DE202018003099U1 - Transfer machine for laying eggs on the floor of a poultry house in hatcheries where they were hatched - Google Patents

Abstract

Transfer machine (1) for placing eggs (23) in hatcheries (2) in which they have been hatched, in a poultry house on its floor, this folding machine (1) comprising:
a frame (4) movable by the poultry house;
a support mechanism (7) mounted on the frame (4) and configured to support at least one of said brooder chests (2) with hatched eggs (23); and
a transfer mechanism (14) mounted on the frame (4) and comprising a series of egg receiving members (19) each configured to receive one of the incubated eggs (23), the transfer mechanism (14) being configured to to raise the incubated eggs (23) from the mentioned brood trays (2) and to lay the incubated eggs (23) on the mentioned soil,
characterized in that
the transfer mechanism (14) is mounted upwardly and downwardly movably on the rack (4) between an upper end position and a lower end position according to a preset path, and that the carrying mechanism (7) reciprocates on the rack (4) between an outer end position in which the carrying mechanism (7) is located outside the path of the folding mechanism (14), and an inner end position in which the carrying mechanism (7) is located within the path of the folding mechanism (14), the folding machine (1 ) further comprises:
a first actuator (20) configured to move the transfer mechanism (14) up and down;
a second actuator (9) configured to move the support mechanism (7) back and forth;
- A third actuator (25) configured to operate the Eiaufnahmeorgane (19); and
a control mechanism configured to perform the following steps:
a) controlling said second actuator (9) for moving the support mechanism (7) from its outer end position to its inner end position;
b) controlling said first actuator (20) to move said transfer mechanism (14) down to said hatched eggs (23) located in said brooder chests (2) on said support mechanism (7);
c) controlling said third actuator (25) to receive the hatched eggs (23) with the egg receiving members (19);
d) controlling said second actuator (9) to move the support mechanism (7) from its inner end position to its outer end position;
e) controlling said first actuator (20) to move down, toward the ground, moving the transfer mechanism (14) along the path;
f) controlling said third actuator (25) to release the hatched eggs (23) from the egg picking members (19) to lay them on the ground; and
g) controlling said first actuator (20) for moving the transfer mechanism (14) up to its upper end position.

Description

The present invention relates to a transfer machine for laying eggs on the floor of a poultry house in hatcheries in which they were hatched. The hatched eggs in the breeding hurdles are first brought to the poultry house. The hatched eggs are then transferred from the breeding hordes to the floor of the stable. The chicks then hatch in the poultry house, which promotes animal health. The chicks do not have to be transported anymore and they have food and water at their disposal right away.

In practice, the problem arose that the hatched eggs do not hatch at the same time. For example, there are chicken eggs that hatch after only 19 days, while some hatch eggs only after 21 days. If you hatch the eggs in a hatchery and bring the day-old chicks into the poultry house, this means that a number of the chicks have no food or water for 2 to 3 days. Moreover, during the transportation of the chicks and their preparation, the chicks are also very close to each other. All this not only has adverse effects on animal health, but also on the growth and development of chicks and their susceptibility to disease.

To avoid this, new systems have been developed in which hatched eggs, which have been hatched for 18 days in particular, are taken to the poultry house where eggs can hatch. In the so-called X-Treck system, the incubated eggs with the breeding hordes in which they are located are placed on a transport system suspended in the poultry house. The temperature of the eggs in the hatcheries can be controlled by pulling the transport system in the barn to a height where it is warmer or lowered to a level where it is cooler. Especially against the hatching of the eggs increases their temperature, since the activity of the chick in the egg increases. The transport system is then located at a low height above the floor of the barn so that the chicks can jump from the transport system to the floor of the poultry house.

In the so-called Patio system, there are several transport systems for the breeding hordes one above the other with each one a conveyor belt with litter on it, whereupon the chicks can grow to the ripe old age. The ventilation of the different levels is done by a horizontal airflow, as in NL 1012453 described. The advantage of this patio system is that less livestock space is required, but of course the system is even more expensive than the X-Treck system.

EP 2 873 319 refers to the X-trek system, where the brood trays with the eggs hatched therein are placed on an elevator system in the fattening poultry house. According to this patent application, the elevator system is necessary in order to be able to control the temperature of the eggs, since the hatching rate is lower for eggs placed on the floor of the fattening poultry house.

In view of the costs, the complexity of the maintenance and the extra work for cleaning the system, these known systems are used only to a limited extent in practice. As the day-old chicks hatch in the breeding hutch and then stay in it for a while, the breeding hordes are polluted by the dung of the newly hatched chicks. Thus, there is a real risk of contamination of the breeding hordes with pathogens, especially with harmful bacteria such as salmonella. Due to the risk of infection, and also the price of both systems, the poultry farmers are not inclined to install such a system in their stables. Moreover, the brooding hurdles are not easy to clean due to the complex shape of the brood trays with large open sections necessary to control the temperature of the eggs during hatching. The hatcheries in particular have many corners and edges, of which infections or manure, which may be contaminated, for example, with Salmonella, is not easy to remove. Another disadvantage of hatching of the chicks in the hatcheries themselves is that the large open sections present a problem for animal health. In fact, the newly hatched chicks may injure themselves at the many corners and edges present in the hatcheries to hold the eggs while the construction must remain open to allow for the required airflow. The chicks can thereby even be trapped in the breeding hordes.

