Method and system for packaging eggs

Abstract

Method for packaging eggs, including: -providing eggs (E) to be packaged; - feeding at least a stack (S1) of nested first egg packages (P1) to an egg package denesting station (10), the egg packages (P1) of the stack (S1) having first egg package dimensions and being associated with a respective first egg package identifier; -storing the first egg package identifier together with at least one respective first alignment structure setting in an egg package database (DB1); -feeding the eggs (E) to an egg drop zone at a packaging station (5); -denesting the first egg packages (P1) and feeding resulting denested egg packages (P1) to the packaging station (5).

Description

[0001] P137767PC00

[0002] Title: Method and system for packaging eggs

[0003] The invention relates to a method for packaging eggs.

[0004] Egg packaging systems and respective methods are known and marketed by the applicant. An example is the MOBA Omnia PX egg processing system (shown in the Moba Omnia PX Animation video https: / / youtu.be / WLetUJQlX-c). Part of the known system includes an egg supply conveyor, extending along a packing lane. The egg supply conveyor is configured to feed eggs towards a plurality of packaging stations, associated with respective packing lanes. Each packaging station includes an egg transfer unit that is configured to receive eggs from the egg supply conveyor, and to transfer the eggs into egg packages / containers (e.g. egg trays) by dropping the eggs at a egg drop zone. Furthermore, each packing lane includes an egg package supplier, in particular a denester that holds a stack of nested egg packages. The denester supplies denested, empty, egg packages to an egg package conveyor that is associated with the packing lane. The egg package conveyor transports the packages towards the egg drop zone for receiving eggs from the egg transfer unit. Further information concerning respective denesters can e.g. be found in https: / / www.moba.net / page / en / Nieuws / Detail / 223 / packaging-handling-moba-denesters#. Another egg packaging system is shown in the video http s : / / w w w . youtub e . com / watch? v= Gh8 - wCN a VN Q (“Egg Grader -An Egg Grading Plant- SANG VO”).

[0005] Generally, egg packages of different configurations and different dimensions can be used. For example, during operation, package denesters of different packing lanes can be filled with stacks of differently sized egg packages. Further, a single packing lane can be used to process differently sized egg packages during different operational time periods (in which case a respective denester is filled with stacks of such differently sized packagesduring these different processing periods). In particular, such different operational time periods can relate to the processing of different customer orders (using the same packing lane), wherein subsequent customer orders require different egg packs.

[0006] In the known system, operator intervention is required for manually adjusting one or more egg package handling components of a packing lane in case the packing lane is to process a different type of egg package. As follows from the above, such a change can occur in case the packing lane has to operate for subsequently processing different orders concerning different customers. The required manual adjustments are cumbersome, time consuming, and can lead to errors which could hamper the packing process.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an improved method for packaging eggs. In particular, the invention aims to provide a method that can efficiently and reliably package eggs into egg packages, wherein a change of an egg package type can be achieved reliably and swiftly. Further, the invention aims to provide efficient processing of different customer orders.

[0008] The present invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. According to an aspect there is provided a method for packaging eggs, including:

[0009] -providing eggs to be packaged;

[0010] - feeding at least a stack of nested first egg packages to an egg package denesting station, the egg packages of the stack having first egg package dimensions and being associated with a respective first egg package identifier;

[0011] -storing the first egg package identifier together with at least one respective first alignment structure setting in an egg package database;

[0012] -feeding the eggs to an egg drop zone at a packaging station;-denesting the first egg packages and feeding resulting denested egg packages to the packaging station; and

[0013] -dropping the eggs into the egg packages at the drop zone; wherein the denesting station includes a movable alignment structure that automatically adjusts to a first stack denesting state using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database, for denesting the stack of nested first egg packages.

[0014] It has been found that in this way, efficient and reliable egg packaging can be achieved. Human intervention during a change of a type of supplied egg packages can be significantly reduced. This can lead to improved processing of different customer orders.

[0015] Further, an aspect of the invention provides a method for packaging eggs, for example a method according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the method includes:

[0016] -providing eggs to be packaged;

[0017] - feeding first egg packages to a packaging station, the first egg packages having first egg package dimensions and being associated with a respective first egg package identifier;

[0018] -storing the first egg package identifier together with at least one respective first alignment structure setting in an egg package database;

[0019] -feeding the eggs to an egg drop zone at the packaging station; and -dropping eggs into the first egg packages at the drop zone; wherein the packaging station includes an alignment structure that automatically aligns a first egg package with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database.

[0020] In this way, above-mentioned advantages can also be achieved. It will be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, both a denesting station and a respective packaging station (of the same packing lane) can beautomatically adjusted based on the information from the egg package database.

[0021] In addition, aspects of the invention provide systems for packaging eggs.

[0022] Advantageously, there is provided a system for packaging eggs, for example configured to carry out a method according to the invention, the system including:

[0023] -an egg supply conveyor for supplying eggs to be packaged; - at least one egg package denesting station, configured for denesting at least a stack of nested first egg packages in a respective first denesting state, wherein the denesting station is adjustable to a second denesting state for denesting a stack of nested second egg packages;

[0024] -a memory holding an egg package database that at least contains a first egg package identifier and a respective first alignment structure setting, as well as a second egg package identifier and a respective second alignment structure setting;

[0025] - a packaging station for dropping eggs, received from the supply conveyor, at a drop zone into packages received from the denesting station;

[0026] wherein the denesting station includes an alignment structure that is configured to automatically adjust to a first stack denesting state for denesting the stack of nested first egg packages, based on at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database.

[0027] Further, advantageously, there is provided a system for packaging eggs, for example a system configured for carrying out a method according to an aspect of the invention, the system including:

[0028] -an egg supply conveyor for supplying eggs to be packaged; -a memory holding an egg package database that at least contains a first egg package identifier and a respective first alignment structure setting, as well as holding a second egg package identifier and a respective second alignment structure setting;- a packaging station for dropping eggs, receiving from the supply conveyor, at a drop zone into egg packages; and

[0029] - an egg package supplier for supplying the egg packages to the packaging station,

[0030] wherein the packaging station includes an alignment structure that is configured to automatically align a first egg package with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database.

[0031] With these systems, above-mentioned advantages can be achieved. Further advantageous embodiments are describedin the dependent claims. In the following, various features, effects and optional details of nonlimiting examples of the invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. Therein shows:

[0032] Figure 1 schematically a top view of a non-limiting example of an egg packaging system;

[0033] Figure 2 schematically a front view of a packing lane part of the example of Fig. 1;

[0034] Figure 3 schematically a side view of a denesting station of the system of Fig. 1, in a first denesting state;

[0035] Figure 4 schematically a side view of the denesting station of the system of Fig. 1, in a second denesting state;

[0036] Figure 5 schematically a front view of an egg packaging station of the system of Fig. 1;

[0037] Figure 6 schematically a top view of part of the egg packaging station shown in Fig. 5, during package loading in a first egg packaging loading state;

[0038] Figure 7 a front view similar to Fig. 5, during package loading in the first egg packaging loading state;Figure 8 schematically a top view of part of the egg packaging station shown in Fig. 5, during package loading in a second egg packaging loading state;

[0039] Figure 9 a front view similar to Fig. 5, during package loading in the second egg packaging loading state;

[0040] Figure 10 schematically a database structure of the system shown in Fig. 1;

[0041] Figure 11 schematically the database structure containing examples of operational data; and

[0042] Figures 12A-12C examples of subsequent steps of database information retrieval by a system controller.

