Noninvasive toe breaking equipment and toe breaking method

Abstract

The invention discloses non-invasive toe breaking equipment which comprises a limiting mechanism used for positioning toes of external poultry, and the toes comprise the front toe and the rear toe; the toe breaking mechanism is used for being matched with the limiting mechanism for use, generating and guiding non-contact energy in a selected form, and further acting on toes of external poultry to trigger non-mechanical denaturation or separation of toe tips of the toes of the external poultry, so that non-invasive toe treatment is realized; the control module is in electric connection or communication connection with the toe breaking mechanism and is used for controlling output parameters of non-contact energy, toe tip degeneration or separation is triggered in a non-mechanical mode, and the non-invasive, low-pain, low-infection-risk and fast-recovery treatment effects are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of toe amputation equipment technology, and in particular to a non-invasive toe amputation device and method. Background Technology

[0002] In some poultry farming, to prevent poultry from pecking and scratching each other, beak and toe removal procedures are usually performed. For example, toe removal is required for chickens in poultry farming.

[0003] Chickens belong to the order Galliformes in the class Aves. They typically have four toes, three of which point forward (toes 2, 3, and 4, i.e., the front toes) and one toe backward (toes 1, i.e., the hind toe). This structure is called zygodactylous foot, and it is one of the more common foot types in birds.

[0004] Of these, toes two, three, and four are longer and thicker, with sharp claws at the ends, suitable for grasping, walking, or digging. Toe one is shorter, positioned higher than toes two, three, and four, and points backward, mainly used for balance or assisting in scratching. In some breeding systems (especially in mixed flocks of breeding roosters and hens), roosters may scratch, tear, or excessively peck at hens when mating frequently or in crowded spaces. To reduce these injuries, lower mortality or scrap rates, and improve carcass integrity, breeders may perform toe amputation on newly hatched chicks.

[0005] The applicant discovered that while there are existing toe amputation devices on the market, they mostly target the second, third, and fourth toes, often neglecting the first toe. Therefore, the applicant provides a non-invasive toe amputation device and method to address the problem of incomplete treatment in existing technologies when performing toe amputation on chickens. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a non-invasive toe amputation device and toe amputation method.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0008] This invention provides a non-invasive toe amputation device, comprising:

[0009] A limiting mechanism is used to position the toes of birds outside the enclosure; the toes include the front toe and the hind toe.

[0010] A toe amputation mechanism is used in conjunction with a limiting mechanism to generate and direct a selected form of non-contact energy to act on the toes of external birds, thereby causing non-mechanical degeneration or separation of the toe tips and achieving non-invasive toe treatment.

[0011] The control module, electrically or communicatively connected to the toe-breaking mechanism, is used to control the output parameters of non-contact energy.

[0012] Preferably, the toe amputation mechanism includes a first toe amputation device and a second toe amputation device. The second toe amputation device includes a second toe amputation mechanism, which includes a housing and a toe amputation workpiece disposed within the housing. The housing is also provided with a slot for inserting the hind toe of an external bird. The toe amputation workpiece is used to amputate the hind toe of the external bird inserted into the slot. The toe amputation workpiece is a laser generator. The laser beam emission direction of the laser generator intersects with the orientation direction of the hind toe of the external bird inserted into the slot. By specifically configuring the second toe amputation mechanism as a laser generator, and making its emitted high-energy-density focused laser beam form an intersecting angle with the extension direction of the hind toe of the bird inserted from the slot, the laser energy is concentrated on a specific cutting point of the hind toe tissue in a very small area and a very short time, causing instantaneous vaporization of the tissue and simultaneously causing microvascular coagulation and closure. This achieves precise cutting in a non-contact, stress-free manner, amputating the hind toe with almost no bleeding, fundamentally avoiding the risks of tissue tearing, bone fragmentation, and open wound infection caused by traditional mechanical cutting.

[0013] Preferably, the second frame has a first plate with slots for inserting the hind toe of an external bird. The first plate also has a first groove, which is concave and accommodates the bird's foot. By using the first plate as an operating platform on the second frame, and creating penetrating slots and a non-penetrating concave groove, the geometric boundaries of the slots are used to radially limit and guide the insertion depth of the hind toe. Simultaneously, the concave shape of the first groove matches the physiological curvature of the bird's foot to provide large-area support. This collectively enables the rapid and accurate positioning of the bird's foot to a preset position, providing a stable and reliable reference position for subsequent laser cutting.

[0014] Preferably, the second toe amputation device further includes a second limiting mechanism. The second limiting mechanism includes a first driving component mounted on the second frame. The output end of the first driving component is provided with a rod member, which is L-shaped. The end of the rod member away from the first driving component is provided with a flexible member. The first driving component drives the flexible member to move closer to or away from the first plate member via the rod member. By setting up the second limiting mechanism composed of the first driving component, the L-shaped rod member, and the flexible member at the end, the driving component provides controllable power after the hind toe of the bird is inserted and positioned. This power is transmitted through the rod member and converted into a vertical downward pressing action of the flexible member on the dorsal side of the foot. This achieves the technical effect of actively overcoming the reflexive twitching that the bird may produce at the critical moment of laser cutting, and firmly pressing the foot onto the first groove in a flexible contact manner, thereby completely eliminating the cutting position deviation or laser accidental injury caused by limb movement.