In EP 1 414 291 Another system is described for hatching eggs in the stable. As shown schematically in this patent, the hatched eggs are not allowed to hatch in the hatchery, but the incubated eggs are placed on a sheet of paper on a layer of litter. Water and food for the newly hatched chicks are also provided on this sheet of paper. To keep the temperature of the eggs under control, the eggs are placed in a closed trolley or a hood is placed over the eggs when placed on the floor of the poultry house itself.

Although in EP 1 414 291 the possibility of laying the eggs on a lump of paper on the layer of litter, this has never been done in practice, especially in the System still in the X-trek system. In fact, a few thousand or even tens of thousands, for example 40,000, of hatched eggs must be brought into a poultry house in an efficient way, so that little time is required to bring the eggs to bed. Considering the cost of manual labor, when laying the eggs loose in the barn, one would have to go quickly to work, which is not only very stressful, partly because of the high temperature prevailing in the poultry house, but also a high risk of damage to the eggs Will result. In fact, as the eggs hatch, the shell of the eggs becomes much more fragile, requiring careful treatment of the eggs, in particular to prevent the formation of hairline cracks in the eggshell. In the case of hairline cracks, the chicks in the eggs dry out faster, making them weaker and more susceptible to infection. As a result, fewer eggs will hatch, generally nearly 15% less if the eggs have hairline cracks, and more antibiotic treatments will be needed to combat bacterial infections. Such antibiotic treatments have come under heavy pressure in recent years and must therefore be avoided as far as possible.

In order to avoid transmission of contamination through the breeding hordes, in WO 2016/053088 suggested moving the hatched eggs from the hatcheries into a cardboard holder before transporting the eggs to the poultry house. The transport of hatched eggs from the brood farm in the fattening poultry house thus takes place in these carton holders. In practice, this system is used under the name One2Born. The carton holders consist of egg cartons with extra holes to ventilate the eggs and to control their temperature. The holders stand on cardboard feet so that the eggs are not directly on the floor of the house.

Although the carton holders are biodegradable, they cause additional waste in the barn, which must be disposed of. Another disadvantage of the carton holders is that they are delivered flat and that a considerable amount of manual labor is required to set up the holders. Not only the purchase of cardboard boxes, but also their installation brings with it additional costs. In the hatchery itself, the eggs must also be implemented in the carton holder. From practice it is known that such a conversion step causes an additional loss of on average 0.5% when the eggs must be placed in the appropriate cavities in the egg cartons. The eggs will not always be laid completely correctly in these cavities, whereby they will have contact with the walls of the cavities as they are placed in these cavities. Due to the fragility of the egg shells, this will cause a considerable amount of hairline cracks in the egg shells.

In BE 1023719 a transfer machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is described, which solves the problems of the systems described hereinabove. In particular, the folding machine comprises a frame that can be moved through the poultry house; a support mechanism mounted on the frame and configured to carry at least one of said hatched eggs with hatched eggs; and a transfer mechanism mounted on the rack and comprising a series of egg receiving members each configured to receive one of the incubated eggs, the transfer mechanism for lifting the incubated eggs from said brooding chests and laying the eggs on the said tray hatched eggs is configured on the mentioned soil.

By using such a transfer machine, it is possible to lay a large number of eggs incubated, for example, thousands to tens of thousands of eggs per hour, directly from their breeding stock in an insulating layer of litter in the barn. In addition, the breeding hordes can not be polluted by the manure produced by the day old chicks. Since the barn is disinfected in practice before each new load chicks and provided with a new layer of litter, there is also no risk that the breeding hordes are contaminated. Moreover, physical contact between the hatcheries and the materials in the barn can also be easily avoided. Also a disinfection of the breeding hordes is also very easy, since the breeding hordes themselves are not polluted.

Further, in BE 1023719 described that, contrary to what is in EP 2 873 319 it is stated that the hatching rate of the eggs in the stable is not lower than the hatching rate of the same eggs in the hatchery when the hatched eggs are placed on the floor of the stable.

The transfer machine in BE 1023719 is equipped with a conveyor belt on which the breeding hurdles are placed, and with a pivoting robot arm with thereon a number of egg receiving organs, in particular a series of suction cups. The robotic arm is configured to lower the egg picking organs to close to the incubator on the conveyor, after which the egg picking organs can pick up the eggs. The robot arm then picks up the eggs and swings them over the layer of litter, after which the robotic arm lowers the eggs close to the layer of litter. Then the egg-taking organs are switched off and the eggs get onto the layer of litter in the barn.

A disadvantage of the known machine is that the movement of the robot arm, in particular the pivoting movement of the robot arm, must have a relatively high speed in order to have a sufficient capacity, that is to be able to place enough eggs per hour into the stable. However, such a relatively high speed involves a high risk of damaging the eggs. Namely, as described hereinabove, the shell of the eggs becomes much more fragile for hatching the eggs, whereby the eggs must be handled with care, particularly to prevent the formation of hair cracks in the eggshell. In addition, the risk of damage during the pivoting movement of the robot arm is all the higher, because the eggs are hanging on the suction cups at this time and therefore can collide with each other. All this ensures that, in the known transfer machine, the maximum capacity is limited by the maximum safe speed of the pivoting movement of the robot arm.

In addition, due to the length of the robot arm during the pivoting of the robot arm, a rocking movement of the machine can occur. Such a rocking movement of the machine is detrimental to the eggs, as these may possibly be damaged. This effect is stronger the higher the weight of the distal part of the robot arm, and it is reinforced when the machine is equipped with wheels with pneumatic tires.

