Identification device

Abstract

To provide an identification device capable of identifying a semi-flat pack in addition to a regular pack and a flat pack.SOLUTION: The identification device is an identification device for identifying the type of an egg carton having a container body supporting a plurality of eggs arranged in a plurality of rows from below, and a lid connected to the container body via a hinge portion and formed with a plurality of capped portions covering the eggs in each row from above when the lid is closed, including: a conveying device conveying the egg carton with the lid open in a direction parallel to the capped portions; a first guide positioned below the lid of the egg carton and between adjacent capped portions; a first sensor detecting the passage of the egg carton; and a second sensor positioned below the capped portions of the lid of the egg carton being transported and lower than the first guide and detecting the presence or absence of the capped portions at a predetermined distance. The first sensor identifies the type of the egg carton based on the detection result of the second sensor in the condition where the first sensor detects the passage of the egg carton.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an identification device, and more particularly to an identification device for identifying types of egg cartons. [Background technology]

[0002] Well-known types of egg cartons are regular packs and flat packs. Regular packs are egg cartons with ridges and grooves on the lid that conform to the shape of the egg, while flat packs are egg cartons with a generally flat top surface. Furthermore, semi-flat packs, which combine the advantages of both regular and flat packs, are increasingly being used these days.

[0003] Regular packs have a label, also known as an in-label, inserted before the lid is closed, whereas flat packs and semi-flat packs have a label attached to the top of the lid after it is closed.

[0004] At GP centers (Grading and Packing Centers) where eggs are collected and packaged, eggs are sorted by weight using a sorting and packaging system, and the sorted eggs are placed in multi-type egg cartons and transported by conveying equipment. At this time, the multi-type egg cartons are transported in a mixed state on the same route of the conveying equipment.

[0005] The egg cartons of various types transported by the transport device must be inspected for the presence or absence of an in-label in a subsequent in-label inspection process, which checks whether an in-label is present in a predetermined position on egg cartons identified as regular packs. Furthermore, in the subsequent label attachment process, different labels are attached to the lids of flat packs and semi-flat packs, so the egg carton types must also be identified. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-206353 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses an identification device that can distinguish between regular packs and flat packs. However, the identification device in Patent Document 1 cannot identify semi-flat packs, and therefore cannot properly perform the in-label presence inspection process or label attachment process.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an identification device that can identify semi-flat packs in addition to regular packs and flat packs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The identification device of the present invention is an identification device for identifying the type of egg carton, which has a container body that supports from below a plurality of eggs arranged in a plurality of rows, and a lid body that is connected to the container body via a hinge part and has a plurality of cover parts that cover the eggs from above for each row when the lid is closed, a conveying device that conveys the egg carton with the lid body open in a direction parallel to the covering portion; a first guide disposed below the lid of the egg carton being transported and between adjacent covering portions; a first sensor that detects the passage of the conveyed egg carton; a second sensor disposed below the covering portion of the lid body of the egg carton being conveyed and at a position lower than the first guide, and detecting the presence or absence of the covering portion at a predetermined distance above, The type of the egg carton is identified based on the detection result of the second sensor when the first sensor detects the passage of the egg carton.

[0010] This configuration allows for the identification of semi-flat packs in addition to regular packs and flat packs.

[0011] Furthermore, the identification device according to the present invention may be configured to include a second guide that is positioned below the covering portion of the lid body of the egg carton being transported and at a lower position than the first guide.

[0012] According to this configuration, the lid body of the transported egg carton can be guided by the second guide, improving the accuracy of detection of the covering portion by the second sensor.

[0013] In the identification device according to the present invention, the first guide and the second guide may extend in a direction parallel to the covering portion.

[0014] According to this configuration, the lid body being transported can be appropriately guided by the first guide and the second guide.

[0015] In the identification device according to the present invention, the second sensor may be configured to be able to detect the presence or absence of the covering portion in a state in which the second guide is in contact with the covering portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, the covering portion of the lid body of the transported egg carton can be supported from below by the second guide, improving the accuracy of detection of the covering portion by the second sensor.

