animal supply corridor for slaughterhouses

Abstract

The invention relates to a feed corridor (1) for animals in a livestock facility or a slaughterhouse, the corridor (1) comprising a trolley (10) for pushing the animals by means of a barrier (101) movable between a position for closing the corridor (1) and a position for clearing the corridor (1), the trolley (10) being movable in the corridor (1) by a sliding connection, characterized in that the sliding connection is actuated by a pinion (108) and rack (102) system, in that the sliding connection comprises rolling elements arranged in contact with an upper face of a guide element (110) of the connection, and in that the rolling elements comprise an elastomer or a polymer. Figure for abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: animal supply corridor for slaughterhouses Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of livestock installations or slaughterhouses, and more particularly to a feed corridor for such an installation. Prior art

[0002] In livestock facilities and slaughterhouses, it is necessary to move the animals around.

[0003] Feeding corridors allow animals to move to a particular room in the facility. For example, in a livestock facility, this could be the milking parlor. In a slaughterhouse, this could be the slaughter box.

[0004] One difficulty lies in how to get the animals to move forward within this feed corridor. The environment can be stressful or frightening for the animals, so that they refuse to move forward.

[0005] This phenomenon is particularly present in the case of a slaughterhouse.

[0006] Various techniques are known from the prior art for making animals move forward within a feed corridor. Sometimes, operators use sticks to hit the animals, or batteries to give them an electric shock, in order to make them move forward. These acts are violent and do not respect the dignity of the animal. These acts are generally prohibited.

[0007] Furthermore, if an animal is injured, its skin is damaged so that it cannot be used as leather.

[0008] In order to alleviate this mistreatment, mechanized devices are known from the prior art for pushing or constraining animals, such as described in documents WO2015 / 143522, DE19501413, US20220330513, US6425351, or EPI 129616. However, the devices of the prior art are not satisfactory in that they are still too noisy and / or ineffective.

[0009] In some slaughterhouses, operators enter the feed chute with the animals in order to push them manually. The aim is to prevent mistreatment and to compensate for the inefficiency of certain mechanical systems. However, this method is dangerous if an animal runs off. The risk of injury is significant.

[0010] Improvements to the supply corridors are therefore possible. Statement of the invention

[0011] The invention aims to overcome the problems of the prior art, in particular by proposing a feed corridor allowing the animals to move forward efficiently, while respecting animal welfare, preserving the leather, and protecting personnel.

[0012] For this purpose, a corridor has been developed for bringing animals from a breeding facility or a slaughterhouse, the corridor comprising a trolley for pushing the animals by means of a barrier, and movable in the corridor by a sliding connection.

[0013] According to the invention, the sliding connection is actuated by a rack and pinion system, the sliding connection comprises rolling elements arranged in contact with an upper face of a guide element of the connection, and supporting all or part of the weight of the carriage, and the rolling elements and / or the upper face of the guide element comprise an elastomer or a polymer.

[0014] In this way, the movement of the trolley is particularly quiet because the weight of the trolley is supported by rolling elements such as noise-reducing rollers. Since the movement of the trolley is the main source of noise frightening animals in a feed corridor, the invention makes it possible to obtain an efficient feed corridor that respects animal welfare.

[0015] Next, a rack and pinion system is quieter than a chain system. Indeed, the meshing of the pinion teeth and the rack teeth is done by rolling without sliding, whereas a pinion and chain system involves a shock each time a link approaches the pinion, in particular due to the polygonal effect caused by the length of the chain pitch. A chain transmission is therefore implicitly noisier than a rack transmission. The same is true for pneumatic systems, whose exhaust is noisy.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier is pivotable between a position for closing the corridor and a position for clearing the corridor. In this way, the carriage is of simple construction. The space requirement is reduced, because the amplitude of the barrier movement is included in the corridor gauge. The disadvantages of the systems described in documents WO2015 / 143522 and DE19501413, for example, are avoided. In these systems, a sliding door protrudes beyond the corridor gauge, or a conveyor recirculation system doubles the floor space requirement.

[0017] Preferably, the barrier is arranged on a side wall of the corridor and the barrier pivots about a vertical axis, which ensures that an animal cannot lie down under the trolley. The efficiency of the corridor is therefore improved.

[0018] The corridor advantageously comprises, on a wall opposite that receiving the barrier, a gate pivoting around a vertical axis between a position for closing the corridor and a position for clearing the corridor. Such a gate makes it possible to prevent an animal from moving backwards within the supply corridor. Thus, an animal engaged in the corridor and having passed through a first gate can only advance in the supply direction of this corridor.

[0019] In order to cushion the movements of the barrier and / or the gate, the pivot connection of the barrier and / or the gate comprises a door closer type cylinder to bring it back into closing position. Such a door closer, commonly called a "groom", is based on an internal circulation of a fluid such as oil, in a closed circuit, between two chambers of the groom. The greater the amplitude of the groom's movement, the more the fluid is compressed within the corresponding chamber, which opposes the movement of the groom. In this way, a groom constitutes a shock absorber for the movement of the barrier and / or gate. It is therefore not possible to slam the barrier or gate against a corridor wall. Since the slamming of barriers in livestock facilities or slaughterhouses is a significant source of noise, the use of a groom is particularly advantageous.

