【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、等階級別に選別された鶏卵を所定の集合場所に集合させる鶏卵の選別集合装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図４に示すように、一般的な鶏卵の選別集合装置ｔは、大略、鶏卵Ｅを供給する供給コンベア１０と、鶏卵Ｅの卵重を計量する計量器１１と、供給コンベア１０から供給された鶏卵Ｅを単列の分配コンベア１３に移し替える移し替え装置１２と、前記移し替えられた鶏卵Ｅを単列状態で搬送する分配コンベア１３と、前記分配コンベア１３で搬送される鶏卵Ｅを卵重区分毎に選別放出する選別放出手段１４ａ〜１４ｆと、選別放出された鶏卵Ｅを卵重区分毎に集合させる複数の集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆとから構成されている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
【０００３】
したがって、前記構成からなる鶏卵の選別集合装置ｔは、供給コンベア１０に供給された鶏卵ＥがＡ方向に搬送され、供給コンベア１０の排出端にて個々の鶏卵Ｅの卵重を計量器１１で計量したのち、移し替え装置１２にて分配コンベア１３に移し替えられる。
【０００４】
そして、前記分配コンベア１３でＢ方向に搬送された鶏卵Ｅは、選別放出手段１４ａ〜１４ｆにより対応する集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆ上に待機している包装容器Ｐに充填され、前記包装容器Ｐに充填された鶏卵Ｅがａ方向に順次搬送されて各集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆに集合する。その後、全ての鶏卵Ｅを選別放出して空の状態になった分配コンベア１３が鶏卵Ｅの供給地点である供給コンベア１０の排出端まで戻り、移し替え装置１２にて再び鶏卵Ｅが該分配コンベア１３に移し替えられたのち、Ｂ方向に搬送され、選別放出手段１４ａ〜１４ｆにより対応する集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆ上に待機している包装容器Ｐに充填され、前記包装容器Ｐに充填された鶏卵Ｅがａ方向に順次搬送されて各集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆに集合する。以降、前述した一連の工程が連続的に繰り返される。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−２２５８０６号公報（第２―３頁、第５図）
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、前記鶏卵の選別集合装置ｔに代表される一般的な鶏卵の選別集合装置においては、選別放出手段１４ａ〜１４ｆにより対応する集合区画１５ａ〜１５ｆへ全ての鶏卵Ｅを選別放出してしまうと、前記分配コンベア１３は空の状態で鶏卵Ｅの供給地点である供給コンベア１０の排出端まで戻ってしまう構成であるため、全ての鶏卵Ｅを選別放出した地点から鶏卵Ｅの供給地点までの該分配コンベア１３における搬送経路は、鶏卵の選別集合に何ら寄与していないことになり、鶏卵の選別集合を行なううえで非効率的であるという課題を奏する。
【０００７】
他方、図５や図６に示すように、鶏卵の選別集合装置ｔ１およびｔ２を２台併設して処理能力を向上させる手法が一般的に採用されているが、前述の課題を根本的に解消するまでに至っておらず、また、設置面積が増大するという新たな課題が生じてしまう。
【０００８】
したがって、本発明は、前記従来技術の問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、搬送手段の搬送経路を可及的に有効活用して鶏卵の選別集合を効率的に行なうことができる鶏卵の選別集合装置を提供することにある。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、前記目的を達成するために、鶏卵を搬送する搬送手段を配置するとともに、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置で鶏卵を供給する一の供給手段を設け、前記一の供給手段の下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置で該搬送手段から鶏卵を等階級別に選別放出する複数の一の選別放出手段と、前記一の選別放出手段から選別放出された鶏卵を等階級別に集合させる複数の一の集合区画とを設けるとともに、前記一の集合区画に全ての鶏卵を選別放出した前記搬送手段に対して新たに鶏卵を供給する他の供給手段を設け、前記他の供給手段の下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置で該搬送手段から鶏卵を等階級別に選別放出する複数の他の選別放出手段と、前記他の選別放出手段から選別放出された鶏卵を等階級別に集合させる複数の他の集合区画とを設けたものである。
【００１０】
なお、前記一の選別放出手段と一の集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向における一の直線搬送経路の所定位置に設け、前記他の選別放出手段と他の集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向転換後における他の直線搬送経路の所定位置に設けることが好ましい。
【００１１】
さらに、鶏卵を搬送する搬送手段を配置するとともに、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置で鶏卵を供給する一の供給手段を設け、前記一の供給手段の下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置で該搬送手段から鶏卵を等階級別に選別放出する複数の一の選別放出手段と、前記一の選別放出手段から選別放出された鶏卵を等階級別に集合させる複数の一の集合区画とを設けるとともに、前記一の集合区画に全ての鶏卵を選別放出した搬送手段に対して新たに鶏卵を供給する他の供給手段を設け、前記他の供給手段の下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置で該搬送手段から鶏卵を放出する放出手段と、前記放出手段から放出された鶏卵を集合させる集合区画とを設けたものである。
【００１２】
なお、前記一の選別放出手段と一の集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向における一の直線搬送経路の所定位置に設け、前記放出手段と集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向転換後における他の直線搬送経路の所定位置に設けることが好ましい。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付図面を参照して本発明の実施形態について説明する。図１は、本発明にかかる鶏卵の選別集合装置の第１実施形態を説明する平面図である。
