JP2002053217A - Egg handling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an egg handling device making a flat surface space occupied by an egg-washing part and a direction aligning part smaller. SOLUTION: The egg handling device is provided with a direction aligning part 23 for aligning a direction at a sharp end side or an obtuse end side of an egg 1; and a drying part 22 for drying the egg washed. The direction alignment part 23 is provided with a plurality of rollers 2 for loading and conveying the egg along a conveying route, a main chain 3 for conveying the roller 2 along a conveying route of the egg 1, a first roller rotation conveyor 4 for rotating the roller 2 to a predetermined direction while contacted with an outer periphery of the roller 2 at a first conveying area A; a roller rotation stop conveyor 5 for stopping a rotation of the roller 2 at a second conveying area B; and a second roller rotation conveyor 6 contacted with an outer periphery of the roller 2 and rotating the roller 2 in a predetermined direction. The drying part 22 is provided with blowers 36, 37 disposed above the conveying route and/or rotation brushes 30-33.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an egg processing apparatus provided with a direction aligning section for aligning the direction of a sharp end or a blunt end of an egg and a drying section for drying a washed egg.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such an egg processing apparatus is used in an egg packaging system or the like for performing automatic sorting and packaging of eggs.
Indicated by In the figure, the egg packaging system includes a washing unit 21 for washing eggs supplied from a poultry house, a drying unit 22 for drying the washed eggs, a direction alignment unit 23 for aligning the direction of the eggs, Oviposition unit 2 for detecting bad eggs (cracked eggs, dirty eggs, bloody eggs, spoiled eggs, etc.) from the eggs to be produced
4 is provided. Eggs are transported from the egg washing section 21 to the direction alignment section 23 in, for example, 12 rows. On the downstream side from the egg inspection unit 24, a first egg feeding conveyor 25 and a second egg feeding conveyor 26
As a result, the eggs are transported in a state of six rows. A first weighing unit 27 is provided at the most downstream portion of the first egg feeding conveyor 25, and a second weighing unit 28 is provided at the most downstream portion of the second egg feeding conveyor 26, and the weights of the six eggs are collected together. Measure. The weighed eggs are automatically sorted based on the weighing results, but the processing downstream of the weighing units 27 and 28 will be described in the present embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Note that portions having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 for describing the present embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0003]

In the above prior art, the egg washing section 2 and the direction aligning section 3 are installed at different places, so that the flat space occupied by the egg processing apparatus (the space in plan view of FIG. 5). ) Has been a problem. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an egg processing apparatus in which a plane space occupied by an egg washing section and a direction alignment section is reduced.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an egg processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a direction aligning section for aligning the direction of the sharp end or the blunt end of the egg, and drying of the washed egg. In the egg processing apparatus provided with a drying unit that performs, the direction alignment unit, a plurality of rollers for loading and transporting the eggs along a transport path, and the rollers along the transport path of the eggs A roller conveying means for conveying, a first roller rotating means for rotating the roller in a predetermined direction by contacting an outer periphery of the roller in a first conveying section of the conveying path, In a second transport section on the downstream side, a roller rotation stopping means for stopping rotation of the roller, a partition guide for inverting the eggs in the second transport section, and a downstream side from the second transport section. And a second roller rotating means for rotating the roller in a predetermined direction by contacting the outer periphery of the roller in a certain third transport section, wherein the drying unit is provided above the transport path. It is characterized by having.

First, in the direction alignment section, the transport path is the first
A transport section, a second transport section, and a third transport section are provided.
In each section, a roller for loading and transporting the eggs is transported by roller transporting means. In the first transport section, the rollers are rotated in a predetermined direction by the first roller rotating means. In the second transport section, the rotation of the roller is stopped, and eggs that are not aligned in the direction are inverted by the partition guide. In the third transport section, the rollers are rotated in a predetermined rotation direction by the second roller rotating means, and the eggs are transported in a state where the directions of the eggs are aligned.

