JP2001301710A - Egg conveyer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an egg conveyer wherein merging of a first charger (first storage container) and a second charger (second storage container) can be reliably controlled. SOLUTION: A multiplicity of chargers 21, 22 wherein eggs are received at positions P1, P2 and removed at a position P3 are carried along circulation paths C1, C2. A first outward path of the circulation path C1 includes a first region with the position P1 set and a merging region set at a lower position than the first region, while a second outward path of the circulation path C2 includes a second region with the position P2 set and located at a lower position than the first region and a merging region provided on a downstream of the second region, and a lift mechanism 30 for moving the charger 21 with the eggs received at the position P1 from the first region to the merging region is provided. The conveyer is constituted so that only the first charger 21 is carried in the first region, only the second charger 22 is carried in the second region, and both chargers 21, 22 are carried in the merging region.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a first circulation system which receives eggs at a first receiving position and transports a large number of first storage containers for eggs from which the eggs are removed at a removal position along a first circulation path. A transfer mechanism and a second receiving position which is lower than the first receiving position receives the eggs, and a large number of the second storage containers of the eggs from which the eggs are taken out at the taking-out position are moved along the second circulation path. The present invention relates to an egg processing apparatus provided with a second circulating transport mechanism for transporting the egg.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of such an egg carrier is an egg carrier used in an automatic egg sorting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2898273 owned by the present applicant. The configuration of the automatic egg sorting apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

[0003] While the eggs are transported in 12 rows, the egg washing machine 1
After passing through the dryer 2 and the orienter 3, it is sent to the egg tester 4. In the egg testing machine 4, each of the two egg feeding conveyors 5 and 6 is conveyed in six rows. First
There is a first weighing unit 7 at the most downstream part of the row conveyor 5 and a second weighing part 8 at the most downstream part of the other second egg feeding conveyor 6, each of which measures the weight of six eggs at a time. it can. The measured weight data is sent to the sorting control panel 9.

The eggs that have passed through the first measuring section 7 are conveyed in a single row by a first single-row conveyor 10. The chicken eggs that have passed through the second measuring section 8 are conveyed in a single row by the second single-row conveyor 11. Each of the first single-row conveyor 10 and the second single-row conveyor 11 is provided with an encoder (not shown), and outputs a predetermined number of pulse signals each time the eggs are transported by the single-row conveyors 10 and 11 for a predetermined distance. appear. Each measuring unit 7, 8
Is sent to the sorting control panel 9, and based on the weight data, the sorting destination, that is, to which accumulating station 12 (corresponding to the egg transporting device) is determined. When the sorting destination is determined, distance information from the first and second weighing units 7, 8 to the release position is set as the number of pulses of the encoder for each chicken egg. The set number of pulses is decremented by one each time the egg is transported by a predetermined distance, and is released to any one of the accumulation stations 12 when the set number of pulses becomes zero.

[0005] Eight accumulation stations 12 are provided orthogonal to the first and second single-row conveyors 10 and 11. The eggs are released to any one of the accumulation stations 12 based on the weight data, and each of the accumulation stations 12 has a number of chargers 21 and 22 (corresponding to accommodation containers) capable of accommodating up to six eggs in a row. The individual circulation drive is performed.

[0006] Along with the accumulation station 12, 2
One pack line 14 and one tray line 15 are provided. The pack line 14 supplies a pack from the pack supply device 16. The tray conveyor 15 supplies trays from the tray supply device 17.

When a predetermined number of chargers 21 and 22 containing eggs are stored in the accumulation station 12, the suction head 18 transfers the eggs from the chargers 21 and 22 to a tray or a pack as a final packaging container. .

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of an egg transporting apparatus which is an accumulation station 12 according to the prior art. This egg transport device has a first circulation path C1 and a second circulation path C2. The eggs E released from the first single-row conveyor 10 are circulated and conveyed along the first circulation path C1 (first charger (corresponding to a first container) 2).
1 at the first receiving position P1. The eggs E released from the second single-row conveyor 11 are circulated and transported along the second circulation path C2.
It corresponds to a storage container. ) 22 at the second receiving position P2.