Another disadvantage of the known machine is that the robot arm has to cope with a relatively large force, in particular a torque, since the brooder horsts are, at least temporarily, alongside the robot arm. Thus, the robotic arm must be sufficiently stable to carry the weight of the filled brooder haulers, taking into account the leverage effect of the distance between the brooder hulls and the support point of the robotic arm. Such a robot arm increases both the weight of the robot arm, so the machine, as well as the price for the production of the machine.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved folding machine for laying eggs hatched in hatcheries on the ground in a poultry house, wherein the maximum capacity is increased without increasing the risk of additional failure.

For this purpose, the folding machine according to the invention is characterized in that the folding mechanism is mounted upwardly and downwardly movably on the frame between an upper end position and a lower end position according to a preset path and that the carrying mechanism reciprocates on the frame between an outer End position, in which the support mechanism is located outside the path of the transfer mechanism, and an inner end position in which the support mechanism is located within the path of the transfer mechanism is mounted, wherein the transfer machine further comprises: a first actuator configured to move up and down the transfer mechanism; a second actuator configured to reciprocate the support mechanism; a third actuator configured to operate the egg picking organs; and a control mechanism configured to perform the steps of: a) controlling said second actuator to move the support mechanism from its outer end position to its inner end position; b) controlling said first actuator to move the transfer mechanism downwardly to the incubated eggs located in said brood trays on the carrying mechanism; c) controlling said third actuator for picking up the hatched eggs with the egg picking organs; d) controlling said second actuator to move the support mechanism from its inner end position to its outer end position; e) controlling said first actuator to move down, toward the ground, moving the transfer mechanism along the path; f) controlling said third actuator to release the hatched eggs from the egg receiving means to lay them on the ground; and g) controlling said first actuator to move the transfer mechanism up to its upper end position.

By bringing the carrying mechanism inside and outside the path of the folding mechanism, a folding mechanism can be provided in which the eggs only have to be subjected to upward and downward movement when picked up by the egg picking up organs. Such vertical movements have a lower risk of damage to the eggs, both because a vertical movement is less harmful compared to a horizontal movement, and especially because there is no risk that the eggs may come into contact with each other in a lateral direction. Moreover, the eggs are still in the breeding horde during the reciprocation of the carrying mechanism. Due to the additional protection offered by the hatchery, this back and forth movement can thus be faster than the pivoting movement in the already known Umlegemaschine. Therefore, the combined movement of the reciprocation of the support mechanism and the up and down movement of the transfer mechanism is faster than the movement of the known robotic arm, whereby a higher maximum capacity is achieved without increasing the risk of additional failure.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transfer mechanism comprises at least two reciprocable support members and a fourth actuator configured to reciprocate said at least two support members, each of the support members having a number of the row of take-up members attached thereto, and the control mechanism further configured: for controlling, after step d) and before step f), said fourth actuator to move away from each other said support elements; and for controlling, after step f), said fourth actuator for moving said support members toward each other.

In this embodiment, it is possible to vary the distance between the eggs. This is beneficial because it has been found that the distance between the eggs has a significant effect on their temperature. The outer row of eggs of a strip of eggs, for example, has a lower temperature than the eggs that are in the middle of the strip. By laying the eggs at a slightly greater distance from each other, it can be prevented that the temperature of the eggs after hatching would be too high.

Preferably, the mentioned fourth actuator comprises a pneumatic piston-sucker mechanism, wherein at least one adjustable limiter is provided between said support members for regulating and limiting a maximum mutual distance of said support members from each other. The adjustable limiter makes it possible to adjust the distance between the eggs, which also allows the size of the eggs to be taken into account. Thus, for example, a larger distance between the eggs can be provided for larger eggs.

In one embodiment of the invention, the preset path of the transfer mechanism determines a preset path of each of the egg receiving members of the series of egg picking members, the carrying mechanism comprising positioning means configured for positioning the hatch, such that each of the hatched eggs lies on the preset path of one of the egg picking members wherein the support mechanism comprises a fifth actuator configured to drive the positioning means, and wherein the control mechanism is further configured to control, prior to step b), said fifth actuator to position the broodhorse within the path of the support mechanism so that each of the incubated eggs is on the preset path of one of the egg recording devices.

In this embodiment, the breeding hurdles are automatically positioned correctly by the positioning means so that each of the paths of the egg picking organs crosses with the location of an egg. This automation adds extra time while laying eggs.

Preferably, the positioning means comprises a transport mechanism configured to move the hatraing in a substantially horizontal direction.

Preferably, the support mechanism is mounted reciprocally in a substantially horizontal direction on the frame.

The horizontal directions limit the travel path, and thus the travel time, of both the transport mechanism and the carrying mechanism.

Moreover, it is particularly advantageous that the direction of movement of the positioning means is substantially perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the support mechanism. Thus, namely, the support mechanism can be placed in front of or behind the transfer mechanism, the support mechanism can be loaded laterally.

In one embodiment of the invention, the said brooding trays have a substantially rectangular shape, the carrying mechanism being provided for supporting at least two brooder trays, which are substantially juxtaposed with their short sides.

In the known transfer machine, as described in BE 1023719 , the breeding hordes are juxtaposed with each other to avoid the larger forces, especially torques, associated with the breeding hordes being positioned on the short sides together. However, it is preferable to put the breeding hordes with their short sides together, because this limits the entire itinerary of the folding machine.