【００１４】
図１に示すように、鶏卵の選別集合装置Ｔ１（以下、単に装置Ｔ１という。）は、大略、鶏卵Ｅを搬送する搬送手段１を配置するとともに、前記搬送手段１における直線搬送経路Ａの所定位置ａに鶏卵Ｅを前記搬送手段１に供給する一の供給手段２ａを設け、前記一の供給手段２ａの下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段１における直線搬送経路Ａ上の所定位置で前記鶏卵Ｅを該搬送手段１から等階級別に選別放出する複数の選別放出手段２ｂ〜２ｄと、前記選別放出手段２ｂ〜２ｄにより選別放出された鶏卵Ｅを等階級別に集合させる複数の集合区画２ｅ〜２ｇとを設けるとともに、前記集合区画２ｅ〜２ｇに全ての鶏卵Ｅを選別放出した前記搬送手段１における搬送方向転換後の直線搬送経路Ｂの所定位置ｂに新たに鶏卵Ｅを前記搬送手段１に供給する他の供給手段３ａを設け、前記他の供給手段３ａの下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段１における直線搬送経路Ｂ上の所定位置で前記鶏卵Ｅを該搬送手段１から等階級別に選別放出する複数の選別放出手段３ｂ〜３ｄと、前記選別放出手段３ｂ〜３ｄにより選別放出された鶏卵Ｅを等階級別に集合させる複数の集合区画３ｅ〜３ｇとを設けた構成となっている。
【００１５】
なお、本明細書では、選別集合対象物である鶏卵の等階級を、鶏卵の取引規格である卵重区分で説明する。
【００１６】
前記一の供給手段２ａおよび他の供給手段３ａの各上流側には、図示しない鶏卵Ｅの方向を揃える方向整列部と、鶏卵Ｅを温水等で洗浄したのち乾燥させる洗卵・乾燥部と、ひび卵、汚卵、血卵あるいは腐敗卵等の不良卵を検出してそれらを除外する検卵部とを備えており、また、前記一の供給手段２ａの排出端には、鶏卵Ｅの卵重を計量する計量器２ｈと、前記一の供給手段２ａから供給された鶏卵Ｅを搬送方向がＡ方向の搬送手段１に移し替える移し替え装置２ｉとが備えられており、同様に、他の供給手段３ａの排出端には、鶏卵Ｅの卵重を計量する計量器３ｈと、前記他の供給手段３ａから供給された鶏卵Ｅを搬送方向がＢ方向に方向転換されたのちの搬送手段１に移し替える移し替え装置３ｉとが備えられている。
【００１７】
さらに、前記装置Ｔ１は、計量器２ｈおよび計量器３ｈで計量された鶏卵Ｅをいずれの選別放出手段で放出し、いずれの集合区画に集合させるかを制御する制御手段Ｓを備えており、前記制御手段Ｓ内には、計量器２ｈでの計量結果が、６４ｇ以上７０ｇ未満（Ｌサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段２ｂにより集合区画２ｅへ選別放出し、５８ｇ以上６４ｇ未満（Ｍサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段２ｃにより集合区画２ｆへ選別放出し
、５２ｇ以上５８ｇ未満（ＭＳサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段２ｄにより集合区画２ｇへ選別放出する制御をおこなう制御データが設定されている。
【００１８】
同様に、前記制御手段Ｓ内には、計量器３ｈでの計量結果が、６４ｇ以上７０ｇ未満（Ｌサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段３ｂにより集合区画３ｅへ選別放出し、５８ｇ以上６４ｇ未満（Ｍサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段３ｃにより集合区画３ｆへ選別放出し、５２ｇ以上５８ｇ未満（ＭＳサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段３ｄにより集合区画３ｇへ選別放出する制御をおこなう制御データが設定されている。
【００１９】
なお、前記制御手段Ｓにおける計量済みの鶏卵Ｅをいずれの選別放出手段で放出し、いずれの集合区画に集合させるかの制御については適宣変更可能となっていることはいうまでもなく、また、鶏卵Ｅの発生頻度に応じて集合区画の割当てを更新する構成にしてもよい。さらに、卵重区分についてもＬサイズ、Ｍサイズ、ＭＳサイズに限定するものではなく、７０ｇ以上７６ｇ未満（ＬＬサイズ）、４６ｇ以上５２ｇ未満（Ｓサイズ）および４０ｇ以上４６ｇ未満（ＳＳサイズ）を用いることができる。
【００２０】
つぎに、前記構成からなる装置Ｔ１の操業例について説明する。先ず、搬送手段１の駆動手段１ａと、前記一の供給手段２ａの駆動手段２ｊと、前記他の供給手段３ａの駆動手段３ｊを駆動させたのち、鶏卵Ｅが一の供給手段２ａおよび他の供給手段３ａのそれぞれに供給され、例えば、６列の複列状態でＹ方向およびＹ´方向に搬送され、図示しない方向整列部、洗卵・乾燥部で所定の処理が施されたのち、検卵部においてひび卵、汚卵、血卵あるいは腐敗卵等の不良卵が検出されて不良卵のみを次工程に供給することなく除外し、正常卵のみが計量器２ｈおよび計量器３ｈに搬送される。
【００２１】
その後、前記計量器２ｈおよび計量器３ｈにおいて鶏卵Ｅの卵重がそれぞれ計量されるとともに、移し替え装置２ｉにて該鶏卵Ｅが一の供給手段２ａから搬送方向がＡ方向の搬送手段１に移し替えられ、該移し替えられた鶏卵Ｅは対応する複数の集合区画２ｅ〜２ｇに向けて搬送されるとともに、移し替え装置３ｉにて該鶏卵Ｅが他の供給手段３ａから搬送方向がＢ方向に方向転換されたのちの搬送手段１に移し替えられ、該移し替えられた鶏卵Ｅは対応する複数の集合区画３ｅ〜３ｇに向けて搬送される。
【００２２】
そして、前記計量器２ｈにて例えば、６５ｇと計量された鶏卵は、前記設定された制御データに基づいて選別放出手段２ｂにより集合区画２ｅへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画２ｅ上に待機しているＬサイズ用の包装容器Ｐに充填され、また、計量器２ｈにて例えば、６１．５ｇと計量された鶏卵は、前記設定された制御データに基づいて選別放出手段２ｃにより集合区画２ｆへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画２ｆに上に待機しているＭサイズ用の包装容器Ｐに充填され、さらに、計量器２ｈにて例えば、５４．５ｇと計量された鶏卵は、前記設定された制御データに基づいて選別放出手段２ｄにより集合区画２ｇへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画２ｇ上に待機しているＭＳサイズ用の包装容器Ｐに充填される。また、計量器３ｈにて例えば、７０ｇと計量された鶏卵は、前記設定された制御データに基づいて選別放出手段３ｂにより集合区画３ｅへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画３ｅ上に待機しているＬサイズ用の包装容器Ｐに充填され、また、計量器３ｈにて例えば、５９ｇと計量された鶏卵は、前記設定された制御データに基づいて選別放出手段３ｃにより集合区画３ｆへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画３ｆに上に待機しているＭサイズ用の包装容器Ｐに充填され、さらに、計量器３ｈにて例えば、５６ｇと計量された鶏卵は、前記設定された制御データに基づいて選別放出手段３ｄにより集合区画３ｇへ選別放出されるとともに、前記集合区画３ｇ上に待機しているＭＳサイズ用の包装容器Ｐに充填され、前記各サイズ毎の包装容器Ｐに充填された鶏卵Ｅはｙ方向に順次搬送されて各集合区画２ｅ〜２ｇおよび３ｅ〜３ｇに集合する。