The first charger 21 is transported along a first outward route and a first return route. The second charger 22 is transported along a second outward route and a second return route. The first outbound route is
It has a first area where the first receiving position P1 is set, and a merging area set downstream of the first area. The second outward path has a second area where the second receiving position P2 is set, and a merging area set downstream of the second area. Therefore, the merge area is an area common to the first and second circulation paths C1 and C2. The first charger 21 and the second charger 22 are configured to merge at a merging position, and a control mechanism (not shown) such that the first charger 21 and the second charger 22 do not collide at the merging position. Is provided.

The first and second chargers 2 are located in the merging area.
Extraction position P3 for extracting egg E from 1, 22
Is set, and the egg E can be sucked out by the suction head 18 and taken out. When a predetermined number of first and second chargers 21 and 22 are accumulated at the take-out position P3, the suction head 18 is operated to suck the eggs E, and the eggs are transferred to the pack of the pack line 14 or the tray of the tray line 15. E
Transfer.

[0011]

Problems to be solved by the egg transporting apparatus having the above configuration are as follows. The first charger that has received the egg E at the first receiving position P1 is first transported along the first area, and the first area is further divided into a horizontal area and an inclined area. In the inclined area, the first charger 21 slides down the inclined area by its own weight. In this inclined region, when the first chargers 21 are successively conveyed, the first charger 21 at the head is pushed by the first charger 21 conveyed from behind, and the speed at which it slides down increases. There was a possibility that the merging control at the merging position might be affected.

For example, a stopper S is provided in the inclined area, and while the transport state of the second charger 22 in the second area is monitored, the stopper S is moved in and out of the inclined area and controlled. Depending on the sliding speed, the first charger 21 may get over the stopper S or be moved before the stopper S enters.
Has gone too far over the stopper S, and the first
There is a possibility that the charger 21 and the second charger 22 collide with each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reliably control the merging of a first charger (first storage container) and a second charger (second storage container). An object of the present invention is to provide an egg carrier.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an egg transporting apparatus according to the present invention receives an egg at a first receiving position and uses a large number of eggs in a first receiving container from which the egg is taken out at a take-out position. A first circulating transport mechanism for transporting the eggs along a first circulation path, a second receiving mechanism for receiving the eggs at a second receiving position lower than the first receiving position, and removing the eggs at the removing position. An egg processing apparatus comprising: a second circulation transport mechanism configured to transport a large number of storage containers along a second circulation path;
The first circulation path includes a first forward path for transporting the first storage container from the first receiving position toward the removal position, and an empty first storage container from which the egg is removed at the removal position. A second return path for returning the second storage container from the second reception position to the takeout position. An outward path, and a second return path for returning the empty second container from which the eggs have been extracted at the extraction position toward the second receiving position again, wherein the first outward path is such that the first receiving position is A first region that is set, and a merging region that is provided downstream of the first region and that is set at a position lower than the first region. Set and before A first storage container including a second region located at a position lower than the first region and the merging region provided downstream of the second region, wherein the eggs are received at the first receiving position. An elevating mechanism for moving from the first area to the merging area, wherein only the first storage container can be transported in the first area, and only the second storage container in the second area. Are transportable, and both the first storage container and the second storage container are configured to be transportable in the merging area.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of the configuration according to the present invention. A large number of first storage containers 2 along the first circulation path C1
And a second circulation path C2
A second circulation transport mechanism for transporting a large number of the second storage containers 22 along. The second receiving position P2 is set to be lower than the first receiving position P1.
The first circulation path C1 has a first outward path and a first return path,
The egg E is received at the receiving position P1, and the egg E is taken out.
At 3, the egg E is taken out. The second circulation path C2 is the second circulation path C2.
It has an outward route and a second return route, receives the egg E at the second receiving position P2, and takes out the egg E at the taking-out position P3. The first and second storage containers 21 and 22 that have been emptied by taking out the eggs E pass through the first and second return paths and again return to the first and second containers.
It goes to 2nd receiving position P1 and P2. In addition, an elevating mechanism 30 is provided in the first circulation path C1, so that the first storage container 21 in which the eggs E are stored is moved downward.