In one embodiment of the invention, each egg picking organ includes a suction cup configured to make contact with one of the incubated eggs during step b), wherein said third actuator, preferably a vacuum pump, is configured to aspirate the air from the suction cups to pick up the hatched eggs by hard-eyed.

Suction cups are preferable to mechanical grippers because they carry the least risk of damaging the eggs.

Preferably, the mentioned suction cups are resilient, preferably bellows-shaped, so that, during step f), by a force generated by the resilient suction cups, each of the incubated eggs has a certain depth in a layer of covering material, preferably insulating covering material, which more preferably comprises litter , penetrates the floor of the poultry house.

Preferably, said third actuator is further configured to pump air into each suction cup during step f) such that each of the incubated eggs has a certain depth in a layer of covering material, preferably insulating covering material, which more preferably comprises litter, on the bottom of the Poultry house invades.

By the resilient action and / or by the pumping of air, the eggs are pressed a certain depth into the layer of covering material. This allows the isolation of the eggs to be controlled. The deeper the eggs are placed in the covering material, the more they will be isolated from the ambient air.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more, preferably each, of the actuators are pneumatically driven. This avoids the use of a hydraulic fluid that could contaminate the stall in the event of leaks.

In one embodiment of the invention, the number of egg picking organs from the said row coincides with the number of eggs in one or more of the breeding hordes, in particular in one or two of the breeding horsts, the folding mechanism being configured to simultaneously remove each of the hatched eggs To raise breeding hurdles.

The simultaneous raising of the eggs adds an extra time during the laying of the eggs.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mentioned series of egg receiving organs comprises at least 30, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 100 and in particular 300 egg receiving organs.

By providing a larger number of egg receiving organs on the transfer machine, their capacity can be increased so that the necessary number of eggs can be brought in a short time in a poultry house.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transfer machine is equipped with a motor configured to drive the rack through the poultry house. As a result, the function of the transfer machine can be further automated, for example, by allowing them to drive automatically, which brings an additional time while depositing the eggs and at the same time makes it unnecessary for a person to drive the folding machine.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism is further configured to control, after step c) and before step d), the said first actuator to move the transfer mechanism upwardly to lift the hatched eggs received by the egg picking organs from the said brood trays.

In this embodiment, the eggs are also picked up after being picked up. There is thus no single risk that the empty hatch hunts on the carrying mechanism, while the carrying mechanism is sliding away under the transfer mechanism, may touch the picked eggs, possibly damaging them.

Further advantages and special features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the transfer machine according to the invention. However, this description is given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

• 1 schematisch eine perspektivische Sicht auf eine Umlegemaschine nach der Erfindung zum Umlegen von angebrüteten Eiern von den Bruthorden auf einen angebrachten Streifen Streu in einem Geflügelstall darstellt;
• 2a und 2b eine Draufsicht des Gehäuses des Umlegemechanismus der Umlegemaschine aus 1 darstellen;
• Fig. 3a bis einschließlich 3d eine perspektivische Sicht des Aufnehmens eines Eis und des Positionierens dieses Eis auf der Streu durch ein Eiaufnahmeorgan des Umlegemechanismus der Umlegemaschine aus 1 darstellen; und
• 4 schematisch eine perspektivische Sicht eines Teils der Schicht Streu mit darauf Eiern darstellt, die mit der Umlegemaschine aus 1 abgelegt wurden.

The reference numbers given in the description refer to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

• 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a transfer machine according to the invention for transferring hatched eggs from the hatcheries to an attached strip of litter in a poultry house;
• 2a and 2 B a plan view of the housing of the transfer mechanism of the transfer machine 1 group;
• 3a through 3d illustrate a perspective view of picking up an ice and positioning this ice on the litter through an egg picking up organ of the folding mechanism of the folding machine 1 group; and
• 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the layer of litter with eggs on it, with the folding machine off 1 were filed.

In general, the invention relates to a transfer machine 1 for laying eggs on a floor of a poultry house, with the eggs in hatcheries 2 were hatched. For chicken eggs, this happens after the eggs are hatched for about 18 days. Because the first eggs only after There is no risk of the eggs hatching during transport or during the transfer. The transfer machine 1 according to the invention can also be used for other eggs, such as eggs of turkeys, pheasants and the like.

In practice, there are different breeding hurdles 2 for brooding chicken eggs. An example of this is the standard hatchery "Tray B00568" from Petersime. This breeding horde is intended for 10 rows of 15 eggs, for a total of 150 eggs.

For the transport of the eggs into the poultry house, the breeding hordes 2 placed in movable cars, which are then transported by truck. The advantage of transporting the eggs using the hatcheries 2 is that no repatriation step is necessary, which always causes a certain damage to the eggs.

In the poultry house, a layer of insulating covering material is preferred 3 (shown in 3C . 3D and 4 ) provided on which the hatched eggs from the breeding hordes 2 through the transfer machine 1 be placed. The insulating covering material 3 is in particular applied in one or more strips on the floor of the poultry house. The insulating covering material 3 can be formed by a mat, for example a mat made of plastic foam, but it is preferably used for litter, such as flax shives, sawdust, wood chips and the like.

