NL2035607B1

NL2035607B1 - Egg conveying station

Info

Publication number: NL2035607B1
Application number: NL2035607A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Elbert Van Leeuwen Johan
Original assignee: Moba Group Bv
Priority date: 2023-08-14
Filing date: 2023-08-14
Publication date: 2025-02-25
Also published as: WO2025037979A1

Abstract

Title: Egg conveying station Abstract An egg conveying station, for example to be integrated into an egg handling operation, said station comprising: a carousel conveyor (1) which is adapted to support pluralities of eggs (E) during transport in successive ascending and descending fashion between an inlet location (IL) and an outlet location (0L1, 0L2), the carousel conveyor being provided with egg receiving means (47) for receiving eggs at said inlet location, and with egg discharge means (DMI, DM2) for discharging eggs (E) at said outlet location; characterized in that the discharge means are controllable egg discharge means (DMI, DM2) for selectively discharging eggs (E) at said outlet location (0L1, OL2); wherein the carousel conveyor (1) is provided with or associated with at least one egg inspection system (C, S) for inspecting the eggs (E) and for controlling operation of the controllable discharge means. The invention also provide a method for conveying eggs.

Description

P135159NL00

Title: Egg conveying station

The invention relates to an egg conveying station and a method for conveying eggs.

Egg conveying stations are commonly known, and can be arranged for transferring eggs from one conveyor to a downstream second conveyor.

The egg conveying station can e.g. be used locally, at a farm (i.e. in or near a poultry house), as part of an egg processing system for delivering freshly laid eggs to an egg packing unit.

Freshly laid eggs can be dirty or weak (e.g. including deficiencies such as egg shell cracks), or leaking. In order to remove contamination, a local washing station can be provided for removing dirt before the eggs are packed (e.g. into cartons or on trays). Weak eggs might break during the transfer or packing process. Moreover, some of the eggs may be too big/heavy to be handled by a downstream part of an egg processing line such as an egg packer.

An example of an egg conveying stations is described in

US2020/0221671, which provides a vertical carousel conveyor having dedicating egg washer spray bars or egg dryer air knives. An advantage of the known egg conveying station is its compact size c.q. small footprint.

Usually, manual labor is required to remove all the fresh eggs that cannot be handled by e.g. a downstream egg packer (such as an egg tray loader). However, this not always leads to best results, since the human operator can miss a defect egg, or can not be able to estimate if an egg is too big to be handled by a downstream section of the egg processing line.

The present invention aims to alleviate or solve the above mentioned problems. In particular, the invention aims to provide a relatively compact egg conveying station that can provide efficient egg handling, locally at the farm where the eggs are laid. Further, an aim is to provide reliable processing of (freshly laid) eggs, wherein system contamination can be avoided at an early stage (such as in case weak, cracked or oversized eggs are handled and break at a certain section of an egg processing line).

According to the invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1.

Advantageously, there is provided an egg conveying station, for example to be integrated into an egg handling operation, said station comprising: a carousel conveyor which is adapted to support pluralities of eggs during transport in successive ascending and descending fashion between an inlet location and at least one outlet location, the carousel conveyor being provided with egg receiving means for receiving eggs at said inlet location, and with egg discharge means for discharging eggs at said at least one outlet location, wherein the discharge means are controllable egg discharge means for selectively discharging eggs at said at least one outlet location; wherein the carousel conveyor is provided with or associated with at least one egg inspection system for inspecting the eggs and for controlling operation of the controllable discharge means.

The egg conveying station can be made relatively compact, providing a small footprint, and can achieve automated egg inspection in a reliable, hygienic manner. In particular, by controlling the discharge means, eggs can be selectively discharged (.e. towards different discharge locations or directions) depending on a detected egg characteristic (e.g. an egg dimension and/or an egg quality characteristic, e.g. contamination, a crack or leak). In this way, manual removal of faulty eggs from a stream of (fresh) egg, e.g. to be packed onto egg trays locally at a respective farm, can be avoided. It is preferred that the carousel conveyor is configured to provide egg rotation, in particular rolling of each egg, during respective transport, allowing improved egg inspection (preferably from all sides of the egg).

Further, advantageously, there is provided an egg conveying system, including a first egg conveyor, for example a horizontal belt conveyor or horizontal rod conveyor, and a second conveyor, for example including an accumulator conveyor, belt conveyor and/or roller conveyor, wherein an egg conveying station according to the invention is arranged downstream of the first conveyor for receiving eggs there-from, wherein each second conveyor is located downstream of the egg conveying station for receiving an egg therefrom when respective discharge means of the station are in a first discharge state for discharging the egg in a first direction (away from the carousel conveyor, towards the respective second conveyor).

Further, according to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for conveying eggs, utilizing the egg conveying station according to the invention, including for each egg: -providing the egg at the inlet location of the carousel conveyor; transferring the egg to at least one outlet location by the carousel conveyor; -inspecting the egg, by the egg inspection system; -controlling the egg discharge means based on an inspection result of the egg inspection system for selecting an egg discharge direction of the egg at the at least one outlet location; and -discharging the egg by the discharge means in the selected discharge direction (at least one outlet location).

In this way, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

In the following, non-limiting examples of the invention will be described with reference to the drawing.

