NL1015186C2 - Device and method for distributing poultry over collection trays. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Device and method for distributing poultry over collection trays.

The invention relates to a device for catching and placing poultry in receptacles.

With such a device, poultry can be collected from a first place of residence, in particular a stable, and be distributed over collection boxes with which the birds can be transported to a new place of residence.

It is known to use a device for this purpose, which comprises a mobile conveyor belt, which is provided with catching means at an end in the direction of transport. With these catching means 10 the poultry is taken off the floor and placed on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is pivotable in the horizontal plane and adjustable in length, so that the catching means can hereby be moved along the floor of the stable for catching the birds. The conveyor belt then transports the birds 15 supplied by the catching means to collecting baskets which are arranged near an end of the conveyor belt lying behind in the transporting direction.

The commonly used receptacles are formed by two containers arranged side by side, each comprising a series of drawers placed one above the other. The containers are interconnected by a center post which provides the assembly with the necessary rigidity. For a good connection to the drawers of the containers, an outflow belt is provided at the rear end of the conveyor belt, seen in transport direction. The outflow belt can be swiveled in the horizontal and vertical plane and is also adjustable in length. As a result, the outflow belt, in particular an end of it facing the containers, can be positioned in front of any drawer of the containers. When a drawer is full, the outflow belt is pivoted to the next empty drawer.

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This known device is supplied, for example, by the company Jydsk Transport Teknik APS (JTT) in Denmark. The device can humanely transfer a large number of birds from a stable floor to collection boxes in a relatively short period of time.

However, the known device has a number of drawbacks. For example, repositioning the outflow belt from a full to an empty drawer is time consuming. The outflow belt must be stopped or at least slowed down during slewing. This braking, as well as the start-up after a standstill, cannot take place abruptly, as this can unbalance the poultry, and thus lead to undesirable injuries. Braking and start-up must therefore take place gradually.

In addition, the braking and stopping of the belt offers the birds the opportunity to gather in groups, which makes the counting and dosing of the birds in the collecting baskets considerably more difficult when the belt has come back into operation. During standstill of the conveyor belt, the birds can also walk back towards the catching means.

Furthermore, the outflow belt is hindered in its turn by the center post between the two collection containers. Removal of this center post does not offer a solution for this, since this would undermine the rigidity of the containers. This rigidity is necessary to be able to bear the burden of the poultry. The outflow belt must therefore be maneuvered around the center post during pivoting. This is done by shortening the tape or by retracting the device in its entirety. Both options are time consuming.

The outflow belt has the further drawback that the two-way pivoting of the belt and the adjustable belt length require a complicated construction. This will make the tire expensive and prone to breakdowns.

The invention contemplates a device of the known type, wherein the drawbacks of the known device are avoided, while retaining the advantages thereof. To this end, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

By using distributing means, the outflow part does not have to be slowed down, stopped or accelerated. This saves 5 time. In addition, the birds do not get a chance to group or go back to the beginning of the band. Furthermore, injuries are prevented by the birds falling over during braking and restarting the conveyor belt. This allows birds to be brought into the collection boxes faster and more gradually, with less chance of stress. In addition, the chance of malfunctions is considerably reduced.

In an advantageous embodiment, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 2.

Thanks to the distribution device, the outflow belt does not have to be pivoted in the horizontal plane, which results in a simpler outflow belt. Moreover, with such a distribution device, the center post between the containers is not hindered, since the distribution device, in particular the exits thereof, can be constructed around the center post.

The distribution device is furthermore structurally simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture and little susceptible to failure.

The distribution valve can be easily operated by one person or by a drive means. Switching between a full container and an adjacent empty container can be done quickly and without great effort.

In further elaboration, a device according to the invention is characterized by the measures of claim 4.

