurality of pack-related devices are lined up in a series along the container conveying device 6. Examples of the pack-related devices include a packed egg inspection device 8, a first label applying device 9, a label inspection device 11, a sealing device 12, a second label applying device 13, an appearance inspection device 14, etc.

[0020] Conveyor a included in container transport device 6 transports container P before eggs are placed inside to just below discharge section 5 and stops there. Conveyor a transports container P1 containing eggs released from discharge section 5 downstream, and container P1 transfers to conveyor b. Conveyor b is provided with a packaged egg inspection device 8. The drive of conveyor b is controlled based on a signal output from a control device.

[0021] The packed egg inspection device 8 is a device that inspects the container P1 before the lid is closed, for example, to check whether the eggshell has cracked causing liquid leakage, whether the container P1 has been contaminated with foreign matter, or whether the container P1 does not contain the number of eggs that should be contained. The inspection data for each container P1 obtained as a result of the inspection is input into the control device. The packed egg inspection device 8 has a light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the eggs contained in the container P1, and an imaging unit that images the eggs irradiated with light.

[0022] Furthermore, the packed egg inspection device 8 has a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the device. The detection unit detects abnormalities in the light irradiation unit or the imaging unit, and an abnormality detection signal is input to the control device.

[0023] The container P1 inspected by the packed egg inspection device 8 is transported downstream by the conveyor b, and the container P1 is transferred onto the conveyor c. The drive of the conveyor c is controlled based on a signal output from the control device.

[0024] The conveyor c is configured to automatically sort containers P1 according to signals output from a control device, and the control device transports containers P1 for which no problems are detected downstream in flow direction T4 based on inspection data input from the packed egg inspection device 8. On the other hand, containers for which problems are detected by the packed egg inspection device 8 are transported in flow direction T5 as defective containers Px. A defective container accumulation section 10 is provided downstream in the flow direction T5.

[0025] The container P1 conveyed by the conveyor c to the downstream side in the flow direction T4 is transferred onto a conveyor d. A first labeling device 9 is provided on the conveyor d. The driving of the conveyor d is controlled based on a signal output from a control device.

[0026] The first label applying device 9 is a device that applies a label to the inside of the container P1 before the lid is closed, and the first label applying device 9 in this embodiment applies bean stickers to the eggs contained in the container P1 as labels to be applied to the inside of the container P1.

[0027] The first label applying device 9 also has a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the device. The detection unit detects abnormalities such as a jam of the sticker backing paper or when the stickers have run out and there are no more stickers to apply, and the abnormality detection signal is input to the control device.

[0028] The container P2 to which the label has been applied by the first labeling device 9 is transported downstream by the conveyor d, and the container P2 is transferred to the conveyor e. The conveyor e is not provided with any pack-related devices, and the container P2 is transported downstream in the flow direction T4 by the conveyor e. The drive of the conveyor e is controlled based on a signal output from the control device.

[0029] The container P2 conveyed by the conveyor e to the downstream side in the flow direction T4 is transferred onto a conveyor f. The conveyor f is provided with a label inspection device 11. The drive of the conveyor f is controlled based on a signal output from a control device.

[0030] The label inspection device 11 is a device that inspects the labels applied by the first label application device 9, and has a light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the mini stickers that are the labels inside the container P2, and an imaging unit that images the mini stickers irradiated with light. The label inspection device 11 according to this embodiment detects that a mini sticker is not attached to an egg, and a signal generated upon detection is input to a control device. The control device stops the operation of the entire container conveying device 6 based on the signal input from the label inspection device 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the packed egg inspection device 8 has a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the device. The detection unit detects abnormalities in the light irradiation unit or the imaging unit, and an abnormality detection signal is input to the control device.

[0032] After the container P2 has been inspected by the label inspection device 11, it is transported downstream by the conveyor f, and the container P2 is transferred to the conveyor g. No pack-related device is provided on the conveyor g, and the container P2 is transported downstream in the flow direction T4 by the conveyor g. The drive of the conveyor g is controlled based on a signal output from the control device.

[0033] The container P2 transported by the conveyor g to the downstream side in the moving direction 4 is transferred onto the conveyor h. The conveyor h is provided with a sealing device 12. The driving of the conveyor h is controlled based on a signal output from a control device.

[0034] After the lid of the container P2 is closed, the sealing device 12 seals a flange formed on the container body and a flange formed on the lid with adhesive tape.