Figure 1 shows part of a known egg transfer system;

Figure 2 shows a detail of the system of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a system according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a detail of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 3;

Figure 6 shows a detail of Fig. 5, during a first discharge state of respective discharge means;

Figure 7 shows the detail of Fig. 5, during a second discharge state of respective discharge means;

Figure 8A is a schematically representation of the example of

Figures 3-7;

Figure 8B is similar to Figure 8A, showing an alternative embodiment.

In the present application, similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference signs.

Figures 1, 2 show part of a known conveying station 101 (described in US2020/0221671). The known station 101 can be arranged between a first egg conveyor 114 and a second egg conveyor 116, for transferring eggs between those conveyors. The downstream second conveyor 116 can e.g. be a roller conveyor, having for example diabolo-shaped rollers, that defines laterally spaced egg receiving nests in the respective top conveying surface.

The known conveying station 101 is configured to rotate the eggs E during either of spray bar washing or air knife jet drying. To that aim, it includes a vertically extending and carousel conveyor 101 which is adapted to support pluralities of eggs E during transport in successive ascending and descending fashion, within a body, between an inlet location IL and an outlet location OL. During operation, the first egg conveyor 114 communicates the eggs E with said inlet location IL of said carousel conveyor and, the second egg conveyor 116 communicating the eggs E with said outlet location. The carousel conveyor 101 includes individual pluralities of spaced apart and “C” shaped (arcuate) support beams 162 (see

Fig. 2), for supporting the eggs (E) during their transport path in carousel conveyor 101, the path including a vertically upwards (ascending) section, an upper bend section, and a subsequent vertically downwards (descending) section. Opposite ends of the individual “C” shaped beams 162 can further 5 include inwardly turned abutment ends 180 which prevent the supported E eggs from falling out during the rotational cycle of the eggs E as they are carousel displaced around. The known system includes fixed transition fingers 190 (See Figure 2) for intercepting eggs E at the downwards section of the carousel conveyor 101, and for transferring the eggs to the second conveyor 116. The transition fingers 190 can be angled to prevent the eggs from rolling at a speed beyond that which can ensure them being safely transferred. The “C” shaped beams 162 are spatially arrayed relative to the fixed transition/acquisition fingers so that these beams 162 pass between specified fingers. In particular, the fixed fingers 190 extend at an angled and inter-meshing configuration and in an offset and alternately spaced fashion with the plurality of laterally spaced and arcuate supports 162 (i.e. elongated arcuate support bars). FIG. 2 provides a close-up view of the array of transition fingers 190, such as which can be associated with the descending outlet/return location of the “C” shaped elements. The known support beams 162 each include a flattened inner arcuate surface profile 174 for supporting the eggs E.

During the transition motion between ascending and descending direction of the individual “C” bars (at the top of the known station 101), egg rotating occurs.

Figures 3-7 depict an egg conveying station, for example to be integrated into an egg handling (e.g. egg tray packing) operation. The egg conveying station is not configured, or not specifically configured, for washing and drying eggs.

The present station comprises a carousel conveyor 1 which is adapted to support pluralities of eggs E during transport in successive ascending and descending fashion (i.e. in opposite vertical directions Y, Y’, see Figure 5) between an inlet location IL and at least one outlet location

OL1, OL2. The carousel conveyor 1 can be associated with a single outlet location, or with two (as shown) outlet locations OL1, OL2, or with more than two outlet location, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. A plurality of such outlet locations OL1, OL2 can be located at appropriate distances from each other (viewed along a conveying direction of the carousel conveyor), for example one above the other, for discharging eggs E towards e.g. one or more respective egg discharge conveyors 16, 17 and/or an egg receiving unit 18.

Preferably, the station is a vertical egg conveying station, comprising a vertically extending carousel conveyor 1. Alternatively (as 1s shown in Figure 8B), the station can have a horizontal orientation, including a substantially horizontally extending carousel conveyor 1°.

The carousel conveyor 1 is configured for rotating the eggs E during passage from the inlet location IL to the outlet location(s) OL1, OL2.

In particular, egg rotation occurs when the eggs E travers an upper section (i.e. an upper bend) U of the carousel conveyor 1.

As in Figures 1, 2, the carousel conveyor 1 preferably includes individual pluralities of laterally spaced apart elongated support beams 62, e.g. mounted to an array of spaced apart horizontal carrier elements/rods 61, configured for picking up eggs E at the inlet location IL and supporting the eggs E during transport to said outlet location OL1, OL2. The support beams 62 can define C-shaped, arcuate egg support sections. The configuration of the support beams 62 can be similar or correspond to supports 162 as shown in Figures 1, 2.

The support beams 62 can e.g. be connected to respective lateral beam supports (e.g. axes or rods) 61, that are driven around a respective endless loop. The carousel conveyor 1 preferably includes a drive (e.g. motor)

M, that can be coupled to the lateral beam supports 61 via a suitable transmission, including e.g. one or more endless belts or one or more endless chains 59, supported on respective carousel guides 58, and the like, for moving those lateral supports 61 and their respective egg support beams 62 along the carousel loop.