By using detection means, in particular counting means, it is possible to keep track of how many birds are brought into the containers. When the desired number of birds, at least a preselected weight, has been reached in a container, a signal can pass through the detection means

Tro 15 18 6 4 are issued on the basis of which the distribution valve is converted. The valve can be operated manually, but is preferably carried out with the aid of drive means, controlled by the signal delivered by the detection means.

The signal output by the detection means can also be used to control other drive means within the device, for instance for adjusting the speed of the conveyor belt or the vertical position of the outflow belt.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a device 10 according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 6.

By arranging the distribution device slidably on the outflow belt, the length of this belt can be adjusted relatively easily with the distribution device. As a result, the correct length can be set in each vertical position of the outflow belt, thereby obtaining a good connection to the drawers.

Sliding the distribution device relative to the outflow belt can be done manually, but preferably takes place by means of a mechanical coupling. Driving means can also be provided which are controlled on the basis of a vertical position of the outflow belt measured with detection means.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 8.

By providing each of the outlets of the manifold with a conveyor belt, a better flow of the poultry towards the containers is achieved. The exits can also have a slightly sloping direction towards the containers. This will allow the birds to slide down even better into the containers.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for collecting poultry in receptacles, characterized by the measures according to claim 11.

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With such a method, large numbers of poultry can be quickly moved from a stable floor to collecting troughs without damaging the birds.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of an apparatus and method according to the invention are described.

To clarify the invention, an apparatus and method according to the present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows a device according to the present invention in top view; fig. 2 shows the device of fig. 1 in side view; and Fig. 3 shows a part of the device in top view, provided with a distribution device according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show respectively a top and side view of a device for collecting and collecting poultry. To this end, the device is provided with catching means 2, collecting bins 4 and transport means 6, with which the birds 3 collected with the catching means 2 are guided to the collecting bins 4.

The term catch means 2 in this context is understood to mean all means with which poultry 3 can be picked up, for example from a stable floor, from a cage or from another accommodation and can subsequently be placed on the transport means 6. This can be done manually or mechanically. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the catching means 2 are formed by a catching head 5, which comprises three brushes 8 which rotate against each other about vertically arranged axes. These brushes 8 are provided along their circumference with flexible flaps 9, with which the birds 3 are guided inwards, at least between two rotating brushes 8, after which the birds 3 are transported to the transport means 6 by the rotary movement of the brushes 8 1015 18 6 6 led. Such a collecting head 5 is known from EP 0 563 353.

In the embodiment shown, the collection trays 4 are formed by per se known containers 22, provided with a series of drawers 23 placed one above the other. The containers 22 are attached in pairs, by means of a steel central post, which gives rigidity to the assembly of the containers. The containers 22 are arranged on a trailer 24 and can be brought to different positions on the trailer 24 with a moving mechanism, for instance a carousel, for supply, loading and discharge work.

Transport means 6 extend between the collecting means 2 and the collecting bins 4. These transport means 6 comprise a conveyor belt 10 and an outflow belt 25, both of the type of conveyor belt or roller conveyor, for example. The belts 10, 25 are provided on both sides 15 with upright walls 12, which in use prevent poultry from falling off the belt 10, 25.

Conveyor belt 10 borders with a first end 14 on the catch means 2 and with a second end 15 on the outflow belt 25. The belt 10 is adjustable in length, as indicated by arrow K and also, together with catch head 5, pivotable in the horizontal plane in directions L and R as indicated in figure 1. Due to said freedom of movement, the catching head 5 can cover a large surface during the collection of the birds 3.

Outflow belt 25 forms a transition between the pivotable conveyor belt 10 and the stationary containers 22. The outflow belt 25 is pivotable in the vertical plane in the direction indicated in figure 2. As a result, the height of the end 26 can be adjusted to the varying height of the drawers to be filled 23.

The outflow belt 25 is also adjustable in length. This makes it possible to compensate for the difference in length between the length that the belt 25 has in a horizontal position and the greater length required in a pivoted position to connect to the container drawers 22, 23.