[0035] The sealing device 12 also has a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the device. The detection unit detects anomalies such as a clogging of the adhesive tape or the adhesive tape running out, and the abnormality detection signal is input to the control device.

[0036] The container P3 sealed by the sealing device 12 is transported downstream by the conveyor h, and the container P3 is transferred to the conveyor i. The conveyor i is not provided with any pack-related device, and the container P3 is transported downstream in the flow direction T4 by the conveyor i. The drive of the conveyor i is controlled based on a signal output from the control device.

[0037] The container P3 transported by the conveyor i to the downstream side in the flow direction T4 is transferred onto the conveyor j. The conveyor j is provided with a second labeling device 13. The driving of the conveyor j is controlled based on a signal output from a control device.

[0038] The second labeling device 13 is a device that applies a label to the outside of the container P3 after it has been sealed, and the second labeling device 13 applies an overlay label, on which the product name or the like is written, to the lid of the container P3.

[0039] The second labeling device 13 also has a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the device. The detection unit detects abnormalities such as a backing paper jam of the overlay labels or the fact that the overlay labels have run out and there are no more overlay labels to be applied, and an abnormality detection signal is input to the control device.

[0040] The container P4 to which the label has been applied by the second label application device 13 is transported downstream by the conveyor j, and the container P4 is transferred to the conveyor k.

[0041] The conveyor k is not provided with any pack-related device, and the container P4 is transported downstream in the flow direction T4 by the conveyor k. The drive of the conveyor k is controlled based on a signal output from the control device.

[0042] The container P4 transported by the conveyor k to the downstream side in the flow direction T4 is transferred onto the conveyor l. The conveyor l is provided with an appearance inspection device 14. The drive of the conveyor l is controlled based on a signal output from a control device.

[0043] The appearance inspection device 14 is a device for inspecting the appearance of the container P4, and has a light irradiation unit that irradiates the container P4 with light, and an imaging unit that images the container P4 irradiated with light. The appearance inspection device 14 according to this embodiment detects poor application or printing of the adhesive tape applied by the sealing device 12 and the top label applied by the second label application device 13, and a signal generated upon detection is input to the control device. The control device stops the operation of the entire container conveying device 6 based on the signal input from the appearance inspection device 14.

[0044] The visual inspection device 14 also has a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the device. The detection unit detects abnormalities in the light irradiation unit or the imaging unit, and an abnormality detection signal is input to the control device.

[0045] After the appearance inspection device 14 inspects the container P4, the container P4 is transported downstream by the conveyor 1, and the container P4 is transferred to the conveyor m. The conveyor m is not provided with any packing-related device, and the container P4 is transported downstream in the flow direction T4 by the conveyor m. The drive of the conveyor m is controlled based on a signal output from a control device. The container P4 transported downstream by the conveyor m is loaded into a cardboard box or the like by hand or by a robot.

[0046] Next, an operation when an abnormality occurs in each of the pack-related devices (8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the packed egg production system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, when a detection unit provided in each pack-related device (8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) detects an abnormality in one of the pack-related devices, the control device continues to drive the conveyors downstream of the specific conveyor corresponding to that pack-related device and stops driving the conveyors upstream, thereby changing the flow of transport of the containers P.

[0048] For example, when a detection unit of the packed egg inspection device 8 detects an abnormality in the device, the conveyor b on which the packed egg inspection device 8 is installed is designated as the specific conveyor, and the downstream conveyors (c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m) continue to be driven, while the driving of the conveyor b and the upstream conveyor a is stopped. Similarly, specific conveyors are also determined for the other pack-related devices. Note that the specific conveyor is not limited to the above description. For example, the conveyor immediately downstream of the conveyor on which each pack-related device is installed may be designated as the specific conveyor, or multiple pack-related devices may designate the same conveyor as the specific conveyor.

[0049] Furthermore, although the first labeling device 9 according to this embodiment applies bean stickers as labels to the eggs contained in the container P1, it may also be configured to insert strip-shaped labels called in-pack labels into the container P1. In this case, the detection unit of the first labeling device 9 detects as an abnormality a paper jam of in-pack labels or the fact that the in-pack labels have been used up and there are no more in-pack labels to be inserted.

[0050] Second embodiment 3 and 4 are schematic plan views showing the main parts of a packaged egg production system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the packaged egg production system according to this embodiment, detailed description of the same or corresponding parts as those in the description of the packaged egg production system according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0051] The container transport device in this embodiment is composed of multiple conveyors (g, h, i2, j, k, l, m) that transport containers P in a flow direction T4, and the container transport device has multiple pack-related devices (12, 13, 14) arranged in a series.