In particular, each lateral support 61 can carry an array of spaced apart elongated egg support beams 62. Longitudinal center lines of the egg support beams 62 generally extend along the endless conveying path, i.e. carousel loop, provided by the carousel conveyor 1. Also, the egg support beams 62 of each lateral array preferably extend in parallel with each other.

A lateral distance (spacing) between neighboring support beams 62 (of each beam support 61) can e.g. be in the range of about 1 — 5 cm (e.g. about 3 cm), and is in particular such that a pair of neighboring support beams 62 can pickup (and subsequently carry, guide) an egg E at the inlet location IL, and such that a longitudinal axis of the egg E extends substantially transversally with respect to the two support beams 62 (and in parallel with respect to the beams supports 61). In other words: a lateral distance (spacing) between each pair of neighboring egg support beams 62 (of each array of beams 62 of each beam support 61) and a length of those egg support beams 62 is preferably such that an egg can roll over those two beams, with the longitudinal axis of the egg E extending substantially transversally with respect to the two respective support beams 62 (and substantially in parallel with respect to the beams supports 61).

Opposite ends of the support beams 62 include inwardly turned (i.e. upstanding, protruding) abutment ends 80 which prevent the supported

E eggs from falling out during the rotational cycle of the eggs E as they are displaced around. In other words: the abutment ends 80 of the beams 62 are arranged for providing end stops of a rolling path for an egg E, the egg E supported rolling on a pair of neighboring support beams 62.

Also, the abutment ends 80 are configured for lifting the eggs E at the inlet location IL (at the upwards moving part of the carousel conveyor

1), and for supporting the eggs E at the downwards moving section of the carousel conveyor 1 until the eggs E are take over by discharge means DM1,

DM2 (see below) at a respective outlet location OL1, OL2.

In one embodiment, a single lateral support 161 can carry a single array of support beams 162 (as in Figures 1, 2). Alternatively, two subsequent lateral supports 61 can carry respective arrays of support beams sections 62a, 62b to form the respective array of support beams (see Figure 4). In the latter case, upper egg supporting surfaces (e.g. respective flattened inner arcuate surface profiles 174) of a pair of support beams sections 62a, 62b are aligned (to form a combined egg supporting surface), at least when they pass an upper section U of the path of the carousel conveyor, allowing a supported egg E to roll from the abutment end 80 of the upstream support beam section 62a to the abutment end 80 of the downstream support beam upstream section 62b (see below) during passage of the upper carousel passage U.

A length of each of the elongated support beams 62 (measured between respective abutment ends 82) is preferably such that an egg E can make a 360 degrees rolling movement on a pair of the support beams 62, or for example a rolling movement in the range of at least a half turn (180 degrees) and at most e.g. two turns (i.e. 720 degrees). For example, the length of a support beam 62 can be larger than 5 cm, for example a length in the range of about 5-20. It will be appreciated that in case egg support is provided by two aligned beams sections 62a, 62b, the combined length of these two beam sections 62a, 62b is to be taken into account as support beam length. Preferably, the support beams 62 each include a flattened inner arcuate surface profile for supporting the eggs E.

The carousel conveyor 1 is provided with egg receiving means 47 for receiving eggs E at said inlet location IL, and with egg discharge means

DM1, DM2 for discharging eggs E at each outlet location OL1, O12. As follows from Figures 3, 4, the egg receiving means 47 can e.g. include a ramp for delivering eggs E towards egg support beams 62 of the carousel conveyor 1. It is preferred that the egg receiving means 47 are configured for random distribution of the eggs E, viewed in a transversal direction with respect to a general egg transport direction (e.g. the general egg transport direction for example being a transport direction X of an upstream egg supply conveyor 14).

The discharge means are controllable egg discharge means DM1,

DM2 for selectively discharging eggs E at said one or more outlet locations

OL1, OL2 (and preferably at each of the outlet locations OL1, OL2). The egg discharge means DM1, DM2 are preferably configured and controllable to discharge the eggs E towards at least two different outlet paths, namely towards a discharge conveyor 16, 17 located next to the carousel conveyor 1 (e.g. located at a vertical level intersecting the downwards part of the carousel conveyor 1), or towards an egg receiving unit 18 located below the downwards part of the carousel conveyor 1 (see Figures 5, 8A, 8B), depending on the controlled state of the discharge means DM1, DM2. Each downstream discharge conveyor 16, 17 can include a respective egg receiving construction, for example an array/grid of parallel (stationary) spaced-apart egg supporting guides 16a, 17a (see Figure 3) for receiving the eggs E from the controllable discharge means DM1, DM2 and transferring those eggs E to a downstream system part. Such egg supporting guides 16a, 17a are preferably slightly tilted downwardly (see Figures 3, 6, 7), allowing gravity induced egg rolling over those guides 16a, 17a, away from the carousel conveyor 1. Alternatively (similar to the Figure 2 configuration), a downstream discharge conveyor 16 (e.g. including an accumulator conveyor, belt conveyor and/or endless roller conveyor), can be located next to or near the downstream section of the carousel conveyor 1 for directly receiving eggs

E from respective controllable Egg discharge means DM1, DM2(depending on the state thereof).

