JP4152021B2 - Egg automatic sorting and packaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a weighing device that measures the weight value of the egg being conveyed, a control device that sorts the egg based on the measured weight value, a first conveyor that conveys the weighed egg, and the first conveyor. A second conveyor capable of transporting eggs released from the conveyor in a double row; and an egg transfer means for taking the eggs from the second conveyor and transferring the eggs to a container conveyor on which a packaging container on which the eggs are packed is transported It is related with the automatic sorting and packaging apparatus of the egg provided with.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In automatic sorting and packaging equipment for eggs such as chicken eggs, generally, the eggs are placed on a conveyor and transported, and then, after a predetermined process such as egg washing, drying, egg inspection, weighing, etc., they are finally stored in a packaging container. Shipped. The weighed eggs are usually transported in a single row by a single row conveyor (first conveyor), and are accommodated in a packaging container that is transported by a container conveyor arranged in a state orthogonal to the single row conveyor. There are a plurality of container conveyors (in the prior art, this constitutes a sorting station), and an egg sorted based on the egg weight value measured by the weighing device is one of the sorting stations based on the sorting result. Wrapped in
[0003]
By the way, in such an automatic sorting and packaging apparatus, eggs can be packaged in various packaging containers such as packs and trays. However, in recent years, the types of packaging containers have increased along with the complexity of sales forms. Diversification of the sorting method is progressing.
[0004]
In order to cope with this, according to the contents of the packaged product to be produced (packaging container packed with eggs), the size (weight) is changed, the selection station is changed, the packaging pattern setting is changed, the packaging container is changed. Etc., sorting and packaging work was carried out in cooperation with multiple workers. In this case, the packaging container packed with eggs is transported by a container conveyor, and an operator who packs the rack or container at the final stage gives instructions for each change while checking the number of finished products. It was like that.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to change the above-mentioned packaged product, not only the operation of the automatic sorting and packaging apparatus has to be stopped, but also after the apparatus has been stopped and the setting has been changed, it has been sorted in the middle of conveyance on the single row conveyor for a while. Are packaged in a conventional packaging form before the setting is changed, it is necessary to refill the extra packaged eggs, which causes a reduction in work efficiency. In order to meet the demands of retailers such as major supermarkets that are customers, eggs are packed in a variety of packaging patterns, but the decline in work efficiency to meet this demand is significant. It has become a serious problem.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic egg sorting / packaging apparatus capable of realizing sorting / packaging work for multi-product / small-volume production without reducing the efficiency of the packaging work.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an egg automatic sorting and packaging apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
  A weighing device for measuring the weight value of the eggs being conveyed;
  MeasurementA first conveyor for conveying the prepared eggs;
  Eggs selected based on the weight value measured by the weighing device are:Discharged from the first conveyorThis was releasedA second conveyor capable of conveying eggs in double rows;
  In an automatic egg sorting and packaging device comprising an egg transfer means for taking out an egg from the second conveyor and transferring the egg to a container conveyor on which a packaging container on which the egg is packed is transported,
  A storage device for storing a plurality of packaging patterns having different types of packaging containers and different numbers of eggs to be packaged, and storing a plurality of weight standard settings composed of a plurality of size classifications by changing a threshold value for size classification,
  A first setting means for selecting and setting a specific size in a specific weight standard setting from the plurality of weight standard settings;
  A second setting means for selecting and setting a specific packaging pattern from the plurality of packaging pattern settings;
  A third setting means for setting a planned production number of the packaging containers in which eggs are packaged based on a combination of the set size and a packaging pattern;
  A plurality of combinations of the size and the packaging pattern can be set on the same second conveyor,Furthermore,
  Immediately after the production of the packaging container for one combination is completed, the production for the next combination is started.Equipped with a control device that controls as much as possibleIt is characterized by this.
[0008]
According to this configuration, the weight value of an egg that is conveyed after completion of a predetermined process is first measured by the weighing device. Based on the measured weight value, the control device sorts the eggs. For example, if sorting based on agricultural and forestry standards is performed, sorting such as M class (58.0 to 63.9 g) and L class (64.0 to 69.9 g) is performed. When the weighing by the weighing device is completed, the eggs are conveyed by the first conveyor in a single row state, for example. Next, the eggs are discharged from a predetermined location on the first conveyor based on the previous sorting result, and are once transported on the second conveyor before being packed in the packaging container. The position discharged from the first conveyor is determined based on the previous sorting result.