[0043] In this application, the same or corresponding features are denoted by the same or corresponding reference signs.

[0044] The drawings show an example of a system for packaging eggs. The system preferably includes:

[0045] -an egg supply conveyor 1 for supplying eggs E to be packaged;

[0046] - at least one egg package denesting station 10, configured for denesting at least a stack S of nested first egg packages Pl in a respective first denesting state, wherein the denesting station 10 is adjustable to a second denesting state for denesting a stack S of nested second egg packages P2; and

[0047] - at least one packaging station 5 for dropping eggs E, receiving from the supply conveyor 1, at a drop zone DZ into packages received from the denesting station.

[0048] For example, the system can include an egg supply system ES (e.g. an egg sorting system) which delivers the eggs E to the egg supply conveyor 1. Such an egg supply system ES is generally known, see e.g. EP0560458 which is deemed to be incorporated in the present application by reference in its entirety. For example, the supply conveyor 1 can be configured for supplying a plurality of eggs E along at least one respective supply path (i.e.supply track, supply lane). In the following, one supply path (e.g. supply track / lane) is described, but it will be appreciated that the system can provide a plurality of (parallel) supply paths (supply tracks / lanes) for supplying eggs E. The supply conveyor 1 can be configured to transport the eggs E in a respective, substantially horizontal transport direction T. The conveyor 1 can also configured to drop the eggs E at a plurality of separate (e.g. mutually spaced-apart) egg dropping areas that are associated with the respective supply path, towards respective packing stations 5 (each packing station 5 being associated with one of those dropping areas of the respective supply path / track).

[0049] The supply conveyor 1 can be configured in various ways as will be clear to the skilled person. The conveyor 1 can e.g. include an array of egg holders 16, for supplying a respective egg stream along the respective supply path, each of those holders 16 e.g. having a pair of egg engagement elements (e.g. carriers or cup halves), wherein each pair of egg engagement elements can be automatically moved from an egg carrying state (shown in the drawing), to an egg releasing state (i.e. an opened state, not shown) for dropping an egg E downwardly into egg receivers (receiver elements) of a below packing station 5.

[0050] The dropping of an egg E by the supply conveyor 1 is in particular controlled by a respective central control unit or processor, i.e. a digital system controller C (schematically indicated).

[0051] As follows from Fig. 1, the system can include a plurality of egg packing lanes 101, 102, 103, 104, each having a respective egg packing station 10 for packing the eggs E into egg packages Pl, P2. The egg packages Pl, P2 can in particular include nestable egg cartons, nestable trays or nestable boxes. It is preferred that each packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 is capable of processing different types of egg packages Pl, P2 (in particular during different operational packing periods). In particular, each packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 can at least process first egg packages Pland second egg package P2 depending on respective alignment structure settings, as will be explained below.

[0052] Each packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 can include or be associated with a respective denesting station 10 for delivering the egg packages Pl, P2 to that packing lane. In another embodiment, supply of egg packages Pl, P2 to the various packing lanes is achieved without implementation of local egg denesting stations 10 at a packing lane.

[0053] Each egg packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 can include a take away conveyor 20 for supporting the egg packages Pl, P2 below the respective egg packing station 5 (to be filled with the egg rows), and for removing an egg package Pl, P2 after it has been filled with the eggs E. As follows from the drawing, the take away conveyors 20 can e.g. be configured for transporting the egg packages Pl, P2 in a substantially horizontal direction Y, for example a direction Y that is perpendicular to a said egg supply direction T of the egg supply conveyor 1. Further, in the example, each packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 is depicted as including a single take away conveyor 20, but it will be clear that each packing lane can include a series of (adjoining) take away conveyors 20 for transporting the egg packages to and / or away from the respective packing station 10.

[0054] Each take away conveyor 20 can be configured in various ways, and preferably includes an endless conveyor, e.g. a chain conveyor, a belt conveyor, a toothed conveyor, a pin conveyor and / or the like. For example, an upper surface of the take away conveyor 20 can include a number of upstanding support elements 20a (mutually spaced apart viewed along the conveying direction Y) for supporting back sides of the egg packages Pl, P2 during their transport on the conveyor 20, as will be clear to the skilled person.

[0055] As follows from Figure 2, preferably, each egg packing station 5 has an array of first egg receiving structures 42 (of a respective collecting device 7) configured to catch eggs E that are dropped (by the egg supply conveyor1) in a respective egg dropping area, to form a row of eggs, and to drop the row of eggs E after it has been formed. Such egg receiving structures 42 can be configured in various ways, as will be clear to the skilled person. For example, each egg receiving structure 42 can be an egg holder, including two holder portions that can be moved between a first position for receiving and holding a dropped egg E, and a second position for releasing (and dropping) the egg. Each first array of egg receiving structures 42 is preferably arranged at a substantially fixed position (vertically, and horizontally) below the respective egg supply path provided by the supply conveyor 1, and in particular in parallel with the egg supply path. In Figure 1, in particular each of the packing station 5 has been shown having an array of six first egg receiving structures 42, for forming a respective row of six eggs E.

[0056] Further, in the Fig. 1 example, mounted directly beneath each array of first egg receiving structures 42 (i.e. a respective collecting device 7) are a number of further egg receiving structures 43, 44, 45 for receiving (and buffering) the egg rows, before delivering the eggs E to an egg pack Pl, P2 located on a respective egg pack take away conveyor 20. For example, according to an embodiment, the further egg receiving structures can include an endless transfer conveyor 44, extending in transverse direction with respect to the egg supply path of the supply conveyor 1. Each endless transfer conveyor 44 can be arranged to drop rows of (six) eggs into rows of article holders of a receiving mechanism 45 (located below this endless transfer conveyor 8) which then transfers the egg rows to a further processing station, in this case to egg packages Pl, P2 held by a take away conveyor 1 that is located below the respective packing station 5.

[0057] As follows from Fig. 2, the endless transfer conveyor 44 can include rows 80 of respective egg holders for receiving the egg rows from the respective collecting device 43 at an upper level, and for dropping the egg rows at a lower level (i.e. below the upper level). The or each endless transfer conveyor 44 can e.g. include a shafts 81 for end pulleys (the endpulleys at the other end of transfer conveyor 44 are not shown), for conveying the rows 80 of egg holders along the respective endless path, said holders e.g. being mounted on pivot bars and which support these holders.

[0058] The application of an endless buffering conveyor 44 at an egg packing station 5 (for receiving rows of eggs from an above array of egg receiving structures) is entirely optional. The invention can also include other structures, devices, conveyors, a so-called ‘shift-set’, and / or systems for receiving and buffering eggs from an above array of egg receiving structures. Further, each dropping area (i.e. packing station 5) can be associated with various numbers of rows of egg receiving structures 42, 43, 45 for receiving the eggs. For example, two arrays of egg receiving structures 42, 43, 45 can be provided, in particular two arrays with one above the other (as in the drawings), or more than two arrays (e.g. three, four, or more) in a vertical sequence one above the other.