Figures 6, 7 depict discharge means DM1 that are associated with the first outlet location OL1 (i.e. the first outlet location OL1 is provided with respective first discharge means DM1). Similarly, the second outlet location OL2 is provided with respective second discharge means DM2. The discharge means DM2 associated with the second (downstream) outlet location OL2 can have the same configuration as the discharge means DM1 of the first outlet location OL1.

As is shown in more detail in Figures 6, 7, each of the discharge means DM1, DM2 (which can also be called a discharge structure or a discharge system) can include an array of discharge elements 90 (one element 90 being shown), e.g. an array of rods or pickup fingers, which elements 90 are individually movable into and out of an egg conveying path (in particular the downwards section thereof) defined by of the egg support beams 62. The discharge elements 90 of each array of such elements in particular extend at an (preferably angled and) inter-meshing configuration (similar to the inter-meshing configuration of the transition fingers 190 in

Figure 2) and in an offset and alternately spaced fashion with the plurality of laterally spaced support beams 62, in a respective first discharge position of those elements 90 (see Fig. 6). The discharge elements 90 of each array in particular can be individually moved out of said egg conveying path, toward a respective second discharge position of those elements 90 (see Fig. 7, showing one discharge element 90 of an array, being in its second position for allowing passage of an incoming egg).

It follows that it is preferred that each of the discharge means

DM41, DM2 preferably includes an array of independently controllable (spaced-apart) discharge elements 90, at a respective outlet location OL1,

OL2, for locally controlling egg discharge/movement. It will be appreciated that the system can include a control unit C (schematically shown in Fig. 5), e.g. a computer, processor, or the-like. The control unit C can e.g. be configured for controlling operation of each of the discharge means DM1,

DM2, and e.g. for controlling other components such as a drive M of the carousel conveyor (for example to set a conveyor speed). As will be explained below, the control unit C can form part of an egg inspection system (e.g. being communicatively connected with an egg sensor device S for processing detection results thereof).

Particular, first discharge means DM1 associated with the first outlet location OL1 include a first array (i.e. a plurality) of discharge elements 90 (inter-meshing with the incoming spaced support beams 62 during operation), wherein a position of each of these discharge elements 90 is individually controllable by the control unit C (i.e. independently of the other discharge elements 90 of the same array of discharge elements 90). In the same way, second discharge means DM2 associated with the second outlet location OL2 include a second array (i.e. a plurality) of discharge elements 90 (inter-meshing with the incoming spaced support beams 62 during operation), wherein a position of each of these discharge elements 90 1s individually controllable by the control unit C.

Movement of each of the discharge elements 90 of each array of the discharge means DM 1, DM2 (from their first position to their second position, and vice-versa) can be achieved in various ways, for example by respective actuators 91, servo’s, solenoid actuators, spring-means, gravity, and/or the like. For example, each discharge element 90 can be individually/independently translatable between the two positions, or pivotal (as in the present example), or movable in a different manner, as will be clear to the skilled person.

In the non-limiting embodiment, a discharge element 90 of a respective discharge structure DM1, DM2 can be pivotal about a respective axis 90a, between its first -egg take over- position (Fig. 6) and second -egg pass by- position (Fig. 7). A spring device, e.g. an integrated leaf spring 90b (partly shown in Figure 6) can be available, spring biasing the discharge element 90 towards its second position. Alternatively or additionally, the discharge element 90 can be configured (e.g. weight balanced) to move from its first position to its second position by gravity.

Each discharge element 90 of a respective discharge structure

DM1, DM2 can be associated with at least one actuator 91, 92 for controlling/setting the position thereof. As an example, each discharge element can be associated with an individual first actuator 91 (for example a linear solenoid actuator) that is configured for engaging the discharge element 90, and holding (locking) the element 90 in its first position when the actuator is in a respective first actuator state (shown in Figure 6). The actuator 91 releases the discharge element 90 when the actuator 91 isin a respective second actuator state (shown in Figure 7), so that the spring device 90b (and/or gravity) can urge the discharge element 90 to its second position. A respective change of the state of the actuator 91 is indicated by an arrow q in Figure 6.

Movement of each discharge element 90 of a respective discharge structure DM1, DM2 from its second (release) position back to its first (egg pickup) position can also be achieved in various ways. For example, a return device 92 can be provided, configured to automatically engage the discharge element 90 when that element is in its second position, and to move the discharge element 90 back to its first position (to be automatically engaged by the first actuator 91, in particular against spring force of the (optional) spring device 90b (and/or against gravity).

The return device 92 can e.g. be a continuously moving return device 92, the movement preferably being synchronized with a carousel speed of the carousel conveyor 1 (see below). Movement of the return device 92 is indicated by arrow r in Figures 6, 7. For example, the return device 92 can include one or more radially extending blades 92a mounted onto a rotating shaft 92b (the shaft extending in parallel with the support elements 61 of the carousel conveyor 1), each of the blades 92a being configured for cooperating with (i.e. contacting) a discharge element 90 when the element is in its second position, and for subsequently pushing the discharge element 90 back to the first actuator 91 (to be automatically engaged/locked by the first actuator 91) during respective return device movement/rotation.

It will be clear that the return device can also be configured differently. A single return device 92 can e.g. be associated with an array of discharge elements 90 concerning the same (single) respective outlet location OL1, OL2, for engaging each of those elements 90 when they are in their second position, providing an efficient configuration. Alternatively, each discharge element 90 can be associated with a single return device.

