WO2013006052A1

WO2013006052A1 - Apparatus and method for conveying eggs

Info

Publication number: WO2013006052A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barend Van Ravenhorst
Original assignee: Fps Food Processing Systems B.V.
Priority date: 2011-07-05
Filing date: 2012-07-04
Publication date: 2013-01-10
Also published as: RU2014100988A; JP6050346B2; CN103813961A; BR112014000153A2; JP2014520735A; MY168589A; AU2012278404A1; EP2729372A1; KR20140062033A

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for conveying eggs, comprising: a first endless conveyor (19) or at least gathering and characterizing the eggs, wherein the first conveyor comprises at least a single conveying row of egg carriers (11) in the forward conveying direction T, and a second endless conveyor (2), for taking over the eggs from the first conveyor and for thereupon conveying and sorting the eggs, wherein the second conveyor is arranged under the first conveyor in a direction P and thereby crosses the first conveyor, with at least a single conveying row of egg carriers (21) in the direction P, wherein the carriers of the first conveyor, at least in the transfer referred to, are movable in the direction P, wherein the eggs are handed over from the first to the second conveyor with a relative speed in the conveying direction T of approximately 0 m/s in receiving the eggs in the egg carriers of the second conveyor.

Description

P98753PC00

Apparatus and method for conveying eggs

The present invention concerns an apparatus for conveying eggs,

comprising:

a first endless conveyor for at least gathering and characterizing the eggs, wherein the first conveyor comprises at least a single conveying row of egg carriers in the forward conveying direction T, and

a second endless conveyor, for taking over the eggs from the first conveyor and for thereupon conveying and sorting the eggs,

wherein the second conveyor is arranged under the first conveyor in a direction P and thereby crosses the first conveyor, with at least a single conveying row of egg carriers in the direction P,

wherein the carriers of the first conveyor, at least in the transfer referred to, are movable in the direction P.

Such an apparatus is known from EP2174896. It discloses how eggs of a supply conveyor can be handed over to a sorting conveyor which is placed under the first conveyor in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. Such supply and conveyance proceed in substantially horizontal planes. These conveyors carry the eggs in egg carriers, typically called pockets. In the transfer of the eggs from the first conveyor to the second, a speed is imparted to the eggs in the conveying direction of the second conveyor to compensate for the difference in speed in that direction. This compensation may be such that this speed is approximately the same as the speed of the second conveyor, so that in that direction the relative speed is

approximately 0 m/s. What is accomplished in this manner is that in the transfer of the eggs from the first to the second conveyor, the overall difference in speed, i.e., the vectorial speed difference, is reduced, so that, given such a difference, eggs will be less subject to shocks, hence there will be less risk of breakage of these eggs. As the above-mentioned speed compensation is applied only in a single direction, the eggs, at set forward speeds, may be subject to jolting movements before being received in the cups. In particular at relatively high speeds, at typical values of up to substantially about 0.5 m/s, the eggs will end up slightly wide of the proper location.

Furthermore, it has appeared that during start-stop movements of the conveyors, the eggs may end up improperly to the extent where they are not even correctly received in the pockets. In that case not only the speed differences have not been compensated, but actually the moment of starting the transfer movement of each egg, for example, the moment of pivotal opening of the pockets of the first conveyor, has not been timed correctly. This is also referred to as non-synchronized movements of the two conveyors. More particularly, this means that in such a sorting apparatus the chances of damage to the eggs, viz., the eggs sustaining cracks, are high.

To remedy these shortcomings, the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the eggs are handed over from the first to the second conveyor with a relative speed in the conveying direction T of approximately 0 m/s in receiving the eggs in the egg carriers of the second conveyor.

What is basically accomplished with this feature, to great advantage, is not only that in this manner risk of breakage is practically obviated, but also that high speeds can be maintained, that speeds can be set at all possible values, that thus still higher speeds can be achieved, and that therefore the sorting capacity can be increased to a considerable extent.

More particularly, the apparatus is characterized in that the egg carriers of the second conveyor, at least in said taking over, are movable in the direction T. Suitably, a similar manner of displacement is applied in the second conveyor, which both provides the advantage of the speed compensation in the direction T and simplifies the manner of construction of such a conveyor, as part of a whole system.

According to a further elaboration, the egg carriers of the first conveyor, and, for example, the egg carriers of the second conveyor, can each comprise two carrier halves, which carrier halves are movable between an egg conveying position and an egg release position for carrying and delivering an egg, respectively.