The whole of catching means 2, transport means 6 and collecting bins 4 is mobile. For this purpose, the conveyor belt 10 is supported near the first end 14 by wheels 16 and near the second end 15 is supported by a mobile undercarriage 18, which is coupled to trailer 24. The undercarriage 18 comprises the for moving, pivoting, driving and extending the drive means required for the conveyor belt 10 and outflow belt 25. These drive means are generally known and will therefore not be described further. The conveying direction of the belts 10, 25, indicated by arrow T, runs from the collecting means 2 towards the collecting containers 4.

Furthermore, the conveyor belt 10 may be provided with individualizing means 30, for example in the form of spring-loaded partitions 31 arranged as a trap 15, with which groups of birds 3 gathered together can be driven apart and arranged one behind the other into a row. This facilitates the counting of the birds 3 and results in a metered supply to the drawers 23. Detection means 45 can further be arranged along both belts 10, 25, for instance counting means or weighing means, for keeping track of the number of birds 4 passing and in the drawers 23 are brought.

An apparatus as described above is known per se from unpublished application NL 1 013 915, which is hereby incorporated by reference. With this known device 25, when a collecting drawer 23 is full, the outflow belt 25 is uncoupled, pivoted and connected to a next empty drawer 23. At least the outflow belt 25 is braked or stopped for this purpose. Stopping, pivoting, disconnecting and coupling as well as braking and restarting the outflow belt 25 takes a lot of time. Moreover, the braking and starting of the belts 10, 25 is not conducive to the birds 3. These 1015 186 8 may fall over and injure themselves. In addition, a stationary belt 10, 25 offers the birds 3 the opportunity to reunite in groups, making them difficult to count. The birds 3 can even return to their first end 14 5 with a stationary conveyor belt 10.

To avoid said problems, the invention provides a distribution device 20 which is arranged at the outflow belt 25. Figure 3 shows in top view an embodiment of the distribution device 20, comprising a distribution piece 28, a distribution valve 29 and optionally 10 drive means 50, such as, for example, a stepper motor or cylinder, for controlling the distribution valve 29. The distribution piece 28 comprises a bottom plate 35, provided of two diverging legs extending from the outflow belt 25 and opening into a first and a second container 37, 38, 15 provided with receiving drawers 23, respectively, to form a first and a second outflow part 39, 40 respectively. Both outflow parts 39, 40 are on either side bounded by upright walls 42, 43 which, together with the relevant part of the bottom plate 35, form a gutter with which the birds are kept in line.

Above the outflow belt 25 a distribution valve 29 is arranged, which is pivotable in the horizontal plane, between a first and a second position A, B, shown in broken lines in the drawing. In position B, the distribution valve 29 blocks the passage to the second outflow part 40, while the passage to the first outflow part 39 is completely exposed. The flow of poultry 3 supplied by outflow belt 25 in use is forced by the distribution valve 29 towards the first outflow part 39. When leaving the outflow belt 25, the birds will have sufficient speed to pass outflow part 39, 40 without further propulsion means. The outflow parts 39, 40 preferably have a slightly sloping bottom plate 35 in the direction of the containers 37, 38, as a result of which the birds will slide downwards along the bottom plate 35 under the influence of gravity. The outflow parts 39, 40 can also be provided with transport means, such as a conveyor belt, to obtain an even better flow.

When the first row of drawers of container 37 contains the desired number of birds, the distribution valve 29 is pivoted to position A, so that the first outflow part 39 is closed and the second outflow part 40 is opened, so that the drawers of the second container 38 can be filled .

The distribution valve 29 can be pivoted relatively simply and thereby quickly. The outflow belt 25 and conveyor belt 10 need not be stopped or slowed down. This saves time and also reduces the risk of damage to the birds.

Distribution valve 29 can be pivoted manually or with the aid of drive means. These drive means can be connected to detection means 45 arranged along the belt, such as counter means, weighing means or other means with which the number of birds 3 brought into the collecting boxes 4 can be kept up to date. When the desired number is reached, a control signal can be delivered to the drive means 50, on which valve 29 is pivoted to a next position. As a result, the distribution valve 29 can in principle be operated unmanned.