[0015] Preferably, the second toe-severing device further includes a second support member and a second cover mounted on the second support member. The second frame is mounted on the second support member and covered by the second cover. A second groove is provided on the second support member. The second groove is used to provide a clearance space for the body or head of the poultry when the second limiting mechanism cooperates with the second toe-severing mechanism to sever the hind toe of the poultry. By configuring the second support member as a base and the second cover as an outer shell for the second toe-severing device, and by providing a second groove on the support member, a stable installation foundation and physical protection are provided for the entire hind toe treatment module. At the same time, the second groove forms a three-dimensional clearance space on the main body of the device that allows the torso or head of the poultry to be naturally placed in it. This achieves the technical effect of ensuring the overall rigidity and safety of the device during operation, and allowing the poultry to maintain a relatively natural and comfortable posture during operation, reducing stress response, and meeting the requirements of animal welfare in modern intensive farming.

[0016] Preferably, the first toe-severing device includes a first frame and a first limiting mechanism and a conveying mechanism disposed on the first frame. The first limiting mechanism is used to limit the poultry from the outside. The first frame is also provided with a first toe-severing mechanism for severing the fore toe of the poultry from the outside. The first toe-severing mechanism is used in conjunction with a second toe-severing mechanism. The first toe-severing device also includes a conveying mechanism, which includes a carrier component slidably disposed on the first frame. The carrier component is provided with two grippers for gripping the legs of the poultry from the outside. The first frame is also provided with a first driving component for driving the carrier component to move closer to or away from the first toe-severing mechanism. This device replaces manual grasping and placement, and automatically completes the grasping of the poultry legs, the precise transfer along a predetermined trajectory to the first toe-severing mechanism, and the automatic reset after completion. This standardizes and automates the feeding process of the fore toe of poultry, which not only greatly reduces the labor intensity and skill requirements of the operators, but more importantly, ensures the consistency of the spatial position of the poultry limbs during each processing, and achieves high-precision automated cutting.

[0017] Preferably, the first limiting mechanism includes a limiting plate on the first frame. The limiting plate has a limiting groove for accommodating the foretoes of poultry. On the side of the limiting plate away from the first toe amputation mechanism, there is a strip groove that communicates with the corresponding limiting groove. By setting a limiting plate with a specific geometric shape in the first limiting mechanism, and the limiting groove and the strip groove communicating with it, the foretoes are constrained by the U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section of the limiting groove after the poultry leg is transported into place. At the same time, the forward-extending strip groove is used to adapt to and guide the longer middle toe. This achieves the technical effect of initially constraining and separating the complex foretoes in accordance with their physiological morphology, laying the foundation for the independent positioning and subsequent precise fixation of the foretoes.

[0018] Preferably, the limiting plate is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion on the side away from the first toe-breaking mechanism. There are two second protrusions, and the first protrusion is located between the two second protrusions. The first protrusion works in conjunction with the second protrusion to guide and limit the two lateral toes of the bird's front toe respectively. The strip groove is used to guide and limit the middle toe between the two lateral toes of the bird's front toe. By setting a first protrusion and two second protrusions on the limiting plate and making them form a specific spatial layout with the strip groove, the "branching" structure formed by these three protrusions is used to mechanically divert and laterally limit the two lateral toes that extend forward side by side during the natural extension of the bird's front toe. This achieves the technical effect of reliably completing the automatic separation and alignment of the three toes of the front toe with only mechanical structure without the need for complex sensors or vision systems, ensuring that the two lateral toes and the middle toe are accurately guided to their respective predetermined paths (the lateral toes along both sides of the protrusions, and the middle toe entering the strip groove).

[0019] Preferably, the first limiting mechanism further includes a limiting member and a second driving member disposed on the first frame. The second driving member is used to drive the limiting member to reciprocate relative to the limiting plate. The end of the limiting member is provided with a limiting protrusion for receiving in the limiting groove. The end of the limiting protrusion away from the second driving member is concave. By setting a limiting member linearly driven by the second driving member (such as a cylinder, motor or electric push rod) and setting a limiting protrusion with a concave end that can be embedded in the limiting groove at its end, the limiting protrusion is driven from the side (usually from above or to the side above) after the foreto is guided into place, so that its concave surface is precisely pressed against the middle toe (and part of the metatarsal part) supported by the strip groove. This achieves the final step before the foreto is cut by applying a concentrated and controllable clamping force to it, ensuring that it remains stationary when subjected to cutting force, and ultimately ensuring the technical effect of flatness and accurate position of the cut surface.

[0020] A non-invasive toe amputation method includes the following steps:

[0021] S1: The tip of the fore toe of an external bird is severed via the first toe amputation mechanism;

[0022] S11. The bird is clamped and transported by the conveying mechanism, so that the two lateral toes of the front toe of the bird are guided by the first protrusion and the second protrusion respectively, and the middle toe is guided by the strip groove, so that the tip of the front toe is accommodated in the limiting groove.