[0006] Then, as a drying section, a drying promoting means is arranged above the transport path. In other words, the egg processing device is configured such that the drying promoting means of the drying unit is arranged using the space above the direction alignment unit. In the transport path, the eggs are transported while being rotated by the rollers, so that drying by the drying promoting means can be performed effectively. In addition, since the drying can be performed when the reversal operation of the egg is performed, the drying promotion effect can be enhanced. And since the drying promotion means is arrange | positioned above a conveyance path, the egg processing apparatus which reduced the plane space which an egg washing part and a direction alignment part occupy can be provided.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an air blower as the drying promoting means is provided in the first transport section and the third transport section. That is, the air blowing means is not disposed in the second transport section where the egg reversing operation is performed, so that the air reversing operation does not hinder the reversing operation.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a rotating brush as the drying promoting means for removing water adhering to the surface of the egg, wherein the rotating brush comprises the first transport section and the third transport. There are those arranged in the section. Similarly to the above, the rotating brush is not arranged in the second transport section where the egg reversing operation is performed, so that the rotating brush does not hinder the reversing operation.

[0009] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
An example includes a rotating brush as the drying promoting means for removing moisture attached to the surface of the egg, and a fan for removing moisture attached to the rotating brush.

[0010] The water on the egg surface is removed by the rotating brush, but water is accumulated on the rotating brush. Therefore, a fan is provided to remove moisture from the rotating brush so that moisture is not accumulated in the rotating brush. Thereby, drying promotion can be performed.

[0011] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
An apparatus provided with exhaust means for exhausting air in accordance with the amount of air flow by the blower or the fan may be used.

Thus, the flow of air in the drying process can be made appropriate and the drying can be promoted.

[0013]

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

<Structure of Egg Packaging System> This egg packaging system is a chicken egg (equivalent to an egg) supplied from a poultry house or the like.
A washing unit 21 for washing the eggs, a drying unit 22 for drying the washed eggs, and a direction aligning unit 23 for aligning the directions of the eggs.
And an egg inspection unit 24 for detecting a defective egg (a cracked egg, a dirty egg, a blood egg, a spoiled egg, etc.) from the transported eggs. The eggs are transported in 12 rows from the egg washing section 21 to the direction alignment section 23. On the downstream side from the egg inspection section 24, the first egg feeding conveyor 25 and the second egg feeding conveyor 26 respectively
Eggs are transported in rows. A first weighing unit 27 is provided at the most downstream portion of the first egg feeding conveyor 25, and a second weighing unit 28 is provided at the most downstream portion of the second egg feeding conveyor 26, and the weights of the six eggs are collected together. Measure. The measured weight data is sent to the sorting control panel 29.

The eggs that have passed through the first measuring section 27 are conveyed in a single row by the first single-row conveyor 10, and the eggs that have passed through the second measuring section 28 are conveyed in a single row by the second single-row conveyor 11. Eight accumulation stations 12 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. The tray conveyor 15 includes a tray supply device 17
Supply trays from The pack and the tray are packaging containers for storing the eggs, and the 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 individually selected. 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 27 and 28 is transmitted to the sorting control panel 2
9, the sorting destination, that is, which accumulating station 12 is to be discharged, is determined based on the weight data. When the sorting destination is determined, distance information from the first and second measuring units 27 and 28 to the release position is set as the number of encoder pulses 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 13 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 large number of chargers 20 (corresponding to storage containers) capable of storing up to six eggs in one row are circulated. At a take-out position in the accumulation station 12, a predetermined number of chargers 2 containing chicken eggs are stored.
When 0 is accumulated, the egg is transferred from the charger 20 to the tray or pack, which is the final packaging container, by the suction head 18.