[0009]
The reason for interposing the second conveyor instead of directly discharging the eggs from the first conveyor to the packaging container of the container conveyor is as follows. That is, the container conveyor must be stopped when the packaging container is changed in the container conveyor or when trouble occurs in the container conveyor. At this time, eggs are being transported one after another to the first conveyor, but if it is configured to release eggs directly from the first conveyor to the packaging container, automatic sorting including the first conveyor will occur when the container conveyor is stopped. The entire packaging device must be stopped, which greatly reduces the efficiency of the packaging operation. However, once the configuration of discharging from the first conveyor to the second conveyor is adopted, the eggs discharged from the first conveyor can be charged to the second conveyor, so that the container conveyor must be stopped. Even if this occurs, it is not necessary to stop other device parts such as the first conveyor, so that it is not necessary to reduce the work efficiency.
[0010]
Furthermore, according to the characteristic structure of this invention, the 1st setting means which selects and sets a specific size from several weight specification settings is provided. Here, the weight standard setting is based on the above-mentioned agricultural / forestry standard or a custom one according to the customer's request. The size refers to the above-described M class or L class. Moreover, the 2nd setting means which selects and sets a specific packaging pattern from the several packaging pattern setting is provided. The plurality of packaging patterns include differences in the types of packaging containers such as trays and packs, and differences in the number of eggs that are packed so that there are 10 or 6 packs in the same pack. And the 3rd setting means which sets the production planned number of the packaging containers produced with the set size and packaging pattern is provided.
[0011]
  Thus, the combination of the size and the packaging pattern and the production number of the packaged products related to the combination can be freely set, so that it is possible to cope with the high-mix low-volume production. By enabling the number of production to be set, even when the setting is changed, it is no longer possible to say that the selected eggs will be packed in the conventional packaging form as before, reducing the efficiency of the packaging work. You don't have to.Moreover, after the production of the planned number of packaging products for a certain size and packaging pattern combination for a certain second conveyor is completed, production of the packaging product for the next combination is started immediately without stopping the automatic sorting and packaging device. Therefore, the setting can be changed without reducing the work. In addition, since a plurality of settings can be set on the same second conveyor, it is easy to cope with high-mix low-volume production.
[0012]
As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second conveyor can carry a large number of filling containers for storing eggs discharged from the first conveyor, and the filling containers are circulated along a circulation path. Some are configured to do so.
[0013]
According to this structure, the egg discharge | released from the 1st conveyor is accommodated in a filling container. When eggs are stored in several (predetermined number) filling containers, the eggs are transferred from the double-row conveyor to the packaging containers of the container conveyor by the egg transfer means.
[0014]
By providing a large number of filling containers, it is possible to charge eggs according to the number of filling containers, so that it is possible to cope with the stoppage of the operation of the container conveyor, which contributes to the improvement of work efficiency. be able to.
[0015]
As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the second conveyors are provided, and a configuration is possible in which the planned number of production can be set for each second conveyor.
[0016]
According to this configuration, the specification of the packaged product produced for each second conveyor (each sorting station) can be made different, which can effectively contribute to the production of a variety of products.
[0019]
  As still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, among the plurality of second conveyors provided, the size set by one second conveyor and the otherSecondFor the size set on the conveyor, there may be provided a priority order setting means for setting which sort is prioritized.
[0020]
  According to this configuration, differentSecondSince the size of the overlapping range can be set on the conveyor, the degree of freedom of size setting is widened, and eggs can be reliably selected by providing priority order setting means.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of an automatic egg sorting and packaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
<Whole structure of the automatic sorting and packaging apparatus for eggs according to this embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic sorting and packaging apparatus. This apparatus is roughly divided into an egg feeding and conveying unit 2 that conveys eggs 1 as an example of an egg in six rows in the direction of arrow A, and receives eggs 1 from the egg feeding and conveying unit 2 and a row of chicken eggs 1 in the direction of arrow B. A single-line transport unit 3 for transporting, a defective egg collection station 4 for recovering a defective egg out of the eggs 1, a selection station 5 for transporting the eggs in a selected state, and a packaging container for actually packaging the selected eggs 1 And a control station 7 for controlling each part of the apparatus.
[0023]
The egg feeding / conveying unit 2 includes an automatic inspection device 10 for inspecting defective eggs such as cracked eggs, blood eggs, dirty eggs, and rotten eggs, a weighing device 11 provided on the most downstream side of the conveyance path, and 6 eggs 1. And an egg feeding conveyor 12 that conveys in a row. The automatic inspection apparatus 10 captures image information of the chicken egg 1 with a CCD camera or the like, and performs image processing / analysis to detect defective eggs. The chicken egg 1 detected as a defective egg is removed from the selection target to be collected in the defective egg station 4.
[0024]
The weighing device 11 measures the weight value of the chicken egg 1 being conveyed, and this measurement data is sent to the control device 7 for selection based on the weight value. In addition, an encoder 13 that is linked to the egg-feeding conveyor 12 is provided, and a pulse signal is generated every time the egg 1 on the egg-feeding conveyor 12 moves by a predetermined distance, thereby conveying the egg-feeding conveyor 12 and the automatic inspection apparatus 10. Control the operation. In this embodiment, the egg-feeding conveyor 12 conveys the eggs 1 in six rows, but of course it is not limited to this, and the eggs may be conveyed in six rows or less or more than six rows.