【００２３】
このように、前記集合区画２ｅ〜２ｇに全ての鶏卵Ｅを選別放出した前記分配搬送手段１に対して新たに鶏卵を供給して鶏卵の選別集合を行なうので、鶏卵を効率的に選別集合させることが可能となる。
【００２４】
つぎに、前記第１実施形態で説明した装置Ｔ１の変形例について述べる。図２は、前記第１実施形態の変形例である鶏卵の選別集合装置Ｔ２を説明する平面図である。
【００２５】
鶏卵の選別集合装置Ｔ２（以下、単に装置Ｔ２という。）と前記装置Ｔ１との相違点を説明すると、図２に示すように、集合区画２ｅおよび集合区画２ｆをＬサイズ用の集合区画として用い、集合区画２ｇおよび集合区画３ｇをＭＳサイズ用の集合区画として用い、集合区画３ｅおよび集合区画３ｆをＭサイズ用の集合区画として用いる構成となっている。
【００２６】
そして、制御手段Ｓ内に設定する制御データについては、計量器２ｈでの計量結果が、６４ｇ以上７０ｇ未満（Ｌサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段２ｂにより集合区画２ｅへ選別放出し、５２ｇ以上５８ｇ未満（ＭＳサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段２ｄにより集合区画２ｇへ選別放出し、５８ｇ以上６４ｇ未満（Ｍサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段３ｂにより集合区画３ｅへ選別放出する制御を行なう制御データが設定されており、また、計量器３ｈでの計量結果が、５８ｇ以上６４ｇ未満（Ｍサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段３ｃにより集合区画３ｆへ選別放出し、５２ｇ以上５８ｇ未満（ＭＳサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段３ｄにより集合区画３ｇへ選別放出し、６４ｇ以上７０ｇ未満（Ｌサイズ）の範囲内の鶏卵Ｅであれば選別放出手段２ｃにより集合区画２ｆへ選別放出する制御を行なう制御データが設定されており、その他の詳細な構成については前記装置Ｔ１と同一であるので説明を省略する。
【００２７】
したがって、搬送手段１における直線搬送経路上の所定位置に配置された複数の集合区画を、同一等階級の集合区画どうしでまとめる構成としたので、例えば、次工程の梱包・出荷作業において、作業者が同一等階級の集合区画間を移動する必要がなくなるため作業性が向上する。
【００２８】
つぎに、本発明の第２実施形態について説明する。図３は、本発明の第２実施形態である鶏卵の選別集合装置Ｔ３を説明する平面図である。
【００２９】
鶏卵の選別集合装置Ｔ３（以下、単に装置Ｔ３という。）と前記装置Ｔ１との相違点を説明すると、図３に示すように、前記集合区画２ｅ〜２ｇに全ての鶏卵Ｅを選別放出した前記搬送手段１における搬送方向転換後の搬送経路Ｂの所定位置ｂに新たに鶏卵Ｅを前記搬送手段１に供給する他の供給手段４ａを設け
、前記他の供給手段４ａの下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段１における搬送経路Ｂ上の所定位置で該搬送手段１にて搬送される鶏卵Ｅを放出する放出手段４ｂと、前記放出手段４ｂから放出された鶏卵Ｅを集合させる集合区画４ｅとが設けられている。
【００３０】
また、前記他の供給手段４ａの排出端には、供給手段４ａから供給された鶏卵Ｅを搬送方向がＢ方向に方向転換されたのちの搬送手段１に移し替える移し替え装置４ｉが備えられた構成となっており、本装置Ｔ３における前記他の供給手段４ａの排出端には計量器を備えておらず、前記他の供給手段４ａに供給される鶏卵を選別するという構成ではない。なお、その他の詳細な構成については前記装置Ｔ１と同一であるので説明を省略する。
【００３１】
つぎに、前記構成からなる装置Ｔ３の操業例について説明する。例えば、一の供給手段２ａにて搬送されてくる鶏卵を計量器２ｈで計量し、Ｌサイズの鶏卵を選別放出手段２ｂにより集合区画２ｅへ選別放出し、Ｍサイズの鶏卵を選別放出手段２ｃにより集合区画２ｆへ選別放出し、ＭＳサイズの鶏卵を選別放出手段２ｄにより集合区画２ｇへ選別放出している状態で、例えば、スーパーマーケット等の小売店からＭサイズのパック詰め鶏卵の発注要求が集中して該Ｍサイズのパック詰め鶏卵が集合している集合区画２ｆ内が品薄状態に陥った場合を仮定する。
【００３２】
このような場合、前記他の供給手段４ａの駆動手段４ｊを駆動させたのち、予めＭサイズに選別され、例えば、モールドトレーやアメリカントレー等の仮容器に充填された鶏卵Ｅを手作業もしくはオートローダ（鶏卵を吸着して移載する自動給卵装置）で前記他の供給手段４ａに供給を行なう。
【００３３】
そして、前記Ｍサイズの鶏卵Ｅが順次Ｙ´方向に搬送され、前記他の供給手段４ａの排出端で移し替え装置４ｉにて該Ｍサイズの鶏卵Ｅが他の供給手段４ａから搬送方向がＢ方向に方向転換されたのちの搬送手段１に移し替えられ、該移し替えられた鶏卵Ｅは対応する集合区画４ｅに向けて搬送されるとともに
、放出手段４ｂにより集合区画４ｅへ放出され、前記集合区画４ｅ上に待機しているＭサイズ用の包装容器Ｐに充填され、前記包装容器Ｐに充填された鶏卵はｙ方向に順次搬送されて集合区画４ｅに集合する。
【００３４】
したがって、特定サイズの鶏卵の発注要求が集中して品薄状態に陥った場合でも、搬送方向がＢ方向に方向転換されたのちの搬送手段１に予めサイズ毎に選別された鶏卵を新たに供給して包装容器に充填を行なうので市場からの多様な発注要求にも対応することができる。
【００３５】
本明細書では、鶏卵の等階級を、鶏卵の取引規格である卵重区分で説明したが、鶏卵の取引規格である卵重区分に限定するものではなく、ひび卵、汚卵、血卵あるいは腐敗卵等の性状区分であってもよい。また、本発明の鶏卵の選別集合装置は、図７に示すように、搬送手段１の直線搬送経路Ｂに選別放出手段２ｂ〜２ｄと、これに対応する集合区画２ｅ〜２ｇとを設け、該搬送手段１の搬送方向転換後における直線搬送経路Ｃに選別放出手段３ｂ〜３ｄと、これに対応する集合区画３ｅ〜３ｇとを設けた構成としてもよい。なお、前記選別放出手段３ｂ〜３ｄに代えて放出手段を設けてもよい。
【００３６】