[0023] S12. Drive the movement of the limiting member and use the limiting protrusion at its end to press and limit the front toe located in the limiting groove from the side.

[0024] S13. Activate the first toe amputation mechanism to amputate the tip of the fixed fore toe;

[0025] S14. After the foretoel is severed, the poultry are transported and released via a conveyor mechanism;

[0026] S2: The tip of the hind toe in a bird's foot that has already had its fore toe tip severed is severed via a second toe-severing mechanism;

[0027] S21. Insert the hind toe of the bird into the slot and arrange its foot on the first slot.

[0028] S22, drive the flexible part of the second limiting mechanism to approach and abut against the first plate to cooperate in fixing the external poultry;

[0029] S23. Start the workpiece that is used as a laser generator, so that the laser beam emitted by it crosses the direction of the inserted rear toe to complete the toe removal.

[0030] S24. Drive the flexible part of the second limiting mechanism away from the first plate to release the external poultry;

[0031] By employing a first toe-severing mechanism in conjunction with a conveying mechanism and a guiding and clamping structure composed of a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a strip groove, a limiting groove, and a limiting component with a limiting protrusion, the system achieves automatic conveying, precise positioning, and lateral clamping fixation of the foretoes of poultry. This ensures the positional accuracy and consistency of non-contact toe-severing at the toe tip, achieving efficient, reliable, and low-damage toe-severing results. After the foretoes are severed, the system further utilizes a second toe-severing mechanism to guide the hind toe into the slot and position it within the first groove. The flexible component of the second limiting mechanism then works in conjunction with the first plate to flexibly fix the poultry as a whole. Finally, the toe-severing workpiece, acting as a laser generator, emits a cross-beam laser beam to complete the toe-severing, achieving safe, non-invasive, and adaptive separation of the hind toes of poultry. The entire process, through the coordinated operation of sequentially connected specialized mechanisms, completes continuous, automated, and non-invasive toe-severing of poultry's foretoes and hind toes, significantly improving overall processing efficiency, operational safety, and animal welfare.

[0032] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By positioning the poultry toes (including the fore toes and hind toes) through a limiting mechanism, the treatment position is ensured to be precise and stable, achieving efficient and consistent toe fixation. Then, the toe amputation mechanism generates and guides selected forms of non-contact energy, which, in conjunction with the limiting mechanism, acts on the poultry toes to induce toe tip degeneration or separation in a non-mechanical manner. This achieves a non-invasive, low-pain, low-infection-risk, and fast-recovery treatment effect. By using a control module that is electrically or communicatively connected to the toe amputation mechanism, the output parameters of the non-contact energy can be adjusted to ensure the precision, controllability, and adaptability of the treatment process. Ultimately, this achieves a safe, automated toe treatment that can be adjusted to meet the needs of different poultry species. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the second toe amputation device of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is one of the internal structural schematic diagrams of the second toe amputation device of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second toe amputation device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second toe-severing device of the present invention, which shows the toe-severing workpiece and the rod body;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a side view of the internal structure of the second toe-severing device of the present invention, showing the installation position and angle of the toe-severing workpiece relative to the second frame;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the first toe amputation device of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is one of the internal structural schematic diagrams of the first toe amputation device of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first toe amputation device of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first toe amputation device of the present invention, mainly showing the first limiting mechanism;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first toe amputation device of the present invention, mainly showing the conveying mechanism;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the limiting plate of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting member of the present invention, which shows the limiting protrusion;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the limiting plate of the present invention, showing the chamfered corner;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the toes of some birds;

[0049] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the non-invasive toe amputation device of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamp of the present invention.

[0051] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0052] 1. First toe-cutting device; 2. Second toe-cutting device; 3. Angle cut; 10. First support member; 101. Groove; 102. Door body; 11. First frame; 12. First limiting mechanism; 120. First protrusion; 121. Limiting plate; 122. Limiting groove; 123. Strip groove; 124. Second protrusion; 125. Limiting member; 1251. Limiting protrusion; 126. Second driving member; 13. First toe-cutting mechanism; 130. First cooling fan; 14. Conveying mechanism; 141. Carrier member; 142. Clamp; 143. First driving member; 15. Unloading member; 20. Second support member; 201. 202. Second cover; 21. Second frame; 211. First plate; 22. Second limiting mechanism; 221. First drive assembly; 222. Rod; 223. Flexible part; 23. Second toe-breaking mechanism; 230. Second cooling fan; 231. Housing; 2311. First cover; 2312. Second cover; 2313. Handle; 232. Toe-breaking workpiece; 2321. Second plate; 233. Slot; 234. First groove; 40. Protrusion; 41. First claw; 42. Second claw; 43. Intermediate part; 431. Receiving groove; 44. Block; 441. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 16 A non-invasive toe amputation device, comprising:

[0054] A limiting mechanism is used to position the toes of birds outside the enclosure; the toes include the front toe and the hind toe.

