system

Abstract

To provide a system for inspecting eggs placed in each storage seat of a tray before the tray is placed in a cardboard box.SOLUTION: This invention relates to a system for inspecting whether or not each storage seat of a tray T contains an egg E, wherein the system includes an inspection section and a control section. The inspection section inspects each of the storage seats. The control section switches the inspection methods in the inspection section between an inspection for one tray T and an inspection for another tray T among a plurality of trays T contained in one cardboard box G. The system further has a counting section that counts the number of trays T conveyed to the inspection section, and the control section switches the inspection methods based on the information on the number of trays obtained from the counting section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for inspecting whether or not an egg is present in each seat of a tray having a plurality of seats. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus that stacks trays each having a plurality of receiving seats in a plurality of stages and automatically packs the stacked trays into boxes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 56-7834 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of boxing, eggs may be packed in a state where all of the tray seats are filled with eggs, as shown in Patent Document 1. Also, a method unique to eggs is known in which eggs are packed in boxes of a fixed weight (for example, 10 kilograms or 5 kilograms).

[0005] For example, in the case of a fixed weight of 10 kilograms, all of the storage seats on the first to third trays are filled with eggs. On the other hand, the fourth tray is stacked on top of the third tray with some of the storage seats filled with eggs and the remaining seats empty, and then shipped. In this way, the total weight of the eggs stored on the first to fourth trays is set to 10 kilograms. Note that eggs are natural products and each egg weighs differently, so the number of eggs required to produce 10 kilograms is not fixed.

[0006] In the case of a fixed weight of 5 kilograms, for example, all of the seats on the first tray are filled with eggs, and the second tray is stacked on top of the first tray with some seats filled with eggs but the rest empty, and then shipped. In this way, the total weight of the eggs contained in the first and second trays is set to 5 kilograms.

[0007] When the trays are stacked and placed in a cardboard box, it is not possible to check the condition of the eggs from outside the box. Therefore, as boxing becomes more automated, there is a demand for automating the inspection of the condition of the eggs on the trays before they are boxed.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for inspecting eggs placed in each placement seat of a tray before the tray is placed in a cardboard box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following: A system for inspecting whether or not eggs are present in each of a tray having a plurality of storage seats, the system comprising an inspection unit that inspects each storage seat, and a control unit that switches the inspection method in the inspection unit between inspecting one tray and inspecting another tray among a plurality of trays contained in a single cardboard box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the eggs contained in each of the trays can be inspected before the trays are placed in the cardboard boxes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view of an egg tray transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of an egg tray. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head portion shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the tray holding device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method for transferring egg trays. [Figure 7] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for inspecting egg trays. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the method for inspecting egg trays. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system including an egg tray transfer device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The egg tray transfer device has an egg suction device 1 that detachably suctions the top surfaces of eggs E stored in an egg tray T. The egg tray transfer device has a tray holding device 2 that holds the egg tray T in a recess T1 formed on the outer periphery of the egg tray T. The egg tray transfer device has a moving device 3 that moves the egg suction device 1 and the tray holding device 2 relative to the cardboard box G.

[0014] Near the moving device 3, a tray conveying device 4 for conveying egg trays T and a cardboard conveying device 5 for conveying cardboard boxes G are provided.

[0015] Tray conveying device 4 is equipped with tray inspection device 31 (corresponding to the "inspection unit" of the present invention) that inspects whether or not eggs are present in each storage seat T2 of egg tray T, which has a plurality of storage seats T2, and a tray stopping device that controls the transportation of egg tray T according to the inspection results of tray inspection device 31. Tray inspection device 31 can be variously configured using devices used in this field, such as a photoelectric sensor or an image.

[0016] Tray conveying device 4 is provided with tray supply device 33 for inner lids that supplies egg trays T for inner lids.

[0017] The egg trays T transported to the tray transport device 4 are counted by a counting unit (not shown). For example, when the moving device 3 moves between the tray transport device 4 and the cardboard box G, the count is updated and recorded. Based on the information recorded in the counting unit, information on the egg tray T that the moving device 3 will move next can be determined, specifically, whether it is the first egg tray T, the second egg tray T, the third egg tray T, the fourth egg tray T, or the tray TT for the lid.