If the eggs are laid in one or more strips on top of the covering material, it is preferable to extra insulate the eggs along the sides of these strips by providing an increase in covering material along the sides. In the case of litter, this can be swept along the sides to increase it. This may be done after the eggs have been transferred so that the litter can be swept up to the outermost row of eggs.

The litter that is placed under the eggs may or may not be the same as the litter that covers the rest of the floor of the house. Preferably, first the entire floor of the house is covered with a thin layer of litter, after which an extra layer of litter (the same or different) or covering material is applied thereto at the places where the eggs are to be deposited.

To keep the eggs warm enough, has the layer of covering material 3 which is placed under the eggs on the floor of the house, preferably has an average thickness of at least 2 cm, more preferably at least 3 cm, and most preferably at least 4 cm. After laying the eggs over this covering material 3 Additional insulation may be provided, for example by covering the eggs with a sheet such as a sheet of paper or plastic wrap. It is also possible, for example, to sprinkle extra litter on the eggs. However, the use of a leaf has the advantage that it can be removed again when the eggs hatch, so as to avoid that the temperature of the eggs would rise too much to hatch.

For the control of the temperature of the eggs, this is preferably monitored for a number of eggs. The temperature in the barn can be adjusted to the temperature of the eggs. The egg shell temperature can be measured manually by means of, for example, an infrared thermometer, but there are also automatic systems for monitoring the temperature of the egg shell, such as the OvoScan ™ system. This is currently used for the monitoring and control of the temperature in incubators in a hatchery and would therefore only have to be adapted to the climate control of the poultry house.

1 schematically shows an embodiment of the folding machine 1 which is used to transfer the eggs. This transfer machine 1 is a self-propelled machine provided with a frame 4 on the wheels 5 are attached. The transfer machine 1 is designed to continue while the eggs are being moved in the poultry house. The transfer machine 1 is equipped with a motor (not shown), preferably an electric motor to drive at least one of the axles. The transfer machine 1 is also with a steering device 6 equipped, which allows to adjust the direction of travel.

In one embodiment, not shown, the transfer machine 1 also used to strip the strip or the covering material 3 on which the eggs are to be laid, to be mounted in the stable. This ensures that the stall does not precede with the covering 3 must be provided. This is to the transfer machine 1 a device (not shown) for attaching the cover material 3 coupled. If the covering material 3 a roll of foam, this can simply be a holder that rolls this roll to the floor of the barn. If the covering material 3 Litter includes, then the device is a spreader with which the litter is scattered in the desired thickness on the floor of the barn. This is done for example by means of a rotor which is driven by the wheels of the spreader. Preferably, the spreader includes a controller that controls the amount of litter that is scattered on the floor of the house. This regulation includes, for example, a controllable Coupling between the wheels of the spreader and the rotor, whereby the ratio between the number of revolutions of the wheels and the number of revolutions of the rotor can be adjusted.

At the top of the transfer machine 1 is a carrying mechanism 7 provided by means of a number of wheels 8th that in a rail 23 drive, sliding on the frame 4 is attached. So can the whole carrying mechanism 7 on the rack 4 be moved back and forth. On the transfer machine 1 is also an actuator 9 for the carrying mechanism 7 provided so that the entire support mechanism 7 can be moved. Preferably, a sensor (not shown) is provided around the edge of the support mechanism 7 to determine. This sensor information is then used to control the actuator 9 to steer yourself up the edge of the carrying mechanism 7 is in a preset position, the position being determined as described below based on the position of the egg picking members.

The carrying mechanism 7 is equipped with a transport mechanism to which the operator of the machine 1 the one or more breeding hordes 2 must make. The transport mechanism is controlled by an actuator 11 driven, preferably an electric motor. With this transport mechanism, the breeding hordes 2 in the right position on the machine 1 posed. In particular, a sensor (not shown) is provided which determines the position of the brim hull edge 2 detected. This sensor information is then used to control the actuator 11 to steer yourself up the edge of the breeding horde 2 is in a preset position, the position being determined as described below based on the position of the egg picking members.

As shown in 1 , the transport mechanism is through two opposing belts 12 Shaped on opposite sides of the breeding hordes 2 rest. The belts 12 turn around a wheel axle 13 , which is driven by the actuator 11. Preferably, the actuator 11 work in two different directions, eliminating the empty brood trays 2 back to the machine operator 1 be pushed.

It is clear that the two opposing belts 12 can also be replaced by other transport mechanisms, such as a conveyor belt or a roller system.

On the rack 4 is also a transfer mechanism 14 provided, moving up and down on the rack 4 is mounted. Specifically, as shown in 1 , is an upright wall 15 with two rails on it 16 provided, wherein in each case a support member is slidably mounted. Close to the ends of the support elements 17 is a housing 18 fastened, in particular via a crossbeam 21 on which egg recording organs 19 are located. On the wall 15 is also an actuator 20 for moving the housing up and down 18 with it the egg recording organs 19 provided. With these egg recording organs 19 the eggs are out of the breeding hordes 1 lifted and then on the covering material 3 placed by the entire housing 18 is moved up and down.

To pick up the eggs is as below with reference to the 3a to 3d more specifically, an actuator in the form of a vacuum pump 25 provided to the air from the EIufnahmeorganen 19 suck off when they are attached to the eggs. When the egg recording organs 19 are provided to receive the eggs by mechanical means, the vacuum pump 25 be replaced by another type of actuator, such as an electric motor, for driving the mechanical means.