[0055] A toe amputation mechanism is used in conjunction with a limiting mechanism to generate and direct a selected form of non-contact energy to act on the toes of external birds, thereby causing non-mechanical degeneration or separation of the toe tips and achieving non-invasive toe treatment.

[0056] The control module, electrically or communicatively connected to the toe-breaking mechanism, is used to control the output parameters of non-contact energy.

[0057] With the above-described structural design, during use, the limiting mechanism positions the poultry's toes (including the fore and hind toes) to ensure precise and stable treatment, achieving efficient and consistent toe fixation. Then, the toe-severing mechanism generates and guides selected forms of non-contact energy, which, in conjunction with the limiting mechanism, acts on the poultry's toes to induce toe tip degeneration or separation in a non-mechanical manner. This achieves a non-invasive, painless, low-infection-risk, and fast-recovery treatment effect. The control module is electrically or communicatively connected to the toe-severing mechanism to regulate the output parameters of the non-contact energy, ensuring the precision, controllability, and adaptability of the treatment process. Ultimately, this achieves a safe, automated toe treatment that can be adjusted to meet the needs of different poultry species.

[0058] Specifically, the toe-severing mechanism includes a first toe-severing device 1 and a second toe-severing device 2. The second toe-severing device 2 includes a second toe-severing mechanism 23, which includes a housing 231 and a toe-severing workpiece 232 disposed within the housing 231. The housing 231 is also provided with a slot 233 for inserting the hind or fore toe of an external bird. The toe-severing workpiece 232 is used to sever the hind or fore toe of the external bird inserted into the slot 233. The toe-severing workpiece 232 is a laser generator. The laser beam emission direction of the laser generator intersects with the orientation direction of the hind or fore toe of the external bird inserted into the slot 233. By using the second toe-severing mechanism... Specifically, 23 is configured as a laser generator, and its emitted high-energy-density focused laser beam forms an intersecting angle with the extension direction of the hind or fore toe of the bird inserted from the slot 233. This concentrates the laser energy on a specific cutting point of the hind toe tissue in a very small area and a very short time, causing instantaneous vaporization of the tissue and simultaneously causing microvascular coagulation and closure. This achieves precise cutting in a non-contact, stress-free manner, severing the hind or fore toe with almost no bleeding, fundamentally avoiding the risks of tissue tearing, bone fragmentation, and open wound infection caused by traditional mechanical cutting.

[0059] In this article, "poultry" and "outdoor poultry" both refer to farmed chickens.

[0060] Specifically, the second toe-breaking mechanism 23 also includes a second plate 2321. The second plate 2321 includes a first plate portion disposed on the second frame 21 and a second plate portion for carrying the toe-breaking workpiece 232. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are arranged crosswise, and the included angle between the first plate portion and the second plate portion is 0-180°.

[0061] Specifically, the first plate has a strip-shaped groove for external bolts to pass through. The strip-shaped groove is arranged in a strip shape to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the broken toe workpiece 232.

[0062] Specifically, the laser beam emission direction of the laser generator intersects with the length extension direction of the external bird's toe inserted into the slot 233.

[0063] Specifically, the first toe amputation mechanism 13 is a microwave generator.

[0064] Specifically, the housing 231 includes a first plate 211 mounted on the second frame 21. A slot 233 is provided on the first plate 211 for the insertion of the hind toe of an external bird. The first plate 211 also has a first groove 234, which is concave and designed to accommodate the foot of the external bird. By setting the first plate 211 on the second frame 21 as an operating platform and providing a penetrating slot 233 and a non-penetrating concave first groove 234, the geometric boundary of the slot 233 is used to radially limit and guide the insertion depth of the hind toe. At the same time, the concave shape of the first groove 234 matches the physiological curvature of the bird's foot to provide a large area of ​​support. Together, these features enable the bird's foot to be quickly and accurately positioned at a preset work position, providing a stable and reliable reference position for subsequent laser cutting.

[0065] Specifically, the first plate 211 is also provided with a third groove that communicates with the first groove 234. The third groove is strip-shaped and is used to accommodate the front toes of birds from the outside.

[0066] Specifically, the cross-section of the third tank is trapezoidal.

[0067] Specifically, the housing 231 is provided with a second cooling fan 230. There are at least two second cooling fans 230, which are located at the left and right ends of the housing 231. The housing 231 is also provided with a filter screen that works with the second cooling fans 230. It is worth noting that the second cooling fans 230 are located inside the housing 231.

[0068] Specifically, the first plate 211 is detachably mounted on the second frame 21 via external bolts, allowing for convenient replacement of the first plate 211 according to user needs.