According to a further elaboration, the egg carriers of the second conveyor can be cups or trays. The cups or trays may, for example, be movable between a carrier or conveying position and a release position, the cups or trays being pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the corresponding conveying direction of the cups or trays.

Furthermore, the invention provides an advantageous method which is characterized by the measures of claim 9. In this manner, the above- mentioned advantages can be achieved.

Further extra advantageous elaborations of the apparatus according to the invention are set forth in the subclaims.

Below, details of an example of an apparatus according to the invention will be elucidated with reference to the appended drawings, in which

FIG. 1 schematically shows a top plan view of a conveying system according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows an isometric view, obliquely from above, of the same part of the apparatus as represented in FIG. 1, and

FIG. 3 schematically shows a further elaboration of the conveying system. In these Figures the same parts and denotations are marked with the same symbols.

The Figures show an example of an apparatus for conveying eggs E. The apparatus comprises a first endless conveyor 1 for at least gathering and characterizing the eggs E. The first conveyor 1 comprises at least a single conveying row of first egg carriers 11. Further, the apparatus comprises a second endless conveyor 2, with second egg carriers 21, for receiving the eggs E from the first conveyor 1, and for thereupon conveying and sorting the eggs E. The second conveyor 2 is arranged under the first conveyor 1, and crosses the first conveyor 1, at a transfer path thereof.

In FIGS. 1, 2, in particular the first conveyor 1 and the second conveyor 2 are shown, with the second conveyor 2 passing under the first conveyor 1, and with respective main conveying directions T, P (of respective conveying parts of the conveyors), which are substantially perpendicular to each other. An endless path provided by the first conveyor 1 is continued, seen from the respective first main conveying direction T, in a reverse direction indicated with arrow cl. An endless path provided by the second conveyor 2 is continued, seen from the second main conveying direction P, in a reverse direction indicated with arrow c2. Generally, the conveyors 1, 2 are in substantially horizontal positions.

The first conveyor 1 is provided with (first) egg carriers 11; in the present exemplary embodiment eggs E are carried in a bottom part of the first conveyor (see FIG. 2), in the respective first conveying direction T. The first egg carriers 11 are advanced with a first conveying speed in that first main direction T. The second conveyor 2 is provided with (second) egg carriers 21; in the exemplary embodiment eggs E are carried in a top part of the second conveyor 2, in the respective second conveying direction P. The second egg carriers 21 are advanced with a second conveying speed in that second main direction P.

More particularly, the egg carriers 11, 21 of this example are each built up from egg carrier halves 12a, 12b, 22a, 22b, respectively. These are slidably mounted on carrier guides 13a, 13b, 23a, 23b. In particular, the egg carriers 11 of the first conveyor are slidably mounted on first carrier guides 13a, 13b in a sliding direction that is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor P. In particular, the egg carriers 21 of the second conveyor are slidably mounted on second carrier guides 23a, 23b in a sliding direction that is parallel to the conveying direction of the first conveyor T.

In the Figures, it is represented how the bottom part of the first conveyor 1 supplies the eggs E in the egg carriers 11, then delivers them, whereby the eggs E are received in the egg carriers 21 of the second conveyor 2. The top part of the second conveyor 2 conveys the eggs E in the respective carriers 21 further along a discharge track, in the above-mentioned second main conveying direction P. Although of this discharge track only a small portion is represented in the present drawings, this track will generally continue, in particular to packing stations, not represented, in order for the eggs, depending on their characteristics, to be dropped in a conventional manner into package units (not represented in the Figures) placed directly under the carriers 21.

In both FIGS. 1 and 2 it is indicated in what manner the egg carriers 11, 21 of the conveyors 1, 2 are grouped in the main conveying directions T, P, according to rows 10, 20. More particularly, for the first conveyor 1 four rows 10a_; 10b, 10c, lOd are shown and for the second conveyor two rows 20a, 20b. The carrier halves 12a, 12b, 22a, 22b are movable between a closed carrier or conveying position and, after opening of the halves, a release position whereby the eggs E are released or delivered, and then, under the influence of gravity, traverse a falling movement in order to be received. In particular, the apparatus is configured such that the first carriers 11 are brought from the conveying position to the release position while traversing a transfer path, to transfer eggs to the carriers 21 of the second conveyor 2. To anyone skilled in the art it will be clear that in the transfer of the eggs E from the first conveyor 1 to the second conveyor 2 a number of conditions need to be observed.

