Transfer distribution device
The transfer and distribution device addresses the challenge of increasing conveying speed and capacity by using synchronized transfer units to adjust egg spacing and speed, enhancing efficiency and simplicity in egg handling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KYOWA KIKAI KK
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
Smart Images
Figure JP2025042196_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Transfer and distribution device 【0001】 The present invention relates to, for example, a transfer and distribution device for chicken eggs. 【0002】 In order to process a large number of chicken eggs, it is effective to increase the conveying speed of the eggs and increase the number of columns to be processed simultaneously. However, when the speed is increased, the impact on the eggs becomes large, and when the number of columns is increased, the installation area and the number of inspection devices increase, resulting in higher costs. Therefore, it is appropriate to increase the conveying speed without increasing the number of columns in the upstream process (egg washing, drying, inspection, etc.) where the conveying speed is slow, and increase the number of columns in the downstream process (distribution section) where the conveying speed is fast. Various transfer devices have been disclosed so far, such as Patent Documents 1 to 6, but there is a demand for a simpler and easier-to-handle transfer and distribution device. 【0003】 Patent Document 1 discloses a device for transferring eggs from a multi-row conveyor to another multi-row conveyor. The transfer device of Patent Document 2 discloses a first conveyor and a second conveyor in a direction orthogonal to the first conveyor. Patent Document 3 discloses a first conveyor having at least a single transport row consisting of egg carriers in the forward transport direction T, and a second conveyor having at least a single transport row consisting of egg carriers in the direction P. This second conveyor is arranged below the first conveyor in the direction P and intersects the first conveyor thereby. In such a device, the carrier of the first conveyor is movable in the direction P at least during the above delivery. 【0004】 Patent Document 4 discloses a transfer device that includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an array of egg holders. The array includes at least one row of egg holders, and each row has a number of egg holders corresponding to the number of lanes of the first conveyor. The array further includes a number of rows corresponding to the number of lanes of the second conveyor. 【0005】The egg transfer device of Patent Document 5 includes an acceleration means for biasing each row of storage containers on an endless conveyor in the same direction as the conveying direction of the next conveyor to bring it closer to the conveying speed of the next conveyor when each row of storage containers on an endless conveyor arrives on the next conveyor, and a discharge means for releasing the eggs contained in the storage seats of the storage containers onto the storage seats of the next conveyor when the speed at which the storage containers move in the biasing direction is substantially synchronized with the conveying speed of the next conveyor by the acceleration means. 【0006】 The transfer unit of the egg transport device described in Patent Document 6 includes a pitch conversion unit that receives n eggs, corresponding to one row of eggs arranged in n columns, from a first transport unit at a first pitch and converts the first pitch to a second pitch that is narrower, and a speed synchronization unit that receives n eggs from the pitch conversion unit at a second pitch and passes the n eggs to the second transport unit while synchronizing them in the row direction. The pitch conversion unit includes n first egg containers that receive eggs in a one-to-one relationship with the n eggs, and the n first egg containers repeatedly move back and forth between a first position that receives eggs at the first pitch and a second position that passes the eggs to the speed synchronization unit. 【0007】 JP 2002-153160, JP 10-212025, Special publication 2014-520375, Special publication 2018-507150, Patent No. 5063241, Patent No. 6106349 【0008】 The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a redistribution device with a configuration different from the prior art, and that is simpler and easier to use than the prior art. 【0009】 The transfer and distribution devices (A1, A2, A3) of this disclosure include a multi-row conveyor (1) that transports eggs (E) in multiple rows (for example, 4 to 12 rows) in the X direction (transporting them with the blunt and sharp ends aligned), and a transfer unit (3, 4, 7) that receives eggs row by row (sent sequentially from the multiple rows) from the multi-row conveyor (1) and transfers them to one or more of the single-row conveyors (2). The number of eggs sent from the multi-row conveyor to the single-row conveyor does not have to match the total number of rows, depending on the timing of the transfer, and fewer eggs than the number of rows may be transferred. 【0010】 The conveying device (A) of this disclosure may include a multi-row conveyor (1) that conveys eggs in multiple rows (for example, 4 to 12 rows) in the X direction (conveying them with the blunt and sharp ends aligned), at least one single-row conveyor (2) that conveys eggs in a single row in the Y direction perpendicular to the multi-row conveyor (1), and the transfer and distribution devices (A1, A2, A3). 【0011】 The multi-row conveyor (1) may have multiple row compartments that divide the multiple rows, and may also include multiple conveyor bars (14) that move eggs along the conveying direction, and a conveyor bar drive unit (15) that drives the conveyor bars (14). The row compartments may include egg guides for dividing the rows, or rails or concave grooves that restrict the movement trajectory of the eggs. The conveyor bars (14) are attached to a conveying chain (151) and are driven by the conveyor bar drive unit (15) via sprockets or the like. 