Instead of aforementioned first actuator 91 and return actuator 92, a motor, servo or actuator can e.g. be directly connected to an axis of discharge element 90 (or e.g. indirectly via a suitable transmissions) for swiveling that element 90 between its two positions, as will be clear to the skilled person.

Control of each of the one or more discharge element actuators 91 and return device(s), 92 can be achieved e.g. by an afore-mentioned control unit C, and is preferably synchronized with carousel conveyor movement (e.g. with a respective drive M), in particular such any movement of the discharge element 90 (of a respective discharge structure DM1, DM2) between its first and second position occurs when no egg E is present in the movement path of that element 90. During operation, the carousel conveyor 1 may be operating at a constant carousel rotating speed, but that is not required. For example, the carousel can be temporarily slowed down from a set initial carousel speed (e.g. by the control unit C) during a repositioning of a said discharge element 90.

The carousel conveyor 1 is provided with or associated with at least one egg inspection system C, S for inspecting the eggs E and for controlling operation of the controllable discharge means DM1, DM2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the egg inspection system C,

Sis configured for imaging passing eggs E, during transport from the inlet

IL to the one or more outlet locations OL1, OL2. For example, the inspection system can include at least one optical sensor S, e.g. a camera, for imaging the eggs E. Optionally, the egg inspection system includes at least one egg illuminator F for illuminating the eggs using a suitable illumination beams

IB (e.g. infrared light) towards the eggs to be imaged, wherein the optical sensor S can be configured for imaging eggs at a wavelength of the emitted illumination beam IB.

In the example, the at least one optical sensor S is located above the upper bend of the carousel conveyor. The same holds for the optional illuminator F (which can be a separate unit, or can be integrated with the sensor S). In particular, the optical sensor S is arranged such that a respective field of view (shown schematically with a triangle in Fig. 5) encompasses the upper section of the carousel conveyor 1. Thus, it is preferred that the optical sensor S can image a rolling movement of an egg

E, passing the upper section of the carousel conveyor 1, during an entire rolling path of the egg E from a said upstream abutment ends 80 over a pair of support beams 62 to a downstream abutment end 80. It is then preferred that the optical sensor S images the egg E during several egg positions along the respective transition between the two abutment ends 80, i.e. from several egg sides, and preferably such that an entire outer surface of each passing egg E 1s imaged.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor S can be located upstream of the carousel apparatus 1, for imaging the eggs before or during entry into the carousel apparatus 1.

The egg inspection system C, S is preferably configured to detect at least one characteristic of each individual egg E (e.g. an egg dimension and/or an egg quality characteristic). Also, the egg inspection system C, S is configured to control the discharge means DM1, DM2 (i.e. each of the respective discharge elements 90 of each array of such elements) to discharge the eggs in specific discharge directions (i.e. at a desired outlet position OL1, OL2) depending on a respective (egg dimension and/or egg quality) detection result concerning the eggs.

Further, the egg inspection system C, S is preferably configured to detect at least one lateral position of each individual egg E with respect to the carousel conveyor 1, in particular for determining on which support beams 62 of a support beam array the egg E is being supported (i.e. which vertical path is followed by the egg E on a downwards part of the carousel conveyor 1, viewed laterally).

Also, the egg inspection system C, S is configured to control the discharge means DM1, DM2 (i.e. each of the respective discharge elements 90) to discharge the eggs E in specific discharge directions (i.e. at a desired outlet position OL1, OL2) depending on a respective detection result concerning the eggs E. In particular, the egg inspection system C, S can be configured to specifically control the position of each individual discharge element 90 that is in a detected (downwards) path of the egg E, based on a determined lateral position of the egg E on the carousel conveyor 1, in order to set a discharge direction of that egg E at a respective outlet location OL1,

OL2.

For example, based on an egg position detection result concerning an egg E, the egg inspection system C, S can be configured to control the position of the individual discharge element 90 that will be received between the two support beams 62 supporting that egg E should that element 90 be in its first position, for selectively discharging the egg E at the respective outlet location OL1, OL2 (concerning that individual discharge element 90).

The control unit C can be configured for processing respective sensor results, received from the optical sensor S, to determine an egg characteristic of each imaged egg E, and preferably also for determining a said lateral egg position on the carousel conveyor 1.

For example, the control unit C can include an image processer (known per se), configured to detect egg shell faults, such as cracks and/or leaks. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit C can be configured to measure or estimate at least one dimension (e.g. diameter or volume) of an egg E, based on images provided by the sensor S. The control unit C can e.g. include an image processor based on machine learning, for example a trained neural network or the like, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Further, the control unit C can be configured to associate certain sensor detection results (images) with certain positions of the discharge elements 90 of each of the discharge means DM1, DM2. In particular, the control unit C can e.g. determine that an egg E having a first characteristic (e.g. no shell cracks and having a dimension in a first range of dimensions) is to be discharged by the first discharge means DM1 via the first outlet position OL1, in which case the control unit C sets the respective discharge element(s) of the first discharge means DM1 at the first outlet location OL1 (in particular the discharge element 90 that is in the path of the egg E) in a respective first position/state (see Fig. 6) when that egg E reaches that location OL1, so that the egg E is discharged towards the respective second egg conveyor 16.