[0069] Specifically, the second toe-severing device 2 also includes a second limiting mechanism 22. The second limiting mechanism 22 includes a first driving assembly 221 mounted on the second frame 21. The output end of the first driving assembly 221 is provided with a rod member 222, which is L-shaped. The end of the rod member 222 away from the first driving assembly 221 is provided with a flexible member 223. The first driving assembly 221 drives the flexible member 223 to move closer to or away from the first plate member 211 via the rod member 222. By setting the first driving assembly 221 and the L-shaped rod member, the device achieves the desired effect. The second limiting mechanism 22, consisting of 222 and the flexible end member 223, serves to provide controllable power through the drive component after the bird's hind toe is inserted and positioned. This power is transmitted through the rod member 222 and converted into a vertical downward pressing action on the dorsal side of the foot by the flexible member 223. This achieves the technical effect of actively overcoming the reflexive twitching that the bird may produce at the critical moment of laser cutting, and firmly pressing the foot onto the first groove 234 in a flexible contact manner, thereby completely eliminating the cutting position deviation or laser accidental injury caused by limb movement.

[0070] Specifically, the first drive component 221 is a servo motor. The non-invasive toe amputation device includes a control area and a working area. The servo motor is controlled via the control area. The control module is located in the control area and is electrically connected to each drive component. The control module is mainly used for starting, stopping and coordinating the operation of each component. At least a door 102 is also provided in the control area. The door 102 is used to facilitate the maintenance of the control module. The limit mechanism and the toe amputation mechanism are located in the working area.

[0071] Specifically, the second toe-severing device 2 also includes a second support member 20 and a second cover 201 disposed on the second support member 20. The second frame 21 is disposed on the second support member 20 and covered by the second cover 201. A second groove 202 is provided on the second support member 20. The second groove 202 is used to provide a clearance for the body or head of the external poultry when the second limiting mechanism 22 cooperates with the second toe-severing mechanism 23 to sever the hind toe of the external poultry. By configuring the second support member 20 as a base and the second cover 201 as an outer shell for the second toe-severing device 2, and by providing the second groove 202 on the support member, a stable installation foundation and physical protection are provided for the entire hind toe treatment module. At the same time, the second groove 202 forms a three-dimensional clearance space on the main body of the device that allows the torso or head of the poultry to be naturally placed in it. This achieves the technical effect of ensuring the overall rigidity and safety of the device during operation, and allowing the poultry to maintain a relatively natural and comfortable posture during operation, reducing stress response, and meeting the requirements of animal welfare in modern intensive farming.

[0072] Specifically, a rubber or silicone brush can be installed at the second tank 202. The brush is used to closely adhere to the poultry in the environment and reduce their stress response.

[0073] Specifically, the housing 231 is provided with a first cover 2311 and a second cover 2312 rotatably disposed with the first cover 2311. The first cover 2311 is fixedly disposed on the housing 231, and the second cover 2312 is provided with a spherical handle 2313 at one end away from the first cover 2311.

[0074] Specifically, the spherical handle 2313 can be used as a counterweight, and a rubber pad is provided between the second cover 2312 and the shell 231.

[0075] Specifically, the first toe amputation device 1 includes a first frame 11, a first limiting mechanism 12 and a conveying mechanism 14 disposed on the first frame 11. The first limiting mechanism 12 is used to limit the outside poultry. The first frame 11 is also provided with a first toe amputation mechanism 13 for amputating the front or hind toes of the outside poultry. The first toe amputation mechanism 13 is used in conjunction with the second toe amputation mechanism 23. The first toe amputation device 1 also includes a conveying mechanism 14, which includes a carrier component 141 slidably disposed on the first frame 11. The carrier component 141 is provided with two grippers 142, which are used to hold the outside poultry. The legs of the bird are clamped, and the first frame 11 is also equipped with a first drive component 143 for driving the carrier component 141 to approach or move away from the first toe-cutting mechanism 13. This replaces manual grasping and placement, and automatically completes the grasping of the bird's legs, the precise transfer along the predetermined trajectory to the first toe-cutting mechanism 13, and the automatic reset after completion. This standardizes and automates the feeding process of the bird's fore or hind toes, which not only greatly reduces the labor intensity and skill requirements of the operators, but more importantly, ensures the consistency of the spatial position of the bird's limbs during each processing, and achieves high-precision automated cutting.

[0076] In this technical solution, the first toe amputation device 1 is used to amputate the front toe of an external bird, and the second toe amputation device 2 is used to amputate the hind toe of an external bird. In actual use, a certain period of time can be waited after amputating the front toe before amputating the hind toe. At the same time, a gas inhalation anesthesia generator can be set at the bottom of the carrier or in the outside. The gas can be isoflurane or sevoflurane, etc., and the external bird is operated on after inhaling the anesthetic gas.

[0077] Specifically, the clamp 142 can also be set up using pneumatic or electric control.

[0078] Specifically, the carrier component 141 can be slidably configured with the first frame 11 or the first carrier component 10.

[0079] Specifically, the conveying mechanism 14 also includes several rollers rotatably mounted on the first frame 11. The first driving member 143 is used to drive one or more rollers to rotate. Two rollers used in cooperation are provided with a belt body. The two rollers used in cooperation are driven by the belt body. The carrier member 141 is mounted on the belt body and driven by the belt body to realize the reciprocating movement of the clamp 142.

[0080] Specifically, the first toe-breaking device 1 includes a first support member 10, on which a slot 101 is provided. The first support member 10 is used to support the first frame 11, and the slot 101 is used to allow the head or body of birds to pass.