[0059] Generally, the system includes the afore-mentioned digital system controller C (e.g. a central processor) for controlling operation of system components, such as the supply conveyor, each packing station 5, denesting station 10 (if any) and e.g. a take away conveyor 20. As will be clear to the skilled person, the central system controller C can be configured in various ways, e.g. as a computer, microcontroller, data processor and / or the-like, including e.g. suitable digital hardware and respective software that is executed by the hardware. The system controller C can communicate with other system components (e.g. the conveyors 1, 20, transfer stations 5, denesting stations 10 and the-like) via suitable wired and / or wireless communication links (not shown), for transmitting control signals thereto to control operation of those system components, and e.g. for mutually synchronizing operation of those system components if required.

[0060] Preferably, the system includes at least one (digital) memory Q, which can e.g. be integral part of the digital system controller C and / or aremote memory (e.g. on a remote data server and / or ‘in the cloud’) accessible via a digital communication network or the-like by the system controller.

[0061] At least part of the memory Q can e.g. be used for storing one or more (predetermined) egg characteristics S, M, L of the eggs E that are supplied by the supply conveyor 1, preferably in combination with transport positions of those eggs in the supply conveyor 1. Thus, during operation, based on the information stored in the memory Q, the digital system controller C preferably ‘knows’ which egg is present in a specific egg holder 16 of the supply conveyor 1, together with the respective characteristic(s) of that particular egg E.

[0062] The controller C can e.g. include or be coupled to at least one user interface UI (known per se), which can be configured allow user access to respective system operation, and e.g. for allowing user access to the contents of an afore-mentioned memory Q (e.g. for entering and / or adjusting information that is present in the memory Q). The or each user interface UI can e.g. include an editor, keyboard, keypad, display and / or the like as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

[0063] Said egg characteristic(s), that can be optionally used by the system, can concern e.g. egg size or grade, for example S for Small, M for Medium and L for Large eggs, and / or egg shell strength characteristics, and / or printed information on the eggs (if any), and / or one or more other egg characteristics, e.g. color (White or Brown eggs), and / or egg-farm related information, and / or a combination of these or other egg characteristics.

[0064] Optionally, the system controller C can be configured to use the stored egg characteristic(s) S, M, L, in particular such that only eggs having the same egg characteristic (e.g. M) are used for filling the first egg receiving structures 42 of a respective dropping area PAI, PA2 (so that below egg package Pl, P2 is filled with those particular eggs). Alternatively, the controller C can be configured to use the stored egg characteristic(s) S, M, L, such that a mix of eggs having the various egg characteristic are usedfor filling the first egg receiving structures 42 of a respective dropping area PAI, PA2 (so that below egg pack Pl, P2 is filled with a eggs having different egg characteristics).

[0065] The filling of egg packages Pl, P2 can in particular be controlled by the system controller C using the contents of one or more databases DB1, DB2, DB3, accessible by the controller C, as will be explained below (referring to Figures 9-12).

[0066] According to a preferred example, the or each denesting station 10 includes an alignment structure 2 that is configured to automatically adjust to a first stack denesting state (e.g. under control of the system controller C) for denesting a stack Si of nested first egg packages Pl, based on at least one first alignment structure setting from an egg package database DB1. An example of a first denesting state of the denesting station 10 is shown in Figure 3, wherein the respective denesting station 10 holds a stack Si of first egg packages Pl, the stack Si being engaged by the respective (schematically depicted) alignment structure 2.

[0067] The denesting station alignment structure 2 is preferably configured to automatically adjust to a second stack denesting state (e.g. under control of the system controller C) for denesting a stack S2 of nested second egg packages P2, based on at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database DB1. An example of the second stack denesting state is shown in Figure 4, wherein the respective denesting station 10 holds a stack S2 of second egg packages P2, such that the stack S2 is engaged by the respective (schematically depicted) alignment structure 2.

[0068] The denesting station’s alignment structure 2 can e.g. include one or more movable elements, having respective one or more drives or actuators 3 (e.g. motors, servos and / or the-like) configured for setting or adjusting a position of the alignment structure 2, i.e. for adjusting the respective stack denesting state. For example, one or more elements of the alignment structure 2 can be horizontally adjustable (movable) for accommodatingdifferently sized stacks, i.e. egg pack stacks of different lengths and / or different widths. As follows from the drawings, the alignment structure elements can e.g. be spaced apart by a first distance LI, for accommodating the stack Si of first packages Pl, when the alignment structure has been set to its first denesting state. The alignment structure elements can e.g. be spaced apart by a second distance L2 that differs from said first distance W 1, for accommodating the stack S2 of second packages P2, when the alignment structure has been set to its first denesting state.

[0069] The setting / adjusting of the denesting state of the denesting station 10 is preferably carried out under control of the system controller C. It is preferred that the adjusting of the denesting state of the denesting station 10 is carried out when the denesting station 10 is empty, that is, when it does not retain a stack of egg packages. Filling of an empty denesting station 10, i.e. moving a stack of (empty) nested egg packages into the denesting station 10 to be processed (denested) thereby, can be carried out manually, and / or using an egg stack supplier (not shown). For example, the denesting station 10 (or a respective packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104) can include a dedicated user interface (not show), e.g. a local display, to locally present information to an operator concerning a type of packages Pl, P2 that is to be used for filling that particular denesting station 10. Such a denesting station user interface is preferably controllable by the system controller C, e.g. such that the controller C can send denesting station filling information thereto.

[0070] Once the alignment structure 2 has been set to a suitable denesting state, the respective denesting station 10 can be filled with a respective stack of egg packages (associated with the set denesting state), and subsequently the denesting station 10 can be controlled (e.g. by the system controller C) to automatically denest the stack (i.e. intermittently release each lowest of the packages of the stack, i.e. one-by-one), wherein the released packages can be transported by the respective take away conveyor20 to a downstream packing station 5 of the respective packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104. Such egg pack stack denesting operation is known per se.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the or each packaging station 5 preferably includes an alignment structure 7 (schematically depicted in Figures 6-8) that is preferably configured to automatically align a supplied first egg package Pl (in particular under control of the system controller C) with respect to a respective egg drop zone DZ using at least one first alignment structure setting from an egg package database DB1.

[0072] In addition, the alignment structure 7 of the packaging station 5 is preferably configured to automatically align a supplied second egg package P2 with respect to the egg drop zone DZ (e.g. under control of the system controller C) using at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database DB1.

[0073] The alignment structure 7 can be configured in various ways. In particular, the alignment structure 7 can be configured to transversally align a supplied egg package Pl, P2 that is located on the take away conveyor 20, for example such that a horizontal center line CL of the egg package Pl is in line with a predetermined virtual vertical plane VP associated with the drop zone DZ of the respective packing lane (see Fig. 7), or such that the horizontal center line CL of the egg package P2 is at a predetermined transversal distance X from said predetermined virtual vertical plane VP (see Fig. 8) when the package is located at the drop zone DZ. Said virtual plane VP can e.g. be a plane VP extending perpendicularly with respect to (i.e. normally to) a top surface of the take away conveyor 20, in a take away direction Y of the conveyor 20, e.g. a central vertical plane of the drop zone DZ (see Fig. 6).