The first container 21 that has received the eggs E at the first receiving position P1 is first transported along the first area, and then moved from the first area to the merge area by the elevating mechanism 30. You. First storage container 2 moved to the merge area
1 is transported toward the take-out position P3. The second container 22 that has received the egg E at the second receiving position P2
Is transported from the second area to the merge area. In the merging area, the first housing container and the second housing container are transported in a merged state.

As described above, when the first container is moved from the first area to the merge area, the first container is not moved by its own weight, but is moved by the elevating mechanism 30.
Therefore, unlike the related art, a phenomenon in which the first first storage container is pushed by the first storage container that is transported behind does not occur. As a result, it was possible to provide an egg transporting device capable of reliably performing the joining control of the first storage container and the second storage container.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second
And a control device for operating the elevating mechanism based on the detection result of the detection sensor for detecting the transport state of the second storage container in the area.

Although it is conceivable that the operation of the elevating mechanism is performed by an operator, a detection sensor for detecting the transport state of the second storage container in the second area is provided so that the first storage container and the second storage container can be connected to each other. The first storage container can be moved by the lifting mechanism at a timing at which collision of the first container can be prevented. Thereby, the merging control can be performed reliably.

As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a stopper for stopping the first storage container is provided on the downstream side of the first area, and the stopper is used to move the lifting mechanism from the first area. And a control device for controlling the delivery of the first storage container to the first storage container.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of the stopper S1. The first storage container 21 sequentially from the first receiving position P1
Is provided, and after the lifting / lowering mechanism 30 sends out the first storage container 21 to the merging area, the stopper S1 is released and the first lifting / lowering mechanism 30 is newly provided to the lifting / lowering mechanism 30. The container 21 is sent.
Thereby, the movement of the first storage container 21 by the elevating mechanism 30 can be performed more reliably.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An automatic egg sorting apparatus provided with an egg carrier according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of the automatic egg sorting apparatus.

<Structure of Automatic Egg Sorting Apparatus> This automatic egg sorting apparatus includes a washing machine 1 for washing eggs (corresponding to eggs) supplied from a chicken house or the like, and a dryer 2 for drying the washed eggs. And the orienter 3 for aligning the direction of the eggs, and bad eggs (cracked eggs, dirty eggs,
An egg tester 4 for detecting blood eggs, spoiled eggs, etc.) is provided. The eggs are transported in 12 rows from the egg washing machine 1 to the orienter 3. On the downstream side from the egg tester 4, the eggs are transported in a state of six rows by the first egg feeding conveyor 5 and the second egg feeding conveyor 6, respectively. A first weighing unit 7 is provided at the most downstream portion of the first egg feeding conveyor 5, and a second weighing unit 8 is provided at the most downstream portion of the second egg feeding conveyor 6. The weights of the six eggs are collected together. Measure. The measured weight data is sent to the sorting control panel 9.

The eggs that have passed through the first measuring section 7 are transported in a single row by a first single row conveyor 10, and the eggs that have passed through the second measuring section 8 are transported in a single row by a second single row conveyor 11. Eight accumulation stations 12 (corresponding to egg transport devices) are provided orthogonal to the first and second single-row conveyors 10 and 11. Further, two pack lines 14 and a tray line 15 are provided alongside the accumulation station 12. The pack line 14 supplies a pack from the pack supply device 16. Tray conveyor 1
5 supplies a tray from the tray supply device 17. Packs and trays are packaging containers for holding eggs,
Eggs are packaged in these packaging containers and shipped to the market.

Further, for each accumulation station 12, it is possible to set in advance what sort is to be performed individually. For example, agricultural and forestry standards (S size, M
When performing sorting based on the size, L size, etc.), the rightmost accumulation station 12 in FIG. 1 is a station for sorting eggs of S size, and the second accumulation station 12 from the right is M size. Can be set as a station for sorting chicken eggs.