さらに、本発明は、本出願人が特開平８−１１８２６号公報にて提案している鶏卵の選別集合装置の形態にも採用することができる。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明で明らかなように、一の選別放出手段により一の集合区画へ全ての鶏卵を選別放出した搬送手段に対して新たに鶏卵を供給する他の供給手段を設け、前記他の供給手段の下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置に複数の他の選別放出手段と、これに対応する複数の他の集合区画とを設けた構成とし、また、前記一の選別放出手段と一の集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向における一の直線搬送経路に設け、前記他の選別放出手段と他の集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向転換後における他の直線搬送経路に設けた構成としたので、搬送手段の搬送経路を可及的に有効活用して鶏卵を効率的に選別集合させることが可能となる。
【００３８】
また、一の選別放出手段から一の集合区画に全ての鶏卵を選別放出した前記搬送手段に対して新たに鶏卵を供給する他の供給手段を設け、前記他の供給手段の下流側で、かつ、前記搬送手段における搬送経路の所定位置に放出手段と、これに対応する集合区画とを設けた構成とし、また、前記一の選別放出手段と一の集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向における一の直線搬送経路に設け、前記放出手段と他の集合区画とを前記搬送手段の搬送方向転換後における他の直線搬送経路に設けた構成としたので、一の集合区画に全ての鶏卵を選別放出した搬送手段に対して予めサイズ毎に選別された鶏卵を新たに供給して包装容器に充填を行なうことができ、特定サイズの鶏卵の発注要求が集中して品薄状態に陥った場合でも、市場からの多様な発注要求にも対応することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明にかかる鶏卵の選別集合装置の第１実施形態を説明する図である。
【図２】本発明にかかる鶏卵の選別集合装置における第１実施形態の変形例を説明する図である。
【図３】本発明にかかる鶏卵の選別集合装置の第２実施形態を説明する図である。
【図４】従来の選別集合装置を説明する図である。
【図５】従来の選別集合装置を２台併設して処理能力を向上させる図である。
【図６】従来の選別集合装置を２台併設して処理能力を向上させる図である。
【図７】本発明にかかる鶏卵の選別集合装置における変形例を説明する図である。
【符号の説明】
１…搬送手段、２ａ…一の供給手段、２ｂ〜２ｄ…選別放出手段、２ｅ〜２ｇ…集合区画、３ａ…他の供給手段、３ｂ〜３ｄ…選別放出手段、３ｅ〜３ｇ…集合区画、Ａ…直線搬送経路、Ｂ…直線搬送経路、Ｅ…鶏卵、Ｐ…包装容器、Ｓ…制御手段、Ｔ１〜Ｔ３…鶏卵の選別集合装置[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus for gathering chicken eggs selected for each rank in a predetermined collecting place.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 4, a general egg sorting and collecting apparatus t is generally supplied from a supply conveyor 10 for supplying the eggs E, a measuring device 11 for measuring the egg weight of the eggs E, and the supply conveyor 10. A transfer device 12 for transferring the eggs E to a single-row distribution conveyor 13, a distribution conveyor 13 for transporting the transferred eggs E in a single row, and an egg weight for transporting the eggs E transported by the distribution conveyor 13. It is composed of sorting and releasing means 14a to 14f for sorting and releasing for each section, and a plurality of collecting sections 15a to 15f for collecting the sorted and released chicken eggs E for each egg weight section (for example, see Patent Document 1). .
[0003]
Therefore, in the egg sorting and collecting apparatus t having the above configuration, the egg E supplied to the supply conveyor 10 is transported in the direction A, and the egg weight of each egg E is measured by the measuring device 11 at the discharge end of the supply conveyor 10. After weighing, it is transferred to the distribution conveyor 13 by the transfer device 12.
[0004]
The eggs E transported in the direction B by the distribution conveyor 13 are sorted and released by the sorting and releasing means 14a to 14f to the corresponding collecting sections 15a to 15f, and are waiting on the collecting sections 15a to 15f. The chicken eggs E filled in the packaging container P are sequentially conveyed in the direction a and gather in the gathering sections 15a to 15f. After that, all the eggs E are selectively discharged, the empty distribution conveyor 13 returns to the discharge end of the supply conveyor 10 which is the supply point of the eggs E, and the egg E is again transferred to the distribution conveyor 12 by the transfer device 12. After being transferred to the container 13, the container P is conveyed in the direction B, is selectively discharged to the corresponding collecting sections 15a to 15f by the separating and discharging means 14a to 14f, and is waiting on the collecting sections 15a to 15f. And the eggs E filled in the packaging container P are sequentially conveyed in the direction a and gathered in each of the gathering sections 15a to 15f. Thereafter, the above-described series of steps is continuously repeated.