[0074] For example, as is shown in Figures 5-9, according to an embodiment, the packaging station 5 can include (i.e. be provided with) a package conveyor 20 (which can be said take away conveyor), that provides a substantially horizontal package support surface, optionally includingspaced-apart package support elements 20a. The respective packing station alignment structure 7 can include at least one guide element 7a, 7b (e.g. a side guide element 7a, 7b) that is transversally adjustable with respect to the transport path provided by the package conveyor 20 (i.e. transversally adjustable along the package support surface of the conveyor 20).

[0075] For example, one or more elements 7a, 7b of the alignment structure 7 can be horizontally adjustable (movable) for aligning differently sized stacks, i.e. egg pack stacks of different lengths LI, L2 and / or different widths Wl, W2, that are supplied towards the drop zone DZ by the conveyor 20.

[0076] The packing station alignment structure 7 can e.g. include opposite first guide elements 7a, 7b, extending along the drop zone DZ, and e.g. at least partly extending in parallel with each other when viewed in a top view (see Figures 6, 8). The first guide elements 7a, 7b are preferably independently movable. In the example, the first guide elements 7a, 7b have or are coupled to respective drives or actuators 7c, 7d (e.g. motors, servos and / or the-like) that are configured for setting or adjusting the transversal positions of those first guide elements 7a, 7b

[0077] As follows from Figures 6, 8, the alignment structure 7 can e.g. include opposite second guide elements 7e, 7f, extending upstream with respect to the drop zone DZ, and e.g. mutually converging viewed along the conveyor transport direction Y when viewed in a top view (see Fig. 6). The second guide elements 7e, 7f are preferably independently movable. In the example, the second guide elements 7e, 7f have respective drives / actuators, or are coupled to respective drives / actuators 7c, 7d, (the drives including e.g. motors, servos and / or the-like) that are configured for setting or adjusting angular positions of those second guide elements 7e, 7f with respect to the take away conveyor 20. In the present example, the arrangement is such that same drives / actuators 7c, 7d are used for (simultaneously) adjusting the first guide elements 7a, 7b and the second guide elements 7e, 7f. Forexample, the downstream end of the second guide elements 7e, 7f can be mechanically connected to upstream ends of the first guide elements 7a, 7b, via intermediate joints 7g, 7h (e.g. pivot joints), such that respective movements are synchronized. Upstream ends of the second guide elements 7e, 7f can e.g. be located at fixed positions, e.g. via respective pivot connections 7i, 7j connecting those upstream ends to a fixed frame (not shown).

[0078] Optionally, as follows from Figures 6, 8, the alignment structure 7 can e.g. include opposite third guide elements 7k, 71, extending downstream with respect to the drop zone DZ, and e.g. mutually diverging viewed along the conveyor transport direction Y when viewed in a top view (see Fig. 6). The third guide elements 7k, 71 are preferably independently movable. In the example, the third guide elements 7k, 71 have respective drives / actuators, or are coupled to respective drives / actuators 7c, 7d, (the drives including e.g. motors, servos and / or the-like) that are configured for setting or adjusting angular positions of those second guide elements 7k, 71 with respect to the take away conveyor 20. In the present example, the arrangement is such that same drives / actuators 7c, 7d are used for (simultaneously) adjusting the first guide elements 7a, 7b and the third guide elements 7k, 71. For example, upstream ends the third guide elements 7k, 71 can be mechanically connected to downstream ends of the first guide elements 7a, 7b, via intermediate joints 7m, 7n (e.g. pivot joints), such that respective movements are synchronized. Downstream ends of the third guide element can e.g. be located at fixed positions, e.g. via respective pivot connections 7o, 7p connecting those downstream ends to a fixed frame (not shown). Intermediate guide element joints 7g, 7h, 7m, 7n (which are schematically drawn) can be configured to allow longitudinal displacements of opposite ends of respective guide elements that they interconnect.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, e.g., telescopically adjustable guide elementscan be applied, and / or said joints 7g, 7h, 7m, 7n can be slidably connected to respective guide elements, as will be clear to the skilled person.

[0080] Controlling of the one or more drives (actuators) 7c, 7d of the packing station alignment structure 7 is preferably carried out automatically by the system controller C. To that aim, the system controller C can be communicatively connected to the one or more drives 7c, 7d, using suitable control signal lines (not shown) as will be clear to the skilled person.

[0081] According to a further embodiment, the or each packaging station 5 includes a packing station user interface PSUI, configured for locally receiving user input to adjust at least one alignment structure parameter, for example for calibrating the packing station alignment structure 7 with respect to a package Pl, P2 located in the packing station 5. Such calibration can e.g. be carried out during a dedicated calibration period, during which the packing station 5 as such may be kept in an idle state so that no eggs are dropped in the respective drop zoned DZ. For example, each packing station user interface PSUI can be communicatively connected to the system controller C, for transferring an updated alignment structure parameter to the system controller, e.g. to be stored in said memory M, and in particular for updating contents of an aforementioned egg package database DB1.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the system includes at least one sensor 7x configured for detecting an adjustment to the packing station alignment structure 7 and for providing a detection result to the system controller C, wherein the system controller C is configured to update information in the database DB1 based on a received sensor detection result. For example, the adjustment that is detected can be a user implemented adjustment (as is mentioned above), or an automatic system initialization adjustment during system startup.

[0083] The or each sensor 7x can be configured in various ways, as will be clear to the skilled person, e.g. including an optical sensor, encoder,magnetic sensor, resistive sensor and / or differently, that can e.g. be configured to detect movement and / or a position of a moveable element of the alignment structure 7. Optionally, the sensor 7x can be integrated with a drive / actuator 7c, 7d of the one or more drives or actuators 7c, 7d (e.g. one or more stepper motors) of the alignment structure 7. For example, the sensor can be part of a local motor controller (known per se) for driving a said actuator 7c, 7d, for example an actuator controller that is integrated with the respective actuator 7c, 7d.

[0084] Optionally, e.g. during system start-up, the system can be configured to carry out an initialization step during which each of said one or more alignment structure actuators (drives) 7c, 7d may be controlled to move the respective alignment structure elements 7a, 7b to a most distant from each other position until the actuators reach a respective stop (in a so-called “home position”, i.e. an extreme outwards position). Respective one or more controllers of the one or more alignment structure actuators 7c, 7d can automatically recognize their actuator(s) reaching their home position, and can register those home position. Preferably, the one or more actuator controllers can subsequently control the respective actuator(s) 7c, 7 to displace the alignment structure elements 7a, 7b from their (outer) home positions towards each other (i.e. to carry out an initialization movement), for example towards predetermined nearest positions, to check whether or not respective movement paths between respective outer (home) and most inner positions are blocked. For example, if a blockage occurs in the movement of one or each alignment structure element 7a, 7b, the actuator controller(s) can be configured to recognize such blockage, and can e.g. send an error signal to a central system controller and / or move alignment structure elements 7a, 7b away from each other once a path blockage has been detected. Optionally, in case no blockage occurs in the initialization movement of one or each alignment structure element 7a, 7b, the respectiveactuator controller(s) can e.g. be configured to signal the central system controller that no blockage has been detected.