[0081] Specifically, the outer casing of the first toe amputation mechanism 13 is also provided with a first cooling fan 130. The first cooling fan 130 is located on the outside of the outer casing of the first toe amputation mechanism 13, and the first cooling fan 130 is provided with at least two for air intake and exhaust.

[0082] Specifically, the first frame 11 is also provided with a feeding component 15, which is set corresponding to the slot 101, and the feeding component 15 is inclined to the first support component 10.

[0083] Specifically, the first limiting mechanism 12 includes a limiting plate 121 mounted on the first frame 11. The limiting plate 121 has a limiting groove 122 for accommodating the foretoes of poultry. On the side of the limiting plate 121 away from the first toe amputation mechanism 13, there is a strip groove 123 that communicates with the corresponding limiting groove 122. By setting a limiting plate 121 with a specific geometric shape in the first limiting mechanism 12, and the limiting groove 122 and the strip groove 123 that communicate with it, the U-shaped or V-shaped cross section of the limiting groove 122 is used to constrain the foretoes after the poultry legs are transported into place. At the same time, the forward-extending strip groove 123 is used to accommodate and guide the longer middle toe. This achieves the initial overall constraint and separation of the complex foretoes in accordance with their physiological morphology, laying the foundation for the independent positioning and subsequent precise fixation of the foretoes.

[0084] Specifically, in this embodiment, the limiting groove 122 is provided in two sets, each set including three limiting grooves 122. The three limiting grooves 122 in each set are not collinear, and the limiting groove 122 located in the middle of each set is closer to the second driving member 126 in this document.

[0085] Specifically, the limiting groove 122 is arranged in a strip shape, and the length direction of the limiting groove 122 is parallel to the moving direction of the carrier 141.

[0086] Specifically, one end of the strip groove 123 extends through the end face of the limiting plate 121 in the length direction, so that the middle toe of the front toe of the external bird can be easily limited, and the length direction of the strip groove 123 is parallel to the length direction of the limiting groove 122.

[0087] Specifically, in other embodiments, the strip groove 123 may include a first strip groove segment and a second strip groove segment. The first strip groove segment is located on the end face of the limiting plate 121 described in the previous section. The groove wall of the first strip groove segment is set at an angle to the second strip groove segment. The groove depth distance of the end of the first strip groove segment away from the second strip groove segment is greater than the groove depth distance of the end of the first strip groove segment close to the second strip groove segment. The groove depth distance of the end of the first strip groove segment close to the second strip groove segment is equal to the groove depth distance of the end of the second strip groove segment close to the first strip groove segment.

[0088] Specifically, the limiting plate 121, on the side away from the first toe-breaking mechanism 13, is also provided with a first protrusion 120 and a second protrusion 124. Two second protrusions 124 are provided, and the first protrusion 120 is located between the two second protrusions 124. The first protrusion 120, in conjunction with the second protrusions 124, is used to guide and limit the two lateral toes of the bird's foreleg. The strip groove 123 is used to guide and limit the middle toe between the two lateral toes of the bird's foreleg. By providing one first protrusion 120 and two second protrusions 124 on the limiting plate 121, and... By forming a specific spatial arrangement with the strip groove 123, these three protrusions create a "branching" structure that mechanically diverts and laterally restricts the two lateral toes that extend side by side during the natural extension of the bird's fore toe. This achieves the technical effect of reliably separating and aligning the three toes of the fore toe automatically using only mechanical structures without the need for complex sensors or vision systems, ensuring that the two lateral toes and the middle toe are precisely guided to their respective predetermined paths (the lateral toes along both sides of the protrusions, and the middle toe entering the strip groove 123).

[0089] Specifically, the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 124 protrude from the limiting plate 121, and the protrusion dimensions of the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 124 are equal.

[0090] Specifically, both ends of the first protrusion 120 and both ends of the second protrusion 124 in the length direction are provided with chamfers 3. The chamfers 3 are located on the side of the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 124 that are close to each other. The chamfers 3 are used to increase the distance between the ends of the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 124 so that the front toes of birds can be inserted from the outside.

[0091] Specifically, the limiting plate 121 has the same chamfer 3, which is located at one end of the limiting plate 121 along its length, close to the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 124.

[0092] Specifically, the first limiting mechanism 12 also includes a limiting member 125 and a second driving member 126 disposed on the first frame 11. The second driving member 126 is used to drive the limiting member 125 to reciprocate relative to the limiting plate 121. The end of the limiting member 125 is provided with a limiting protrusion 1251 for receiving in the limiting groove 122. The end of the limiting protrusion 1251 away from the second driving member 126 is concave. By setting the limiting member 125 linearly driven by the second driving member 126 (such as a cylinder, motor, or electric push rod), and in... Its end is provided with a limiting protrusion 1251 with a concave end that can be embedded in the limiting groove 122. After the fore toe is guided into place, the limiting protrusion 1251 is driven to move from the side (usually from above or to the side-above) so that its concave surface is precisely pressed against the middle toe (and part of the metatarsal part) supported by the strip groove 123. This achieves the final step before the fore toe is cut by applying a concentrated and controllable clamping force to it, ensuring that it remains stationary when subjected to the cutting force, and ultimately ensuring the flatness and precise positioning of the cut surface.