Each of the first single-row conveyor 10 and the second single-row conveyor 11 is provided with an encoder (not shown), and a predetermined number of eggs are transported by the single-row conveyors 10 and 11 for a predetermined distance. Generate a pulse signal. The weight data measured by each of the weighing units 7 and 8 is sent to the sorting control panel 9, and based on the weight data, the sorting destination, that is,
It is determined which accumulation station 12 to release. When the sorting destination is determined, distance information from the first and second weighing units 7, 8 to the release position is set as the number of pulses of the encoder for each chicken egg. The set number of pulses is decremented by one each time the egg is transported by a predetermined distance, and is released to any one of the accumulation stations 12 when the set number of pulses becomes zero.

A guide rail 19 is provided so as to intersect with each of the accumulation stations 12. Two suction heads 18 are configured to be slidable along the guide rail 19. A robot control panel 29 for controlling the operation of each accumulation station 12 and suction head 18 is provided.

As will be described in detail later, in each accumulation station 12, a number of chargers 21 and 22 (corresponding to storage containers) capable of storing up to six eggs in one row are circulated. When a predetermined number of the chargers 21 and 22 containing the eggs are accumulated at the removal position in the accumulation station 12, the eggs are transferred from the chargers 21 and 22 to a tray or a pack as a final packaging container by the suction head 18. Replace.

<Structure of Accumulation Station (Side View)> Next, the structure of the egg transporting device provided in the accumulation station will be described with reference to FIGS. The egg transport device includes a first circulating transport mechanism that circulates and transports a large number of first chargers 21 (corresponding to a first storage container) along a first circulation path C1, and a second charger 22 (a second storage container). And a second circulating transport mechanism that circulates and transports many of them along the second circulating path C2.

A first accumulation chain 31 (corresponding to a first conveyance endless member) functioning as a first circulation conveyance mechanism, and a second accumulation chain 32 (second conveyance endless member) functioning as a second circulation conveyance mechanism. Is equivalent to.)
Are provided. The first accumulation chain 31
Nine sprockets 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d,
It is wound around 31e, 31f, 31g, 31h, 31i. The second accumulation chain 32 includes seven sprockets 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32
f, 32 g. When performing the automatic packaging work of the egg E, the first and second accumulation chains 3
Reference numerals 1 and 32 are in a state of being constantly driven.

The first circulation path C1 is connected to the first charger 21
2 in a right-to-left direction in FIG. 2 and a first return path in a left-to-right direction in FIG. The second circulation path C2 also has a second outward path and a second return path. The first outward path further includes a first area and a merging area. In the first area, the first charger 21 can receive the eggs E discharged from the first single-row conveyor 10. The merging area is set on the downstream side of the first area and at a position lower than the first area. The movement of the first charger 21 from the first area to the merge area is performed by the lifting mechanism 30.

The second outward path also includes a second area and a merging area. In the second area, the second charger 22 can receive the eggs E discharged from the second single-row conveyor 11. The junction region is located downstream of the second region and is set at the same height as the second region. The merging area is a common area in the first and second circulation paths C1 and C2. Also, the first area (first receiving position P1)
The second area (the second receiving position P2) is set to be lower than the second area.

The take-out position P3 is located on the downstream side in the merge area.
Is set, and the suction head 18 is arranged so as to be able to suck the eggs E stored in the first and second chargers 21 and 22 assembled at the take-out position P3. A number of suction cups 18a are provided at the tip of the suction head 18, and vacuum suck the chicken eggs E.

The first charger 21 that has been emptied by taking out the egg E at the take-out position P3 is moved from the first forward path to the first return path by the first guide body 33, and the first empty body is also emptied. 2 charger 22 from the second outbound
A second guide body 34 for moving toward the return path is provided. Each of the first and second guide bodies 33 and 34 has a semi-lunar guide groove, and the first and second chargers 21 and 22 are arranged along the guide grooves by their own weights.
I slip down for the second return trip.