[0085] Referring to Figures 1 and 10, advantageously, the system includes at least one memory Q (mentioned above) that holds one or more databases DB1, DB2, DB3, accessible by the controller C, for controlling system operation.

[0086] For example, the memory Q can hold an egg package database DB1 (see Fig. 10, 11) that at least contains a first egg package identifier PID1 (concerning a first egg package Pl) and at least one respective first alignment structure setting AS1, as well as a second egg package identifier PID2 (concerning a second egg package P2) and at least one respective second alignment structure setting AS2.

[0087] For example, a said first alignment structure setting AS1 can include one or more parameters for setting an aforementioned denesting station 10 to a denesting state, wherein the denesting station 10 can denest a stack of first egg packages Pl. In addition or alternatively, a said first alignment structure setting AS1 can include one or more parameters for setting an aforementioned packaging station alignment structure 7 to a state wherein the station 5 can align first egg packages Pl with respect to its egg drop zone.

[0088] The example shows further egg package identifiers PID3, PID4 and respective further alignment structure setting AS3, AS4 that may be present in the egg package database DB1, wherein the further egg package identifiers PID3, PID4 may concern respective further egg packages that differ in dimensions from each other and from said first packages Pl and said second packages P2.

[0089] The first database DB1 can contain additional information, for example a number of eggs per row EPR1, EPR2, EPR3, EPR4 that are to be dropped into the respective egg packages Pl, P2 (i.e. packages identifiers). The database DB1 can be structured such that it associates egg packageidentifier specifically with its one or more alignment structure settings (and any optional further information concerning a respective egg package type), as will be clear to the skilled person.

[0090] Each egg package identifier PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4 can e.g. include a unique code, e.g. an alphanumeric code.

[0091] As follows from Figure 10, one or more further databases BD2, BD3 can be provided, e.g. stored in the memory Q. For example, a second database DB2 can be a product definition database, concerning final products that are to be delivered / produced by the system. Such final products in particular are filled egg packages, optionally having one or more further product parts such as a label containing printed information and / or the like. In particular, the second database DB2 can describe which package type (Pl, P2) relates to which product that is to be produced. The second database DB2 can include e.g. a first product definition code (e.g. a name and / or egg package identifier) PDC1 that specifically concerns a first final product, together with a respective first egg package identifier PID1 and for example egg related information such as egg size / grade Gl, and / or optional first label information LAI for forming the respective end product (i.e. a first package Pl having eggs of grade Gl and being provided with a first label LAI). Similarly, the second database DB2 can include e.g. a second product definition code (e.g. a name and / or egg package identifier) PDC2 that specifically concerns a second final product, together with a respective second egg package identifier PID2 and for example egg related information such as egg size / grade G2,G3 and / or optional second label information LA2 for forming the respective end product (i.e. a second package P2 having a mixture of eggs of grades G2, G3 and being provided with a second label LA2).

[0092] Moreover, optionally, a third database DB3 can be provided, e.g. in the memory Q. The third database can be a product run database, that includes order information, e.g. concerning specific end customer orders, andin particular a number of requested filled egg packages. In particular, the third database DB3 can provide instructions to the controller C to produce / generate respective products. For example, the product run database DB3 can be provided with a first order ORD1, e.g. a specific code concerning a first order, in combination with a respective first product definition code PDC1 and a requested number NR1 of packages. Usually, each product order contains a relatively large number of egg packages (e.g. at least 20 packages, in particular at least 100 packages, or at least 1000 egg packages). Similarly, the product run database DB3 can be provided with a second order ORD2 (concerning a second end customer order), in combination with a respective product definition code PDC2 and a requested number NR2 of packages. Similarly, the product run database DB3 can be provided with a one or more further orders (a third order ORD3 being shown) concerning further end customer orders, in combination with a respective product definition codes and a requested number (NR3 concerning a third order ORD3) of packages.

[0093] Figure 11 depicts a non-limiting example of said databases DB1, DB2, DB3. Herein the egg package database DB1 includes respective information concerning two different types of egg packages having respective egg packages identifiers (PA987 and PA654 in this example), respective numbers of eggs in each of those egg packages (6 epr= 6 eggs per row, 5 epr=5eggs per row), and respective settings for the denester and packaging station (sgw=side guide width, dnd=denester depth). The product definition database DB2 includes three different product definition codes (in this example being PD321, PD654 and PD987), together with their egg package identifiers, respective egg characteristics (in this example XL, M, L) and the respective egg packages identifiers. The product run database DB3 can e.g. include various product run codes (PR1234, PR5678, PR3456 in this example), each of these codes being associated with a respective number NR of packages that are to be produced, and respective product definition codes.Preferably, the system controller C is configured to receive (e.g. process) an egg package identifier PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4, for controlling at least one of the denesting station 10 and the packaging station 5 (and preferably for controlling both the denesting station 10 and the packaging station 5). To that aim, the system controller C can be configured to access the memory Q to obtain the alignment structure settings from the respective egg package database DB1. Similarly, the controller C can be configured to access the memory Q to obtain information from the second database DB2. Similarly, the controller C can be configured to access the memory Q to obtain information from the third database DB3.

[0094] For example, according to an embodiment, said system controller C is configured to at least one of the denesting station 10 and the packaging station 5 (and preferably for controlling both the denesting station 10 and the packaging station 5) based on the received egg package identifier PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4, i.e. by setting a respective alignment structure 2, 7 using the respective alignment structure settings AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4.

[0095] Operation or use of the system can include a method for packaging eggs. The method can include the following steps:

[0096] -providing eggs E to be packaged;

[0097] - feeding at least a stack S of nested first egg packages Pl to an egg package denesting station 10, the egg packages Pl of the stack S having first egg package dimensions and being associated with a respective first egg package identifier;

[0098] -storing the first egg package identifier together with at least one respective first alignment structure setting in an egg package database DB;

[0099] -feeding the eggs E to an egg drop zone DZ at a packaging station 5; -denesting the first egg packages Pl and feeding resulting denested egg packages Pl to the packaging station 5.

[0100] As follows from the above, advantageously, the denesting station 10 includes a movable alignment structure 2 that automatically adjusts to afirst stack denesting state using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database DB1, for denesting the stack S of nested first egg packages Pl. Also, as follows from the above, the packaging station 5 preferably includes a movable alignment structure 7 that automatically aligns a denested first egg package Pl with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database DB1.

[0101] Preferably, during operation, the system controller C can use at least said first database DB1 for setting or adjusting the alignment structure 2 of each denesting station 10 based on the egg package identifier (e.g. one of PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4) and preferably also for setting or adjusting an alignment structure 7 of each packaging station 5.