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-225806 A (pages 2-3, FIG. 5)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a general egg sorting and collecting apparatus represented by the above-mentioned egg sorting and collecting apparatus t, if all the eggs E are selectively discharged to the corresponding collecting sections 15a to 15f by the sorting and releasing means 14a to 14f. Since the distribution conveyor 13 is configured to return to the discharge end of the supply conveyor 10, which is the supply point of the egg E, in an empty state, the distribution conveyor 13 moves from the point where all the eggs E are selectively discharged to the supply point of the egg E. The transport route in the distribution conveyor 13 does not contribute to the sorted collection of the eggs at all, which is inefficient in performing the sorted collection of the eggs.
[0007]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a method of improving the processing capacity by installing two egg sorting and collecting apparatuses t1 and t2 in parallel is generally adopted, but the above-mentioned problem is fundamentally solved. However, there is a new problem that the installation area increases.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to efficiently utilize the transportation path of the transportation means as much as possible to efficiently sort and sort eggs. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for sorting and collecting eggs which can be performed.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a feeding means for feeding the eggs at a predetermined position on a feeding path of the feeding means, and a feeding means for feeding the eggs is provided. On the downstream side, and at a predetermined position of the transport path in the transporting means, a plurality of one sorting and releasing means for selectively releasing the eggs from the transporting means by equal rank, and the eggs selectively released from the one sorting and releasing means. A plurality of one collecting sections to be collected according to the same rank are provided, and another supplying means for newly supplying eggs to the transporting means which selectively discharges all the eggs in the one collecting section is provided, and Downstream from the supply means, and at a predetermined position of the conveyance path in the conveyance means, a plurality of other selection and release means for selectively discharging eggs from the conveyance means according to equal rank, and a selection from the other selection and release means. The released eggs is provided with a plurality of other set partitions to be set by an equal rank.