A first guide mechanism 35 for returning the empty first charger 21 from the end of the first return path to the first forward path.
From the end of the second return path to the second
A second guide mechanism 36 for returning to the outward path is provided. At the end of the first area, a first stopper 37 capable of entering and retracting into the transport path, and a first cylinder 38 for driving the first stopper 37 are provided. On the upstream side in the merging area, a second stopper 39 for controlling whether or not the first and second chargers 21 and 22 can enter the take-out position P3, and the second stopper 3
And a second cylinder 40 for driving the second cylinder 9. At the end of the merging area (upstream of the take-out position P3), a third stopper 41 for controlling the delivery of the empty first and second chargers 21 and 22 and the third stopper 41 are driven. And a third cylinder 42 for performing the operation.

<Structure of Accumulation Station (Plan View)> FIG. 3 shows first and second accumulation chains 31 and 32 (hereinafter referred to as a first chain and a second accumulation chain) in the egg carrier.
Say a chain. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of FIG. The first chain 31 is provided in a pair on both sides in the width direction, and has a width B1. However, the width at both ends of the first circulation path C1 is widened to B1 '. To increase the width of the first chain 31, first widening members 43 are provided at four locations. The second chain 32 also
A pair is provided on both sides in the width direction, and the width dimension is B2, but the width dimension is B2 at both ends of the second circulation path C2.
Spread 2 '. In order to increase the width of the second chain 32, second widening members 44 are provided at four positions. Further, the width B1 of the first chain 31 is
Is slightly larger than the width B2.

At both ends of the chains 31, 32, the chargers 21,
22 and the first guide body 33 and the second guide body 3
4, each charger 21 and 22
And the width of the chain 31 and 32 is increased so as not to interfere with each other. The same reason is applied when the movement is performed by the first guide mechanism 35 and the second guide mechanism 36.

The second area is provided with a detection sensor 44 for detecting the presence of the second charger 22 containing the egg E in the second area. The detection sensor 44 is provided with a generator 44a. And a light receiver 44b. The generator 44a and the light receiver 44b are arranged before and after along the transport path. This allows detection of the second charger 22 over a wide range. Further, on the downstream side of the take-out position P3, a detection sensor 45 including a generator 45a and a light receiver 45b for detecting whether or not the chicken E in the chargers 21 and 22 has been normally sucked is provided. Have been.

<Structure of Charger> Next, the structure of the second charger 22 (the basic structure of the first charger 21 is the same) which is a container for the eggs E will be described. FIG. 4 is a side view of the second charger 22, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a charger 22. The second charger 22 is capable of accommodating a maximum of six eggs E, a housing 19 for housing the eggs E, a pair of arms 20 integrally connected to the housing 19, and a pair of arms. 20, a shock absorbing ring 24 fitted on the rotating shaft 23, and an urging spring 25 for urging the housing 19 upward.
And a frame part 26. One end of the biasing spring 25 is hooked on a spring hook 20 a of the arm 20. In addition, when the contact portion 20b contacts the stopper 26a of the frame portion 26, the upward movement of the storage portion 19 is restricted. When the egg E is stored in the storage unit 19,
The housing portion 19 and the arm portion 20 rotate around the rotation axis 23 against the urging force, and the contact portion 20 c formed on the arm portion 20 abuts on the shock absorbing ring 24 to absorb the shock. Prevents the egg E from cracking.

Further, a first guide portion 27 and a second guide portion 28 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the second charger 22. The first guide portion 27 includes the chargers 21 and 22.
Is released from the first and second chains 31, 32,
It is a portion that is fitted and guided in the guide groove portions of the first and second guide bodies 33 and 34, and has a gentle mountain-shaped tapered portion 2.
7a. The second guide portion 28 includes a pair of upper and lower contact portions 28a, and the contact portions 28a
Chain rollers 31r, 32 of the second chains 31, 32
The chargers 21 and 22 are conveyed while being placed on r. Note that the chain rollers 31r and 32r are rotatably attached to the chain link.

On the upper side (outward path) of the circulation path, one contact portion 28a (lower side) is conveyed while being mounted on the chain rollers 31r, 32r, and on the lower side (return path) of the circulation path, the other. Is transported in a state where the contact portion 28a (upper surface side) is mounted on the chain rollers 31r and 32r. The chargers 21 and 22 are transported upside down on the lower side (return path) of the circulation path.
There is no problem since is taken out.