【0012】 The single-row conveyor (2) may include a cup section (21) for storing one egg, and a cup drive section in which multiple cup sections (21) are arranged in a single row and which is movable in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. From the viewpoint of conveying volume per unit time, it is preferable that the single-row conveyor (2) is configured by arranging two or more single-row conveyors, with a number of single-row conveyors that is smaller than the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor. Increasing the number of single-row conveyors can increase processing capacity without increasing the speed of the single-row conveyors, but increasing the number of single-row conveyors necessitates increasing the number of sorted egg receiving mechanisms and packaging devices arranged downstream, so it is desirable to keep the number of single-row conveyors smaller than the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor. 【0013】The first multi-row conveyor (1) of the first transfer and distribution device (A1) may include: a horizontal conveying section (111) for horizontally conveying eggs; an inclined conveying section (112) that is inclined diagonally upward from the horizontal section (111) in the direction of conveying (for example, 10 to 80 degrees from the horizontal); a first opening (1121) provided in the upstream part of the inclined conveying section (112) (for example, near the rise of the inclination); an opening / closing guide (1122) that moves on the exit side of the first opening (1121) to control the release of eggs from the opening of the first opening (1121); and a second opening (1123) provided in the downstream part of the inclined conveying section (112). 【0014】 The first transfer unit (3) of the first transfer and distribution device (A1) may include: a first intermediate conveyor (31) that receives and transports one row of eggs (sent from multiple rows) released from the first opening (1121) of the multi-row conveyor (1); a first synchronous transfer unit (32) that receives one row of eggs (number of rows) from the first intermediate conveyor (31) and transfers them to a first single-row conveyor (2a) perpendicular to the first intermediate conveyor (31); a second intermediate conveyor (34) that receives and transports one row of eggs (sent from multiple rows) released from the second opening (1123) of the multi-row conveyor (1); and a second synchronous transfer unit (35) that receives one row of eggs (sent from multiple rows) from the second intermediate conveyor (34) and transfers them to a second single-row conveyor (2b) perpendicular to the second intermediate conveyor (34). 【0015】The first synchronous transfer unit (32) may include: first rotary transfer plates (323) arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor (31) and at the same intervals as the row width; first transfer egg seats (321) arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor (31) and at the same intervals as the row width; first rotary transfer plate drive unit (324) that rotates the first rotary transfer plates (323) in conjunction with the first transfer egg seats (321) (rotating them to send eggs in the same conveying direction as the first intermediate conveyor (31) and transfer them onto the first transfer egg seats (321); and first egg seat rotation drive unit (322) that controls the stopping of the first transfer egg seats (321) and their rotation at a speed synchronized with the first single-row conveyor (2a) (rotating with the sharp end down and the blunt end up). The first egg transfer tray (321) has a mechanism to narrow the distance between itself and others to match the spacing of the cup portions (21) of the first single-row conveyor (2a), and may be configured to narrow the distance in accordance with the rotational movement. The first rotating transfer plate (323) receives eggs one row at a time from the first intermediate conveyor (31) and transfers them to the first egg transfer tray (321). The first egg transfer tray (321) then transfers the received eggs to the cup portions (21) of the first single-row conveyor (2a). 【0016】The second synchronous transfer unit (35) may include: a second rotary transfer plate (353) arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor (34) and at the same intervals as the row width; a second transfer egg seat (351) arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor (34) and at the same intervals as the row width; a second rotary transfer plate drive unit (354) that rotates the second rotary transfer plate (353) in conjunction with the second transfer egg seat (351) (rotating it to send eggs in the same conveying direction as the second intermediate conveyor (34) and transfer them onto the second transfer egg seat (351)); and a second egg seat rotation drive unit (352) that controls the stopping of the second transfer egg seat (351) and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the second single-row conveyor (2b) (rotating with the sharp end down and the blunt end up). The second egg transfer tray (351) has a mechanism to narrow the distance between itself and others to match the spacing of the cup portions (21) of the second single-row conveyor (2b), and may be configured to narrow the distance in accordance with the rotational movement. The second rotating transfer plate (353) receives eggs one row at a time from the second intermediate conveyor (34) and transfers them to the second egg transfer tray (351). The second egg transfer tray (351) then passes the received eggs to the cup portions (21) of the second single-row conveyor (2b). 