Similarly, the control unit C can e.g. determine that an egg E having a second characteristic (e.g. having no shell cracks an having a dimension in a second range of dimensions that differs from said first range of dimensions) is to be discharged via the second outlet position OL2, in which case the control unit C sets the respective discharge element(s) of the first discharge means DM1 at the first outlet location OL1 (Gn particular the discharge element 90 that is in the path of the egg E) in a respective second position/state (see Fig. 7) so that the egg E can pass to the second at the first outlet location OL1. Also, in that case, the respective discharge element 90 of the second discharge means DM2 at the (downstream) second outlet location OL2 (in the path of the egg E) can be set to its first position when that egg E reaches that outlet location OL2 so that the egg E 1s discharged towards a respective second discharge conveyor 17.

Similarly, the control unit C can e.g. determine that an egg E has a third characteristic (e.g. the egg E does have shell cracks and/or a leak), in which case the control unit C sets the respective discharge element of the discharge means DM1, DM2 (i.e. all the discharge elements 90 that are in the path of the egg E) at the first outlet location OL1 and second outlet location OL2 in respective second positions (see Fig. 7) so that the egg (E) can pass both outlet locations OL1, OL2 (without being transferred to a respective discharge conveyor 16, 17) and is delivered or dropped from the carousel to a lower egg receiving unit 18.

It will be clear that many variations are feasible concerning the type of egg characteristic(s) that is/are detected and processed by the inspection means C, S, and a resulting control of an egg discharge path/direction concerning each egg E based on one or more detected characteristics.

As follows from the above, the egg conveying (or transferring) station 1 can be part of an egg processing system, having e.g at least the first egg conveyor 14, and at least one downstream second egg conveyor 16, 17, the first conveyor 14 preferably being configured such that supplied eggs E can be distributed randomly viewed in a lateral conveyor direction, and each second conveyor 16, 17 (each second conveyor for example including one or more of an accumulator conveyor, belt conveyor and/or roller conveyor).

Also, it follows that the egg conveying station 1 is preferably arranged downstream of the first conveyor 14 for receiving eggs E there- from, wherein each second conveyor 16, 17 is located downstream of the egg conveying station (in particular along a downwards trajectory of the carousel conveyor 1) for receiving an egg E therefrom at a respective outlet location OL1, OL2, when respective discharge means DM1, DM2 of the station 1 are in a first discharge state for discharging the egg in a first direction, away from the carousel conveyor 1 (i.e. separating the egg E from the carousel conveyor 1, transferring the egg E towards the respective second conveyor 16, 17). Passing eggs E from an upstream first outlet location OL1 to a subsequent (downstream) second outlet location OL2 can be achieved when respective discharge means DM1, associated with the first outlet location OL1, are in a second discharge state for discharging the egg in a second (downwards) direction.

Preferably, the system includes an egg receiving unit 18 for receiving eggs E from the carousel conveyor 1 that have passed each outlet location OL1, OL2 (and respective second conveyor 16, 17) without having been transferred to any second conveyor 16, 17. In particular, these eggs E can be dropped from a lower section of the carousel conveyor 1, towards/into the egg receiving unit 18.

Use of the egg conveying station can include, for each egg E: -providing the egg E at the inlet location IL of the carousel conveyor 1; transferring the egg to at least one of the outlet locations OL1, O12 by the carousel conveyor 1; -inspecting the egg, by the egg inspection system C, S; -controlling the egg discharge means DM1, DM2 based on an inspection result of the egg inspection system C, S for selecting an egg discharge direction of the egg at a respective outlet location OL1, O12; and -discharging the egg E by the discharge means DM1, DM2 in the selected discharge direction (as is described above).

It is preferred that the method includes detecting the lateral position of each egg E with respect to the carousel conveyor 1, and using a detected lateral egg position to control the discharge means DM1, DM2 for selectively discharging the egg at a said outlet location OL1, OL2. As follows from the above, this can include controlling the position of the individual discharge element 90 (associated with the respective outlet location OL1,

OL2) that is in a detected (downwards) path of the egg E, and setting the position of that discharge element 90 to its first position for removing the egg E from the carousel conveyor 1 (towards a respective discharge conveyor 16, 17), or setting the position of that element 90 to its second position allowing downwards passage of the egg E (on respective supports 62 of the carousel conveyor 1).

In particular, in the present example, the carousel conveyor 1 provides a first outlet location OL1 and the downstream, second outlet location OL2 (each of the outlet locations OL1, OL2 being associated with respective discharge means DM1, DM2 and discharge conveyors 16, 17). In that case the method preferably includes: - controlling the egg discharge means DM1 that are associated with the first outlet location OL1 based on an inspection result of the egg inspection system C, S for selecting an egg discharge direction of the egg E at the first outlet location OL1; and -discharging the egg E by the discharge means DM1, associated with the first outlet location OL1, in the selected discharge direction at the first outlet location OL].

In case the egg E 1s discharged at the first outlet location OL1 in the first direction, it can be received by the first discharge conveyor 16 for further transport.