[0102] For example, the controller C can be configured to associate a particular denesting station 10 and a respective packaging station 5 of a specific packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 with a particular egg package identifier, using one or more of said databases DB1, DB2, DB3. In particular, to that aim, the controller C can be configured to select one or more of specific packing lanes 101, 102, 103, 104 to generate / produce a specific order (ORD1, ORD2, ORD3). In the example that is depicted in Figure 10, a first order ORD1 can be carried out e.g. by a first packing lane 101, which lane 101 is being supplied with a stack Si of first packages Pl (see Fig. 1). Similarly, as an example, a second order ORD2 can be carried out e.g. by a fourth packing lane 104, which lane 104 is being supplied with a stack S2 of second packages P2 (see Fig. 1). The one or more databases DB1, DB2, DB3 are preferably configured to relate a specific order ORD1, ORD2, ORD3 with a specific egg package identifier PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4 (see Fig 10, wherein the relation is achieved via optional intermediate product definition codes PDC1, PDC2). Selecting a packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 for carrying out an order can e.g. be achieved automatically by the controller C, or for example based on user control using a respective userinterface UI, as will be clear to the skilled person. Optionally, e.g. based on the database information, the controller C can control a local packing lane user interface (if any) or denesting station user interface (if any) to provide information to an operator, which type of package Pl, P2 is to be used in that particular packing lane or respective denesting station.

[0103] Preferably, the method includes:

[0104] -providing egg characteristics of the eggs E to be packaged; and -associating the provided egg characteristics with a stored egg package identifier. For example, this association can be provided using / via one or more databases containing egg package information (e.g. an aforementioned egg package identifier PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4) and egg characteristics information (which can e.g. include egg classification Gl, G2, G3). In the present example, said second database DB2 can be used to provide this association (as follows e.g. from Fig 10), wherein the association is provided via specific product definition codes PDC1, PDC2 that define different products, each product relating to a specific egg package identifier PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4 and to particular egg characteristics of eggs that are to be packed into a package Pl, P2 of the respective product.

[0105] Further, during operation, at least a stack S2 of nested second egg packages P2 can be fed to the egg package denesting station 10, the second egg packages P2 having second egg package dimensions, which differ from said first egg package dimensions, and being associated with a respective second egg package identifier. The second egg package identifier can be stored together with at least one respective second alignment structure setting in the egg package database DB1. The second egg packages P2 can be denested and resulting denested egg packages Pl can be fed to the packaging station 5, for receiving the eggs. Herein, the denesting station alignment structure 2 can automatically adjust to a second stack denesting state for denesting the stack S of nested second egg packages P2, using atleast one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database DB1.

[0106] As is mentioned before, the packaging station 5 preferably includes a movable alignment structure 7 that automatically aligns a denested second egg package P2 with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database DB1.

[0107] During operation, egg characteristics of the eggs E to be packaged can be provided, wherein the provided egg characteristics can be associated with a stored egg package identifier, for example using a database DB1 containing egg package information and respective egg characteristics information.

[0108] An optional user interface UI can for example be used for entering or adjusting information into an afore-mentioned first database DB1, in particular for filling the database with respective information (including egg package identifiers PID1, PID2, PID3, PID4 and respective system parameters AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4 and e.g. optional egg package filling information EPR1, EPR2, EPR3, EPR4). Similarly, an optional user interface UI can for example be used for entering or adjusting information into an afore-mentioned second database DB2, such as aforementioned product definition codes (PDC1, PDC2), a respective egg package identifiers (PID1-PID4) and for example egg related information such as egg size / grade (Gl, G2, G3) and / or optional label information (LAI, LA2). Also, an optional user interface UI can for example be used for entering or adjusting information into an afore -mentioned third database DB3, i.e. a product run database DB3, such as order information, order codes (ORD1, ORD2, ORD3), respective product definition codes (PDC1, PDC2), and a requested number NR of packages (NR1, NR2, NR3).

[0109] As an example, Figure 12A schematically shows a first step, wherein the controller C controls the system for producing one of the orders that have been entered into the product run database DB3, in particular a firstorder ORD1. Herein, the controller C can read information from the database DB3, as is shown with arrow 1001, to retrieve a product definition code PDC1 that is specifically associated with that particular order ORD1. Based on the retrieved product definition code PDC1, the controller C can access the second database DB2 (see arrow 1011) for retrieving a specific egg package identifier PID1 that is associated with that product definition code PDC1, as is indicated in Figure 12B with arrow 1002. Based on the retrieved egg package identifier PID1, the controller C can access the first database DB1 (see arrow 1012) for retrieving system alignment structure settings information AS1 (and possible further information such egg row number information EPR1) that is associated with that package identifier PID1, as is indicated in Figure 12C with arrow 1003. The controller C can then use this received first alignment structure setting AS1 for controlling the respective denester station, to denest a stack of first egg packages Pl, and for controlling a respective packaging station alignment structure, for aligning denested first egg packages Pl with respect to its egg drop zone. In particular, it follows that in this example, a said first egg package identifier PID1 is provided to the system controller C, wherein the system controller C processes the provided egg package identifier PID1 for controlling the respective denesting station 10 and for controlling the respective packaging station 5 (both being associated with processing one or more stacks Si of first packages Pl). Further, as follows from the above, the controller C can be configured to select one or more of the various packing lanes 101, 102, 103, 104 to carry out the respective order ORD1. Also, the controller C can e.g. send information to an optional user interface of selected packing lane 101 that is to produce the respective order ORD1, which type of egg package Pl is to be used to fill the respective denesting station 5 (so that an operator can supply a stack of such packages Pl to the denester).Similar steps can be carried out by the controller C concerning any other orders that are to be fulfilled, in particular regarding e.g. a second order ORD2 and a third order ORD3.

[0110] Therein, a second egg package identifier PID2 is provided to the system controller C, wherein the system controller C processes the provided second egg package identifier PID2 for controlling the respective denesting station 10 and for controlling the respective packaging station 5 that are associated with processing one or more stacks S2 of second packages P2 (i.e. the denester and packing station of a selected packing lane 104).

[0111] Use of an aforementioned packing station user interface PSUI can e.g. be carried out during a dedicated calibration run / period (e.g. during an idle state of the respective packing station 5), wherein a package can be located at a respective drop zone DZ, on the respective package conveyor 20. A user can control the alignment station 7 via the user interface PSUI, for adjusting e.g. a position of respective alignment structure elements 7a, 7b such that the package is properly aligned with respect to the drop zone DZ. It is preferred that respective alignment structure settings (which may e.g. be detected by one or more respective sensors 7x) are then automatically stored into the respective database DB1 by the controller C, for example based on an end-of-calibration command that can be provided by the user via the user interface PSUI. It is preferred that this calibration routing is carried out for each of the various packing lanes 101, 102, 103, 104, using each of the different egg packages Pl, P2 that are to be used by the system.

[0112] In this way, the system can automatically and swiftly adjust alignment structure settings in case of carrying out new product runs, in particular based on (stored, predetermined) package type information. The system can retrieve the corresponding settings simply from the one or more packaging databases itself.