[0025]
The single-row transport unit 3 includes a single-row conveyor 14 (first conveyor) for transporting the eggs 1 in a row, a drive motor 15 for driving the single-row conveyor 14, and an encoder 16 that is linked to the single-row conveyor 14. A transfer device 17 for transferring the eggs 1 from the weighing device 11 to a cup (not shown) for storing the eggs 1 of the single-line conveyor 14, and a kick device 18 for dropping and releasing the eggs 1 from the cup I have.
[0026]
The encoder 16 generates a pulse signal every time the egg 1 is transported by the single-line conveyor 14 for a predetermined distance, whereby the control device 7 controls the transport of the single-line conveyor 14. Further, when the weight value of the egg 1 is measured by the weighing device 11, sorting is performed by the control device 7. At this time, the release position of the egg 1 in the sorting station 5 is determined, and the weighing device 11 takes the single row conveyor 14. A pulse value corresponding to the distance to the discharge position is set. This pulse value is subtracted by the pulse generated from the encoder 13 every time the egg 1 is transported by the single-line conveyor 14 for a predetermined distance, and when the set pulse value becomes 0, the egg 1 Controlled to be released.
[0027]
Known configurations may be employed for the transfer control of the egg 1 and the kick device 17, and for example, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-82546 filed by the present applicant can be used.
[0028]
The defective egg collection station 4 includes a collection container 4a and a collection conveyor 4b that conveys the collection container 4a in the direction of arrow C. The chicken egg 1 determined to be a defective egg by the automatic inspection device 10 is collected at the defective egg collection station 4 regardless of the measurement result by the weighing device 11. The collection conveyor 4b is arranged in a state orthogonal to the single-line conveyor 14, and only one is shown in FIG. 1, but a plurality of collection conveyors 4b may be provided depending on the type of defective egg. For example, if the cracked egg that cannot be reused and the dirty egg that can be reused are collected by separate collection conveyors 4b, the subsequent processing may be simplified and may be preferable.
[0029]
Although four sorting stations 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are shown in FIG. 1, the number of sorting stations 5 can be changed as appropriate and can be arbitrarily set. . Each of the stations 5A to 5D has the same configuration, and the basic configuration is a filling conveyor 20 (second conveyor) that circulates and conveys a filling container 21 (hereinafter referred to as a charger) in the direction of arrow D along the circulation path. It has. Detailed description will be given later. Since the charger 21 can store six eggs 1 side by side, the filling conveyor 20 functions as a second conveyor that conveys the eggs 1 discharged from the single-row conveyor 14 in multiple rows (six rows). The number of eggs 1 stored in the charger 21 can be set as appropriate.
[0030]
The packaging station 6 includes a pack conveyor 62 for transporting a transparent resin pack 60 that is an example of a packaging container, and a tray conveyor 63 for transporting a paper tray 61 that is also an example of a packaging container. Further, a pack supply device 64 is provided in the upstream portion of the transport path of the pack conveyor 62, and a tray supply device 65 is provided in the upstream portion of the transport path of the tray conveyor 63. The pack 60 and the tray 61 are indicated by an arrow F. Conveyed in the direction. The pack conveyor 62 and the tray conveyor 63 function as container conveyors for transporting the packaging containers. In FIG. 1, the pack 60 can store 2 × 6 = 12 eggs 1 and the tray 61 can store 5 × 6 = 30 eggs 1, but this is only an example, and various packaging containers can be used. it can. In FIG. 1, two packaging container transporting conveyors are provided as the packaging station 6.
[0031]
Further, there is provided an egg sucking device 70 that functions as an egg transferring means for transferring the eggs 1 stored in the charger 21 to the pack 60 or the tray 61. The egg sucking device 70 is supported by a guide portion 72 that moves in the direction of arrow E along a guide rail 71 arranged so as to cross each station, and is further moved up and down (not shown in FIG. It can also be moved in the direction perpendicular to
[0032]
The control device 7 controls the operation of each part of the automatic sorting and packaging device, and includes a hardware part such as a CPU and software of an operation program. The control device 7 is connected to a monitor 7a and a keyboard 7b for performing various settings.