[0017] In addition, in the identification device according to the present invention, when the second sensor does not detect the covering portions consecutively, it is determined that the egg carton is a flat pack having the lid body formed so that the space between adjacent covering portions is the same height as the covering portions, When the second sensor intermittently detects the covering portions, the egg carton is determined to be a regular carton having a lid body in which the distance between adjacent covering portions is lower than the covering portions and the covering portions are formed unevenly so as to cover the eggs individually, The second sensor may be configured to determine that when it detects the covering portions continuously, the egg pack is a semi-flat pack in which the space between adjacent covering portions is lower than the covering portions and the covering portions are formed flat.

[0018] This configuration allows proper identification of regular packs, flat packs, and semi-flat packs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] Three-dimensional views of a regular pack according to this embodiment [Figure 2] Three-view diagram of the flat pack according to this embodiment [Figure 3] Three-view diagram of a semi-flat pack according to this embodiment [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view partially illustrating an example of a sorting and packaging system. [Figure 5] VV arrow view of Figure 4 [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the second sensor detects the covering portion. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the second sensor does not detect the covering portion. [Figure 7] Cross section showing a flat pack passing through an identification device [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view showing a semi-flat pack passing through an identification device [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view of an identification device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of an identification device according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a regular pack passes through an identification device according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a flat pack passing through an identification device according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a semi-flat pack passing through an identification device according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a sorting and packaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15A] XV-XV arrow view of Figure 14 [Figure 15B] XV-XV arrow view of Figure 14 [Figure 15C]XV-XV arrow view of Figure 14 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment of the identification device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Note that in each figure, the dimensional ratios in the drawing do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings do not necessarily match either.

[0021] [Types of egg cartons] First, three types of egg packs, a regular pack P1 shown in FIG. 1, a flat pack P2 shown in FIG. 2, and a semi-flat pack P3 shown in FIG. 3, will be described as examples of objects to be recognized by the recognition device according to this embodiment.

[0022] The regular pack P1 has a container body P11 and a lid P12. The container body P11 supports multiple eggs from below. The container body P11 has multiple holes P13 arranged in multiple rows. The container body P11 of this embodiment has 10 holes P13 arranged in two rows of five eggs each. Each hole P13 is formed in a shape that follows the outline of an egg, and approximately the lower half of each egg is accommodated in each hole P13.

[0023] The lid body P12 is connected to the container body P11 via a hinge portion P14. The hinge portion P14 is parallel to the row of eggs (the row of holes P13). The hinge portion P14 allows the lid body P12 to change its position relative to the container body P11 between an open state shown in FIG. 1 and a closed state (not shown).

[0024] The lid body P12 has multiple cover portions P18, P19 that cover each row of eggs from above when closed. The lid body P12 of this embodiment has two cover portions P18, P19 spaced apart. Adjacent cover portions P18, P19 are connected by a connecting portion P17. The connecting portion P17 is lower than the cover portions P18, P19 and has a groove shape.

[0025] The cover portions P18, P19 have a plurality of holes P15 corresponding to the holes P13 of the container body P11. Each hole P15 is formed in a shape that follows the outline of an egg, and approximately the upper half of each egg is accommodated in each hole P15. In the regular pack P1, the cover portions P18, P19 are unevenly formed by the plurality of holes P15. In other words, recesses P16 (see FIG. 5) are formed between adjacent holes P15.

[0026] The flat pack P2 has a container body P21 and a lid body P22. The container body P21 supports a plurality of eggs from below. The container body P21 has a plurality of holes P23 arranged in a plurality of rows. The container body P21 of this embodiment has ten holes P23 arranged in two rows of five eggs each. Each hole P23 is formed in a shape that follows the outline of an egg, and approximately the lower half of each egg is accommodated in each hole P23.

[0027] The lid body P22 is connected to the container body P21 via a hinge portion P24. The hinge portion P24 is parallel to the row of eggs (the row of holes P23). The hinge portion P24 allows the lid body P22 to change its position relative to the container body P21 between an open state shown in FIG. 2 and a closed state (not shown).