On the other hand, in case the egg E is discharged at the first outlet location OL1 in a second direction (i.e. downwards), towards the downstream second outlet location OL2, the method further includes: controlling the egg discharge means DM2 that are associated with the second outlet location OL2 based on an inspection result of the egg inspection system C, S for selecting an egg discharge direction of the egg E at the second outlet location OL1; and

-discharging the egg E by the discharge means DM), associated with the second outlet location OL2, in the selected discharge direction at the second outlet location OL2.

In case the egg E 1s discharged at the second outlet location OL2 in arespective first direction, it can be received by the second discharge conveyor 17 for further transport.

On the other hand, in case the egg E 1s discharged at the second outlet location OL2 in a respective second direction (i.e. downwards), it can be transferred further downwardly by the carousel conveyor 1, in this example to be released c.q. dropped towards the egg receiving unit 18. It will be appreciated case further outlet locations and respective discharge means can available between the second outlet location OL2 and the egg receiving unit 18, for discharging eggs E from the carousel conveyor towards further discharge conveyors (not shown); in that case, the above steps can be carried out in similar fashion for selectively discharging the egg (i.e. in a first direction towards a respective discharge conveyor, or downwardly) at those further outlet locations.

It is preferred that each egg E is rotated, by the carousel conveyor 1, during inspection by the egg inspection system C, S. The rotation preferably includes rotation over at least 180 degrees and more preferably at least 360 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the egg E. In this way, a substantial section of the outer surface of the egg E (and preferably the entire surface) can be inspected. Use of the system can including the above-described rolling movement of the egg E, from a upstream egg position on a pair of support beams 62 of the carousel conveyor 1 to a downstream egg position on the pair of support beams 62 of the carousel conveyor 1. During the rolling of the egg E, the egg inspection system of the present example images the egg E, and preferably processes the images for detecting at least one egg characteristic. It follows that, due to the rolling movement of the egg E on the carousel conveyor 1, the egg E will temporarily have a higher transport speed (along a transport direction of the carousel conveyor 1) than a transport speed of the carousel conveyor 1.

The carousel conveyor 1 preferably functions as an egg elevator, and can provide distance between the eggs, which makes it possible to separate eggs on different levels on a relatively small footprint. Besides, the present carousel conveyor 1 preferably achieved said eggs rolling movements, which creates possibilities to automatically inspect preferably all sides of each of the egg E. Besides, a large number (e.g. more than two) outlet locations with respective discharge conveyors can be provided (in particular along a downwards trajectory of the carousel conveyor 1), combined with respective controlled discharge means DM1, DM2, for removing eggs at respective levels.

The sensor S (and optional illuminator F) can e.g. make use of light having a wavelength in the range of about 700-800 nm (e.g. about 730 nm), near-infrared light, and/or visible light or-the like. Besides, an optional illuminator F can be located above an egg transport path and/or at a different location, e.g. below that path or at the same level as that path. For example, infrared light can be used to detect or estimate egg shell strength (e.g. to detect weak shells), as will be clear to the skilled person.

Advantages of the present system and method are mentioned above. In addition, various aspects of the invention provide improved cleanability of the system, and a resulting improved hygiene, due to a relatively open structure of the station 1. In particular, as follows from the above, the station preferably includes spaced-apart arrays of carousel support beams 62 and respective spaced apart discharge means (at each outlet locationOL1, OL2), in particular arrays of spaced-apart, individually controllable discharge elements 90. It is preferred that the arrangement of each array of discharge elements 90 is such that these elements 90 do not mechanically touch passing support beams 62 of the carousel conveyor during operation. For example, a minimum distance between each controllable discharge element 90 and passing carousel support beams 62 can be at least 1 mm. It follows that a lateral width of each controllable discharge element 90 is preferably (significantly) smaller than a lateral distance between opposite sides of a pair of nearest carousel support beams 62 of an array of such support beams 62.

Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim.

Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

For example, the term “substantially horizontal” should be construed broadly, since a substantially horizontal direction can be a directly that is entirely horizontal or a direction that includes a small angle with a horizontal surface (e.g. an angle of about 30 degrees). The same holds for a substantially horizontal surface (which may be a slightly inclined surface).

For example, as is shown in Figure 8B, the carousel conveyor 1’ can have a substantially horizontal orientation. Alternatively, carousel conveyor can have a slanted orientation.

Moreover, as is shown in Figure 8B, a plurality of sensors S’ can be arranged along a conveying path of the carousel conveyor 1°, for inspecting/detecting conveyed eggs.

Further, in this application, egg processing is in particular carried out on unfertilized eggs. In other words, the eggs E are dead (non-living) eggs, they do not contain any embryo. It will be appreciated that the invention can also be applied on different types of eggs, e.g. living eggs, embryo containing eggs or the-like.

Claims

Conclusions

1. An egg transport station, for example for integration into an egg handling operation, said station comprising: a carousel conveyor (1) arranged to support a plurality of eggs (E) during transport in successive upward and downward manner between an entry location (IL) and at least one exit location (OL1, OL2), the carousel conveyor being provided with egg receiving means (47) for receiving eggs at said entry location, and with egg delivery means (DM1, DM2) for delivery of eggs (E) at said at least one exit location (OL1, OL2); characterised in that the delivery means (DM1, DM2) are controllable egg delivery means (DM1, DM2) for selectively delivering eggs (E) at said at least one exit location (OL1, OL2); wherein the carousel conveyor (1) is provided with or associated with at least one egg inspection system (C, S) for inspecting the eggs (E) and for controlling operation of the controllable delivery means (DM1, DM2).