[0020] By default, the barrier and the gates are not motorized, and only open under the pressure exerted by an animal trying to advance in the corridor. But a barrier or a gate in the closed position can put off an animal. In order to encourage it to advance within the corridor, the barrier and / or the gate is motorized, in order to place them in the clear position, which encourages the animal to advance.

[0021] To avoid accidents and injuries to animals, each engine includes a force limiter.

[0022] In one embodiment, the pivot connection of the gate and / or barrier comprises a stop in the form of a cam, limiting its amplitude between the closed position and the release position. The geometry of the stop in the form of a cam allows the stop to gradually approach the opposing part limiting its movement. A noisy impact is therefore avoided.

[0023] Still with the aim of not frightening the animals, the barrier and / or the gate has a neutral color, for example gray, and anti-reflective. Animals are generally frightened by bright colors, or by the reflections of light on shiny surfaces, the choice of a suitable coating for the barrier and / or the gate makes it possible not to frighten them.

[0024] In one embodiment, the motorization of the pivot connection of the trolley barrier is controlled by the position of the trolley. This mode makes it possible to reverse the trolley with the barrier open, clearing the corridor to encourage the animal to move forward, then gradually reopening the barrier when the trolley begins to move forward again, without however injuring a following animal. The barrier opens gradually between the following animal and the animal to be moved forward.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a pushing trolley as mentioned above, remarkable in that it consists of making animals progress within the corridor according to a cycle of the “pilgrim step” type, and in that the position of a movable barrier, from a position of releasing the corridor to a position of closing the corridor, is controlled by the position of the trolley within the corridor. Description of figures

[0026] [Fig.l] illustrates a feed corridor from a holding pen to a slaughter box.

[0027] [Fig.2] illustrates such a corridor seen from above.

[0028] [Fig.3] illustrates such a corridor seen from the front.

[0029] [Fig.4] illustrates a pushing trolley of such a corridor.

[0030] [Fig.5] is a partial view illustrating the sliding connection and the motorization of such a cart.

[0031] [Fig.6] is another partial view of such a trolley.

[0032] [Fig.7] illustrates a stop of a pivot connection.

[0033] [Fig.8] illustrates a gate of such a corridor.

[0034] [Fig.9] illustrates a first step in the implementation of such a corridor.

[0035] [Fig. 10] illustrates a next step in the implementation.

[0036] [Fig. 11] illustrates a next step in the implementation.

[0037] [Fig. 12] illustrates a next step in the implementation. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the invention relates to an improved feed corridor (1). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the corridor (1) connects a park (2) to a slaughter station (3).

[0039] The corridor (1) comprises a pushing carriage (10) provided with a barrier (101) movable between a position for closing the corridor (1), and a position for clearing the corridor (1). The carriage (10) moves in translation in the corridor (1), by means of a sliding connection and a motorization.

[0040] Anti-return gates (20) are preferably arranged in the corridor (1) to ensure that an animal cannot back up once it has entered the corridor (1).

[0041] In order to prevent an animal from lying down in the corridor (1), and becoming trapped under the trolley (10), the barrier (101) is arranged on one side of the corridor (1) rather than above it. In this mode, the barrier (101) measures more than half the width of the corridor (1) in order to ensure that an animal does not become trapped between the barrier (101) and the opposite wall of the corridor (1).

[0042] With reference to Figures 4 to 6, the carriage (10) comprises a sliding connection provided with rolling elements (109) against a guide element (110).

[0043] At least one of the rolling elements (109) is arranged on an upper face of the guide element (110), so that the weight of the carriage (10) is supported at least in part, and preferably in full by the rolling element (109), and not by the motorization of the carriage (10). This construction ensures that the noise level emitted by the motorization of the carriage (10) will not be increased. If the carriage (10) rested for example on a rack and pinion connection, the noise would be greater.

[0044] The guide element (110) illustrated is a tube of square section. Other geometries can of course be envisaged, such as a circular or H-shaped section, as long as the vertical component of the force (the weight of the carriage (10)) is taken up by the rolling elements (109), rather than by the motorization.

[0045] In order to further reduce the noise level of the carriage (10), the rolling elements (109) and / or the upper face of the guide element (110) comprise a polymer or an elastomer. For example, these are polyurethane-coated rollers. Such rolling elements (109) facilitate the silent movement of the carriage (10).

[0046] Preferably, the motorization of the sliding connection is a pinion (108) and rack (102) system, driven by a first motor (103). The meshing of the teeth is done according to a rolling kinematics without sliding, which is quieter than the other solutions of the prior art: chain transmissions generate at least one rattling due to the polygonal effect inherent in the pitch of the links, and the pneumatic cylinders generate significant noise when they are put into exhaust.