<Drying Unit and Direction Alignment Unit> FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the direction alignment unit (orienter). FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a configuration of a direction alignment unit. The chicken egg 1 has a sharp end 1a and a blunt end 1b as shown in FIG. The chicken egg 1 is stored in a packaging container through processing steps such as washing, drying, egg inspection, etc. In order to properly store the chicken egg 1 in the packaging container, the direction of the acute end side 1a and the blunt end side 1b of the chicken egg 1 Need to be prepared. Therefore, the direction alignment unit 3 is required. The direction aligning unit 23 includes a plurality of rollers 2 for mounting and transporting the eggs 1 and a main chain 3 for transporting the plurality of rollers 2 along the transport path of the eggs 1.
(Corresponding to roller conveying means) and a first conveying section A (
(See FIG. 3).
Roller rotating conveyor 4 for rotating the roller counterclockwise
(Corresponding to a first roller rotating unit), and a roller stop conveyor 5 (corresponding to a roller rotation stopping unit) that stops the rotation of the roller 2 by contacting the outer periphery of the roller 2 in the second transport section B. In the third transport section C, the roller 2 rotates counterclockwise by contacting the outer periphery of the roller 2.
And a roller rotating conveyor 6 (corresponding to a second roller rotating means). The roller 2 has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and has a pair of main chains 3 attached to both ends thereof. A pair of conveyors 4, 5, and 6 are also provided on both sides of the transport path.

In the transport sections A and C, the direction of rotation of the main chain 3 and the direction of rotation of the conveyors 4 and 6 are opposite to each other. Also,
In the transport section B, the turning direction of the main chain 3 and the turning direction of the conveyor 5 are the same, and the speed is also the same. Therefore, the roller 2 is moved with its rotation stopped. The chicken eggs 1 are transported in six rows from right to left in FIG. 2, and partition guides 7a to 7g are provided so as to partition each row. These partition guides 7a to 7g are chicken eggs 1
Plays an important role in aligning the directions.

The operation of this device will be described. In FIG. 2, it is assumed that the chicken egg 1 (the sharp end 1a is lower) drawn at the upper right needs to be inverted. In the transport section A, since the roller 2 is rotating, the chicken egg 1 is also rotated. Comparing the rotational peripheral velocities of the sharp end side 1a and the blunt end side 1b, the egg 1 tries to change its direction in the plane of the transport path because the diameter of the blunt end side 1b is larger, but the egg 1 is 2 Since it is sandwiched between the book rollers 2, it moves while sliding in the direction of arrow D in FIG. Therefore, the egg 1 comes into contact with the linear portion 70 of the partition guide 7f. Then, when entering the transport section B, the roller 2
Stops, and the rotation of the egg 1 itself also stops. Chicken egg 1
Is rotated halfway by the inclined portion 71, and the sharp end 1a is moved upward in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state of the inversion. The chicken egg 1 that does not need to be inverted, which is drawn at the lower right of FIG. In this state, the slanted end 1b enters the transport section B and receives some interference from the inclined portion 73, but the dulled end 1b is heavier than the sharp end 1a and cannot be reversed. As described above, the directions of the eggs 1 that have passed through the direction alignment section 23 are aligned such that the acute end side 1a is upward in FIG. In addition, as the direction aligning unit, one having a structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-147508 by the present applicant can be adopted.

<Configuration of Drying Unit> In FIG.
2 denotes rotating brushes 30 to 3 arranged above the transport path.
3, and rotating brushes 34, 3 arranged below the transport path
5 and blowers 36 and 37 disposed above the transport path. The number of rotating brushes and the number of blowers can be changed as appropriate.

In the illustrated example, two rotating brushes 30 and 31 are arranged above the first conveying section A, and one rotating brush 34 is arranged below the first conveying section A. Two rotating brushes 32 are arranged above the third conveying section. , 33, and one rotating brush 35 is disposed below. Each of the rotating brushes 30 to 35 may have a known configuration. For example, a number of hair tips are radially arranged, and the tips are brought into contact with the surface of the egg 1 or the surface of the roller 2. The upper rotating brushes 30 to 33 are rotated in a counterclockwise direction by a motor (not shown).
The motors 4 and 35 are also rotated clockwise by a motor (not shown). In FIG. 3, since the chicken egg 1 is transported from right to left, it is opposite to the direction in which the hair tips travel. Thereby, drying can be promoted. These rotating brushes 30 to 35 correspond to drying promoting means.