In an alternative embodiment, the support mechanism 7 laterally next to the transfer mechanism 14 be positioned. However, it is preferable to the carrying mechanism 7 in the direction of travel behind the transfer mechanism 14 to position as shown in 1 , This forms a more stable design compared to a laterally mounted support mechanism 7 , It is also possible the carrying mechanism 7 in the direction of travel before the transfer mechanism 14 to position.

2a and 2 B show details of the case 18 on which the egg receptacles 19 are provided. Specifically, the housing consists 18 from five separate boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e , with each other with two coupling rods 31 and a dome piece 32 per coupling rod 31 per box 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e are connected. At each of these boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e are as shown in 1 , two rows of egg recording organs 19 appropriate. box 18c is fixed to the support elements 17 in the rails 16 attached to the upright wall 15. Through the coupling rods 31 and the dome pieces 32 are the boxes 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e the same vertical movement as box 18c subjected.

It is clear that a different number of coupling rods 31 , for example, only one, can be used to the boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e to couple together.

The vacuum pump 25 is via a main hose to the chest 18d connected and from the box 18d lead two distribution hoses 29 to every other box 18a, 18b, 18c, 18e. In other words, every box 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e serves as a vacuum reservoir, with the vacuum pump only on one of the boxes 18a , 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e acts directly. On request, it is also possible, only a distribution hose 29 to every box 18a . 18b . 18c . 18e However, this reduces the speed with which the eggs pass through the egg receiving organs 19 can be included. Likewise, more than two distribution hoses 29 to each box 18a, 18b, 18c, 18e, so that the necessary vacuum for picking up the eggs is reached more quickly.

As shown in the figures 2a and 2 B , have the boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e two mutually different positions. In 2a are the boxes 18a . 18b , 18c, 18d, 18e in their closed position, with the spacing of the boxes 18a , 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e to each other is chosen so that the distance between the Eiaufnahmorganen 19 to each other with the distance between the eggs to each other in the breeding hordes 2 the format of the breeding hordes 2 determines the positioning of the egg recording organs 19 and the boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d , 18e.

In 2 B are the boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e pushed apart, causing each pair rows of egg receiving organs 19 are a certain distance apart. In other words, if the eggs through the egg receptors 19 it is possible to move them a few rows apart. In this way it is particularly possible, the eggs at a greater distance from each other on the covering material 3 so that the temperature rise of the eggs for hatching can be better controlled.

For pushing apart the boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e is a piston-clean mechanism 30 provided by an actuator 26 it is powered by the upright wall 15 is attached as shown in 1 , This piston-sucker mechanism 30 is both on box 18a and attached to box 18e and pushes them away from each other or towards each other. At the end of the coupling rod 31 There is then a stop that determines the maximum distance between boxes 18a . 18e certainly. Preferably, this stop is adjustable, which is easily feasible by the stopper is designed as a pin in several holes in the coupling rod 31 can be plugged. Between two adjacent boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e is a chain 33 provided. These chains 33 make sure the boxes 18b . 18c . 18d with a mutual movement of the boxes 18a . 18e be pushed apart. Moreover, these chains determine 33 with the maximum extended position of the housing 18 , In other words, by replacing these chains 33 Longer or shorter chains can be the maximum distance between the boxes 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e also be adjusted to each other.

It is clear that the case 18 must not consist of different, with respect to each other moving parts, but that an integral housing 18 can be used to lay the eggs in the stall, taking the integral housing 18 then a single vacuum reservoir for Eiaufnahmorgane 19 shaped.

As shown in 1 is the transfer machine 1 with a portable power generator 27 equipped on the rack 4 is mounted and provided to power to the various actuators 9 . 10 . 11 . 20 . 25 . 26 to deliver. Such a power generator 27 Eliminates the disadvantages associated with a battery power supply, which of course is finite. Nor is it necessary to provide a connection to an external power grid where cables would have to be provided by the stall.

In an advantageous embodiment, the power generator 27 from the frame 4 removable. So can the power generator 27 be cleaned separately, whereby the maintenance is easy and also reduces the risk of contamination.

Furthermore, the transfer machine 1 Also equipped with a control mechanism (not shown) to the function of the various components, such as the actuators 9 . 11 . 20 . 25 . 26 , to control. It is clear that one or more of the actuators 9 . 11 . 20 . 25 . 26 can also be combined in one or more common actuators.

In the embodiment shown, an operator of the transfer machine starts 1 with it, a breeding horde 2 filled with eggs on the carrying mechanism 7 to deliver. The transport mechanism, ie the belts 12 with the actuator 11 , move the parked breeding horde 2 so that the operator has a second breeding horde 2 next to the already parked breeding hutch 2 on the transport mechanism 7 can make. Once both breeding hurdles 2 are turned off, the transport mechanism is the breeding hordes 2 to move to a preset lateral position, with the eggs and egg receiving organs 19 to each other on the same lateral line. After that, the entire support mechanism slides 7 forward to under the transfer mechanism 14 in particular up to a pre-set, forward position in which the eggs and egg receiving organs 19 with each other on the same forward line. The housing 18 with the egg recording organs 19 is then lowered until the egg receiving organs 19 the eggs in the breeding hordes 2 touch, after which the eggs are picked up as shown below with figures 3a up to and including 3d described in more detail. The housing 18 with the egg recording organs 19 is then moved up, so the eggs from the breeding hurdles 2 are lifted, but preferably this lifting of the eggs is done by picking them up, thereby housing 18 does not have to be moved up as a whole. The entire support mechanism 7 can now be pushed back, making the way is free, so that the housing 18 with the egg recording organs 19 and the eggs can be pushed down until the eggs are close to the ground, especially close to the cover 3 on the floor of the stable. Then the eggs are released, as shown below with figures 3a up to and including 3d described in more detail. While the eggs are on the covering material 3 will be laid, the transfer machine 1 Preferably, stop the eggs as carefully as possible on the covering material 3 to be able to lay. After that, the case becomes 18 moved up again. Preferably, at the same time, the empty breeding hordes 2 also from the carrying mechanism 7 removed, this can be done manually or by the transport system. In this whole process, the breeding hordes come 2 that is, not in contact with the barn or the litter attached to it, so that there is no risk of contamination of the breeding hordes.