Although the first charger 21 and the second charger 22 have the same basic structure, as shown in FIG. 3, the first charger 21 and the second charger 22 are adapted to the widths of the first and second chains 31, 32. 1. The positions at which the second guide portions 27 and 28 are provided are different.

<Elevating Mechanism> Next, the elevating mechanism 30 will be described. The elevating mechanism 30 includes a mounting table 30a that is moved in the vertical direction, a ball screw 30b that moves the mounting table 30a up and down, a support 30c that moves up and down along the ball screw 30b, and a support 30c. Stand 30a
30d, a driving motor 30e for driving the ball screw 30b, and a guide rod 30f for guiding the support 30c.

The mounting table 30a can mount one of the first chargers 21 conveyed by the first chain 31. Of course, it may be configured to be able to mount two or more. In a standby state for receiving the first charger 21, the mounting surface of the mounting table 30 a is set to be slightly lower than the first chain 31. Therefore, when the first charger 21 is conveyed by the first chain 31, the position where the first chain 31 and the first charger 21 are disengaged (the sprocket 31b).
At a position slightly past the position where
Naturally, the first charger 21 is mounted on the mounting surface.

Next, the drive motor 30e is driven to lower the mounting table 30a on which the first charger 21 is mounted. The first chain 3 in the confluence area where the mounting surface of the mounting table 30a is
When the first charger 21 is lowered to a position slightly lower than 1, the first charger 21 is transported toward the take-out position P <b> 3 while being placed on the first chain 31. After the first charger 21 is sent out, the mounting table 30a moves up to the standby position. A position detection sensor (not shown) is used to stop and control the mounting table 30a at the standby position and the lowered position. The elevating mechanism 30 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 6, and various modifications are possible. For example, a drive device using a gear other than the ball screw may be used.

<First Guide Mechanism> Next, the configuration of the first guide mechanism 35 provided in the first circulation path C1 will be described with reference to FIG. The first guide mechanism 35 is a mechanism for lifting the first charger 21 from the end (lower side) of the first return path to the first receiving position P1 (upper side) along a predetermined moving path. , A first sprocket 51, a second sprocket 52, and an interlocking mechanism 53 for interlocking the sprockets 51, 52. The sprocket 51 has an engaging portion 51a into which the first guide portion 27 of the first charger 21 just fits, and pushes the first charger 21 upward like a piston motion. At the same time, the first charger 21 is engaged with the first sprocket 51, and the engagement with the first chain 31 is released. The second sprocket 52 also has a similar engaging portion 52a, and sends out the first charger 21 that has reached the end of the guide member 50 so as to be mounted on the first chain 31 again. Further, a first receiving position P1 is set at the end of the guide member 50.

When a predetermined number of eggs E are discharged to the first charger 21 at the first receiving position P1, the first and second sprockets 51 and 52 are driven by one pitch (rotated by 60 degrees in the example of FIG. 7). The first charger 21 containing the eggs E is sent out to the first chain 31 again, and the next empty first charger 21 is made to wait at the first receiving position P1.

<Second Guide Mechanism> Next, the structure of the second guide mechanism 36 provided in the first circulation path C2 will be described with reference to FIG. The second guide mechanism 36 is a mechanism for lifting the second charger 22 from the end (lower side) of the second return path to the second receiving position P2 (upper side) along a predetermined moving path. , Sprocket 5
5 and a drive motor 56 for driving the sprocket 55
And The sprocket 55 includes an engaging portion 55 to which the first guide portion 27 of the second charger 22 just fits.
a, and the second charger 22 is lifted upward. In addition, the second charger 22 is a sprocket 5
5 and the second chain 32 is disengaged at the same time. The second receiving position P2 is set at the end of the guide member 54.

When a predetermined number of eggs E are discharged to the second charger 22 at the second receiving position P2, the drive motor 56 drives the sprocket 55 by one pitch, and the second charger 22 containing the eggs E is again moved. While being sent to the second chain 32, the next empty second charger 22
At the second receiving position P2.