[0028] The lid body P22 has a plurality of cover portions P28, P29 that cover each row of eggs from above when closed. The lid body P22 of this embodiment has two cover portions P28, P29 spaced apart. The cover portions P28, P29 have flat surfaces. Adjacent cover portions P28, P29 are connected by a connecting portion P27 (the portion between the two dotted chain lines in Figure 2). The connecting portion P27 is a flat surface that is the same height as the cover portions P28, P29. In the flat pack P2, the top surface of the lid body P22 is flat overall.

[0029] The semi-flat pack P3 has a container body P31 and a lid body P32. The container body P31 supports a plurality of eggs from below. The container body P31 has a plurality of holes P33 arranged in a plurality of rows. The container body P31 of this embodiment has ten holes P33 arranged in two rows of five eggs each. Each hole P33 is formed in a shape that follows the outline of an egg, and approximately the lower half of each egg is accommodated in each hole P33.

[0030] The lid body P32 is connected to the container body P31 via a hinge portion P34. The hinge portion P34 is parallel to the row of eggs (the row of holes P33). The hinge portion P34 allows the lid body P32 to change its position relative to the container body P31 between an open state shown in FIG. 3 and a closed state (not shown).

[0031] The lid body P32 has multiple cover portions P38, P39 that cover each row of eggs from above when closed. The lid body P32 of this embodiment has two cover portions P38, P39 spaced apart. Adjacent cover portions P38, P39 are connected by a connecting portion P37. The connecting portion P37 is lower than the cover portions P38, P39 and has a groove shape.

[0032] One cover portion P39 has a plurality of holes P35 corresponding to the holes P33 of the container body P31. Each hole P35 is formed in a shape that follows the outline of an egg, and approximately the upper half of each egg is accommodated in each hole P35. In the semi-flat pack P3, the cover portion P39 has projections and depressions formed by the plurality of holes P35. In other words, recesses P36 (see FIG. 8) are formed between adjacent holes P35. The other cover portion P38 does not have any holes P35. In the semi-flat pack P3, the cover portion P38 is formed flat.

[0033] First Embodiment [Configuration of the identification device] 4 is a plan view partially showing an example of a sorting and packaging system. In this embodiment, an example in which the identification device 1 is applied to a sorting and packaging system 9 will be described. FIG. 5 is a view taken along the arrows VV in FIG.

[0034] The sorting and packaging system 9 sorts eggs E by weight or other criteria and places the sorted eggs E into multiple types of egg packs P1, P2, and P3. The egg packs P1, P2, and P3 are transported by corresponding container conveyors 91-93. A label inserting device 94 is provided downstream of the container conveyors 91-93 to insert labels L into the egg packs P1, P2, and P3 as needed. In this embodiment, the label inserting device 94 is provided only downstream of the container conveyor 91, but because labels L may also be inserted into semi-flat packs P3, another label inserting device 94 may be provided downstream of the container conveyor 93. The sorting and packaging system 9 may also include a label inspection device 95 (see FIG. 14) downstream of the label inserting device 94 to inspect for the presence or absence of labels L.

[0035] At the downstream ends of container conveyors 91-93, there is provided a conveying device 2 that conveys egg packs P1, P2, P3 conveyed downstream from each of container conveyors 91-93. As a result, egg packs P1, P2, P3 are conveyed in a mixed state on the same path of conveying device 2. Conveying device 2 is, for example, a transport conveyor. Note that in this embodiment, three container conveyors 91-93 are provided, but four or more container conveyors may be provided.

[0036] The identification device 1 identifies a plurality of types of egg packs P1, P2, and P3 transported by the transport device 2.

[0037] Conveying device 2 conveys egg packs P1, P2, P3 with lid bodies P12, P22, P32 open in conveying direction D. Conveying direction D is parallel to covering portions P18, P19, P28, P29, P38, P39 of lid bodies P12, P22, P32.