Moreover, the distribution device 20 is simple in construction and therefore inexpensive and robust. The manifold 28 and the manifold valve 29 can for instance be manufactured from sheet steel, plastic or the like. Preferably, the manifold 28, where it connects to the outflow belt 25 and the receptacle 4, is provided with flexible bibs, for instance of rubber, with which possible connection inaccuracies, such as gaps and ridges, can be covered to protect the poultry 3.

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The manifold 28 can further be provided with more than two outflow parts 39, 40 and / or several distribution valves 29, with which at least one outflow part can be opened each time and the other outflow parts can be closed.

It is preferable to fix the distribution device 20 slidably on the outflow belt 25, so that the length of outflow belt 25 plus distribution device 20 is adjustable between a minimum length at horizontal position of the outflow belt 25 and a greater length when the outflow belt 25 is at an angle pivoted in direction P.

Preferably, this slide adjustment is coupled to the pivot angle, for instance via an electronic control or a mechanical transmission, such that the outflow belt 25 together with the distribution device 20 has the correct length in each position. The above offers the additional advantage that the outflow belt 25 itself does not have to be adjustable in length 15, so that a structurally simple belt 25 is sufficient.

The distribution device 20 can also be mounted directly on the end 15 of the conveyor belt 10, without the intervention of the outflow belt 25. When the distribution device 20 is not pivotable in the vertical plane, the outflow parts 39, 40 will be at a fixed height. In this case, the trailer 24 can for instance be equipped with a lifting mechanism with which the height of the collecting trays 4 can be adapted to the outflow height of the distribution device 20. The outflow parts 39, 40 will be relatively long around the distance between end 25 of conveyor belt 10 and bridge receptacle 4. In this case it is recommended to give the outflow parts a sloping course or to provide them with means of transport to promote the flow-through of the birds 3. Of course, the manifold in such an embodiment can also be pivotable in the direction P, about a horizontal axis.

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A device as described can be used as follows. For collecting the poultry which is, for example, in a stable, the collecting head 5 and conveyor belt 10 are moved back and forth along the floor surface in the directions L and R. The poultry will pass through the flexible flaps 9 of the rotating brushes 8 between the brushes 8 are passed and then passed through these brushes 8 to the conveyor belt 10. The birds 3 in a row reach the distribution device 20 successively via the conveyor belt 10 with the individualizing means 30,31 and outflow belt 25 mounted thereon. The birds are guided there by means of the distribution valve 29 to the first or second outflow part 39, 40, which discharge into a first and second receptacle 37, 38, respectively.

With detection means 45, which are arranged along the conveyor belt 10, 25, the number of birds 3 passing is counted and the distribution valve 29 is controlled on the basis of this count. However, the counting and operation of the distribution valve 29 can also be done by an operator. Also, with the detection means 45, a displacement mechanism can be controlled on the trailer 24 for the timely supply of empty receptacles 4 and the removal of full ones.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawing. Many variations thereof are possible within the framework of the invention outlined by the claims.

The catching means can be designed in a different manner, for instance in the form of catching arms or scooping means, the embodiment of which will partly depend on the way in which the birds to be collected are presented, for instance loosely in a stable, or on a yard, collected in crates, etc. The poultry can of course also be caught manually and placed on the conveyor belt.

The receptacles may consist of separate containers arranged side by side behind the exits of the distribution device.

This can save time because during filling of one container, the adjacent already filled other container can be removed and replaced by an empty container.

The distribution valve can have a different shape, for instance slightly curved, in order to make the deflection of the direction of movement of the birds even more gradual. The distribution valve can also be arranged in a different manner, for instance pivotable with respect to a horizontal axis, or can be arranged instead of pivotably for closing one or more outflow parts. The valve can also be formed from several parts which are hingedly connected to each other.