<Description of Operation> Next, the manner in which the first charger 21 is circulated in the accumulation station shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The robot control panel 29 (corresponding to a control device) in FIG. 1 is configured to execute the procedure described in this flowchart, and the robot control panel 29 includes hardware parts such as a CPU and a storage unit. When,
And a software part such as a control program.

First, the first charger 21 receives the first egg E discharged from the first single-row conveyor 10 by the first charger 21.
It is waiting at the receiving position P1 (# 1). First
When six eggs E are received from the single-row conveyor 10 (# 2), the second sprocket 52 is rotated by one pitch to send out the first charger 21 (# 3). If the first stopper 37 protrudes into the transport path, the first charger 21 is temporarily stopped in front of the first stopper 37. Since the first chain 31 is constantly driven, when the first charger 21 is stopped, slippage occurs between the contact portion 28a and the first chain 31.

On the other hand, the presence of the second charger 22 in the second area is monitored by the detection sensor 44 (#
4). If the second charger 22 does not exist, the first
The stopper 37 is released (# 5). Thereby, the first charger 21 is sent out again by the first chain 31 and is mounted on the mounting table 30a of the lifting mechanism 30 (# 6). When the completion of mounting on the mounting table 30a is detected by a sensor or the like (not shown), the elevating mechanism 30 is operated and the first
The charger 21 is lifted down (# 7). Mount 3
When 0a descends to a predetermined descending position, the first charger 21 is transported by the first chain 31 again. Thus, the first charger 21 is moved from the first area to the merge area by the elevating mechanism 30. After the first charger 21 is sent out at the lowered position, the mounting table 30a
Rises again and waits at the standby position to receive the next first charger 21.

A second stopper 39 is provided upstream of the take-out position P3, and a predetermined number (ten in the example of FIG. 2) of the chargers 21, 21 are provided at the take-out position P3.
When 2 is accumulated, the second stopper 39 is made to enter the transport path in order to prevent further intrusion of the chargers 21 and 22. The area upstream of the second stopper 39 corresponds to a storage area in which the chargers 21 and 22 are stored. The upstream side of the first stopper 37 also functions as a storage area of the first charger 21.

When the second stopper 39 is retracted from the transport path, the first charger 21 and the second charger 22
Are gathered one after another at the take-out position P3. A third stopper 41 is provided on the downstream side of the take-out position P3.
Are accumulated (# 8). And take-out position P3
When it is detected that ten chargers 21 and 22 have been accumulated in the suction head 18, the suction head 18 is lowered, and
According to a, the chicken eggs of the chargers 21 and 22 are sucked (# 9). The sucked eggs E are transferred to a pack in the pack line 14 or a tray in the tray line 15.

When the sucking operation of the egg E at the take-out position P3 is completed, the third stopper 41 is released. First
The charger 21 slides down the first guide body 33 and
Move to the return route (# 10). The first charger 21
Immediately before entering the first guide body 33, the engagement with the first chain 31 is released. However, after the first guide body 33 has been slid, the engagement with the first chain 31 is resumed. It is conveyed by one chain 31. First
At the end of the return path, the first charger 21 is disengaged from the first chain 31, and is lifted by the first guide mechanism 35 to the first receiving position P1.

The circulation operation of the first charger 21 has been described above. However, the second charger 22 is identical to the first charger 21 except that there is no equivalent to the lifting mechanism 30 and the first stopper 37. Since they are almost the same,
The description is omitted.

<Another Embodiment> The first charger (first container) is a container transported along the first circulation path, and all the first chargers have the same shape and structure. It is not necessary to have. The same applies to the second charger (second storage container).