characters 3a up to and including 3d show details of egg receiving organs 19 and their function, ie the picking up of the eggs from the breeding stock 2 and positioning the eggs in the covering 3 , Specifically, these are as suction cups 22 executed, in which fits the top of an ice, as shown in 3a , In practice, such EIufnahmeorgane 19 already used in the stationary transfer machines, with those in hatchery the hatched eggs from the breeding hordes 2 be put down in hatching hurdles. An example of this is the Petersime Transferring Machine, which is equipped with 150 suction cups, so that the 150 eggs from a breeding horde can suddenly be put into a hatching hutch.

When the suckers 22 their respective egg 23 touch, the vacuum pump 25 activates the air from the room in the suction cups 22 sucks. This will suck the eggs, as shown with the black arrow in 3b , On this figure can also be seen that the suction cups 22 , by sucking the eggs, are squeezed together, which ensures that the eggs are partially out of the breeding hurdles 2 be lifted. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the eggs, in an embodiment not shown, even completely from their breeding horde by the sucking action of the suction cups 2 can be lifted, which saves time.

By lowering the entire housing 18 As described above, the eggs are grown just above the cover 3 moved, as shown in Figure 3c, wherein the lowering was marked with the black arrow. By switching off the vacuum pump 23 air enters the suction cup again 22 , whereby the suction cup expands again and assumes its original shape. This will partially cover the egg in the cover 3 pressed as shown in 3d , This is beneficial for isolating the eggs. Likewise, this is achieved automatically, without it being necessary to pre-attach such wells.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is also possible for the vacuum pump 23 to supply air to the housing 18 and with it to the suction cups 22 can blow. In other words, the vacuum pump is reversible and can both blow air and extract air. It is thus possible, during the positioning of the eggs in the cover 3, to let the vacuum pump blow air. For now, this will ensure that the suction cups 22 letting go of the eggs faster, reducing the overall function of the transfer machine 1 is accelerated. In addition, the air flow also contributes to the coverage 3 Pressing the eggs. If desired, only the air flow can be used to push the eggs into the cover 3 be used.

Alternatively, it is possible to cover the eggs only on the cover 3 to lay without pressing into it. This may be particularly advantageous if the covering material 3 a roll of foam, which is rolled on the floor of the barn, which are provided in advance troughs for the eggs. This way, the eggs are sufficiently isolated and do not need to be covered 3 be pressed.

It is clear that the suckers 22 also by mechanical grippers, as described in EP 3 044 097 , can be replaced. In this case, the mechanical gripper the eggs, if desired, even in the cover 3 Position the eggs in the cover while they are still in place 3 Press and then release. Suction cups, however, are preferable to mechanical grippers because they entail the least risk of damage to the eggs.

4 shows the end result of flipping the eggs 23 from the breeding hurdles 2 on the covering 3 on the floor of the stable. As you can see, the eggs are 23 positioned in pairs of rows with slightly more space between the pairs of rows, this is due to the moving away from each other of the different parts of the housing 18 as described above. In this way it is possible in particular, the eggs at a greater distance from each other on the covering material 3 so that the temperature rise of the eggs for hatching can be better controlled.

The transfer machine described above 1 offers the opportunity to lay the eggs anywhere in the barn. To limit heating costs, it is preferable to measure in advance where in the barn it is warmest. This can depend on the heating system but also on the wind direction. Based on the measured temperatures, it can then be determined where the eggs are to be deposited, at the point where the temperature is as optimal as possible for the eggs to slip. Usually this will be at the warmest place in the barn unless refrigeration is required in the barn, which is a major exception.

Although aspects of the present invention are described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these aspects may be practiced in other forms.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• NL 1012453 [0004]
• EP 2873319 [0005, 0013]
• EP 1414291 [0007, 0008]
• WO 2016/053088 [0009]
• BE 1023719 [0011, 0013, 0014, 0031]
• EP 3044097 [0080]

Claims (18)