[0018] The moving device 3 has a head unit 6 equipped with the egg suction device 1 and the tray holding device 2, and a moving unit 7 for moving the head unit 6.

[0019] The moving unit 7 is exemplified by an articulated robot. The articulated robot has a base 8 placed on the floor and an articulated arm 9 attached to the base 8. The head 6 is attached to the tip of the arm 9.

[0020] The egg tray transfer device has a control device C that controls the operation of various devices such as the egg suction device 1, tray holding device 2, moving device 3, tray conveying device 4, cardboard conveying device 5, counting unit, tray inspection device 31, tray stopping device, and tray supply device 33 for inner lids.

[0021] The control device C switches the inspection method in the tray inspection device 31 between the inspection of one egg tray T and the inspection of other egg trays T among the multiple egg trays T contained in one cardboard box G. The control device C switches the inspection method based on information on the number of egg trays T obtained from the counting unit.

[0022] In this embodiment, the egg tray transfer device is exemplified as an egg tray storage device that stores egg trays T in a cardboard box G. The device is configured to hold the egg trays T and store the egg trays T in the cardboard box G with almost no gap between the outer peripheral edge of the egg trays T and the inner peripheral surface of the cardboard box G that stores the egg trays T.

[0023] 2 is a plan view of egg trays T transported by tray transport device 4. Egg trays T are transported in the right-hand direction in FIG.

[0024] The egg tray T is a molded tray made of paper, with storage seats T2 recessed vertically and horizontally for storing eggs E. In the illustrated example, the storage seats T2 are arranged in a grid pattern of five columns and eight columns, and protrude downward. A protrusion T3 is formed on the top surface of the egg tray T along the periphery of the storage seats T2. The egg tray T has a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0025] When egg trays T are empty and do not contain eggs E, the egg trays T are stacked in the state shown in Figure 2. When eggs E are stored in storage seats T2 of egg trays T, the egg trays T are stacked by rotating 180 degrees from the state shown in Figure 2. At this time, storage seats T2 and protrusions T3 are positioned so that the bottom surface of the upper storage seat T2 rests on the top surface of the lower protrusions T3. Protrusions T3 bulge upward so that the top surface of an egg E stored in the lower storage seat T2 is located inside the upper protrusions T3.

[0026] In this embodiment, all of the seats T2 of the egg trays T stacked in the first, second, and third tiers contain eggs E. Only some of the seats T2 of the egg tray T stacked in the fourth tier contain eggs E. That is, in the fourth tier, some of the seats T2 contain eggs E, but the remaining seats T2 are empty. For example, the fourth egg tray T may contain five seats T2 each containing five eggs E in the first to fourth rows, only three eggs E in the five seats T2 in the fifth row, and no eggs E in the five seats T2 in the sixth to eighth rows. The cumulative weight calculation function of sorting device 40 is set so that the total weight of the eggs E contained in the first to fourth egg trays T is 10 kilograms.

[0027] The outer periphery of egg tray T is formed in a shape that allows it to be stored in cardboard box G with almost no gap between it and the inner periphery of cardboard box G. Finger-holding recesses T1 are formed on the outer periphery of egg tray T. These recesses T1 are formed on opposing outer peripheries. Recesses T1 are formed in one place on the right hand and two places on the left hand in Figure 2.

[0028] A large number of empty egg trays T, each containing no eggs E, are stacked in the same orientation. One egg tray T is removed from this stack, and eggs E are placed in the storage seat T2 of the empty egg tray T. As shown at the left end of tray conveying device 4 in Figure 1, the egg tray T containing eggs E is conveyed to the right by tray conveying device 4. At the right end of tray conveying device 4, the eggs E and egg trays T are placed in a cardboard box G by moving device 3.

[0029] An empty cardboard box G is waiting at the right end of cardboard conveying device 5 in Fig. 1. Cardboard box G is shaped to accommodate egg trays T with almost no gaps around the outer periphery.

[0030] Eggs E stored in egg trays T are suction-held by egg suction device 1, and egg trays T themselves are held by tray holding device 2. In this holding state, the weight of eggs E does not act significantly on storage seats T2.