[0033]
<Configuration of filling conveyor>
Next, the details of the filling conveyor 20 constituting each sorting station 5 will be described. 2 is a side view of the filling conveyor 20, FIG. 3 is an arrow view seen from the direction G in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an external perspective view. The filling conveyor 20 includes a pair of endless chains 30 provided at both ends in the transport width direction of a transport path that circulates along the circulation path, and first, second, and second guides that guide the endless chain 30 from the upper transport path to the lower transport path. Third sprockets 31a, 31b, 31c, fourth, fifth and sixth sprockets 32a, 32b, 32c for guiding the endless chains 30, 30 from the lower conveyance path to the upper conveyance path, and the lower side from the upper conveyance path First and second guide bodies 33a and 33b for forming a curved (arc-shaped) first guide groove M1 to the conveyance path, and a curved second guide groove from the lower conveyance path to the upper conveyance path Third and fourth guide bodies 34a and 34b for forming M2 are provided.
[0034]
The third guide body 34a is constituted by a disk-shaped member, and a plurality of engagement levers 35 supported so as to be swingable along the circumferential direction are attached. The third guide body 34a is connected and driven by an electric motor 36 via a chain 37.
[0035]
P1 is a charge head position, and passes through a first stopper 40 that can enter and exit on the transport path, a first cylinder 41 that drives the first stopper 40, and an empty charger 21 from which the egg 1 has been removed. And a first sensor 42 for detecting.
[0036]
P2 is a receiving position for receiving the eggs 1 released from the single-line conveyor 14, and includes a second stopper 43 that can enter and exit on the transport path, and a second cylinder 44 that drives the second stopper 43. And a second sensor 45 that detects the passage of the charger 21 in which the released eggs 1 are stored.
[0037]
The egg sucking device 70 is located at the charge head position P1, and is provided with a sucking portion 70a capable of vacuum sucking up to 60 (6 × 10) eggs 1 of the charger 21 at a time. The interval between the suction portions 70a is configured to be variable according to the arrangement interval of the eggs 1 in the charger 21 and the interval of the storing portion of the eggs 1 in the packaging container.
[0038]
Next, the shape of the charger 21 will be briefly described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the charger 21 includes an accommodating portion 21 a for accommodating six eggs 1 in a horizontal row, and an engaging portion that is placed on and engaged with a roller 30 a of the endless chain 30. 21b. A pair of engaging portions 21b are provided in the width direction of the transport path. In the upper transport path, the lower contact surface 21c contacts the outer periphery of the roller 30a, and in the lower transport path, the upper contact surface 21d is a roller. It contacts the outer periphery of 30a. The shape of the charger 21 shown here is an example, and other structures can be adopted. In receiving the egg 1 released from the single-line conveyor 14, it is preferable to select a material and devise a structure for absorbing energy at the time of release.
[0039]
In the upper transport path and the lower transport path, the charger 21 is transported on the endless chain 30. When the charger 21 is transported through the first guide groove M1 and the second guide groove M2, the charger 21 is temporarily charged. 21 and the endless chain 30 are disengaged. The mechanism for this is simply shown in FIG. That is, the thrust member 29 widens the distance in the conveyance width direction between the pair of chains 30 and 30 in the first guide groove M1 (the same applies to the second guide groove M2). When the charger 21 is transported through the first and second guide grooves M1, M2, the engaging portion 21b is transported while being sandwiched between the first and second guide grooves M1, M2.
As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting part 42 a and the light receiving part 42 b constituting the first sensor 42 are arranged so as to sandwich the charger 21.
[0040]
<Configuration of packaging container supply device>
Next, a schematic configuration of the pack supply device 64 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. A pack supply device 64 is provided above the pack conveyor 62, and includes a first storage chamber 64a for storing the first pack 60 in a stacked manner, and a second storage chamber 64b for storing the second pack 600 in a stacked configuration. It has. The 1st pack 60 is comprised by the accommodating part 60a in which the egg 1 is accommodated, the cover part 60b, and the connection part 60c which connects the accommodating part 60a and the cover part 60b. The pack 60 at the lowest position is supported by a support portion 64c provided at the bottom of the storage chamber 64a. The same applies to the second pack 600.
[0041]
At the lower part of the pack conveyor 62, suction cylinders 66 and 67 are provided. The suction portions 66a and 67a enter and exit through holes 62a formed in the pack conveyor 62, and the first and second packs 60 are provided. , 600 is sucked to supply only one first and second packs 60, 600 onto the pack conveyor 62. The packs 60 and 600 have flexibility, and are easily deformed when the connecting portions 60c and 600c are pulled downward, so that the support state with the support portion 64c can be released. The first pack 60 or the second pack 600 supplied on the pack conveyor 62 is conveyed in the direction of arrow F.
The suction cylinders 66 and 67 are programmed so as to operate based on a command from the control device 7.
[0042]
FIG. 6 schematically shows the configuration of the tray supply device 65. In this figure, the tray conveyor 63 is viewed from the upstream side (rear side) in the tray conveying direction. A pair of belt conveyors 65a are arranged so as to straddle the tray conveyor 63, and support portions 65b are provided at predetermined pitches. The tray 61 is mounted on the pair of left and right support portions 65b. When the belt conveyor 65a is driven at a predetermined pitch in response to a command from the control device 7, only one tray 61 at the lowest position can be supplied onto the tray conveyor 63.