【0017】 The second transfer unit (4) of the second transfer and distribution device (A2) may include a first synchronous transfer unit (41) that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor (1) (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downward) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections (21) of the first single-row conveyor (2a), and a second synchronous transfer unit (42) that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor (1) (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downward) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections (21) of the second single-row conveyor (2b). 【0018】The first synchronous transfer unit (41) may include a number of first transfer receiving units (411) equal to the number of rows (total number of eggs in a row) of the multi-row conveyor (1), and a first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit (412) that drives the first transfer receiving units (411) to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor (1) and above the first single-row conveyor (2a). The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving units (411) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to a single row of the first single-row conveyor). The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving units (411) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent row sections of the multi-row conveyor (1). 【0019】 The second synchronous transfer unit (42) may include a second transfer receiving unit (421) equal to the number of rows (total number of eggs in a row) of the multi-row conveyor (1), and a second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit (422) that drives the second transfer receiving unit (421) to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor (1) and above the second single-row conveyor (2b). The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving units (421) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to a single row of the second single-row conveyor). The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving units (421) may be equal to the pitch of adjacent row sections of the multi-row conveyor (1). 【0020】 The multi-row conveyor (1) may be positioned at the downstream end of the endless belt in the conveying direction and may have a flat section (16) on which eggs can move across its upper surface, and the row section extending above the flat section (16), with the eggs being conveyed by the conveying bar (14). The flat section (16) may be provided with a first opening / closing gate (161) corresponding to the first transfer receiving section (411), which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows for releasing eggs downward row by row, and a second opening / closing gate (162) corresponding to the second transfer receiving section (421), which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows for releasing eggs downward row by row. 【0021】The third transfer section (7) of the third transfer and distribution device (A3) may include a movable egg seat (71_i) and an intermediate single-row conveyor (8). The first to nth movable egg seats (71_i to 7n_i (i = number of rows = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)) have the same number of egg seats (h) as the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor, and the egg seats h of the first to ninth movable egg seats (71_i to 7n_i) may store eggs with the sharp end facing downwards and the blunt end facing upwards. n is an integer and may be 10 or more, or 20 or more. The upstreammost egg seat (h) may be provided with a longitudinal guide (L1) that guides the blunt end of the egg (E) sent by the conveyor bar (14) and a short guide (L2) that guides the sharp end of the egg. The intermediate single-row conveyor (8) may be positioned between the multi-row conveyor (1) and the single-row conveyor (2) traveling at high speed. 【0022】 (Function and Effects) (1) Allows for more time than conventional transfer sections. (2) Has a simpler configuration than conventional technology. (3) Allows for an increase in the amount of material conveyed per unit. (4) Does not require a significant increase in the number of rows in a multi-row conveyor; the conveying speed can be improved by installing two or more single-row conveyors. 【0023】 This figure shows an example of the first transfer and distribution device A1. This is a side view showing an example of the second transfer and distribution device A2. This is a top view showing an example of the second transfer and distribution device A2. This is a front view showing an example of the second transfer and distribution device A2. This is a top view showing an example of the third transfer and distribution device A3. This is a side view showing an example of the third transfer and distribution device A3. This is a side view showing an example of the third transfer and distribution device A3. This is a top view showing an example of the third transfer and distribution device A3 having two single-row conveyors. This is a top view showing an example of the third transfer and distribution device A3 having three single-row conveyors. 【0024】 (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows an example of the first transfer distribution device A1. 【0025】 The first transfer and distribution device A1 comprises a first transfer section 3, a first multi-row conveyor 1, a first single-row conveyor 2a, and a second single-row conveyor 2b. 【0026】The first multi-row conveyor 1 transports eggs (E) in multiple rows (for example, 6 rows) in the X direction (conveying them with the blunt and sharp ends aligned). The multi-row conveyor 1 has multiple row compartments that divide the multiple rows, and includes multiple transport bars 14 that move along the transport direction of the eggs, and a transport bar drive unit 15 that drives the transport bars 14. 【0027】 The first multi-row conveyor 1 includes a horizontal conveying section 111 that conveys eggs horizontally, and an inclined conveying section 112 that is inclined diagonally upward from the horizontal section 111 (for example, from 10 to 80 degrees from the horizontal). A first opening 1121 is provided at the upstream end of the inclined conveying section 112. A second opening 1123 is provided at the downstream end of the inclined conveying section 112. An opening / closing guide 1122 is provided on the exit side of the first opening 1121 to move in order to control the release of eggs from the opening of the first opening 1121. The opening / closing movement section 1122 is driven by a linear motion device such as an air cylinder. 