Packaging device for round articles such as eggs

Abstract

A packaging device () for packaging substantially round articles into a dimpled package () having an array of pockets to receive the round articles. The packaging device comprising a supply conveyor () for the articles and a package conveyor () located below the supply conveyor for conveying the packages. A filling buffer () is located between the supply conveyor and the package conveyor having multiple sub-buffers (). The device furthermore comprises a collector () for receiving articles from the buffer, and a setter () wherein, in use, the setter reciprocates between an upper position to a lower position, wherein in the upper position the articles can be received from the collector and in the lower position the articles can be discharged into the pockets of the package. The collector comprises a plurality of collector rows, wherein the collector is configured and arranged to move each one of the plurality of collector rows back and forth underneath the filling buffer to a position under any one of the sub-buffers for receiving articles from the lowest row thereof, and to move back and forth with filled pockets to a position above the setter to discharge the articles into the setter.