Thus, the intermediate distance between the rows 10 of the first supply conveyor 1 will have to be approximately equal to the distance between the egg carriers 21 within each row 20a, 20b of the second conveyor 2.

In addition, the forward speeds (in the main conveying directions T, P) of the two conveyors 1 and 2 will have to be tuned to each other, in particular, such that at the transfer path, in each case, just as many second egg carriers 21 are present as first egg carriers 11. Thus, in this example, in each case, eggs E from two columns of four adjacent rows 10 of the first conveyor 1 are transferred to four columns of two adjacent rows 20 of the second conveyor 2. In the case of the intermediate distances in the respective rows and columns shown according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the speed of the second conveyor 2 is then twice as high as the speed of the first conveyor 1. It will be clear that many other speed ratios are possible. These will depend on desired capacities and constructional possibilities of the conveyors 1, 2. The present invention is configured such that the vectorial speed of an egg-delivering first egg carrier 11 (measured, with respect to a fixed point, in the two main conveying directions T, P) and the vectorial speed of a corresponding egg-receiving second egg carrier 21 (measured with respect to the above-mentioned fixed point, in the two main conveying directions T, P) are substantially equal to each other during egg transfer. In other words, the configuration is such that a vectorial speed difference between each pair of first and second egg carriers 11, 21 which for egg transfer are located proximal to each other (and opposite each other, seen in top plan view) in a transfer area is substantially zero m/s.

To accomplish the earlier-mentioned speed compensations in the two conveying directions T, P, and thereby achieve relative speeds of

substantially 0 m/s in these directions, compensation devices have been arranged for both the conveyor 1 and the conveyor 2, viz., a P-compensation unit 24 to impart to the eggs E in conveyor 1 the proper speed in the main conveying direction P of the conveyor 2 (i.e., the above-mentioned second conveying speed, in the second main conveying direction P) and a

T-compensation unit 14 to impart to the eggs E in the conveyor 2 the proper speed in the main conveying direction T (i.e., the above-mentioned first conveying speed, in the first main conveying direction T). In the example according to FIGS. 1 and 2 these compensations have to be such that with the P-compensation 24, in accordance with the earlier-mentioned ratio, the factor of "twice" has to be achieved, while the T-compensation 14 imparts to the egg carriers 21 of the second conveyor 2 the proper speed in the direction T.

More particularly, the P-compensation 24 is constructed such that with compensation beams 24a, 24b the carrier halves 12a, 12b are slid over the guide rails 13a, 13b with the proper speed (i.e., the second conveying speed) in the direction P. As follows from the above, the first carriers 11 are brought to the release position during this sliding movement, to deliver eggs E present in the carriers. Likewise, the T-compensation comprises a main beam 14c which is connected with a rotary mechanism with two steering beams 14a, 14b which, for example, makes a rotary movement and, each time when there is a next set of eight carriers 21 in the two rows 20a, 20b of the second conveyor 2, causes these carriers 21 to slide in the T direction (with the first conveying speed) over the guide rails 23a, 23b. To anyone skilled in the art it will be clear that this rotation could also be a

reciprocating movement depending on the dimensions and components jointly forming the construction of this T-compensation. To anyone skilled in the art it will be clear that prior to the above-described transfer operations and transfer movements the carriers have all been brought into an initial or starting position. The measures and devices used that are needed for this purpose are generally known and not further described and elucidated here. The same is true of the means of bringing the carriers from the initial position to a release position.

In another exemplary embodiment, for example, an apparatus in which the first and second conveyor 1, 2 comprise four and three conveying rows, respectively, a different angle may be chosen for the beams 24, with a different rotary speed for the pivoting mechanism of the T-compensation.

As has already been mentioned earlier, a gradual transfer involves two aspects, one concerning the magnitude and direction of the speed and the other concerning the moment of transfer or synchronization.

In the above-described apparatus according to the invention, both aspects have been incorporated. A further variant and implementation concerning the synchronization of such systems is described in, e.g., NL1006002. This basically involves a synchronization through mechanical and electrical couplings.

More particularly of relevance to the second aspect are, on the one hand, the dimensions of the conveyor and the parts thereof and, on the other, the drive of the two conveyors 1, 2. Also, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that other manners of coupling are possible, for example, with separate servo motors which are suitably controlled.