【0028】 The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b transport eggs in a single row in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the multi-row conveyor 1. The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b each include a cup section 21 for storing one egg, and a cup drive unit (not shown) that arranges multiple cup sections 21 in a single row and is movable in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction. The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b may be composed of conventional single-row conveyors. 【0029】 The first transfer unit 3 receives eggs from all rows of the multi-row conveyor 1 row by row between the first multi-row conveyor 1 and the first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b, and transfers them to the first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b. The first transfer unit 3 is equipped with a first intermediate conveyor 31 that receives and transports one row of eggs (the number of rows) released from the first opening 1121 of the first multi-row conveyor 1. The first transfer unit 3 receives and transports one row of eggs (the number of rows) released from the second opening 1123 of the first multi-row conveyor 1. 【0030】The first synchronous transfer unit 32 receives one row of eggs from all rows of the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them to the first single-row conveyor 2a, which is arranged perpendicular to the first intermediate conveyor 31. However, there are cases where not all rows are filled with eggs when they are sent, and in such cases, fewer eggs than the total number of rows may be transferred. The second synchronous transfer unit 35 operates similarly. 【0031】 The first synchronous transfer unit 32 comprises a first rotary transfer plate 323, a first transfer egg seat 321, a first rotary transfer plate drive unit 324, and a first egg seat rotation drive unit 322. The first rotary transfer plate 323 is configured to be the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor 31 and to be spaced at the same intervals as the row width. The first transfer egg seats 321 are configured to be the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor 31 and to be spaced at the same intervals as the row width. The first rotary transfer plate drive unit 324 is configured to rotate the first rotary transfer plate 323 in conjunction with the first transfer egg seat 321. For example, it rotates the plate so that it sends eggs in the same conveying direction as the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them onto the first transfer egg seat 321. The first egg seat rotation drive unit 322 is configured to control the stopping of the first transfer egg seat 321 and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the first single-row conveyor 2a. For example, the first transfer egg seat 321 has a mechanism to narrow the distance between itself and other components to match the spacing of the cup sections 21 of the first single-row conveyor 2a, and is configured to narrow the distance before rotation. Next, the first transfer egg seat 321 rotates with its sharp end facing down and its blunt end facing up, transferring the eggs to the egg cups 21. In this manner, the first rotating transfer plate 323 receives eggs one row at a time from the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them to the first transfer egg seat 321. The first transfer egg seat 321 then transfers the received eggs to the cup sections 21 of the first single-row conveyor 2a. 【0032】 The second synchronous transfer unit 35 receives one row of eggs from all the rows of the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them to the second single-row conveyor 2b, which is perpendicular to the second intermediate conveyor 34. 【0033】The second synchronous transfer unit 35 comprises a second rotary transfer plate 353, a second transfer egg seat 351, a second rotary transfer plate drive unit 354, and a second egg seat rotation drive unit 352. The second rotary transfer plate 353 is configured to have the same number of plates as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor 34 and to be spaced at the same intervals as the row width. The second transfer egg seat 351 is configured to have the same number of plates as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor 34 and to be spaced at the same intervals as the row width. The second rotary transfer plate drive unit 354 is configured to rotate the second rotary transfer plate 353 in conjunction with the second transfer egg seat 351. For example, it rotates the plate so that it sends eggs in the same transport direction as the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them onto the second transfer egg seat 351. The second egg seat rotation drive unit 352 is configured to control the stopping of the second transfer egg seat 351 and its rotation at a speed synchronized with the second single-row conveyor 2b. For example, the second egg transfer tray 351 has a mechanism to narrow the distance between itself and other trays to match the spacing of the cup sections 21 of the second single-row conveyor 2b, and is configured to narrow the distance before rotation. Next, the second egg transfer tray 351 rotates with its sharp end facing down and its blunt end facing up, and transfers the eggs to the egg cups 21. In this manner, the second rotating transfer plate 353 receives eggs one row at a time from the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them to the second egg transfer tray 351. The second egg transfer tray 351 then transfers the received eggs to the cup sections 21 of the second single-row conveyor 2b. 