[0038] The identification device 1 includes a first guide 3 extending in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction D. In this embodiment, the first guide 3 is a rod-shaped member arranged along the conveyance direction D. The first guide 3 is arranged below the lid bodies P12, P22, P32 of the conveyed egg packs P1, P2, P3 and between adjacent cover portions P18, P19, P28, P29, P38, P39, specifically below the connecting portions P17, P27, P37 (see FIG. 5).

[0039] The recognition device 1 includes a second guide 4 extending in a direction parallel to the conveying direction D. In this embodiment, the second guide 4 is a rod-shaped member arranged along the conveying direction D. The second guide 4 is arranged below the lid bodies P12, P22, P32 of the conveyed egg packs P1, P2, P3 and facing the covering portions P18, P28, P38 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the second guide 4 is arranged at a lower position than the first guide 3.

[0040] The recognition device 1 is equipped with a first sensor 5 that detects the passage of transported egg cartons P1, P2, and P3. Specifically, the first sensor 5 detects the passage of lids P12, P22, and P32 of the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 (see FIG. 5). The first sensor 5 is, for example, an optical passage sensor. Note that, although the first sensor 5 according to this embodiment is disposed above the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3, it may also be disposed to the side or below the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3. While the first sensor 5 is detecting the passage of the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3, it notifies the recognition unit, described below, of the detection result.

[0041] The identification device 1 includes a second sensor 6 disposed below the lids P12, P22, and P32 of the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 being conveyed, facing the covering portions P18, P28, and P38 (see FIG. 5). The second sensor 6 is disposed at a lower position than the first guide 3 and the second guide 4. The second sensor 6 detects the presence or absence of an object at a predetermined distance, and may be, for example, a distance-limited fiber sensor or a distance-setting photoelectric sensor that irradiates light and detects the object based on the amount of reflected light. Specifically, the second sensor 6 of this embodiment detects the presence or absence of the covering portions P18, P28, and P38 at a predetermined distance h1 to h2. The predetermined distance h1 to h2 is set appropriately depending on the difference in height between the second sensor 6 and the second guide 4 and the shape of the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 to be identified, but is set to, for example, 0 to 15 mm, 5 to 12 mm, or 6 to 11 mm.

[0042] The second sensor 6 can detect the presence or absence of the covering portions P18, P28, and P38 when the second guide 4 is in contact with the covering portions P18, P28, and P38. Fig. 6A is a side view showing a state in which the second sensor 6 detects the covering portion P18, and Fig. 6B is a side view showing a state in which the second sensor 6 does not detect the covering portion P18. The side views of Figs. 6A and 6B are views seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction D.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6A, when the second guide 4 is in contact with the covering portion P18 of the regular pack P1 and the hole P15 of the regular pack P1 being transported is located above the second sensor 6, the hole P15 is located a predetermined distance h1 to h2 away from the second sensor 6, so the second sensor 6 detects the covering portion P18 (hole P15).

[0044] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6B, when the second guide 4 is in contact with the covering portion P18 of the regular pack P1 and the recess P16 of the regular pack P1 being transported is located above the second sensor 6, the recess P16 is located at a distance h2 or more from the second sensor 6, so the second sensor 6 does not detect the covering portion P18 (recess P16).

[0045] Furthermore, as described below, the cover portion P28 of the flat pack P2 is floating above the second guide 4, and the cover portion P28 is located at a distance h2 or more from the second sensor 6, so the second sensor 6 does not detect the cover portion P28.

[0046] Furthermore, as will be described later, the covering portion P38 of the semi-flat pack P3 does not have a recess like the recess P16 of the regular pack P1, so the second sensor 6 continuously detects the covering portion P38.

[0047] The second sensor 6 is turned on when it detects the covering portions P18, P28, P38 at a predetermined distance h1 to h2 from the second sensor 6, and is turned off when it does not detect the covering portions P18, P28, P38 at a predetermined distance h1 to h2 from the second sensor 6. The second sensor 6 notifies the recognition unit, which will be described later, of the detection result (ON state / OFF state).