2. The egg transport station according to claim 1, wherein the station is a vertical egg transport station (1) comprising a vertically extending carousel conveyor.

3. The egg transport station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carousel conveyor (1) is configured to rotate the eggs (E) during passage from the entrance location (IL) to the at least one exit location (OL1, OL2).

The egg transport station of any preceding claim, wherein the carousel conveyor (1) comprises individual plurality of laterally spaced support beams configured to receive eggs (E) at the entrance location (IL) and to support the eggs (E) during transport to the at least one exit location (OL1, OL2), the delivery means (DM1, DM2) comprising delivery elements (90) movable into and out of an egg transport path defined by the support beams, the delivery elements (90) extending in particular in an interleaved configuration and in an offset and alternately spaced manner with the plurality of laterally spaced support beams at a respective first delivery position of said elements (90), the delivery elements (90) extending in particular away from said egg transport path at a respective second delivery position of said elements (90).

5. The egg transport station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the egg inspection system (C, S) is designed to image passing eggs (E) during transport from the entrance (IL) to the at least one exit position (OL1, OL2), and preferably comprises at least one camera and more particularly at least one illuminator.

6. The egg transport station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the egg inspection system (C, S) is configured to detect at least one characteristic of each individual egg (E), in particular an egg size and/or an egg quality characteristic, the egg inspection system (C, S) being configured to control the discharge means (DM1, DM2) to discharge the egg in a specific discharge direction depending on a respective detection result.

7. The egg transport station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the egg inspection system (C, S) is configured to detect at least a lateral position of each individual egg (E) relative to the carousel conveyor (1), the egg inspection system (C,

S) is configured to control operation of the controllable delivery means (DM1, DM2) based on detected lateral egg positions.

An egg transport system comprising a first egg conveyor (14) and at least one second egg conveyor (16, 17), an egg transport station (1) according to any preceding claim being disposed downstream of the first egg conveyor (14) to receive eggs (E) therefrom, each second conveyor (16, 17) being disposed downstream of the egg transport station (1) to receive an egg (E) therefrom, at a respective exit location (OL1, OL2), when respective delivery means (DM1, DM2) of the station are in a first delivery position to deliver the egg in a first direction.

9. An egg transport system according to claim 8, comprising an egg receiving unit (18) for receiving eggs (E) from the carousel conveyor which have passed each exit location (OL1, OL2) and respective second conveyor (16, 17) without being transferred to a second conveyor (16, 17) by the delivery means (DM1, DM2).

10. A method for transporting eggs using the egg transport station according to any preceding claim, comprising for each egg (E): - providing the egg (E) at the entrance location of the carousel conveyor (1); - transferring the egg to the at least one exit location (OL1, OL2) by the carousel conveyor (1); - inspecting the egg by the egg inspection system (C, S); - controlling the egg discharge means (DM1, DM2) based on an inspection result of the egg inspection system (C, S) to select an egg discharge direction of the egg (E) at the at least one exit location (DM1, DM2); and

-delivery of the egg (E) by the delivery means (DM1, DM2) in the selected delivery direction.

A method according to claim 10, comprising rotating the egg (E) by the carousel conveyor (1), during inspection by the electronic inspection system (C, S), the rotation preferably comprising rotation through at least 180 degrees and preferably at least 360 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the egg (E).

The method of claim 11, comprising a rolling movement of the egg (E) from an upstream egg position about a pair of support beams (62) of the carousel conveyor (1) to a downstream position about the pair of support beams (62) of the carousel conveyor (1).

13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the egg inspection system (C, S) images the egg (E), and preferably processes the images to detect at least one oak mark.

A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the carousel conveyor (1) provides at least a first exit location (OL1) and at least one, downstream, second exit location (OL2), each of the exit locations (OL1, OL2) being associated with respective delivery means (DM1, DM2), the method comprising: - providing the egg (E) at the entrance location of the carousel conveyor (1); - transferring the egg (E) to the first exit location (OL1) by the carousel conveyor (1); - inspecting the egg (E), by the egg inspection system (C, S); - controlling the egg delivery means (DM1) associated with the first exit location (OL1) based on an inspection result of the egg inspection system (C, S) to select an egg delivery direction of the egg (E) at the first exit location (OL1); and

-delivering the egg (E) through the delivery means (DM1) associated with the first delivery location (OL1) in the selected delivery direction at the first exit location (OL1); the method further comprising, in the case where the egg (E) is delivered from the first delivery location (OL1) to the downstream second delivery location (OL2): controlling the egg delivery means (DM2) associated with the second exit location (OL2) based on an inspection result of the egg inspection system (C, S) to select an egg delivery direction of the egg (E) at the second exit location (OL1); and delivering the egg (E) through the delivery means (DM2) associated with the second delivery location (OL2) in the selected delivery direction at the second exit location (OL2).

15. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, comprising: detecting a lateral position of each egg relative to the carousel conveyor, and using a detected lateral egg position to control the delivery means (DM1, DM2) to selectively deliver the egg at a said exit location (OL1, OL2).