FIG. 3 shows schematically a part of a further elaboration of the invention, which differs from the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the egg carriers of the second conveyor 2' are cups or trays 2Γ. The cups or trays 2Γ are movable between a carrier or conveying position and a release position, the cups or trays each being pivotable about a respective axis X which is perpendicular to the corresponding main conveying direction P of the cups or trays 21'. The operation of the example shown in FIG. 3 proceeds analogously to the above-described operation of the first example, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, whereby a vectorial speed difference between each pair of first and second egg carriers 11, 21' which for egg transfer are located proximal to each other (and opposite each other, seen in top plan view) in a transfer area is substantially zero m/s. For this purpose, the apparatus is provided in particular with the above-mentioned compensation devices (not represented in FIG. 3). In an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, robot arms may be used. An example of fast-moving arms for transfer between crossing conveyors is described in WO2007/102732. To anyone skilled in the art it will be clear that a plurality of robot arms may be used, and also robot arms each having grippers with a plurality of pickup- conveying positions. Such applications will mainly be chosen on the basis of requirements regarding available space, capacity, and dimensioning of the construction of the conveyors used.

To anyone skilled in the art it will be clear that modifications and variants resulting in alternative exemplary embodiments are to be understood to fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims. For example, it will be clear that, although the invention has been described here with reference to eggs, many other products, including, for example, food products such as fruit, can be processed with such an apparatus. Furthermore, herein an apparatus has been described where the conveying directions T, P are perpendicular to each other. It is noted with emphasis here that other angles than 90° can be used, albeit with considerably greater adaptations whereby especially the simultaneous release of the products as mentioned hereinabove will have to be replaced with sequential release.

To one skilled in the art it will be clear that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for conveying eggs, comprising:

a first endless conveyor (1) for at least gathering and characterizing the eggs (E),

wherein the first conveyor (1) comprises at least a single conveying row of egg carriers (11) in the forward conveying direction T, and

a second endless conveyor (2), for taking over the eggs from the first conveyor (1) and for thereupon conveying and sorting the eggs,

wherein the second conveyor (2) is arranged under the first conveyor (1) in a direction P and thereby crosses the first conveyor, with at least a single conveying row of egg carriers ( 1) in the direction P,

wherein the carriers (11) of the first conveyor (1), at least in the transfer referred to, are movable in the direction P,

characterized in that

the eggs are handed over from the first to the second conveyor with a relative speed in the conveying direction T of approximately 0 m/s in receiving the eggs in the egg carriers (21) of the second conveyor (2).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

the egg carriers (21) of the second conveyor, at least in said taking over, are movable in the direction T.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conveying direction T is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction P.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the egg carriers (21) are movable in carrier blocks over carrier guide rails in the conveying direction T.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that

an egg carrier comprises two egg carrier halves,

wherein each egg carrier half is connected with a carrier block, and wherein the halves are movable with respect to each other between a carrier or conveying position and a release position.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the egg carriers are cups or trays.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that

the cups or trays are movable between a carrier or conveying position and a release position, the cups or trays being pivotable about an axis

perpendicular to the corresponding conveying direction of said cups or trays.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

the eggs are picked up from the first conveyor, transferred and released onto the second conveyor with at least a single robot arm.

9. A method for conveying eggs, for example, utilizing an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

- providing a first endless conveyor (1) for at least gathering and

characterizing the eggs (E), wherein the first conveyor (1) comprises at least a single conveying row of egg carriers (11) in a first main conveying direction T; and

- providing a second endless conveyor (2), for taking over the eggs from the first conveyor (1) and for thereupon conveying and sorting the eggs, wherein the second conveyor (2) is arranged under the first conveyor (1) and thereby crosses the first conveyor, with at least a single conveying row of egg carriers (21) in a second main conveying direction P;

wherein the carriers (11) of the first conveyor (1), at least in the transfer referred to, are moved in the second main conveying direction P,

characterized in that

the eggs are handed over from the first to the second conveyor with a relative speed in the first main conveying direction T of approximately 0 m/s in receiving the eggs in the egg carriers (21) of the second conveyor (2).

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the egg carriers (21) of the second conveyor, during handing over of the eggs to those egg carriers (21), are moved in the first conveying direction T, in particular both in the first conveying direction T and in the second conveying direction P.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the egg carriers (21) of the second conveyor, during handing over of the eggs, are moved in the first conveying direction T with substantially the same speed as a conveying speed of the first conveyor.

12. A method according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein a vectorial speed of an egg-delivering first egg carrier (11) and a vectorial speed of a corresponding egg-receiving second egg carrier (21) during egg transfer are substantially equal to each other.