[0048] The identification device 1 includes an identification unit (not shown). The identification unit is, for example, a computer configured with a processor, memory, etc. The identification unit identifies the types of egg packs P1, P2, and P3 based on the detection result of second sensor 6 when first sensor 5 detects the passage of egg packs P1, P2, and P3.

[0049] [How to identify egg cartons] Next, a method for identifying the type of egg carton using the identification device 1 will be described.

[0050] When a conveyed regular egg pack P1 passes through the recognition device 1, the first guide 3 enters the recess in the connecting portion P17, and the second guide 4 comes into contact with the covering portion P18, as shown in FIG. 5, and the second sensor 6 detects the unevenness of the covering portion P18. Specifically, the second sensor 6 is turned ON to detect the hole P15 in the covering portion P18 as shown in FIG. 6A, and is turned OFF to not detect the recess P16 in the covering portion P18 as shown in FIG. 6B. Therefore, the second sensor 6 alternates between ON and OFF states depending on the unevenness of the covering portion P18. As a result, when the first sensor 5 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, and P3 and the second sensor 6 alternates between ON and OFF states, the recognition unit can identify the passing egg pack as a regular egg pack P1.

[0051] Figure 7 shows the state in which flat pack P2 is passing through the recognition device 1. When the conveyed flat pack P2 passes through the recognition device 1, as shown in Figure 7, the first guide 3 comes into contact with the lid body P22 (connecting portion P27), the cover portion P28 is raised above the second guide 4, and the second sensor 6 remains in the OFF state because it does not detect the cover portion P28. As a result, when the first sensor 5 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, P3 and the second sensor 6 remains in the OFF state, the recognition unit can identify the passing egg pack as a flat pack P2.

[0052] Figure 8 shows a semi-flat pack P3 passing through the recognition device 1. When the conveyed semi-flat pack P3 passes through the recognition device 1, as shown in Figure 8, the first guide 3 fits into the recess in the connecting portion P37, the second guide 4 comes into contact with the cover portion P38, and the second sensor 6 detects the unevenness of the cover portion P38. Specifically, the second sensor 6 remains ON to continuously detect the cover portion P38. As a result, when the first sensor 5 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, and P3 and the second sensor 6 remains ON, the recognition unit can identify the passing egg pack as a semi-flat pack P3.

[0053] As described above, the identification device 1 can identify the semi-flat pack P3 in addition to the regular pack P1 and the flat pack P2.

[0054] The identification device is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made to the identification device without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily adopted and combined, and further, it goes without saying that one or more of the configurations and methods of the various modified examples described below may be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiments.

[0055] (1) The identification device 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include the second guide 4. However, the identification device 1 is not limited to this configuration. The identification device 1 does not need to include the second guide 4. In this case, for example, when a regular pack P1 being conveyed passes through the identification device 1, the first guide 3 may guide the lid body P12 while contacting the bottom of the recess in the connecting portion P17 as shown in FIG. 9, and the second sensor 6 may detect the unevenness of the covering portion P18 (the same applies to semi-flat packs P3).

[0056] (2) In the semi-flat pack P3 according to the above embodiment, one cover portion P39 is formed with an uneven surface by a plurality of holes P35, and the other cover portion P38 is formed flat. However, the semi-flat pack P3 may have one cover portion P39 formed flat and the other cover portion P38 formed with an uneven surface by a plurality of holes P35. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the second sensor 6 is disposed below the lid bodies P12, P22, P32 of the egg packs P1, P2, P3 being transported and facing the cover portions P19, P29, P39. Similarly to the second sensor 6, the second guide 4 may also be disposed below the lid bodies P12, P22, P32 of the egg packs P1, P2, P3 being transported and facing the cover portions P19, P29, P39.

[0057] (3) In the flat pack P2 according to the above embodiment, the top surface of the lid body P22 is generally flat. However, in the flat pack P2, the connecting portion P27 of the lid body P22 does not have to be a completely flat surface at the same height as the covering portions P28 and P29, and part of the connecting portion P27 may be recessed inward.