[0010]
It should be noted that the one sorting / discharging means and one collecting section are provided at predetermined positions of one linear transport path in the transport direction of the transport means, and the other sorting / discharging means and another collecting section are provided by the transporting means. It is preferable to provide it at a predetermined position on another linear transport path after the transport direction has been changed.
[0011]
Furthermore, while disposing the transport means for transporting the eggs, one supply means for supplying the eggs at a predetermined position of the transport path in the transport means is provided, downstream of the one supply means, and in the transport means A plurality of sorting and releasing means for sorting and releasing the eggs from the transporting means at predetermined positions in the transporting path, and a plurality of sets for collecting the eggs selectively released from the one sorting and discharging means according to the ranks; A section is provided, and another supply means for supplying a new egg to the transport means that has sorted and released all the eggs in the one collective section is provided, on the downstream side of the other supply means, and A release means for releasing the eggs from the transport means at a predetermined position of the transport path in the transport means, and a collecting section for collecting the eggs released from the release means are provided.
[0012]
It should be noted that the one sorting / discharging means and the one collecting section are provided at a predetermined position of one linear transport path in the transport direction of the transport means, and the discharging means and the collecting section are provided after the transport direction of the transport means is changed. It is preferable to provide it at a predetermined position on another linear transport path.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a first embodiment of a chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus according to the present invention.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1, a sorting and collecting apparatus T1 for eggs (hereinafter simply referred to as an apparatus T1) generally includes a transporting unit 1 for transporting a chicken egg E, and a predetermined linear transport path A in the transporting unit 1. One supply means 2a for supplying the egg E to the transport means 1 is provided at the position a, and the chicken egg is provided at a predetermined position on the linear transport path A in the transport means 1 downstream of the one supply means 2a. A plurality of sorting and releasing means 2b to 2d for sorting and releasing E from the transporting means 1 according to equal ranks; and a plurality of collecting sections 2e to 2g for collecting the eggs E sorted and released by the sorting and releasing means 2b to 2d according to equal ranks. And a new egg E is transferred to the transporting means 1 at a predetermined position b of the linear transporting path B after the change of the transporting direction in the transporting means 1 in which all the eggs E are sorted and released in the collecting sections 2e to 2g. Another feeding means 3a for feeding is provided, and the eggs E are sorted from the feeding means 1 by the same rank at a predetermined position on the linear feeding path B in the feeding means 1 downstream of the other feeding means 3a. A plurality of sorting and discharging means 3b to 3d to be released and a plurality of collecting sections 3e to 3g for collecting the eggs E sorted and released by the sorting and discharging means 3b to 3d for each grade are provided.
[0015]
In this specification, the class of the eggs, which are the sorting and collecting objects, will be described in terms of the egg weight classification, which is a trading standard of the eggs.
[0016]
On each upstream side of the one supply unit 2a and the other supply unit 3a, a direction aligning unit for aligning the direction of the egg E (not shown), an egg washing / drying unit for washing the egg E with warm water or the like and then drying the same, An egg inspection section for detecting defective eggs such as cracked eggs, dirty eggs, blood eggs or putrefactive eggs and excluding them, and at the discharge end of the one supply means 2a, an egg of chicken egg E is provided. A measuring device 2h for measuring the weight, and a transfer device 2i for transferring the egg E supplied from the one supply means 2a to the transfer means 1 having a transfer direction of the A direction are provided. At the discharge end of the supply means 3a, a weighing device 3h for weighing the egg weight of the egg E, and the transport means 1 after the transport direction of the egg E supplied from the other supply means 3a is changed to the B direction. And a transfer device 3i.
[0017]
The apparatus T1 further includes control means S for controlling which of the sorting and discharging means discharges the eggs E weighed by the weighing devices 2h and 3h by any one of the sorting and discharging means, and which is collected in which of the collecting sections. In the control means S, if the weighing result of the measuring device 2h is within the range of 64 g or more and less than 70 g (L size), the egg E is sorted and released to the collecting section 2e by the sorting and releasing means 2b, and 58 g or more and less than 64 g. If the egg E is in the range of (M size), it is selectively released to the collecting section 2f by the sorting and releasing means 2c, and if the egg E is in the range of 52g or more and less than 58g (MS size), it is collected by the separating and releasing means 2d. Control data for performing control to selectively discharge to 2 g is set.
[0018]
Similarly, in the control means S, if the result of measurement by the measuring device 3h is a chicken egg E in the range of 64 g or more and less than 70 g (L size), it is selectively discharged to the collecting section 3e by the selection and release means 3b, If the egg E is in the range of 58 g or more and less than 64 g (M size), it is selectively discharged to the collecting section 3f by the sorting and releasing means 3c, and if the egg E is in the range of 52 g or more and less than 58 g (MS size), it is sorted and released. The control data for performing the control of sorting and discharging to the collecting section 3g is set by 3d.
[0019]
In addition, it goes without saying that the control as to which of the sorting and discharging means to release the weighed eggs E in the control means S and to collect them in which collecting section can be appropriately changed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the allocation of the collection section is updated according to the frequency of occurrence of the eggs E. Further, the egg weight division is not limited to L size, M size, and MS size, but 70 g or more and less than 76 g (LL size), 46 g or more and less than 52 g (S size), and 40 g or more and less than 46 g (SS size). be able to.