Transfer machine (1) for placing eggs (23) in hatcheries (2) in which they have been hatched, in a poultry house on the ground thereof, said folding machine (1) comprising: - a frame moved by the poultry house ( 4); a support mechanism (7) mounted on the frame (4) and configured to support at least one of said brooder chests (2) with hatched eggs (23); and a transfer mechanism (14) mounted on the chassis (4) and comprising a series of egg receiving members (19) each configured to receive one of the incubated eggs (23), the transfer mechanism (14) being configured to in order to lift the hatched eggs (23) from the said brood trays (2) and to place the hatched eggs (23) on said soil, characterized in that the folding mechanism (14) is movable up and down according to a pre - set path Frame (4) is mounted between an upper end position and a lower end position and that the support mechanism (7) reciprocates on the frame (4) between an outer end position in which the support mechanism (7) outside the path of the transfer mechanism ( 14), and an inner end position in which the support mechanism (7) is located within the path of the transfer mechanism (14), the transfer machine (1) being further followed end comprises: a first actuator (20) configured to move the transfer mechanism (14) up and down; a second actuator (9) configured to move the support mechanism (7) back and forth; - A third actuator (25) configured to operate the Eiaufnahmeorgane (19); and a control mechanism configured to perform the steps of: a) controlling said second actuator (9) to move the support mechanism (7) from its outer end position to its inner end position; b) controlling said first actuator (20) to move said transfer mechanism (14) down to said hatched eggs (23) located in said brooder chests (2) on said support mechanism (7); c) controlling said third actuator (25) to receive the hatched eggs (23) with the egg receiving members (19); d) controlling said second actuator (9) to move the support mechanism (7) from its inner end position to its outer end position; e) controlling said first actuator (20) to move down, toward the ground, moving the transfer mechanism (14) along the path; f) controlling said third actuator (25) to release the hatched eggs (23) from the egg picking members (19) to lay them on the ground; and g) controlling said first actuator (20) to move said transfer mechanism (14) up to its upper end position. Transfer machine (1) to Claim 1 characterized in that the transfer mechanism (14) comprises at least two support members (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) reciprocable from each other, and a fourth actuator (26) configured to reciprocally move said at least two support members (16). 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e), wherein on each of the support elements (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) a number of the series of egg receiving members (19) are mounted and wherein the control mechanism is further configured: - to control, after step d) and before step f), said fourth actuator (26) for moving away from each other said support elements (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e); and - for controlling, after step f), said fourth actuator (26) for moving said support members (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) towards each other. Transfer machine (1) to Claim 2 characterized in that said fourth actuator (26) comprises a pneumatic piston-sucker mechanism (30), at least one adjustable limiter (33) being provided between said support members (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e), in order to regulate and limit a maximum distance between the mentioned support elements (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e). The folding machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preset path of the transfer mechanism (14) determines a preset path of each of the egg receiving members (19) of the series of egg receiving members (19), the carrying mechanism (7) comprising positioning means comprising are configured for positioning the brooder hanger (2) such that each of the hatched eggs (23) is located on the preset path of one of the egg picking members (19), the carrying mechanism (7) comprising a fifth actuator (11) configured to drive the Positioning means, and wherein the control mechanism is further configured to control, prior to step b), said fifth actuator (11) for positioning the broodrail (2) within the path of the support mechanism (7) such that each of the incubated eggs (23) rises the preset path of one of the egg receiving organs (19) is located. Transfer machine (1) to Claim 4 characterized in that the positioning means comprise a transport mechanism (12) configured to move the brooder hanger (2) in a substantially horizontal direction. Transfer machine (1) to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that a direction of movement of the positioning means is substantially perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the support mechanism (7). Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support mechanism (7) is mounted in a substantially horizontal direction reciprocally movable on the frame (4). Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said brooding trays (2) have a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the carrying mechanism (7) is provided for carrying at least two brood trays (2) with their short sides are essentially placed together. The folding machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each egg picking member (19) comprises a suction cup (22) configured to make contact with one of the hatched eggs (23) during step b) mentioned third actuator (25), preferably a vacuum pump, is configured to suck the air from the suction cups (22) to receive the hatched eggs (23) by firmly sucking. Transfer machine (1) to Claim 9 at least depending on Claim 2 characterized in that each of said support members (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) is equipped with a vacuum reservoir to which the egg receiving members (19) of said support member (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e) are connected, wherein said third actuator (25) is configured to exhaust the air from the vacuum reservoirs. Transfer machine (1) to Claim 9 or 10 characterized in that said suction cups (22) are resilient, preferably bellows-shaped, so that, during step f), by a force generated by the resilient suction cups (22), each of the incubated eggs (23) has a certain depth in a layer of covering material (3), preferably insulating covering material (3) which even better comprises litter, penetrates the floor of the poultry house. Transfer machine (1) according to one of Claims 9 to 11 characterized in that said third actuator (25) is further configured to pump air into each suction cup (22) during step f) so that each of the incubated eggs (23) has a given depth in a layer of covering material (3). , Preferably insulating covering material (3), which even better litter, penetrates the floor of the poultry house. Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more, preferably each, the actuators (9, 11, 20, 25, 26) is pneumatically driven. Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of egg receiving organs (19) from the said row coincides with the number of eggs (23) in one or more of the brood trays (2), in particular in one or two the incubator (2), wherein the transfer mechanism (14) is configured to simultaneously lift each of the incubated eggs (23) from each of the incubators (2). Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said series of egg receiving members (19) at least 30, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 100 and in particular 300 Eiaufnahmeorgane (19). Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (4) is equipped with first guide means (16) and the transfer mechanism (14) with second guide means (17), wherein the first and the second guide means (16, 17) determine the path of the transfer mechanism (14). Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer machine (1) is equipped with a motor, configured to drive the frame (4) through the poultry house. Transfer machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control mechanism is further configured to control, after step c) and before step d), said first actuator (20) for moving the transfer mechanism (14) upwards to raise the hatched eggs (23) picked up by the egg picking organs (19) from the mentioned brood trays (2).

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