The rotary brushes 30 to 35 are disposed in the first transport section A and the third transport section C, and are not disposed in the second transport section B where the reversing operation of the egg 1 is performed. There is no problem in the inversion operation. The lower rotating brushes 34 and 35 are located at positions where the first roller rotating conveyor 4 and the second roller rotating conveyor 6 do not exist (see FIG. 5).
Placed in Regarding the rotation drive mechanism of the rotating brush,
The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-155413 by the present applicant can be applied.

The air blowing blowers 36 and 37 (corresponding to drying promoting means) blow high-pressure air onto the surface of the egg 1 so as to blow off the moisture on the surface of the egg 1. The blowers 36 and 37 are also in the first transport section A and the third transport section A.
It is arranged only in the transport section C so that the reversing operation of the egg 1 is not hindered. As described above, since the rotating brush and the blower can be arranged by effectively utilizing the space above and below the transport path, the plane space of the egg processing apparatus including the drying unit and the direction alignment unit is reduced. be able to.

<Another Embodiment> (1) The configuration of the drying unit may be an arrangement of only a rotating brush or an arrangement of only a blower. Further, a blower may be further arranged below the transport path. Further, a fan may be provided instead of the blower or in addition to the blower. (2) Instead of the roller rotating conveyor, a configuration may be employed in which the outer periphery of the roller 2 is rubbed by a fixed member.
The rotation direction of the roller 2 in the first transport section and the third transport section may be either counterclockwise or clockwise.

(3) In the present embodiment, the water of the chicken eggs is removed by the rotating brush. However, since the rotating brush gradually accumulates water, the drying promoting effect is reduced. There is fear. Therefore, it is preferable that a pressure fan be disposed above the rotating brush or the like to blow off moisture accumulated in the rotating brush by a ventilation effect of the fan.

(4) In the present embodiment, the ventilation is performed by the blower or the fan. However, it is preferable to perform the exhaust corresponding to the ventilation amount (the adoption of the ventilation structure). Thereby, the flow of air in the drying process can be made appropriate, and the drying effect can be promoted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of an egg packaging system.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of a direction alignment unit.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a configuration of a direction alignment unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state where a chicken egg is inverted in a direction alignment unit.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of an egg packaging system according to the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Chicken egg 2 Roller 3 Main chain 4 1st roller rotation conveyor 5 Roller stop conveyor 6 2nd roller rotation conveyor 7a-7g Partition guide 22 Drying part 23 Direction alignment part 30-35 Rotary brush 36,37 Blower A 1st conveyance section B Second transport section C Third transport section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3F034 JA01 JB01 3F081 AA13 BA06 BB03 BC04 BD11 BD15 BD16 BD17 BD22 BE03 BF13 BF19 BF23 CA35 CC12 CE04 DA02 DA07 DB02 EA09 EA10 EA13 EA14 FB01 4B042 AE10 AT05

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An egg processing apparatus comprising: a direction alignment unit for aligning the direction of the sharp end or the blunt end of an egg; and a drying unit for drying the washed egg, wherein the direction alignment unit comprises: A plurality of rollers for loading and transporting the eggs along the transport path; a roller transport means for transporting the rollers along the transport path of the eggs; and a first transport section in the transport path, A first roller rotating unit that rotates the roller in a predetermined direction by contacting the outer periphery of the roller; and a second roller section that stops rotation of the roller in a second transport section downstream of the first transport section. Roller rotation stopping means; a partition guide for inverting the eggs in the second transport section; and a third transport section downstream of the second transport section in contact with the outer periphery of the roller to rotate the roller. And a second roller rotating unit for rotating the roller in a predetermined direction, wherein the drying unit includes a drying promoting unit disposed above the transport path. 2. The egg processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an air blowing blower as said drying promoting means is disposed in said first transport section and said third transport section. 3. A rotating brush as said drying promoting means for removing moisture adhering to the surface of said egg, wherein said rotating brush is arranged in said first transport section and said third transport section. The egg processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. A rotating brush as said drying promoting means for removing moisture attached to the surface of said egg, and a fan for removing moisture attached to said rotating brush. The egg processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The egg processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an exhaust unit for exhausting air corresponding to an amount of ventilation by the blower or the fan.