[0020]
Next, an operation example of the apparatus T1 having the above-described configuration will be described. First, after driving the driving unit 1a of the transporting unit 1, the driving unit 2j of the one supplying unit 2a, and the driving unit 3j of the other supplying unit 3a, the egg E is supplied to the one supplying unit 2a and the other. After being supplied to each of the supply means 3a and conveyed in the Y direction and the Y 'direction, for example, in a double row state of six rows, and subjected to predetermined processing in a direction alignment unit and an egg washing / drying unit (not shown), the inspection is performed. A defective egg such as a cracked egg, a dirty egg, a blood egg, or a spoiled egg is detected in the egg part, and only the defective egg is excluded without being supplied to the next step, and only the normal egg is transported to the measuring device 2h and the measuring device 3h. You.
[0021]
Thereafter, the egg weight of the chicken egg E is measured by the measuring device 2h and the measuring device 3h, respectively, and the egg E is transferred from one supply means 2a to the transfer means 1 whose transfer direction is A in the transfer device 2i. The transferred egg E is transported toward the corresponding plurality of collecting sections 2e to 2g, and the egg E is transferred from the other supply means 3a in the direction B by the transfer device 3i. After the direction is changed, the eggs are transferred to the transporting means 1, and the transferred eggs E are transported to the corresponding plurality of collecting sections 3e to 3g.
[0022]
The chicken eggs weighed to, for example, 65 g by the weighing device 2h are selectively discharged to the collecting section 2e by the selecting and releasing means 2b based on the set control data, and stand by on the collecting section 2e. The chicken eggs filled in the L-size packaging container P and weighed to, for example, 61.5 g by the measuring device 2h are moved to the collecting section 2f by the sorting and discharging means 2c based on the set control data. The chicken eggs which are sorted and released, filled in the M-size packaging container P waiting on the collecting section 2f, and further weighed to, for example, 54.5 g by the weighing device 2h, are set as described above. Based on the control data obtained, the liquid is selectively discharged to the collecting section 2g by the separating and discharging means 2d, and is filled in the MS-size packaging container P waiting on the collecting section 2g. Further, for example, the chicken egg weighed to 70 g by the measuring device 3h is selectively discharged to the collecting section 3e by the selecting and releasing means 3b based on the set control data, and is put on standby in the collecting section 3e. The chicken eggs filled in the L-size packaging container P and weighed to, for example, 59 g by the measuring device 3h are selectively discharged to the collecting section 3f by the selecting and releasing means 3c based on the set control data. At the same time, the eggs weighed to be, for example, 56 g by the measuring device 3 h and filled in the M-size packaging container P waiting on the collecting section 3 f are based on the set control data. Is selectively discharged to the collecting section 3g by the separating and discharging means 3d, and is filled in the MS-size packaging container P waiting on the collecting section 3g, and the package for each size is packed. Eggs E which is filled in the container P is set sequentially conveyed each set compartments 2e~2g and 3e~3g in the y direction.
[0023]
In this way, since the eggs are newly supplied to the distribution and conveyance means 1 which has sorted and released all the eggs E to the collecting sections 2e to 2g, the eggs are sorted and collected, so that the eggs are sorted and collected efficiently. It becomes possible.
[0024]
Next, a modified example of the device T1 described in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus T2 which is a modification of the first embodiment.
[0025]
The difference between the sorting and collecting apparatus T2 for chicken eggs (hereinafter simply referred to as the apparatus T2) and the apparatus T1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the collecting section 2e and the collecting section 2f are used as L-size collecting sections. , The collective section 2g and the collective section 3g are used as the collective section for the MS size, and the collective section 3e and the collective section 3f are used as the collective section for the M size.
[0026]
As for the control data set in the control means S, if the result of measurement by the measuring device 2h is a chicken egg E in the range of 64 g or more and less than 70 g (L size), the sorting and discharging means 2b sorts the collected section 2e. If the egg E is in the range of 52 g or more and less than 58 g (MS size), it is selectively released to the collecting section 2 g by the sorting and releasing means 2d, and if the egg E is in the range of 58 g or more and less than 64 g (M size). The control data for controlling the sorting and discharging to the collecting section 3e by the sorting and discharging means 3b is set, and the result of the measurement by the measuring device 3h is the chicken egg E in the range of 58 g or more and less than 64 g (M size). If the egg E is in the range of 52 g or more and less than 58 g (MS size) in the range from 52 g to less than 58 g (MS size), it is sorted into the collection section 3 g by the sorting and releasing means 3 d. If the egg E is in the range of 64 g or more and less than 70 g (L size), control data for performing control for sorting and releasing to the collecting section 2f by the sorting and releasing means 2c is set. The description is omitted because it is the same as the device T1.
[0027]
Therefore, a plurality of collective sections arranged at predetermined positions on the linear transfer path in the transfer means 1 are configured to be grouped together by collective sections of the same class. Workability is improved because it is not necessary to move between the collective sections of the same class.
[0028]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus T3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
The difference between the sorting and collecting apparatus T3 for chicken eggs (hereinafter, simply referred to as the apparatus T3) and the apparatus T1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, all the eggs E are selectively discharged to the collecting sections 2e to 2g. Another supply means 4a for newly supplying a chicken egg E to the transfer means 1 is provided at a predetermined position b of the transfer path B after the change of the transfer direction in the transfer means 1, downstream of the other supply means 4a, and A release unit 4b for releasing the eggs E transported by the transport unit 1 at a predetermined position on the transport path B in the transport unit 1 and a collecting section 4e for collecting the eggs E released from the release unit 4b include: Is provided.