【0034】 (Movement of the first transfer and distribution device A1) The opening and closing guide 1122 operates every other row, opening and closing the first opening 1121. This distributes one row of eggs to the first intermediate conveyor 31 and the second intermediate conveyor 34. Downstream in the transport direction of the first intermediate conveyor 31 and the second intermediate conveyor 34, one row of eggs is received by each and transferred to the first and second single-row conveyors 2a and 2b, which are perpendicular to the first and second intermediate conveyors 31 and 34. 【0035】The first egg transfer platform 321 is stopped at an interval approximately equal to the row spacing of the first intermediate conveyor 31. Next, the first rotating transfer plate 323 receives eggs row by row from the first intermediate conveyor 31 and transfers them to the first egg transfer platform 321. The first egg transfer platform 321 is rotated to orient the eggs vertically, narrowing the spacing between the eggs to approximately match the transport interval of the first single-row conveyor 2a. The eggs are then accelerated in the direction of transport by the single-row conveyor and released into the cup section 21 of the first single-row conveyor 2a when synchronized with the first single-row conveyor 2a. The second egg transfer platform 351 is stopped at an interval approximately equal to the row spacing of the second intermediate conveyor 34. Next, the second rotating transfer plate 353 receives eggs row by row from the second intermediate conveyor 34 and transfers them to the second egg transfer platform 351. The second transfer egg seat 351 is rotated to orient the eggs vertically, narrowing the spacing between them to approximately match the conveying interval of the second single-row conveyor 2b. The eggs are then accelerated in the direction of the single-row conveyor and released into the cup section 21 of the second single-row conveyor 2b when synchronized with it. 【0036】 The first single-row conveyor 2a may, after receiving eggs in the first synchronous transfer unit 32, tilt upward to the same height as the second single-row conveyor 2b and be connected to it in a line with the second single-row conveyor 2b. Conversely, the second single-row conveyor 2a may, after receiving eggs in the second synchronous transfer unit 35, tilt downward to the same height as the first single-row conveyor 2a and be connected to it in a line with the first single-row conveyor 2a. 【0037】 The egg weighing device may be installed either before the sorting of the first multi-row conveyor 1 (one location) or near the exits of the first and second intermediate conveyors 31 and 35, respectively (two locations). 【0038】 (Embodiment 2) Figures 2A (side view), 2B (top view), and 2C (front view) show an example of the second transfer distribution device A2 of Embodiment 2. The second transfer distribution device A2 of this embodiment uses the same reference numerals for the same functions as in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions may be omitted. 【0039】The multi-row conveyor 1 is positioned at the downstream end of the endless conveyor in the conveying direction and has a flat section 16 on which eggs can move across its upper surface, and a row section extending above the flat section 16, with conveying bars 14 used to convey the eggs. The flat section 16 includes a first opening / closing gate 161 corresponding to the first transfer receiving section 411, which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows to release eggs downward row by row, and a second opening / closing gate 162 corresponding to the second transfer receiving section 421, which opens and closes in the same number as the number of rows to release eggs downward row by row. The first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 are located on the sharp end side of the eggs, and when the opening / closing gates open and the eggs are released downward, the long axis of the eggs is vertical. The first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 may have a double-door opening structure that opens downward in the direction of travel (front and back) in the X direction, or a single-door opening structure that opens downward. When the first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 are open, the eggs may be pushed out by the conveying bar 14 or another top-down pushing bar. The drive unit for rotating and opening the first and second opening / closing gates 161 and 162 may be configured to have an air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, electric cylinder, or motor that is linked to the rotating shaft, or it may be configured to have a cam mechanism that is linked to the drive unit of the multi-row conveyor 1. 【0040】 The second transfer unit 4 of the second transfer and distribution device A2 includes a first synchronous transfer unit 41 that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor 1 (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downward) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections of the first single-row conveyor 2a, and a second synchronous transfer unit 42 that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor 1 (eggs released with their sharp ends facing downward) and passes the eggs to each of the cup sections of the second single-row conveyor 2b. 【0041】The first synchronous transfer unit 41 includes the same number of first transfer receiving units 411 as the number of rows (total number of eggs in a row) of the multi-row conveyor 1, and a first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 412 that drives the first transfer receiving units 411 to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor 1 and above the first single-row conveyor 2a. The first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 412 may include an electric cylinder, servo motor, linear motor, etc., whose position and speed can be controlled, and may also include a reciprocating motion mechanism (cam mechanism, eccentric sprocket, rotational oscillation conversion mechanism, etc.) that is linked to the drive unit of the multi-row conveyor 1 or the first single-row conveyor 2a. The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving units 411 is equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to a single row of the first single-row conveyor). The pitch of adjacent first transfer receiving units 411 is equal to the pitch of adjacent row sections of the multi-row conveyor 1. 