[0043]
<Setting sorting conditions>
Next, various settings for selecting eggs will be described. FIG. 7 is a table showing weight standard settings, which are stored in advance in a storage device (memory). Table NO. 1 indicates a setting based on the agricultural and forestry standard, and for example, the M class indicates a range of 58.0 g to 63.9 g. There are 8 grades of 3S, 2S, S, MS, M, L, 2L, and 3L depending on the weight of the egg. Since chicken eggs have a proportional relationship between weight and size, these grades also represent size.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the standards based on agricultural and forestry standards, custom weight standards can be set in order to respond to individual needs of each store. 2-NO. 6 shows individual weight standard settings from A store to E store. Here, six weight standard settings are shown in a table, but it is possible to arbitrarily increase or decrease the number of tables or change the contents of an already set table.
[0045]
FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the setting contents of each station, which is also the display screen of the monitor 7a. 8 (a) and 8 (b). 1 and NO. 2 shows the setting contents of the station 4 for collecting the defective eggs. FIGS. 8 (C), (D) and FIGS. 9 (A), (B), (C), and (D) show NO. 3-NO. The setting contents of the eight sorting stations 5 are shown. Although the number of stations is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the number of stations can be appropriately increased or decreased as described above.
[0046]
In FIGS. 8A and 8B, “P1” in the “weight specification” column indicates a cracked egg, and “P2” indicates a dirty egg. In other words, station No. 1 collects cracked eggs among the defective eggs, and station NO. Reference numeral 2 is set as a station for collecting dirty eggs among the defective eggs.
[0047]
In FIG. The setting contents of 3 are shown. “1-3L” is set in the “weight specification”, which is the table NO. 1 (agricultural and forestry standard) 3L size is set. “Pattern” indicates a packaging pattern, and “52” indicates a packaging pattern for storing 12 eggs in a pack of 12 × 2 × 6. As described above, the number indicating the packaging pattern and the specific packaging content correspond one-to-one. The bad egg collection station NO. 1 and NO. “50” of “pattern” in 2 indicates packaging (collection) in a predetermined collection container.
[0048]
In FIG. 4 shows the setting contents. Here, three combinations of “2-2L” “5”; “1-2L” “5”; “1-2L” “51” are set as combinations of “weight designation” and “pattern”. In this station, as soon as the sorting / packaging for the combination “2-2L” “5” is completed, the sorting / packaging for the next combination “1-2L” “5” can be performed. As described above, since a plurality of settings can be made at the same station, it is possible to deal with a variety of small-quantity production. Note that “5” of “Pattern” indicates packaging in a tray 61 of 5 × 6 = 30 pieces, and “51” indicates packaging in a pack 60 of 2 × 3 = 6 pieces. In addition, as a difference in the packaging pattern, if the number of containers stored in the same container changes as well as the difference in the type of container, the packaging pattern is handled differently.
[0049]
The “scheduled quantity” indicates the planned production quantity of a packaging container (referred to as a packaged product) containing eggs in a combination of a certain weight designation and packaging pattern. “Scheduled quantity” of “1000” indicates that 1000 of the packaged products are produced, and “Production quantity” of “250” indicates that the current production quantity is 250 pieces. Show. Note that the “scheduled quantity” column is blank, indicating that the production planned number has not been determined.
[0050]
Next, “Rank” in FIG. 9 includes numbers set to “1”, “2”, and “3”, which indicate the setting of the priority order when selecting eggs. “Rank” of “1” indicates the highest priority.
[0051]
FIG. 10 is a monitor display example that displays the status of each station. 8 and 9, one station may be displayed on one screen, or a plurality of stations may be displayed simultaneously. The operator can check the current operating status of the apparatus by viewing the screen of FIG. When the setting is automatically switched, the display on the screen is automatically changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, “weight designation” is set to “2-M”; “pattern” is set to “20”, but when the planned production quantity (set to 4000 pieces) for this combination is completed, Since the next combination “weight designation” is “1-M”; “pattern” is “25”, the packaged product is produced, and the display screen shown in FIG. ) Is also automatically changed.
[0052]
When weight designation (size setting) is performed at each sorting station, a weight range table for sorting is newly created in the memory. This weight range table is created for each rank indicating the priority order. A blank “Rank” indicates the lowest priority. Further, as described above, when the setting is automatically changed, the weight range table is automatically reviewed and changed.