[0113] Further, according to an embodiment, denester operation of a denesting station 10 can include a package isolation step, a package releasestep and a released package transport step. For example, as will be clear to the skilled person, each denesting station 10 can include package separators configured to isolate a package from a respective stack. The isolated package can be grabbed from the inside by specific grippers of the denesting station 10. Optionally, small needles in these grippers are used to grab the pack firmly from the inside, to pull the packages apart from the respective stack. Because there can be many different shapes and sizes in egg packaging, the denesting station grippers can preferably positioned in predetermined positions, e.g. in two horizontal dimensions. It is preferred that respective positions are automatically retrieved by the system controller C from the alignment structure information present in an aforementioned database DB1.

[0114] According to a further embodiment, referring to Figure 6, it is preferred that sideguide moving systems 7c, 7d of a packing lane 101, 102, 103, 104 can independently move central sideguide parts 7a, 7b (and along with them, via respective hinges, rotate first and final sideguide parts 7e, 7f, 7k, 71). Preferably, the sideguide moving systems 7c, 7d are controlled to move simultaneously so that central sideguide parts 7a, 7b remain parallel. In particular, respective positions of the central sideguide part 7a, 7b determine a width of the package that can enter the drop zone and the respective position of the packages heart line. According to an embodiment, the imaginary egg package heart line CL can be retrieved from an aforementioned database by the controller C, and / or it can be determined from respective database information by the controller C. According to an embodiment, a width Wl, W2 between the central guide parts 7a, 7b can be retrieved from the afore-mentioned database DB1, wherein it is preferred that the width Wl, W2 can also but can be adjusted locally by an operator via a local user interface PSUI (e.g. via one or more buttons on a user interface panel). This can accommodate e.g. a variation in pack width (e.g. due to moist environments, cardboard packs can become wider). Accordingto an embodiment, the system can include a homing system, which automatically opens the side guides 7a, 7b (i.e. moves the side guides away from each other) until machine startup. This can be used to calibrate the system and make sure that it is aware of any blockages. Further, according to an embodiment, the system is configured to automatically store any alignment structure adjustments done locally by an operator in the system memory Q, for reuse in a next use. Such stored user implemented adjustments can e.g. be applied on any of the various packing lanes 101, 102, 103, 104.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the first and second sideguide moving system 7c, 7d can be configured such that the respective side guides 7a, 7b are not or no longer parallel, e.g. to give a package Pl, P2 more space during dropping (to prevent eggs from being squeezed), and / or to hold the package Pl, P2 tight during a package closing operation (if any).

[0116] Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

[0117] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.For example, the term “substantially horizontal” should be construed broadly, since a substantially horizontal direction can be a directly that is entirely horizontal or a direction that includes a small angle with a horizontal surface (e.g. an angle of about 30 degrees). The same holds for a substantially horizontal surface (which may be a slightly inclined surface).

[0118] Further, in this application, egg processing is in particular carried out on unfertilized eggs. In other word, the eggs E are dead (non-living) eggs, they do not contain any embryo. On the other hand, according to an embodiment, the eggs E can be living eggs (i.e. embryo containing eggs).

[0119] In above embodiments, the invention may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When the software is used for implementation, it may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of the computer program product (to be executed by a respective system controller C). The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the above computer program instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the above processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated in whole or in part. The above computer may be a general computer, a special computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The above computer instruction may be stored in the storage medium or transmitted from one storage medium to another storage medium.

[0120] It is also to be noted that relational terms such as first and second are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation herein, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, terms “comprise”, “include” or any other variants are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, a method, an article or a device including a series of elements not only include thoseelements, but also includes other elements not listed explicitly or includes intrinsic elements for the process, the method, the article, or the device.

[0121] Further, each egg dropping area (i.e. packing station 5) can be associated with various numbers of rows of egg receiving structures for receiving the eggs. For example, two arrays of egg receiving structures can be provided, in particular two arrays with one above the other (as in the drawings), or more than two arrays (e.g. three, four, or more) in a vertical sequence one above the other.

[0122] It should be noted that the aforementioned databases DB1, DB2, DB3 can be at least partly integrated with each other. Further, it will be appreciated that the invention can be carried out without specific use or order information, order codes and package definition codes, as will be clear to the skilled person.

[0123] Further, in this application, the feature “first egg packages” can be read as “ first type of egg packages”. Similarly, the feature “second egg packages” can be read as “ second type of egg packages”.

[0124] Each of the first egg packages Pl can e.g. be configured for receiving a first number of eggs, and each of the second egg packages P2 can e.g. be configured for receiving a second number of eggs that differs from the first number of eggs, but that is not required.

[0125] Moreover, as follows from the above, each of the second egg packages P2 can e.g. have a (second) width that differs from a (first) width of each of the first egg packages Pl (the package widths being measured in transversal direction with respect to a respective packing lane transport direction Y). In addition or alternatively, each of the second egg packages P2 can e.g. have a (second) length that differs from a (first) length of each of the first egg packages Pl (the package lengths being measured in parallel with respect to a respective packing lane transport direction Y).

Claims

32Claims1. Method for packaging eggs, including:-providing eggs (E) to be packaged;- feeding at least a stack (Si) of nested first egg packages (Pl) to an egg package denesting station (10), the egg packages (Pl) of the stack (Si) having first egg package dimensions and being associated with a respective first egg package identifier;-storing the first egg package identifier together with at least one respective first alignment structure setting in an egg package database (DB1);-feeding the eggs (E) to an egg drop zone at a packaging station (5);-denesting the first egg packages (Pl) and feeding resulting denested egg packages (Pl) to the packaging station (5); and-dropping the eggs (E) into the egg packages (Pl) at the drop zone; wherein the denesting station (10) includes a movable alignment structure (2) that automatically adjusts to a first stack denesting state using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1), for denesting the stack (Si) of nested first egg packages (Pl).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the packaging station (5) includes a movable alignment structure (7) that automatically aligns a denested first egg package (Pl) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further including:- feeding at least a stack (S2) of nested second egg packages (P2) to the egg package denesting station (10), the second egg packages (P2) having second egg package dimensions, which differ from said first egg package dimensions, and being associated with a respective second egg package identifier;33-storing the second egg package identifier together with at least one respective second alignment structure setting in the egg package database (DB1);-denesting the second egg packages (P2) and feeding resulting denested egg packages (P2) to the packaging station (5), for receiving the eggs; wherein the denesting station alignment structure (2) automatically adjusts to a second stack denesting state for denesting the stack (S2) of nested second egg packages (P2), using at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

4. The method according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the movable alignment structure (7) of the packaging station (5) automatically aligns a denested second egg package (P2) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, including: -providing egg characteristics of the eggs (E) to be packaged; and -associating the provided egg characteristics with a stored egg package identifier, for example using a database (DB2) containing egg package information and respective egg characteristics information.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, including using a user interface (UI) for providing a said egg package identifier to a system controller (C), wherein the system controller (C) processes the provided egg package identifier for controlling the denesting station (10) and preferably for controlling the packaging station (5).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the system controller (C) includes or is provided with a memory (Q) that contains the egg package database (DB1), wherein the system controller (C) uses the database (DB1) for setting or adjusting the alignment structure (2) of the denesting station based on the egg package identifier.