【0042】 The second synchronous transfer unit 42 includes a second transfer receiving unit 421 equal to the number of rows (total number of eggs in a row) of the multi-row conveyor 1, and a second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 422 that drives the second transfer receiving units 421 to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor 1 and above the second single-row conveyor 2b. The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving units 421 is equal to the pitch of adjacent cup sections (the pitch of rows perpendicular to a single row of the second single-row conveyor). The pitch of adjacent second transfer receiving units 421 is equal to the pitch of adjacent row sections of the multi-row conveyor 1. The second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit 422 may include an electric cylinder, servo motor, linear motor, etc., that can control its position and speed, and may also include a reciprocating motion mechanism (cam mechanism, eccentric sprocket, rotational oscillation conversion mechanism, etc.) that is linked to the drive unit of the multi-row conveyor 1 or the second single-row conveyor 2b. 【0043】 (Movement of the second transfer and distribution device A2) When the device is equipped with an upstream first opening / closing gate 161 and a downstream second opening / closing gate 162 in the row-by-row transport direction, the transport bar 14 alternately feeds the eggs row by row to the first opening / closing gate 161 and the second opening / closing gate 162, and then releases the eggs row by row from the first opening / closing gate 161 to the first transfer receiving section 411, and then releases the eggs row by row from the second opening / closing gate 162 to the second transfer receiving section 421. 【0044】The first and second receiving parts 411 and 421 for transfer are in a state of stopping below the multi-row conveyor 1. When the first and second opening and closing gates 161 and 162 are opened, all the eggs in a whole row are discharged from the multi-row conveyor 1 and received by the first and second receiving parts 411 and 421 for transfer. Next, the first and second receiving parts 411 and 421 for transfer accelerate in the Y direction and move. When they are synchronized with the first and second single-row conveyors 2a and 2b that are in a moving state, they discharge the eggs onto the first and second single-row conveyors 2a and 2b. After discharging the eggs, the first and second receiving parts 411 and 421 for transfer decelerate, and immediately after stopping, they accelerate in the reverse direction, return to the receiving position, and stop. 【0045】 The distance between the first opening and closing gate 161 and the second opening and closing gate 162 can be arbitrarily set, but it is preferably an integer multiple of the row interval of the multi-row conveyor 1, more preferably an odd multiple, and particularly preferably 3 times. The first and second receiving parts 411 and 421 for transfer repeat reciprocating movements by the first reciprocating movement mechanism / driving part 412 and the second reciprocating movement mechanism / driving part 422 respectively. By setting the distance between the first opening and closing gate 161 and the second opening and closing gate 162 to an odd multiple of the row interval of the multi-row conveyor 1, they can be reciprocated at the same timing, and the problem that the reciprocating movement mechanism / driving part becomes complicated can be solved. 【0046】 Although the configuration in the case where there are two single-row conveyors has been described, the single-row conveyors may be composed of three or four. In that case, the corresponding opening and closing gates, receiving parts for transfer, reciprocating movement mechanisms / driving parts, etc. are also added respectively. When there are three single-row conveyors, the interval between the opening and closing gates is preferably an integer multiple of the row interval of the multi-row conveyor 1, more preferably an even multiple, and particularly preferably 2 times or 4 times. When there are four single-row conveyors, the interval between the opening and closing gates is preferably an integer multiple of the row interval of the multi-row conveyor 1, more preferably an odd multiple, and particularly preferably 3 times. The first single-row conveyor 2a and the second single-row conveyor 2b may be integrated as shown in Fig. 2A or may be separate. 【0047】(Embodiment 3) An example of the third transfer and distribution device A3 of Embodiment 3 is shown in FIG. 3A (plan view), FIG. 3B (side view), and FIG. 3C. For the third transfer and distribution device A3 of this embodiment, the same functions as those in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description may be omitted in some cases. 【0048】 The multi-column conveyor 1 conveys eggs while sandwiching them with the conveying bar 14 in a state where the blunt ends and the sharp ends are aligned in one direction. The third transfer section 7 includes a movable egg seat 71_i and an intermediate single-column conveyor 8. 