Several distribution valves can of course be provided, possibly in combination with several outflow parts.

The device can be provided with various detection means, such as counting means or weighing means. On the basis of the measurement data obtained with this, quantities such as the speed of the conveyor belts, the vertical position of the outflow belt 25, the position of the distribution valve or the length and pivot angle of conveyor belt 10 can be adjusted. With the correct detection means, the device can also be used as a sorting device. Using the detection means, the poultry can be sorted according to different characteristics such as size, weight, type. On the basis of these characteristics, the birds can be distributed over different collection trays, the distribution valve being controlled by the relevant detection means.

These and comparable variations are considered to fall within the framework of the invention outlined by the claims.

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Claims (13)

Device for catching poultry, provided with catching means (2) and transport means (6) connecting to these catching means (2) for transporting caught with the catching means (2) from the catching means (2) to an end of the device 5 poultry (3), wherein distribution means (20) are provided near the end of the device with which the poultry (3) can be distributed over different receptacles (4) when or after leaving the transport means (6) without stopping the transport means (6). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution means (20) comprise a distribution piece (28) and a distribution valve (29), the distribution piece (28) comprising an inlet and at least two exits and wherein the distribution valve (29) is movable with respect to the exits, this means that at least one exit can optionally be released in each case for passage of the poultry (3), while the or any other exit can be blocked. Device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distribution means (20) comprise drive means (50), which drive means (50) are arranged for controlled movement of the distribution valve (29). Device as claimed in claim 3, wherein detection means (45), in particular counting means, are provided along the transport means (45) for counting the passing poultry (3), on the basis of which count the drive means (50) of the distribution valve ( 29) can be controlled. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the transporting means (6) comprise at least one outflow belt (25) near the rear end thereof seen in transporting direction (T), wherein the end of the ten facing the receiving trays (4). at least one outflow belt (25) is adjustable in height. 4015 18 6 Device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the end (26) of the outflow belt (25) facing the collecting trays (4) is provided with distribution means (20), which distribution means (20) are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the outflow belt (25), such that the joint length of the outflow belt (25) and the distribution means (20) is adjustable. Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein a mechanical or electronic coupling is provided between the length of the distribution means (20) and the outflow belt (25) and the vertical position of the outflow belt (25). 8. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-7, wherein an outflow belt or such a means of transport is provided between the entrance and each exit for forcing poultry to the relevant exit. 9. Device as claimed in any of the claims 2-8, wherein between the entrance and each exit a sloping path in the direction of the relevant exit 15 is provided. Distributing device for distributing a flow of poultry among collecting devices, in particular for use in an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the distributing device (20) comprising a manifold (28) and a distribution valve (29), the manifold ( 28) 20 comprises one inlet and at least two outlets, the distribution valve (29) being arranged and movable so as to optionally release the path between the inlet and one of the outlets while the or each path between the inlet and the or any other exit is closed, or at least interrupted, so that poultry can only travel the said released path to the relevant exit. Method for collecting poultry in receptacles, wherein the poultry is brought onto transport means (6) and by means of which it is fed to the receptacles (4), the poultry (3) being distributed over the receptacles (4) by means of of a movable distribution valve (29) which is arranged near, in particular above the end of the transport means (6), seen in the direction of the iftO15186 transport direction (T), and with which the poultry (3) is always conveyed to one of the collecting devices (4) forced. 12. Method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the position of the distribution valve (29) is adjusted on the basis of the number of poultry pieces (3) that are brought into use in the receptacles (4) by the transport means (6) in use. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a desired number of poultry (3) per collection tray (4) is pre-set in control means and the number of poultry (3) placed in a collection tray (4) is counted, wherein the number is control means when the desired number of poultry in the relevant receptacle (4) is reached, the position of the distribution valve (29) is adjusted such that the poultry (3) is forced to a next receptacle (4). 15 1 8 6