[0031] Egg suction device 1 holding eggs E and tray holding device 2 holding egg trays T are moved above an empty cardboard box G by moving device 3. Because moving device 3 has a head unit 6 of an articulated robot, movement of head unit 6 moves the eggs E and egg trays T from above the cardboard box G into the cardboard box G. Then, when egg suction device 1 and tray holding device 2 release their holds, the eggs E and egg trays T are stored in the cardboard box G.

[0032] When the cardboard box G is filled with eggs E and egg trays T stored in multiple layers, it is transported to the left side of Figure 1 by a cardboard transport device 5. The cardboard box G is then packed and shipped.

[0033] The egg trays T stored in the cardboard box G are stacked in such a way that each tier is rotated 180 degrees and turned around. The bottom surface of the storage seat T2 of the egg tray T on the tier above rests on the top surface of the protrusion T3 on the top surface of the egg tray T. The 180-degree rotation is achieved by rotating the head unit 6.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the head portion 6.

[0035] The head unit 6 is provided at the tip of the arm unit 9 of the articulated robot. The head unit 6 has an egg suction device 1 and a tray holding device 2.

[0036] Head unit 6 has a base plate 10 rotatably mounted on the tip of arm unit 9. Base plate 10 is substantially rectangular, and a connection portion 11 for connecting to arm unit 9 is provided in the center of base plate 10. Tray holding devices 2 are provided on the upper surface of both the left and right sides of base plate 10. An egg suction device 1 is provided on the underside of base plate 10.

[0037] The tray holding device 2 and the egg suction device 1 are separable to facilitate maintenance.

[0038] Tray holding device 2 has holding member 12 that holds egg tray T. Holding member 12 is provided on holding member moving device 13 that is provided on the upper surface of substrate 10. Holding member 12 is composed of a rod-shaped member. Holding member moving device 13 is composed of a cylinder. Cylinder body 14 is fixed to the upper surface of both the left and right sides of substrate 10. Cylinder rod 15 is movably provided in the center of cylinder body 14, and guide rods 16 are provided on both sides of cylinder rod 15. The tips of cylinder rod 15 and guide rod 16 are connected by head plate 17. The upper end of holding member 12, which is formed in a rod shape, is fixed to head plate 17.

[0039] An engaging portion (not shown) that engages with the outer periphery of recess T1 of egg tray T is provided on the surface of holding member 12. The engaging portion is composed of a concave-convex portion. The concave-convex portion is composed of a screw. The diameter of holding member 12, which is composed of a threaded rod, is smaller than the depth of recess T1 of egg tray T. In other words, holding member 12 is configured to be inserted into and removed from recess T1 by moving in the vertical direction. After insertion, holding member 12 is moved toward the surface of recess T1 of egg tray T by holding member moving device 13, and the engaging portion presses against the surface of recess T1 to hold it. In this embodiment, recess T1 of egg tray T has one on the right side and two on the left side as shown in FIG. 2, and therefore holding members 12 are also arranged to fit thereto, with one on one side and two on the other side.

[0040] Egg suction device 1 is detachably attached to base plate 10 by egg suction device attachment parts 19 provided on both the front and rear sides of base plate 10. Egg suction device 1 has a tray 20 with a peripheral wall that has the same shape as base plate 10, and this tray 20 is airtightly attached to the underside of base plate 10 by egg suction device attachment parts 19 to form an airtight chamber. On the underside of tray 20, suction pads 21 are provided in the same number as the storage seats T2 so that they can suction the top faces of eggs E stored in storage seats T2 of egg tray T. A ventilation pipe (not shown) is provided in tray 20 so as to pass through it, and a bellows-shaped suction pad 21 is provided at the lower end of the ventilation pipe.

[0041] The airtight chamber formed by the substrate 10 and the tray 20 is connected to a vacuum device (not shown) via a connection part 11 formed on the upper surface of the substrate 10.

[0042] Next, the detailed operation of the egg suction device 1 and tray holding device 2 will be described. The distance between the outer edge of the egg tray T and the inner surface of the cardboard box G is almost zero, or the egg tray T is slightly larger. The distance between the edge of the most recessed part of the finger hook recess T1 and the inner surface of the cardboard box G is 11 mm. The diameter of the holding member 12 is 6 mm. The stroke of the cylinder of the holding member moving device 13 on the side where two holding members 12 are provided is 40 mm. The stroke of the cylinder of the holding member moving device 13 on the side where one holding member 12 is provided is 15 mm. Note that these distance, diameter, and stroke values ​​can be changed depending on the type of tray T.