【0049】 In FIG. 3A, the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i (i = number of columns = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) have the same number of egg seats h as the number of columns of the multi-column conveyor. The egg seats h of the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i store eggs with the sharp ends facing downward and the blunt ends facing upward. Not limited to the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i, more movable egg seats may be provided. At the position of the egg seat h on the most upstream side, there are provided a longitudinal guide L1 for guiding the blunt end side of the egg E sent by the conveying bar 14 and a transverse guide L2 for guiding the sharp end side of the egg. Although the egg E is supported by the longitudinal guide L1, the egg E separates from the support of the transverse guide L2 first, and the egg E is stored in the egg seat h with the sharp end of the egg E facing downward. 【0050】 The first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i are configured to move in the conveying direction (x) while narrowing the intervals between the egg seats so as to have the same interval as the conveying egg seat 81 of the intermediate single-column conveyor 8. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, at the position of the ninth movable egg seat 79_i, the eggs are discharged downward and sent to the conveying egg seat 81. 【0051】 The intermediate single-column conveyor 8 is disposed between the multi-column conveyor 1 and the single-column conveyor 2 that runs at high speed. The intermediate single-column conveyor 8 is configured to operate intermittently and circulate. The intermediate single-column conveyor 8 includes a conveying egg seat 81 at the same interval as the single-column conveyor 2. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the intermediate single-column conveyor 8 receives one row of eggs from the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i that are above in the stopped state. As shown in FIG. 3C, when accelerating in the conveying direction of the single-column conveyor 2 and synchronizing the speeds, an opening is made below the conveying egg seat 81, and the eggs are discharged to the single-column conveyor 2. After discharging the eggs, the opened conveying egg seat 81 is closed and stopped while decelerating. 【0052】 The single-row conveyor 2 may consist of one, two, or three or more units, depending on the processing capacity, as long as the number of units is less than the number of rows in the multi-row conveyor 1. 【0053】 If there are multiple single-row conveyors 2, then multiple intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyors 8 are also provided accordingly, and the number of egg-shaped discharge sections of the multi-row conveyor 1 is also increased accordingly. The spacing between the multiple discharge sections of the multi-row conveyor 1 is preferably an integer multiple of the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1. If there are two or four single-row conveyors 2, then it is preferable that the spacing be three times the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1. Figure 4A shows an example of the arrangement when there are two single-row conveyors 2. If there are three single-row conveyors 2, then it is preferable that the spacing be two or four times the row spacing of the multi-row conveyor 1. Figure 4B shows an example of the arrangement when there are three single-row conveyors 2. 【0054】 Each of the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i is equipped with a spacing adjustment mechanism that ensures the spacing is approximately equal in both the state where the egg seats are widest and the state where they are closed to the minimum spacing. The spacing adjustment mechanism may consist of, for example, a predetermined elongated hole and a projection that fits therein, or it may be a link mechanism such as a pantograph. By regulating the positions of the egg seats on both outer sides of the row of egg seats with guides or the like, the spacing between the egg seats during receiving and releasing is appropriately maintained. 【0055】 Each of the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i is structured to maintain a closed state. At the discharge section, an opening mechanism operates to open only the first to ninth movable egg seats 71_i to 79_i that should be opened at that position, and the egg seats are opened, releasing the eggs onto the conveying egg seats of the stopped intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8. 【0056】 The intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8 is equipped with an intermittent operation drive unit, and as the intermittent operation drive unit, a roller gear cam mechanism or an eccentric sprocket mechanism that repeatedly stops and starts can be used. The intermittent operation drive unit receives power from the drive unit of the single-row conveyor and operates mechanically in conjunction with the single-row conveyor. 【0057】It is preferable that the intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8 moves a number of egg seats equivalent to half the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor 1 in one stop-and-start cycle. For example, if the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor 1 is 6, controlling it to move half the number of egg seats (3) and then stop ensures a good balance between the time it receives from the multi-row conveyor 1 and the time it releases to the single-row conveyor 2. 【0058】 It is preferable that the egg seats of the intermediate single-row (intermittent operation) conveyor 8 open only when the opening mechanism is in operation, and remain closed when the opening mechanism is not in operation. 【0059】 A1 First transfer and distribution device A2 Second transfer and distribution device A3 Third transfer and distribution device 1 Multi-row conveyor 2a First single-row conveyor 2b Second single-row conveyor 3 First transfer section 4 Second transfer section 7 Third transfer section
Claims
1. A transfer and distribution device comprising: a multi-row conveyor that transports eggs in multiple rows; and a transfer unit that receives eggs row by row from the multi-row conveyor and transfers them to one or more of the single-row conveyors, between the multi-row conveyor that transports eggs in multiple rows and at least one single-row conveyor that transports eggs in a single row perpendicular to the multi-row conveyor.