[0053]
<Block diagram>
Next, a control block configuration (configuration of the control device 7) of the automatic sorting and packaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 11, the first setting means 80 designates a specific size, that is, a weight from a plurality of weight standard settings based on an input from the keyboard 7 b and sets it in the memory in the control device 7. Based on the input from the keyboard 7b, the second setting means 81 designates a specific packaging pattern from among a plurality of packaging pattern settings and sets it in the memory in the control device 7. Based on the input from the keyboard 7b, the third setting means 82 sets the number of packaged products produced with the set size and packaging pattern in the memory in the control device 7. The priority order setting means 83 sets the priority order regarding which size to prioritize in the memory in the control device 7 when selecting eggs based on the input from the keyboard 7b.
[0054]
The sorting control unit 84 sorts the eggs 1 based on the weighing data transmitted from the weighing device 11 and the setting contents of the first to third setting units 80, 81, 82 and the priority order setting unit 83. Then, the number of pulses corresponding to the distance to the position at which the egg 1 is released is set, and is subtracted every time a pulse is output from the encoder 16, and the kick device 18 is activated when the set number of pulses becomes zero. The egg 1 is discharged to the filling conveyor 20.
[0055]
The first transport control means 85 controls the operation of the egg feeding conveyor 12 and the automatic inspection apparatus 10 based on the pulse signal generated from the encoder 13. The second conveyance control unit 86 controls the operation of the single-line conveyor 14 based on the pulse signal generated from the encoder 16.
[0056]
In FIG. 12, the first cylinder control means 90 controls the drive of the first cylinder 41 based on the output from the first sensor 42 and the operation signals of the second cylinder 44 and the egg sucking device 70. Specifically, when the number of chargers 21 sent toward the charge head position P1 based on the number of actuations of the second cylinder 44 reaches a predetermined number (10), the egg sucking device 70 is operated to suck the egg 1 To do. Then, after sucking and taking out the egg 1, the first cylinder 41 is operated to release the first stopper 40, the number of chargers passing through the first sensor 42 is counted, and the first cylinder is operated again when a predetermined number passes. Then, the first stopper 40 is inserted.
[0057]
When the second cylinder control means 91 counts the number of activations of the kick device 18 and detects that six eggs 1 have been released to the charger, the second cylinder 44 is actuated to release the second stopper 43 and the charger 21. When the second sensor 45 detects that only one charger 21 has passed, the second cylinder is actuated again and the second stopper 43 is inserted.
[0058]
When detecting that the predetermined number of chargers 21 have been sent by counting the number of actuations of the second cylinder 44, the egg sucking device driving means 92 operates the egg sucking device 70. The filling conveyor drive control means 93 controls the operation of the filling conveyor 20. The pack control means 94 controls the operation of the pack conveyor 62 and the pack supply device 64 based on the sorting information from the sorting control means 84 (see FIG. 11). The tray control means 95 controls the operations of the tray conveyor 63 and the tray supply device 65 based on the sorting information from the sorting control means 84.
[0059]
<Operation explanation of automatic sorting and packaging equipment>
Next, operation of the automatic egg sorting and packaging apparatus according to this embodiment will be described in order.
In FIG. 13, the outline of the process of the egg 1 is shown. First, the eggs 1 thrown from the poultry house etc. are conveyed in 6 rows, and egg washing and drying are performed. Next, after the direction alignment (orienter) for aligning the direction of the blunt end portion and the sharp end portion of the chicken egg 1, the egg inspection is performed by the automatic inspection device 10. Next, after weighing the eggs 1 with the weighing device 11, the transfer device 17 transfers the eggs 1 to the single-line conveyor 14, and the 6-row to 1-row conveyance state is set. The eggs 1 conveyed by the single-line conveyor 14 are discharged to the charger 21 based on the selection result. And the egg 1 accommodated in the charger 21 is transferred and packaged in a packaging container by the egg-sucking device 70, and a series of processing is completed.
[0060]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the sorting operation. First, the eggs 1 are weighed (# 10), but the eggs 1 determined to be defective eggs by the automatic inspection apparatus 10 are selected as defective eggs without performing normal selection (# 11, # 12) Collected at the defective egg collection station 4. Also in this case, the number of pulses to the defective egg collection station 4 is set in the same manner as a normal egg described later.
[0061]
The chicken eggs 1 that are not defective eggs are selected as normal eggs (# 12). First, selection is performed using the weight range table of rank 1 (# 13). According to the examples of FIGS. 8 to 10, the rank 1 is set as the sorting station NO. The weight designation “2-M” is 6. According to FIG. 7 (a), this is 57.0-63.9 g, so if the weight value of the egg 1 is within this range, it is selected. If it is not within this range, sorting is performed using the weight range table of rank 2 (# 14). Rank 2 indicates that the station No. 5 “4-L” and station No. 7, “1-M”, and in these ranges, “4-L” is 63.0 to 70.9 g, “1-M” is 58.0 to 63.9 g from FIG. If it is in any of these ranges, it will be selected. If the result is out of the sorting by rank 2, sorting by the lowest rank is performed (# 15). This is selected at a station whose “Rank” column is blank in FIG.