[0043] To hold egg tray T and suction eggs E on tray conveying device 4 in Figure 1, head unit 6 is positioned above egg tray T and then lowered so that holding members 12 of tray holding device 2 are positioned within recesses T1 of egg tray T. Suction pads 21 of egg suction device 1 suction the top surfaces of eggs E to hold them. Holding members 12 move two cylinder rods 15 inward by 40 mm, and one cylinder rod 15 is moved inward by 15 mm, so that the engaging portions of holding members 12 on both the left and right sides hold egg tray T. In this state, as shown in Figure 4, egg tray T is pushed by holding members 12 on both the left and right sides and bends slightly downward, and eggs E are held by suction pads 21 of egg suction device 1, so that their weight does not act significantly on egg tray T.

[0044] Head unit 6 is moved upward, then moved to above an empty cardboard box G on cardboard conveying device 5, and then lowered to move egg tray T and eggs E into cardboard box G. Egg suction and holding by egg suction means 1 is released. Holding member 12 moves one cylinder rod 15 outward by 15 mm to release the engagement between the engaging portion of holding member 12 and egg tray T. Head unit 6 is moved 5 mm to the left, to release the engagement between the engaging portions of two holding members 12 and egg tray T. Head unit 6 is then raised and moved out of cardboard box G.

[0045] In this embodiment, a nut with a diameter of 10 mm is fixed to the lower end of the threaded rod that serves as holding member 12 to prevent egg tray T from accidentally falling.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an egg tray transfer method using the egg tray transfer device.

[0047] The egg tray transfer method includes steps S2, S6, S10, and S14 of suction-holding eggs E stored in egg trays T with egg suction device 1, steps S3, S7, S11, and S15 of holding egg trays T with tray holding device 2, and steps S4, S8, S12, and S16 of moving eggs E and egg trays T relative to cardboard box G with moving device 3.

[0048] To explain the storage method in more detail, an empty cardboard box G is placed (step S1). Egg suction device 1 picks up eggs E for the first tier (step S2). Tray holding device 2 holds recesses T1 of egg trays T for the first tier (step S3). Egg suction device 1 and tray holding device 2 are moved to cardboard box G by moving device 3 (step S4). The holding of the first tier tray and egg suction are released (step S5).

[0049] The eggs E for the second tier are adsorbed (step S6). The tray T for the second tier is held (step S7). After rotating the head part 6 of the moving device 3, the egg adsorption device 1 and the tray holding device 2 are moved to the cardboard box G (step S8). The holding of the second tier tray and the adsorption of the eggs are released (step S9).

[0050] The eggs E for the third tier are adsorbed (Step S10). The tray T for the third tier is held (Step S11). It is moved to the cardboard box G (Step S12). The holding of the third tier tray and the adsorption of the eggs are released (Step S13).

[0051] The eggs E for the fourth tier are adsorbed (step S14). The tray T for the fourth tier is held (step S15). The head unit 6 is rotated and moved to the cardboard box G (step S16). The holding of the fourth tier tray and the adsorption of the eggs are released (step S17).

[0052] The above operations are repeated, and when the cardboard box G is full, the egg tray TT for the inner lid is held by the tray holding device 2 (step S18). It is moved to the cardboard box G (step S19). The holding of the egg tray TT for the inner lid is released (step S20).

[0053] The completed cardboard box G is discharged by the cardboard conveying device 5 (step S21).

[0054] The order of steps S2 and S3, steps S6 and S7, steps S10 and S11, and steps S14 and S15 is not limited to this, and may be reversed or may be performed simultaneously.

[0055] Next, a description will be given of the flowchart in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an egg tray inspection method using a system that inspects whether or not eggs E are present in each holding seat T2 of an egg tray T.

[0056] The egg tray inspection method in tray inspection device 31 is switched between inspection of one egg tray T and inspection of other egg trays T based on information on the number of egg trays T obtained from the counting unit. Specifically, in the case of egg trays T on the first to third tiers, tray inspection device 31 inspects all of the storage seats T2 on the egg tray T, and in the case of egg tray T on the fourth tier, tray inspection device 31 does not inspect all of the storage seats T2 on the egg tray T.