[0058] (4) The classification device 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a second sensor 6 that is positioned below the lid bodies P12, P22, and P32 of the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 being transported and lower than the first guide 3, and that detects the presence or absence of the cover portions P18, P28, and P38 at a predetermined distance. However, the classification device 1 is not limited to this configuration. The classification device 1 may also be configured to include a second sensor 6a that is positioned above the lid bodies P12, P22, and P32 of the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 being transported and higher than the first guide 3, and that detects the presence or absence of the cover portions P18, P28, and P38 at a predetermined distance below. By providing the second sensor 6a above the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3, contamination of the second sensor 6a can be prevented. The classification device 1 can identify the type of egg carton by appropriately setting the height of the first guide 3 and the detection distance of the second sensor 6a. A method for identifying the type of egg carton using the classification device 1 will now be briefly described. Figure 11 shows a state in which a regular egg pack P1 is passing through the recognition device 1. When the conveyed regular egg pack P1 passes through the recognition device 1, the second sensor 6a is turned ON because it detects the recess P16 of the covering portion P18 as shown in Figure 11, and is turned OFF because it does not detect the hole P15 of the covering portion P18. Therefore, the second sensor 6a repeatedly switches between ON and OFF states depending on the recesses and projections of the covering portion P18. As a result, when the first sensor 5 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, and P3 and the second sensor 6a repeatedly switches between ON and OFF states, the recognition unit can identify the passing egg pack as a regular egg pack P1. 12 shows the state in which flat pack P2 is passing through the recognition device 1. As the conveyed flat pack P2 passes through the recognition device 1, the second sensor 6a maintains the ON state to continuously detect the covering portion P28. As a result, when the first sensor 5 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, P3 and the second sensor 6a maintains the ON state, the recognition unit can identify the passing egg pack as a flat pack P2. Figure 13 shows a semi-flat pack P3 passing through the recognition device 1. As the conveyed semi-flat pack P3 passes through the recognition device 1, the second sensor 6a turns ON when it detects the outer periphery of the covering portion P38, but remains OFF during the passage because it does not detect anything other than the outer periphery. As a result, when the first sensor 5 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, P3, and the second sensor 6a turns ON at the beginning and end and remains OFF during the passage, the recognition unit can identify the passing egg pack as a semi-flat pack P3.

[0059] (5) In the identification device 1, a sensor (not shown) may be disposed above, to the side of, or below the lid bodies P12, P22, and P32 to detect whether the lid bodies P12, P22, and P32 have been lifted by the first guide 3. This allows the identification device 1 to distinguish at least the flat pack P2 from the other egg cartons P1 and P3.

[0060] (6) In the identification device 1 according to the above embodiment, the types of egg packs P1, P2, P3 are identified when eggs E are contained in the container bodies P11, P21, P31 and the lid bodies P12, P22, P32 are open. However, the identification device 1 is naturally also capable of identifying the types of empty egg packs P1, P2, P3 before eggs E are contained therein.

[0061] Second Embodiment Of the egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 in which eggs E are placed in the container bodies P11, P21, and P31 and then the lids P12, P22, and P32 are closed, different labels are affixed to the lids P22 and P32 of the flat pack P2 and semi-flat pack P3. Therefore, it is also necessary to identify the types of egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 in which the lids P12, P22, and P32 are closed. It is possible to store the recognition results for each egg carton by the above-mentioned recognition device 1 and store them up to the labeling process, but since the labeling process is expected to be several meters downstream from the recognition device 1 on an actual production line, it is desirable to place the egg carton recognition device immediately before the labeling process.

[0062] FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing a sorting and packaging system 9 according to a second embodiment. The sorting and packaging system 9 includes the above-described identification device 1, a label insertion device 94, and a label inspection device 95. The sorting and packaging system 9 also includes an identification device 11. The identification device 11 can identify the types of egg cartons P1, P2, and P3 with the lids P12, P22, and P32 closed. The sorting and packaging system 9 also includes a first top-attaching labeling device 96 and a second top-attaching labeling device 97 downstream of the identification device 11. The first top-attaching labeling device 96 attaches a small label to the lid P32 of an egg carton identified as a semi-flat pack P3 by the identification device 11. The second top-attaching labeling device 97 attaches a large label to the lid P22 of an egg carton identified as a flat pack P2 by the identification device 11.