[0052] The container P3 sealed by the sealing device 12 is transported downstream by the conveyor h, and the container P3 is transferred to the conveyor i2. The conveyor i2 is provided with a first moving device 15 for moving the container P3 in the flow direction T6, and a conveyor n is provided on the opposite side of the first moving device 15 via an intermediate plate 16. The conveyor n is a retention section 18 for temporarily evacuating the container P3 from the container transport device 6, and is configured to be able to switch between a mode of transporting the container P3 in the flow direction T7 and a mode of transporting the container P3 in the flow direction T8. The conveyor n is also provided with a second moving device 17 for moving the container P3 in the flow direction T9.

[0053] The container P3 is conveyed downstream in the flow direction T4 by the conveyor i2. The drive of the conveyor i2 is controlled based on a signal output from the control device.

[0054] The container P3 transported by the conveyor i2 to the downstream side in the flow direction T4 is transferred onto a conveyor j. The conveyor j is provided with a second labeling device 13. The driving of the conveyor j is controlled based on a signal output from a control device.

[0055] The second labeling device 13 applies an overlay label, which has a product name and the like written thereon, to the lid of the container P3. The second labeling device 13 also has a detection unit that detects abnormalities in the device. The detection unit detects abnormalities such as a jam of the overlay label backing paper or the fact that the overlay labels have run out and there are no more overlay labels to be applied, and an abnormality detection signal is input to the control device.

[0056] Next, an operation when an abnormality occurs in second labeling device 13 of the packaged egg production system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0057] When the detector provided in the second labeling device 13 detects an abnormality, the control device stops driving the conveyor j corresponding to the second labeling device 13 and continues driving the conveyors downstream of the conveyor j. Then, the control device operates the first moving device 15 provided in the upstream conveyor i2 to move the container P3 in the flow direction T6, thereby changing the transport flow of the containers P.

[0058] Container P3 moved in flow direction T6 by first moving device 15 is transferred onto conveyor n, which then transports it in flow direction T7 and collects it in retention section 18. Thereafter, when the abnormality in second labeling device 13 is resolved and driving of conveyor j is resumed, container P3 collected in retention section 18 is transported in flow direction T8 by conveyor n, and second moving device 17 is operated to move container P3 in flow direction T9.

[0059] Container P3 moved in flow direction T9 by second moving device 17 is transferred onto conveyor i2, which then transports it downstream in flow direction T4 and transfers it onto conveyor j.

[0060] In this embodiment, in the case where an abnormality occurs in the second labeling device 13, the retention section 18 is provided upstream of the specific conveyor j corresponding to the second labeling device 13, but this is not limited thereto, and the retention section 18 may be provided upstream of the specific conveyor corresponding to the other pack-related devices, or the retention section 18 may be provided upstream of the specific conveyor corresponding to each pack-related device. In addition, when moving the container P to the retention section 18, the container P may be lifted from the container transport device 6 by a device such as a parallel link robot and then moved, or the container P may be distributed using a configuration similar to that of the conveyor c shown in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and are not limited thereto. The present invention is not limited to the above-described scope, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention may be utilized in the production of packaged eggs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Supply and conveying device 2 Measuring part 3. Distribution and conveying equipment 4. Abnormal Egg Inspection Department 5 Emission part 6 Container transport device 7 Container supply section 8 pack egg inspection device 9 First labeling device 10. Defective container accumulation area 11 Label inspection equipment 12 Sealing device 13 Second labeling device 14 Visual inspection equipment 15 1st mobile device 16 Relay board 17 Second moving device 18 Retention part P container T Flow direction

Claims

1. a plurality of pack-related devices used to produce packaged eggs, the packaged eggs including eggs contained within containers; a container transport device including a plurality of conveyors on which the plurality of pack-related devices are arranged in series; a control device that changes the flow of container transport so that the flow of container transport differs between the upstream side and the downstream side of a specific conveyor included in the container transport device; In the packed egg production system, when an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of pack-related devices, the control device continues to drive the conveyor downstream of the specific conveyor corresponding to the one pack-related device.

2. 2. The packaged egg production system according to claim 1, wherein the control device, when an abnormality occurs in one of the pack-related devices, stops a conveyor upstream of the specific conveyor or moves a container to a retention section provided upstream of the specific conveyor.

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