[0057] To explain the inspection method in more detail, when an egg tray T arrives, if the egg tray T is one of the egg trays T stacked in the first to third tiers (step S31), control device C controls tray inspection device 31 to inspect all of the storage seats T2 (step S32). Tray inspection device 31 inspects the egg trays T one row at a time as they are transported by tray transport device 4.

[0058] If an abnormality is found in the inspection in step S32 (step S33), for example, if an egg E is not detected in the storage seat T2 where the egg E should be stored, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the control device C notifies the error. The control device C also activates the tray stopping device. The tray stopping device stops the tray conveying device 4 and does not release the stopper 32.

[0059] Thereafter, eggs E are replenished in the corresponding egg holding seat T2 (step S35), and when, for example, the restart button is manually pressed, the process proceeds to step S37. Even if no abnormalities are found in the inspection in step S32 (step S33), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0060] On the other hand, in step S31, if the egg tray T is the egg tray T to be stacked in the fourth tier, tray inspection device 31 is controlled not to inspect any of the storage seats T2 on the egg tray T (step S36). Then, the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, stopper 32 is released, and the egg tray T is moved to the next process, i.e., toward the egg tray transfer device.

[0061] The above operations are repeated.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0063] <Modification (Fig. 8)> A flowchart of the egg tray inspection method may be as shown in Figure 8. Specifically, the system shown in Figure 8 that inspects whether or not eggs E are present in each storage seat T2 of an egg tray T inspects a fractional number of egg trays T (for example, the fourth egg tray T) based on row-controlled information (hereinafter referred to as "hole information").

[0064] First, hole information for each row is obtained (step S41). The hole information may be obtained from the sorting device or may be input in advance to the control device C. The sorting device places eggs E into egg trays T so that the total weight of the eggs reaches 10 kg based on the weighed weight of the eggs, and sends the egg trays T in order to the tray inspection device 31. The hole information is information on which holes (receiving seats T2) of each egg tray T the sorting device has released the eggs E into. In particular, for the fourth egg tray T, for example, five eggs E have been released into each of the five receiving seats T2 in the first to fourth rows, and no eggs E have been released into the five receiving seats T2 in the fifth to eighth rows.

[0065] Thereafter, when egg tray T arrives, if that egg tray T is a tray to be stacked in the first to third tiers (step S42), control device C controls tray inspection device 31 to inspect all of the storage seats T2 (step S43). Tray inspection device 31 inspects egg trays T one row at a time while they are transported by tray transport device 4.

[0066] On the other hand, if the egg tray T is the egg tray T that is stacked in the fourth tier in step S42, control is performed so that tray inspection device 31 does not inspect some of the storage seats T2 on the egg tray T (step S44). Specifically, tray inspection device 31 performs inspection based on the hole information acquired from the sorting device. For example, tray inspection device 31 inspects the first to fourth rows, but does not inspect the fifth to eighth rows.

[0067] If an abnormality is found in the inspections of steps S43 and S44 (step S45), for example, if an egg E is not detected in the storage seat T2 where the egg E should be stored, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the control device C notifies the error. The control device C also activates the tray stopping device. The tray stopping device stops the tray conveying device 4 and does not release the stopper 32.

[0068] Thereafter, eggs E are replenished in the corresponding egg holding seat T2 (step S47), and when, for example, the restart button is manually pressed, the process proceeds to step S48. Even if no abnormalities are found in the inspections of steps S43 and S44 (step S45), the process proceeds to step S48.

[0069] In step S48, stopper 32 is released and egg tray T is moved to the next process, that is, toward the egg tray transfer device.

[0070] The above operations are repeated.

[0071] <Other variations> In another modified example, a system equipped with an egg tray transfer device is equipped with a weight checker 41, and controls tray conveying device 4 without stopping it based on the inspection results of the tray inspection device, and if an abnormality occurs, eggs are replenished to tray T at weight checker 41. Weight checker 41 measures the weight of the entire cardboard box G after it has been packed using the system of this embodiment. In Figure 9, reference numeral 40 denotes a sorting device, and reference numeral 42 denotes a sealing device for closing the lid of cardboard box G.

