Apparatus for breaking eggs and method for cleaning

Abstract

An apparatus and method for breaking eggs and separating egg liquids thus obtained. A first supply unit supplies a plurality of first rows of eggs to a second unit having a first endless conveyor and a plurality of corresponding second rows of egg breaker units. Eggs are transferred one by one from the first conveyor to a second conveyor which has a plurality of corresponding third rows of egg liquid containing cups with a part underneath the first conveyor for liquids transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A row of egg part receptacles are under the cups for collecting liquids. A cleaning section for the cups has a liquid washing head to clean and wash the cups and receptacles with a substantially downward cleaning flow. A liquid receiver gutter between the rows of receptacles and the second conveyor moves between a first position to clean at least the cups wherein the receiving gutter protects the flow of receptacles from leaking cleaning liquid during breaking and separating, and a second position for cleaning at least the cups and at least one of the receptacles wherein the receiver gutter protects the remaining receptacles from leaking and cleaning liquid during breaking and separating.