2. The transfer and distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-row conveyor comprises: a horizontal conveying section for horizontally transporting eggs; an inclined conveying section that is inclined diagonally upward from the horizontal section; a first opening provided in the upstream part of the inclined conveying section; an opening / closing guide that moves on the exit side of the first opening to control the release of eggs from the opening of the first opening; and a second opening provided in the downstream part of the inclined conveying section.
3. The transfer unit comprises: a first intermediate conveyor that receives and transports one row of eggs released from a first opening of the multi-row conveyor; a first synchronous transfer unit that receives one row of eggs from the first intermediate conveyor and transfers them to a first single-row conveyor perpendicular to the first intermediate conveyor; a second intermediate conveyor that receives and transports one row of eggs released from a second opening of the multi-row conveyor; and a second synchronous transfer unit that receives one row of eggs from the second intermediate conveyor and transfers them to a second single-row conveyor perpendicular to the second intermediate conveyor, the transfer and distribution device according to claim 1.
4. The first synchronous transfer unit comprises: first rotary transfer plates arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor and at the same interval as the row width; first transfer egg seats arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the first intermediate conveyor and at the same interval as the row width; first rotary transfer plate drive unit for rotating the first rotary transfer plates in conjunction with the first transfer egg seats; and first egg seat rotation drive unit for controlling the stopping of the first transfer egg seats and their rotation at a speed synchronized with the first single-row conveyor. The second synchronous transfer unit comprises: second rotary transfer plates arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor and at the same interval as the row width; second transfer egg seats arranged in the same number as the number of rows of the second intermediate conveyor and at the same interval as the row width; second rotary transfer plate drive unit for rotating the second rotary transfer plates in conjunction with the second transfer egg seats; and second egg seat rotation drive unit for controlling the stopping of the second transfer egg seats and their rotation at a speed synchronized with the second single-row conveyor. The redistribution device according to claim 3.
5. The transfer unit comprises: a first synchronous transfer unit that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor and delivers the eggs to each of the cup sections of the first single-row conveyor; and a second synchronous transfer unit that receives eggs released downward from the multi-row conveyor and delivers the eggs to each of the cup sections of the second single-row conveyor.
6. The transfer distribution device according to claim 5, wherein the first synchronous transfer unit comprises a number of first transfer receiving units equal to the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor, and a first reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit that drives the first transfer receiving units to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor and above the first single-row conveyor, and the second synchronous transfer unit comprises a number of second transfer receiving units equal to the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor, and a second reciprocating movement mechanism / drive unit that drives the second transfer receiving units to move back and forth between below the multi-row conveyor and above the second single-row conveyor.
7. The transfer and distribution device according to claim 6, wherein the multi-row conveyor is arranged on the downstream end side in the conveying direction of the endless belt and comprises a flat section on which eggs can move on its upper surface, and on the flat section, a number of first opening and closing gates corresponding to the number of rows for releasing eggs downward row by row, corresponding to the first transfer receiving section, and a number of second opening and closing gates corresponding to the number of rows for releasing eggs downward row by row.
8. The transfer unit comprises a first to nth movable egg seat and an intermediate single-row conveyor, the first to nth movable egg seats each have the same number of egg seats as the number of rows of the multi-row conveyor, the egg seats of the first to ninth movable egg seats store eggs with the sharp end facing downward and the blunt end facing upward, and the intermediate single-row conveyor is positioned between the multi-row conveyor and the single-row conveyor, the transfer and distribution device according to claim 1.
9. The transfer and distribution device according to claim 8, wherein the upstream egg seat is provided with a longitudinal guide for guiding the blunt end of the egg being transported by the conveyor bar, and a short guide for guiding the sharp end of the egg.