[0062]
By selecting the egg 1, the selection station 5 to which the egg 1 is to be transported is determined, and the number of pulses corresponding to the distance to the discharge position for releasing the egg 1 to the charger 21 of the filling conveyor 20 constituting the selection station 5 is controlled. 7 (# 16). The eggs 1 are conveyed in a single row by the single row conveyor 14 (# 17), and the number of pulses set every time a pulse signal is generated from the encoder 16 interlocked with the single row conveyor 14 is subtracted and the number of pulses is 0. At this point, the kick device 18 is operated to release the egg 1 (# 18, # 19).
[0063]
<Operation explanation of filling conveyor>
Next, the operation of the filling conveyor 20 in the sorting station 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15 and FIGS.
The eggs 1 are discharged from the single-line conveyor 14 to the charger 21 by the kick device 18 one by one. When six eggs 1 are released to the charger 21 in one horizontal row (# 30), the second cylinder 44 is operated to release the second stopper 43 (# 31). As a result, the restriction of the charger 21 in which the eggs 1 are stored is released, and the eggs 21 are conveyed in the direction of arrow D by the endless chain 30. When it is detected by the second sensor 45 that only one charger 21 has passed (# 32), the second cylinder 44 is actuated again, the second stopper 43 is inserted into the transport path, and the next charger 21 is received. Position to the position P2 (# 33).
[0064]
The delivered charger 21 is charged in order from the charge head position P1. In the control device 7, the number of charged chargers 21 is counted based on the number of operations of the second cylinder 44. When the number reaches 10 (this number varies depending on the packaging pattern) (# 34), the egg sucking is performed. The apparatus 70 is operated to suck out the eggs 1 stored in the charger 21 in the suction part 70a by vacuum suction (# 35).
[0065]
When the removal of the eggs 1 is completed, the first cylinder 41 is operated to retract the first stopper 40 from the transport path and release it (# 36). Thereby, the empty charger 21 is conveyed again by the endless chain 30. When it is detected by the first sensor 42 that 10 chargers 21 have passed (# 37), the first cylinder 41 is actuated again to insert the first stopper 40 onto the transport path (# 38). As a result, charging of the charger is started again. Since the charger 21 can be charged in this way, even if it is necessary to stop the pack conveyor 62 and the tray conveyor 63, it is not necessary to stop other parts and the sorting operation is continued. This can be done without reducing the work efficiency.
[0066]
When the empty charger 21 moves from the upper transport path to the lower transport path, it is guided by the first guide groove M1. In the upper transport path, the lower abutting surface 21c of the charger 21 is transported in a state mounted on the roller 30a of the endless chain 30. However, when the charger 21 passes through the first guide groove M1, the endless chain 30 temporarily The edge of is cut. As shown in FIG. 2, the first guide groove M1 and the endless chain 30 cross each other, but as shown in FIG. 3, the pair of endless chains 30 have a wide width, and the charger 21 There will be no interference. Since the charger 21 slides down the first guide groove M1 with its own weight, no special power source is required. When the charger 21 slides down the first guide groove M1, the pair of endless chains 30 returns to their original width, and the upper contact surface 21d of the charger 21 is mounted on the roller 30a of the endless chain 30 in the lower transport path. It is conveyed in the state where it was done. Accordingly, the charger 21 is upside down in the lower conveyance path, but does not fall. When sliding down, the engaging portion 21b of the charger 21 is guided in a state of being sandwiched between the first guide grooves M1.
[0067]
When the end of the lower conveyance path is passed, it is lifted to the upper conveyance path along the second guide groove M2. At the end of the lower transport path, the charger 21 is engaged by the engagement lever 35 (the engagement mechanism is omitted), and the third guide body 34a is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. Forcibly lifts along the second guide groove M2. Also in this case, since the width dimension of the endless chain 30 is widened, the endless chain 30 and the charger 21 do not interfere with each other even though the endless chain 30 and the second guide groove M2 intersect. . When the charger 21 is lifted along the second guide groove M2, the lower contact surface 21c of the charger 21 comes into contact with the roller 30a of the endless chain 30 again.
[0068]
<Description of packaging work>
Next, the operation | movement regarding the packaging operation | work of the egg 1 is demonstrated with the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 16 shows the case of packaging in the pack 60, but the same applies to the case of packaging in the tray 61.
The egg sucking apparatus 70 in the state of sucking the egg 1 is moved along the guide rail 71 and moved to the pack conveyor 62 where the sucked egg 1 is to be packaged. 6 × 10 = 60 chicken eggs 1 are sucked. On the other hand, since the pack 60 is packed in 6 × 2 = 12, it can be packaged for 5 packs at a time. On the pack conveyor 62, the packs 60 are conveyed side by side at a predetermined interval, and the interval of the suction part 70a of the egg sucking device 70 can be changed in accordance with the interval of the pack 60 ( The description of the mechanism is omitted.) In this way, the egg 1 is moved to the pack 60 and packaging is completed (# 40).