[0030]
At the discharge end of the other supply means 4a, there is provided a transfer device 4i for transferring the chicken eggs E supplied from the supply means 4a to the transfer means 1 after the transfer direction has been changed to the B direction. The measuring device is not provided at the discharge end of the other supply means 4a in the present apparatus T3, and is not configured to sort the eggs supplied to the other supply means 4a. The other detailed configuration is the same as that of the device T1, and the description is omitted.
[0031]
Next, an operation example of the apparatus T3 having the above configuration will be described. For example, the eggs transported by one supply means 2a are weighed by a measuring device 2h, the eggs of L size are selectively released to the collecting section 2e by the sorting and releasing means 2b, and the eggs of M size are separated and released by the sorting and releasing means 2c. In a state where the eggs are sorted and released to the collecting section 2f and the eggs of the MS size are selectively discharged to the collecting section 2g by the sorting and releasing means 2d, for example, order requests for packed eggs of the M size packed from a retail store such as a supermarket concentrate. It is assumed that the inside of the collection section 2f where the M-sized packed eggs are collected falls into a shortage state.
[0032]
In such a case, after driving the driving means 4j of the other supply means 4a, the eggs E which have been sorted into M size in advance and filled in a temporary container such as a mold tray or an American tray are manually or auto-loaded. (An automatic egg feeding device that absorbs and transfers chicken eggs) is supplied to the other feeding means 4a.
[0033]
Then, the M-sized eggs E are successively conveyed in the Y 'direction, and the transfer device 4i transfers the M-sized eggs E from the other supply means 4a in the transfer direction B at the discharge end of the other supply means 4a. After being turned in the direction, the eggs E are transferred to the transporting means 1, and the transferred eggs E are transported toward the corresponding collecting section 4e, and are discharged to the collecting section 4e by the discharging means 4b. The eggs packed in the M-size packaging container P waiting on the section 4e and filled in the packaging container P are sequentially transported in the y direction and collected in the collecting section 4e.
[0034]
Therefore, even when order requests for eggs of a specific size are concentrated and the product is in short supply, eggs that have been sorted in advance by size are newly supplied to the transporting means 1 after the transport direction is changed to the direction B. In this case, the packaging container is filled, so that it is possible to respond to various order requests from the market.
[0035]
In this specification, the class of chicken eggs has been described in terms of the egg weight category, which is a trading standard for chicken eggs.However, the invention is not limited to the egg weight category, which is a trading standard for chicken eggs. It may be a property category such as spoiled eggs. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the sorting and collecting apparatus for eggs of the present invention is provided with sorting and discharging means 2b to 2d and corresponding collecting sections 2e to 2g on the linear transport path B of the transporting means 1; The sorting / discharging units 3b to 3d and the corresponding collecting sections 3e to 3g may be provided on the linear transport path C after the transport direction of the transport unit 1 is changed. In addition, you may provide a discharge means instead of the said sorting discharge means 3b-3d.
[0036]
Furthermore, the present invention can also be adopted in the form of a chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-11826.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, another supply means for newly supplying eggs to the transport means which has selectively released all eggs to one collecting section by one selection and release means is provided, and the other supply means is provided. And a plurality of other sorting and discharging means and a plurality of other collecting sections corresponding thereto are provided at a predetermined position on a transport path in the transporting means, and the one sorting and discharging means is provided. Means and one collective section are provided in one linear transport path in the transport direction of the transport means, and the other sorting / discharging means and another collective section are provided in another linear transport path after the transport direction of the transport means is changed. , Eggs can be sorted and collected efficiently by using the transport path of the transport means as effectively as possible.
[0038]
In addition, another supply means for newly supplying chicken eggs to the transporting means which selectively discharges all eggs from one sorting and releasing means to one collecting section is provided, on the downstream side of the other supplying means, and A discharge means at a predetermined position of a transport path in the transport means, and a corresponding collective section are provided, and the one selective release means and one collective section are arranged in the transport direction of the transport means. It is provided on one linear transport path, and the discharging means and the other collecting section are provided on another linear transport path after the transfer direction of the transport means is changed, so that all the eggs are sorted into one collecting section. Eggs selected for each size in advance can be newly supplied to the transporting means that has been released, and the eggs can be filled in the packaging container. Diverse from the market Also to Note request can be accommodated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the first embodiment in the chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a conventional sorting and collecting apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for improving the processing capacity by providing two conventional sorting and collecting apparatuses in parallel.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for improving the processing capacity by providing two conventional sorting and collecting apparatuses in parallel.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the chicken egg sorting and collecting apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Conveying means, 2a ... One supply means, 2b-2d ... Sorting and discharging means, 2e-2g ... Collecting section, 3a ... Other supplying means, 3b-3d ... Sorting and releasing means, 3e-3g ... Collecting section, A ... Linear transport path, B ... Linear transport path, E ... Hen egg, P ... Packaging container, S ... Control means, T1 to T3 ... Egg sorting and collecting device