In the configuration according to the first aspect, the height of the take-out position is set at a position lower than the first receiving position, but the take-out position and the first receiving position may be set at the same height. . The configuration is shown below. That is, the first
A first circulating transport mechanism that receives eggs at the receiving position and transports a large number of first storage containers for eggs from which the eggs are retrieved at the removing position along a first circulation path; and a position lower than the first receiving position. And a second circulating transport mechanism that transports a large number of second storage containers for eggs from which eggs are to be taken out at the second receiving position in the second receiving position. The device, wherein the first circulation path includes a first forward path for transporting the first storage container from the first receiving position toward the removal position, and an empty path from which the eggs are removed at the removal position. A first return path for returning the first storage container to the first receiving position again, wherein the second circulation path is directed from the second receiving position to the unloading position. And a second return path for returning the empty second storage container from which the eggs have been removed at the removal position toward the second receiving position. The first outward path includes a first area in which the first receiving position is set, and a merging area provided downstream of the first area, and the second outward path includes the second receiving position. Is set, and includes a second region located at a position lower than the first region, and the merging region provided downstream of the second region, and a second region in which an egg is received at the second receiving position. 2 is provided with an elevating mechanism for moving the storage container from the second area to the merge area, wherein only the first storage container is configured to be transportable in the first area, and in the second area, Only the second container Is configured to be sent, in the merging region is egg transfer apparatus, characterized in that both the second container and the first container is configured to be transported.

In addition, the first receiving position and the second receiving position are set at positions lower than the first take-out position,
The take-out position may be set at an intermediate height between the first and second receiving positions. In this case, the elevating mechanism moves the first storage container from the first area to the junction area, and moves the second storage container from the second area to the junction area.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of an automatic egg sorting apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the accumulation station.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of an accumulation station.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the charger.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of the charger.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a lifting mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first guide mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second guide mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a mode when the first charger is driven in circulation.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of an egg transport device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of an egg transporting device according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Accumulation station 21 1st charger (1st storage container) 22 2nd charger (2nd storage container) 30 Elevating mechanism 30a Mounting base 31 1st accumulation chain 32 2nd accumulation chain C1 1st circulation path C2 2nd circulation path E Chicken egg (egg) P1 First receiving position P2 Second receiving position P3 Picking position

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3E043 BA19 DA04 DA10 DB04 EA03 FA01 GA02 GA10 3F070 AA11 AA26 BA01 BA04 BA07 BA10 BC04 BC07 BD07 BE01 BE03 BG02 BG04 BG10 EA24 EB04 EB20 FB06 3F081 AA13 BD11 BD08 BD08 BF13 CC01 CC06 CE04 CE13 EA04 EA10 EA14

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A first receiving means for receiving an egg at a first receiving position and transporting a large number of first storage containers for the egg from which the egg is to be removed at a removing position along a first circulation path.
A circulating transport mechanism, receiving the eggs at a second receiving position lower than the first receiving position, and removing a large number of the second container for the eggs from which the eggs are taken out at the taking-out position;
An egg processing apparatus comprising: a second circulation transport mechanism configured to transport the first container along a circulation path, wherein the first circulation path transports the first storage container from the first receiving position to the removal position. And a first return path for returning the empty first storage container from which the eggs have been removed at the removal position toward the first receiving position, wherein the second circulation path is A second outward path for transporting the second container from the second receiving position toward the take-out position, and an empty second container from which the egg has been taken out at the take-out position is again directed to the second receiving position. A second return path for returning the first area, wherein the first outward path is provided downstream of the first area where the first receiving position is set, and is lower than the first area. Set to position A a confluence region, the second forward, the second receiving position is set, a second region is located lower than the first region, the second
A first area where the egg is received at the first receiving position.
An elevating mechanism for moving the storage container from the first region to the merging region, wherein only the first storage container can be transported in the first region, and An egg transport device, wherein only two storage containers are configured to be transportable, and both the first storage container and the second storage container are configured to be transportable in the merging area. 2. A detection sensor for detecting a transfer state of the second storage container in the second area, and a control device for operating the elevating mechanism based on a detection result by the detection sensor. The egg transporting device according to claim 1, wherein 3. A stopper for stopping the first container is provided downstream of the first region, and the stopper is used to feed the first container from the first region to the elevating mechanism. The egg transport device according to claim 1, further comprising a control device that controls the egg transport.