[0069]
Next, the suction cylinder 66 is operated (# 41), and only one pack 60 stored in the storage chamber 64a of the pack supply device 64 is supplied onto the pack conveyor 62 (# 42). Then, the pack conveyor 62 is driven to convey the pack 60 for a predetermined distance (# 43). By supplying five packs 60, preparation for the next packaging operation is completed (# 44).
[0070]
Next, the operation when the packaging container is switched will be briefly described. For example, in the case of switching from the first pack 60 to the second pack 600 in the pack supply device 64, first, when the planned production quantity of the packaged product by the first pack 60 is produced, the control device 7 sends the suction cylinder 67 A command is issued to supply the second pack 600 to the pack conveyor 62. Thus, since the pack conveyor 62 does not have to be stopped when switching the packaging container, the efficiency of the sorting operation does not decrease even if the setting is changed.
[0071]
In addition, since the weighing device 11 of the egg 1 and the packaging station 6 are separated from each other, a signal from the control device 7 that the packaging container should be replaced is a predetermined position after the egg 1 passes through the weighing device 11. It is output when it has been transported up to.
[0072]
<Another embodiment>
Next, some other embodiments will be described.
In this embodiment, the eggs are selected, but it is possible to select eggs other than the eggs.
In this embodiment, the eggs 1 are conveyed in six rows by the egg feeding conveyor 12, but two egg feeding conveyors 12 are provided and conveyed in 12 rows, and two single row conveyors 14 are correspondingly provided. Alternatively, more than that may be provided.
[0073]
As the sorting station, one for constant weight packing can be provided. Here, the constant weight packing is a packaging method performed by designating the number of packages and the total weight, and refers to a method that does not matter the weight value of individual eggs.
As the control device 7 of the present embodiment, a device that controls the entire egg automatic sorting and packaging device is shown. However, a control unit that controls the operation of the station portion and a control unit that performs other controls are provided. It may be configured separately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic sorting and packaging apparatus.
[Fig. 2] Side view of filling conveyor
FIG. 3 is an arrow view seen from the direction G of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a filling conveyor.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a pack supply device.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a tray supply device.
FIG. 7 is a table showing weight standard settings.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing setting contents in each station
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing setting contents in each station
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the status of each station
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a control block configuration
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a control block configuration
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a processing step for eggs.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a sorting operation.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the filling conveyor.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating work related to packaging work;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Chicken egg
5 sorting station
6 Packing station
7 Control device
11 Weighing device
14 Single row conveyor (first conveyor)
20 Filling conveyor (second conveyor)
21 Charger (filling container)
60 packs
61 trays
70 Egg suction device (egg transfer means)
80 First setting means
81 Second setting means
82 Third setting means
84 Sorting control means

Claims (4)

A weighing device for measuring the weight value of the eggs being conveyed;
A first conveyor for conveying the measured eggs;
Eggs selected based on the weight value measured by the weighing device are discharged from the first conveyor, the second conveyor capable of transporting the released eggs in double rows,
In an automatic egg sorting and packaging device comprising an egg transfer means for taking out an egg from the second conveyor and transferring the egg to a container conveyor on which a packaging container on which the egg is packed is transported,
A storage device for storing a plurality of packaging patterns having different types of packaging containers and different numbers of eggs to be packaged, and storing a plurality of weight standard settings composed of a plurality of size classifications by changing a threshold value for size classification,
A first setting means for selecting and setting a specific size in a specific weight standard setting from the plurality of weight standard settings;
A second setting means for selecting and setting a specific packaging pattern from the plurality of packaging pattern settings;
A third setting means for setting a planned production number of the packaging containers in which eggs are packaged based on a combination of the set size and a packaging pattern;
A plurality of combinations of the size and the packaging pattern can be set on the same second conveyor ,
An automatic egg sorting and packaging apparatus comprising a control device that performs control to enable production of the next combination immediately after production of the packaging container for a certain combination is completed.   The second conveyor can convey a large number of filling containers for storing eggs released from the first conveyor, and the filling containers are configured to be driven to circulate along a circulation path. 2. The automatic egg sorting and packaging apparatus according to claim 1,   The said 2nd conveyor is provided with two or more, It is comprised so that the said production planned number can be set for every 2nd conveyor, The automatic sorting packaging apparatus of the egg of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   Among the plurality of second conveyors, priority is set for which sorting is prioritized for the size set by one second conveyor and the size set by another second conveyor. The automatic sorting and packaging apparatus for eggs according to claim 3, further comprising rank setting means.

Images