[0063] 15A to 15C are views taken along the XV-XV arrows in Fig. 14. Identification device 11 identifies the types of egg packs P1, P2, P3, each of which has a container body P11, P21, P31 that supports from below a plurality of eggs E arranged in a plurality of rows, and lid bodies P12, P22, P32 that are connected to container bodies P11, P21, P31 via hinge portions P14, P24, P34 and have a plurality of covering portions P18, P19, P28, P29, P38, P39 that cover the eggs E from above for each row when closed. Identification device 11 conveys egg packs P1, P2, P3 with lid bodies P12, P22, P32 closed in a direction D parallel to covering portions P18, P19, P28, P29, P38, P39. The system comprises a conveying device (2) that detects the passage of conveyed egg packs (P1, P2, P3), a first sensor (12) that detects the passage of conveyed egg packs (P1, P2, P3), and third and fourth sensors (13, 14) that are respectively positioned above a plurality of covering portions (P18, P19, P28, P29, P38, P39) of lid bodies (P12, P22, P32) of the conveyed egg packs (P1, P2, P3) and detect the presence or absence of covering portions (P18, P19, P28, P29, P38, P39) at a predetermined distance below, and identifies the types of egg packs (P1, P2, P3) based on the detection results of third and fourth sensors (13, 14) when first sensor (12) detects the passage of egg packs (P1, P2, P3).

[0064] First sensor 12 is disposed to the side of egg packs P1, P2, and P3. First sensor 12 is, for example, an optical passage sensor. Note that, although first sensor 12 according to this embodiment is disposed to the side of egg packs P1, P2, and P3, it may also be disposed above or below egg packs P1, P2, and P3. While first sensor 12 detects the passage of egg packs P1, P2, and P3, it notifies the recognition unit of the detection result.

[0065] The third sensor 13 and the fourth sensor 14 detect the presence or absence of an object at a predetermined distance, and are, for example, distance-limited fiber sensors that irradiate light and detect the object based on the amount of reflected light, distance-setting photoelectric sensors, etc. The third sensor 13 and the fourth sensor 14 notify the detection results (ON state / OFF state) to the above-mentioned identification unit.

[0066] Next, a method for identifying the type of egg carton using the identification device 11 will be briefly described. 15A shows a state in which a regular pack P1 is passing through the recognition device 11. When the conveyed regular pack P1 passes through the recognition device 11, the third sensor 13 and the fourth sensor 14 repeatedly switch between ON and OFF states due to the unevenness of the covering portion P18 and the covering portion P19. As a result, when the first sensor 12 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, P3 and the third sensor 13 and the fourth sensor 14 repeatedly switch between ON and OFF states, the recognition unit can recognize that the passing egg pack is a regular pack P1.

[0067] 15B shows the state where flat pack P2 is passing through the identification device 11. As the conveyed flat pack P2 passes through the identification device 11, third sensor 13 and fourth sensor 14 maintain the ON state to continuously detect covering portion P28 and covering portion P29. As a result, when first sensor 12 has detected the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, P3 and third sensor 13 and fourth sensor 14 maintain the ON state, the identification unit can identify the passing egg pack as flat pack P2.

[0068] 15C shows the state in which semi-flat pack P3 is passing through the recognition device 11. As the conveyed semi-flat pack P3 passes through the recognition device 11, the third sensor 13 maintains the ON state to continuously detect the cover portion P38. Meanwhile, the fourth sensor 14 repeatedly switches ON / OFF due to the unevenness of the cover portion P39. As a result, when the first sensor 12 detects the passage of any of the egg packs P1, P2, P3, the recognition unit can identify the passing egg pack as a semi-flat pack P3 when the third sensor 13 maintains the ON state and the fourth sensor 14 repeatedly switches ON / OFF.