[0093] Specifically, the end of the limiting member 125 has three limiting protrusions 1251, which are arranged in a strip shape, and the lengths of the three limiting protrusions 1251 are not equal.

[0094] Specifically, the gripper 142 includes an intermediate member 43 fixedly disposed on the carrier member 141 and a first claw member 41 and a second claw member 42 rotatably disposed on the carrier member 141. The first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are both L-shaped. The intermediate member 43 is provided with a receiving groove 431 at one end near the free end of the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42. The intermediate member 43 is used to grip the legs of birds outside the environment by cooperating with the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 through the receiving groove 431.

[0095] Specifically, an elastic element is provided between the first claw 41 and the second claw 42 to allow the first claw 41 and the second claw 42 to automatically approach and grip the legs of the external bird.

[0096] Specifically, the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are respectively provided with protrusions 40. The protrusions 40 are set in the shape of a semi-cylinder. The side of the two protrusions 40 that are close to each other is set in an arc shape. The first toe-breaking device 1 also includes a block 44 on the first frame 11. The side of the block 44 that is close to the protrusions 40 is provided with a protrusion 441. The protrusion 441 is used to open up the two protrusions 40, thereby realizing that the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 can no longer clamp and limit the legs of the external birds.

[0097] Specifically, the rotational positions of the first claw 41 and the second claw 42 are as follows: Figure 16 As shown at point A, the protrusion 40 and the receiving groove 431 are both located on the same side of the rotational position of the first claw 41 and the second claw 42.

[0098] A non-invasive toe amputation method includes the following steps:

[0099] S1: The tip of the fore toe of an external bird is severed via the first toe-severing mechanism 13;

[0100] S11. The bird is clamped and transported by the conveying mechanism 14, so that the two lateral toes of the front toe of the bird are guided by the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 124 respectively, and the middle toe is guided by the strip groove 123, so that the tip of the front toe is accommodated in the limiting groove 122.

[0101] S12, drive the limiting member 125 to move, and use the limiting protrusion 1251 at its end to press and limit the fore toe located in the limiting groove 122 from the side;

[0102] S13. Activate the first toe amputation mechanism 13 to amputate the tip of the fixed fore toe;

[0103] S14. After the foretoel is severed, the poultry is transported and released via conveyor 14.

[0104] S2: The tip of the hind toe in the bird's foot that has already had its front toe tip severed is severed via the second toe-severing mechanism 23;

[0105] S21. Insert the hind toe of the bird into the slot 233 and allow its foot to rest on the first slot 234;

[0106] S22, the flexible part 223 of the second limiting mechanism 22 is driven to approach and abut against the first plate 211 to cooperate in fixing the external poultry;

[0107] S23. Start the severed toe workpiece 232, which acts as a laser generator, so that the laser beam emitted by it crosses the direction of the inserted rear toe to complete the toe severance.

[0108] S24, Drive the flexible part 223 of the second limiting mechanism 22 away from the first plate 211 to release the external poultry;

[0109] By using the first toe-severing mechanism 13 in conjunction with the conveying mechanism 14 and the guiding and clamping structure composed of the first protrusion 120, the second protrusion 124, the strip groove 123, the limiting groove 122, and the limiting member 125 with the limiting protrusion 1251, the automatic conveying, precise positioning, and lateral clamping and fixing of the front toe of poultry are realized. This ensures the positional accuracy and processing consistency of the non-contact toe-severing of the front toe tip, achieving an efficient, reliable, and low-damage toe-severing effect. After the front toe is severed, the system further utilizes the second toe-severing mechanism 23 to guide the hind toe into the slot hole 233 and position it in the first slot 234. Then, the flexible member 223 of the second limiting mechanism 22 is driven to work with the first plate member 211 to flexibly fix the poultry as a whole. Finally, the toe-severing workpiece 232, which acts as a laser generator, emits a cross laser beam to complete the toe-severing, realizing a safe, non-invasive, and adaptive separation process for the hind toe of poultry. The entire process, through the coordinated operation of specialized mechanisms working in sequence, completes the continuous, automated, and non-invasive amputation of the fore and hind toes of poultry, significantly improving overall processing efficiency, operational safety, and animal welfare.

[0110] The above descriptions provide one or more embodiments in conjunction with specific details, but do not imply that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. Any methods or structures that are similar to or identical to those of the present invention, or any technical deductions or substitutions made based on the concept of the present invention, should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A non-invasive toe amputation device, characterized in that, include: A limiting mechanism is used to limit the toes of poultry outside the enclosure; the toes include the front toe and the hind toe. The toe amputation mechanism is used in conjunction with the limiting mechanism to generate and guide selected non-contact energy to act on the toes of birds in the outside world, so as to induce non-mechanical degeneration or separation of the toe tips, thereby achieving non-invasive toe treatment. The control module, electrically or communicatively connected to the toe amputation mechanism, is used to control the output of non-contact energy.

2. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toe-severing mechanism includes a first toe-severing device (1), which includes a first frame (11), a first limiting mechanism (12) and a conveying mechanism (14) disposed on the first frame (11). The first limiting mechanism (12) is used to limit the external poultry. The first frame (11) is also provided with a first toe-severing mechanism (13) for severing the front or back toes of the external poultry. The conveying mechanism (14) includes a carrier (141) slidably disposed on the first frame (11). The carrier (141) is provided with a gripper (142) for gripping the legs of the external poultry. The first frame (11) is also provided with a first driving member (143) for driving the carrier (141) to approach or move away from the first toe-severing mechanism (13).

3. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first limiting mechanism (12) includes a limiting plate (121) disposed on the first frame (11). The limiting plate (121) is provided with a limiting groove (122) for accommodating the front toe of an external bird. The limiting plate (121) is provided with a strip groove (123) on the side away from the first toe-breaking mechanism (13) that communicates with the corresponding limiting groove (122).

4. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: On the side of the limiting plate (121) away from the first toe-breaking mechanism (13), there is also a first protrusion (120) and a second protrusion (124). There are two second protrusions (124), and the first protrusion (120) is located between the two second protrusions (124). The first protrusion (120) works in conjunction with the second protrusion (124) to guide and limit the two lateral toes of the front toe of the bird. The strip groove (123) is used to guide the middle toe between the two lateral toes of the front toe of the bird.

5. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first limiting mechanism (12) also includes a limiting member (125) and a second driving member (126) disposed on the first frame (11). The second driving member (126) is used to drive the limiting member (125) to reciprocate relative to the limiting plate (121). The end of the limiting member (125) is provided with a limiting protrusion (1251) for receiving in the limiting groove (122). The end of the limiting protrusion (1251) away from the second driving member (126) is concave.

6. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toe-breaking mechanism includes a second toe-breaking device (2), which includes a second toe-breaking mechanism (23) for use in conjunction with the first toe-breaking mechanism (13). The second toe-breaking mechanism (23) includes a housing (231) and a toe-breaking workpiece (232) disposed in the housing (231). The housing (231) is also provided with a slot (233) for inserting the hind or fore toe of an external bird. The toe-breaking workpiece (232) is used to break off the hind or fore toe of an external bird inserted into the slot (233). The toe-breaking workpiece (232) is a laser generator. The laser beam emission direction of the laser generator intersects with the orientation direction of the hind or fore toe of the external bird inserted into the slot (233).

7. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second toe amputation device (2) includes a second frame (21), and a housing (231) includes a first plate (211) disposed on the second frame (21), a slot (233) disposed on the first plate (211) for insertion of the hind toe of an external bird, and a first groove (234) disposed on the first plate (211), the first groove (234) being concave for accommodating the foot of an external bird.

8. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second toe-breaking device (2) also includes a second limiting mechanism (22). The second limiting mechanism (22) includes a first driving component (221) disposed on the second frame (21). The output end of the first driving component (221) is provided with a rod (222). The rod (222) is L-shaped. A flexible component (223) is provided at the end of the rod (222) away from the first driving component (221). The first driving component (221) drives the flexible component (223) to approach or move away from the first plate (211) via the rod (222).

9. The non-invasive toe amputation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second toe-breaking device (2) also includes a second support member (20) and a second cover (201) disposed on the second support member (20). The second frame (21) is disposed on the second support member (20) and covered by the second cover (201). A second groove (202) is provided on the second support member (20). The second groove (202) is used to provide a clearance for the body or head of the external bird when the second limiting mechanism (22) cooperates with the second toe-breaking mechanism (23) to break the hind toe of the external bird.

10. A non-invasive toe amputation method, characterized in that, Using the non-invasive toe amputation device as described in any one of claims 1-9, and comprising the following steps: S1: The tip of the fore toe of an external bird is severed via the first toe-severing mechanism (13); S11. The bird is clamped and transported by the conveying mechanism (14), so that the two lateral toes of the front toe of the bird are guided by the first protrusion (120) and the second protrusion (124) respectively, and the middle toe is guided by the strip groove (123), so that the tip of the front toe is accommodated in the limiting groove (122). S12, drive the limiting member (125) to move, and use the limiting protrusion (1251) at its end to press and limit the front toe located in the limiting groove (122) from the side; S13, activate the first toe amputation mechanism (13) to amputate the tip of the fixed fore toe; S14. After the foretoel is severed, the poultry is transported and released via a conveyor mechanism (14); S2: The tip of the hind toe of the bird foot that has already had its fore toe severed is severed via the second toe-severing mechanism (23); S21. Insert the hind toe of the bird into the slot (233) and place its foot on the first slot (234); S22, the flexible part (223) of the second limiting mechanism (22) is driven to approach and abut against the first plate (211) to cooperate in fixing the external poultry; S23. Start the severed toe workpiece (232) as a laser generator, so that the laser beam emitted by it crosses the direction of the inserted rear toe to complete the toe severance. S24, drive the flexible part (223) of the second limiting mechanism (22) away from the first plate (211) to release the external birds.

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