8. Method for packaging eggs, for example a method according to any of the preceding claims, including:-providing eggs (E) to be packaged;- feeding first egg packages (Pl) to a packaging station (5), the first egg packages (Pl) having first egg package dimensions and being associated with a respective first egg package identifier;-storing the first egg package identifier together with at least one respective first alignment structure setting in an egg package database (DB1);-feeding the eggs (E) to an egg drop zone at the packaging station (5); and -dropping eggs (E) into the first egg packages (Pl) at the drop zone; wherein the packaging station (5) includes an alignment structure (7) that automatically aligns a first egg package (Pl) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

9. The method according to claim 8, further including:- feeding second egg packages (P2) to the packaging station (5), the second egg packages (P2) having second egg package dimensions, which differ from said first egg package dimensions, and being associated with a respective second egg package identifier;-storing the second egg package identifier together with at least one respective second alignment structure setting in the egg package database (DB1); and-dropping eggs (E) into the second egg packages (Pl) at the drop zone, wherein the alignment structure (7) of the packaging station (5) automatically aligns a second egg package (Pl) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims 8-9, including:-providing egg characteristics of the eggs (E) to be packaged; and-associating the provided egg characteristics with a stored egg package identifier, for example using a database (DB2) containing egg package information and respective egg characteristics information.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims 8-10, including using a user interface (UI) for providing a said egg package identifier to a system controller (C), wherein the system controller (C) processes the provided egg package identifier for controlling the packaging station (5).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the system controller (C) includes or is provided with a memory (Q) that contains the egg package database (DB1), wherein the system controller (C) uses the database (DB1) for setting or adjusting the alignment structure (2) of the packaging station (5) based on the egg package identifier.

13. System for packaging eggs, for example configured to carry out a method according to at least any of the preceding claims, the system including:-an egg supply conveyor (1) for supplying eggs (E) to be packaged;- at least one egg package denesting station (10), configured for denesting at least a stack (Si) of nested first egg packages (Pl) in a respective first denesting state, wherein the denesting station (10) is adjustable to a second denesting state for denesting a stack (S2) of nested second egg packages (P2);-a memory (Q) holding an egg package database (DB1) that at least contains a first egg package identifier and a respective first alignment structure setting, as well as a second egg package identifier and a respective second alignment structure setting;- a packaging station (5) for dropping eggs (E), receiving from the supply conveyor (1), at a drop zone into packages (Pl, P2) received from the denesting station (10);36wherein the denesting station (10) includes an alignment structure (2) that is configured to automatically adjust to a first stack denesting state for denesting the stack (Si) of nested first egg packages (Pl), based on at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

14. System according to claim 13, wherein the packaging station (5) includes an alignment structure (7) that is configured to automatically align a denested first egg package (Pl) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

15. The system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the denesting station alignment structure (2) is configured to automatically adjust to a second stack denesting state for denesting a stack (S2) of nested second egg packages (P2), based on at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

16. The system according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the packaging station (5) includes an alignment structure (7) that is configured to automatically align a denested second egg package (P2) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

17. The system according to any of claim 13-16, including a system controller (C) that is configured to receive an egg package identifier, for controlling the denesting station (10) and preferably for controlling the packaging station (5).

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the system controller (C) is configured to access the memory (Q) to obtain the alignment structure settings from the database (DB1).

19. The system according to any of claims 13-18, wherein the alignment structure (2) of the denesting station includes one or more movable elements, having respective one or more drives or actuators (3) configured for setting or adjusting a position of the alignment structure (2)37for accommodating differently sized stacks, wherein for example one or more elements of the alignment structure (2) can be horizontally adjustable for accommodating differently sized stacks.

20. System for packaging eggs, for example a system configured for carrying out a method according to any of claims 8-12, the system including: -an egg supply conveyor (10) for supplying eggs (E) to be packaged;-a memory (Q) holding an egg package database (DB1) that at least contains a first egg package identifier and a respective first alignment structure setting, as well as holding a second egg package identifier and a respective second alignment structure setting;- a packaging station (5) for dropping eggs (E), receiving from the supply conveyor, at a drop zone into egg packages (Pl); and- an egg package supplier for supplying egg packages (Pl) to the packaging station (5),wherein the packaging station (5) includes an alignment structure (7) that is configured to automatically align a first egg package (Pl) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one first alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).

21. System according to claim 20, wherein the egg package supplier includes at least one egg package denesting station (10), configured for denesting at least a stack (Si) of nested first egg packages (Pl) in a respective first denesting state, wherein the denesting station (10) is preferably adjustable to a second denesting state for denesting a stack (S2) of nested second egg packages (P2).

22. System according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the alignment structure (7) of the packaging station (5) is configured to automatically align a denested second egg package (P2) with respect to the egg drop zone using at least one second alignment structure setting from said egg package database (DB1).3823. System according to any of the preceding claims 20-22, wherein the packaging station (5) includes a substantially horizontal package conveyor (20), wherein the packing station alignment structure (7) includes at least one guide element that is transversally adjustable with respect to a transport path provided by the package conveyor (20), wherein the packing station alignment structure (7) preferably includes opposite guide elements (7a, 7b) that are preferably independently movable.

24. System according to any of claims 20-23, wherein the packaging station (5) includes a packing station user interface (PSUI), configured for locally receiving user input to adjust at least one alignment structure parameter, for example for calibrating the packing station alignment structure (7) with respect to a package (Pl, P2) located in the packing station.

25. System according to any of any of claims 20- 24, including a system controller (C) that is configured to receive an egg package identifier, and for controlling the packaging station (5) based on a received egg package identifier.

26. System according to any of claims 20-25, including a sensor configured for detecting an adjustment to the packing station alignment structure (7) and for providing a detection result to the system controller (C), wherein the system controller (C) is configured to update information in the database (DB1) based on a received sensor detection result.

27. System according to any of claims 20-26, wherein the packing station alignment structure (7) includes opposite first guide elements (7a, 7b), extending along the drop zone (DZ), and e.g. at least partly extending in parallel with each other when viewed in a top view, wherein the first guide elements (7a, 7b) are preferably independently movable, wherein the first guide elements (7a, 7b) have or are coupled to respective drives or actuators (7c, 7d) that are configured for setting or adjusting transversal positions of those first guide elements (7a, 7b).3928. System according to any of claims 20-27, wherein the alignment structure (7) includes opposite second guide elements (7e, 7f), extending upstream with respect to the drop zone (DZ), and e.g. mutually converging viewed along a conveyor transport direction (Y) when viewed in a top view, wherein the second guide elements (7e, 7f) are preferably independently movable, wherein the second guide elements (7e, 7f) have respective drives, or are coupled to respective drives (7c, 7d), that are configured for setting or adjusting angular positions of those second guide elements (7e, 7f) with respect to a package conveyor (20).

29. System according to any of claims 20-28, wherein the alignment structure (7) includes opposite third guide elements (7k, 71), extending downstream with respect to the drop zone (DZ), and e.g. mutually diverging viewed along a conveyor transport direction (Y) when viewed in a top view, wherein the third guide elements (7k, 71) are preferably independently movable, wherein the third guide elements (7k, 71) have respective drives, or are coupled to respective drives (7c, 7d), that are configured for setting or adjusting angular positions of those second guide elements (7k, 71) with respect a package conveyor (20).

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