[0069] As described above, the identification device 11 can identify semi-flat packs P3 in addition to regular packs P1 and flat packs P2. As a result, a large label is affixed to the lid body P22 of an egg carton identified as a flat pack P2 by the second top label application device 97. Furthermore, a small label is affixed to the lid body P32 of an egg carton identified as a semi-flat pack P3 by the first top label application device 96. Furthermore, neither a large label nor a small label is affixed to the lid body P12 of an egg carton identified as a regular pack P1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1: Identification device 2:Transportation device 3: First Guide 4: Second Guide 5: First sensor 6: Second sensor 6a: Second sensor 9: Sorting and packaging system 11: Identification device 12: First sensor 13: Third sensor 14: 4th sensor 91: Container conveyor 92: Container conveyor 93: Container conveyor 94: Label inserter 95: Label inspection equipment 96: First top labeling device 97: Second top labeling device D: Conveying direction E:Egg L: Label P1: Regular Pack P11: Container body P12: Lid body P14: Hinge part P17: Connection part P18: Covering part P19: Covering part P2: Flat pack P21: Container body P22: Lid body P24: Hinge part P27: Connection part P28: Covering part P29: Covering part P3: Semi-flat pack P31: Container body P32: Lid body P34: Hinge part P37: Connection part P38: Covering part P39: Covering part

Claims

1. An identification device for identifying the type of egg carton, the device comprising: a container body that supports from below a plurality of eggs arranged in a plurality of rows; and a lid body that is connected to the container body via a hinge portion that is parallel to the rows of eggs and has a plurality of cover portions that cover the eggs from above for each row when the lid is closed; a conveying device that conveys the egg carton with the lid open in a direction parallel to the hinge portion; a first guide disposed below the lid of the egg carton being transported and between adjacent covering portions; a first sensor that detects the passage of the conveyed egg cartons; a second sensor disposed below the covering portion of the lid body of the egg carton being conveyed and at a position lower than the first guide, and configured to detect the presence or absence of the covering portion at a predetermined distance above, An identification device that identifies the type of the egg carton based on the detection result of the second sensor when the first sensor detects the passage of the egg carton.

2. The identification device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second guide disposed below the covering portion of the lid body of the egg carton being transported and at a position lower than the first guide.

3. The identification device according to claim 2 , wherein the first guide and the second guide extend in a direction parallel to the hinge portion.

4. The identification device according to claim 2 , wherein the second sensor is capable of detecting the presence or absence of the covering portion in a state where the second guide is in contact with the covering portion.

5. When the second sensor does not continuously detect the cover portion, the egg carton is determined to be a flat pack having the lid body formed so that the space between adjacent cover portions is the same height as the cover portions, When the second sensor intermittently detects the covering portions, the egg carton is determined to be a regular carton having a lid body in which the distance between adjacent covering portions is lower than the covering portions and the covering portions are formed unevenly so as to cover the eggs individually, An identification device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when the second sensor continuously detects the covering portions, the egg pack is determined to be a semi-flat pack in which the space between adjacent covering portions is lower than the covering portions and the covering portions are formed flat.

6. An identification device for identifying the type of egg carton, the device comprising: a container body that supports from below a plurality of eggs arranged in a plurality of rows; and a lid body that is connected to the container body via a hinge portion that is parallel to the rows of eggs and has a plurality of cover portions that cover the eggs from above for each row when the lid is closed; a conveying device that conveys the egg carton with the lid open in a direction parallel to the hinge portion; a first guide disposed below the lid of the egg carton being transported and between adjacent covering portions; a first sensor that detects the passage of the conveyed egg cartons; a second sensor disposed above the covering portion of the lid body of the egg carton being conveyed and at a position higher than the first guide, and configured to detect the presence or absence of the covering portion at a predetermined distance below; An identification device that identifies the type of the egg carton based on the detection result of the second sensor when the first sensor detects the passage of the egg carton.

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