[0072] In this modified egg tray inspection method, if an abnormality is found in the inspections described in steps S32, S42, S44, etc. (step S45), control device C performs a cueing process. The cueing process changes the egg tray transfer method using the egg tray transfer device from the series of egg tray transfer methods shown in Figure 6.

[0073] For example, if an abnormality is found in the second egg tray T, control device C controls the egg tray transfer device to move the second egg tray T to a cardboard box G, and controls cardboard conveying device 5 to send the cardboard box G downstream in an unfinished state. An abnormality is detected when this cardboard box G reaches weight checker 41, and the box is stopped.

[0074] Next, control device C controls cardboard conveying device 5 to set a new empty cardboard box G. Control device C controls the egg tray transfer device to place the third egg tray T and the fourth egg tray T in the first and second tiers, respectively, of cardboard box G. From this state, control device C controls cardboard conveying device 5 to send the cardboard box G downstream while it is still incomplete. This cardboard box G also has an abnormality detected when it reaches weight checker 41, and is stopped.

[0075] Meanwhile, a new empty cardboard box G and the first egg tray T to be accommodated are then prepared in the egg tray transfer device, and the egg placement operation is completed.

[0076] With this arrangement, when an abnormality is detected by the tray inspection device, it is no longer necessary to stop egg tray T in a location where it is difficult to perform egg replenishment work, such as on tray conveying device 4. Furthermore, correction work for egg tray T can be performed in a location with relatively ample space, such as where weight checker 41 is located.

[0077] <Other variations> The shape of the egg tray T and the number and arrangement of the receiving seats T2 are not limited to those shown in the drawing. The tray T is not limited to a molded paper tray, but may be a plastic tray.

[0078] The number of egg trays T contained in a cardboard box G is not limited to four. For example, the present invention can be applied to a box in which the total weight of the eggs E contained in the first and second egg trays T is set to 5 kilograms and traded.

[0079] The moving device 3 is not limited to an articulated robot, but may be one that moves the head unit 6 in multiple directions within a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

[0080] Furthermore, recesses T1 formed on the outer periphery of egg tray T are not limited to being for finger placement, but may be any recess that allows egg tray holding device 2 to operate within recesses T1. While the concave and convex portions of the engaging portion are exemplified as being formed by screws, they may also be saw-tooth shaped. Holding member moving device 13 is not limited to being a cylinder, but may also be a solenoid or motor-driven device.

[0081] As yet another modification, the system of this embodiment can be used to inspect whether the egg trays T have reached the egg tray transfer device in the correct order from the sorting device. All egg trays except the fourth one must be fully loaded in the storage seats T2. Therefore, if an unfilled egg tray T is detected at a time other than when the fourth one should arrive, the control device C may be configured to issue an error notification.

[0082] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Egg adsorption device 2 Tray holding device 3. Mobile Devices 4 Tray transport device 5. Cardboard conveyor 6 Head 7. Moving Part 8 base 9 Arm section 10 Substrate 11 Connection 12 Retaining member 13 Holding member moving device 14 Cylinder body 15 Cylinder rod 16 Guide rod 17 Head Plate 19 Egg adsorption device attachment part 20 trays 21 Suction pad 31 Tray inspection equipment 32 Stopper 33 Tray supply device for inner lids 40 Sorting Equipment 41 Weight Checker 42 Sealing device C Control device E-egg G. Cardboard box T Egg Tray T1 recess T2 accommodation seat T3 protrusion TT Egg tray for inner lid

Claims

1. A system for inspecting whether or not eggs are present in each of the trays that are provided with a plurality of trays and are automatically packed into cardboard boxes, an inspection unit that inspects each accommodation seat; Among the multiple trays contained in one cardboard box, an inspection of one tray; Inspection of the top tray where eggs are stored in part of each seat. a control unit for switching an inspection method in the inspection unit; The control unit In the uppermost tray, the inspection method in the inspection unit is switched so that inspection is not performed on all of the accommodation seats; or In the top tray, the system switches the inspection method in the inspection unit to inspect a portion of each seat based on hole information indicating which seat on the tray the eggs were released toward.

2. a counting unit that counts the number of trays transported to the inspection unit, The control unit, based on the tray number information obtained from the count unit, The system of claim 1 , wherein the inspection method is switched.

Images