[0047] Advantageously, the rack (102) is arranged on a side wall (107) of the passage (1), which makes it possible to arrange an upper rolling element (109) over the entire width of the guide element (110). The resulting construction is compact and robust.

[0048] To increase the rigidity of the slide connection, it comprises a first upper guide element (110), at the top of the side wall (107), and a second lower guide element (110) at the bottom of the wall (107). The risks of the carriage (10) buckling are avoided.

[0049] Still with the aim of preventing the carriage (10) from buckling, anti-rotation rollers (111) are arranged, when the carriage (10) is seen from above, on a side opposite that of the pinion (108) of the motorization. Rolling elements (109) are respectively arranged opposite the anti-rotation rollers (111) and the pinion (108). The connection obtained is particularly strong.

[0050] In order to reduce the size of the corridor (1), the barrier (101) is movable according to a pivot connection, preferably around a vertical axis. Thus, the amplitude of its movement between the release position and the closure position is located entirely inside the corridor (1). Bearings (106) are arranged for this purpose on the carriage (10).

[0051] In an economical embodiment, the pivot connection of the barrier (101) is not motorized, so that the barrier (101) only opens under the pressure exerted by an animal.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the pivot connection of the barrier (101) is motorized by means of a second motor (104), so that the barrier (101) opens before the cart (10) does not move backward to look for the next animal. Thus, the animal sees a clear corridor (1) and is not frightened by the backward movement of the cart (10).

[0053] In both cases, the pivot connection of the barrier (101) comprises a door closer (105) called a "groom", preferably hydraulic. In such a groom (105), the internal circulation of a fluid, under the action of movement of the barrier (101), provides two effects: - the stiffness of the groom (105) can be adjusted by regulating the fluid flow rate. This adjustment allows for smooth, jolt-free movement of the barrier (101). - the greater the amplitude of the movement of the barrier (101), the more the fluid is compressed within the corresponding chamber, and the more the bellboy (105) opposes the movement. Thus, the bellboy (105) dampens the movement of the barrier (101) and prevents it from slamming against a partition of the corridor (1).

[0054] To limit the amplitude of the movement of the barrier (101), a stop (112) is present. Advantageously, the stop (112) has the shape of a cam, which makes it possible to guarantee progressive contact between the stop (112) and the corridor (1), again avoiding a shock, a source of noise.

[0055] Such a stop (112) is preferably mounted on the axis of the pivot connection.

[0056] With reference to [Fig.7], the stop (112) has two bearing surfaces (113) intended to abut against a frame of the carriage (10). The choice of the angle (114) between the two surfaces defines the amplitude of the movement, which is preferably 90°. The presence of a bulge (115) at the base of the stop makes it possible to avoid excessive mauling of said stop.

[0057] In order not to frighten the animals, the barrier (101) has a neutral coating or color, preferably without reflection. Galvanization, conventionally used in the field of livestock farming, is avoided because galvanized parts produce reflections which frighten the animals. The barrier (101) is for example painted a gray color.

[0058] According to the hue-saturation-value model used to define colors, the color of the barrier (101) has: - a saturation between 0 and 50, and preferably between 0 and 25. - a value between 0 and 75, and preferably between 25 and 50.

[0059] [Fig.8] illustrates a non-return gate (20). The non-return gates (20) are optional, but they ensure that an animal cannot back up within the corridor (1), which facilitates the implementation of the invention.

[0060] Preferably, the non-return gate (20) is generally identical to the barrier (101) of the trolley (10), in that it is connected to the corridor (1) by bearings (106) providing a pivot connection, in particular around a vertical axis, that a bellows dampens the movement of the gate (20), and that a stop (112) limits the amplitude of the movement of the gate (20).

[0061] Preferably, a rotary vane cylinder (200) is arranged in pressure / counter-pressure to play the role of both a groom and a rotary vane cylinder. This makes it possible, in the case of small animals, to reduce the pushing force on the gate (20). With a rotary vane cylinder, the pushing force can be less than 20Nm, which is very low. The rotary vane cylinder forces the groom (105) to open to limit the barrier effect and facilitate the advancement of the animals.

[0062] The gate (20) also has a neutral color so as not to frighten the animals.

[0063] Figures 9 to 12 illustrate a sequence of use of the corridor (1), on which arrows illustrate the movement of the parts.

[0064] [Fig.9] illustrates the first step, where: - a first animal (Bl) is present and must be pushed towards the exit (3) of the corridor (1); - a second beast (B2) waits its turn; - the carriage (10) is in the rear position.

[0065] [Fig. 10] illustrates a second step, where the carriage (10) begins its advance. As it advances, the motorized barrier (101) opens, so as to: - be in the closed position when the carriage (10) reaches the second gate (20-2) holding the first animal (B 1); - do not obstruct the second beast (B2) when opening it.

[0066] The motorization of the pivot of the barrier (101) is therefore controlled by the position of the carriage (10), according to the principle of a digital cam: the opening is progressive according to the advance of the carriage (10).

[0067] [Fig. 11] illustrates the carriage (10) having passed through the second non-return gate (20-2) which held the first animal (Bl), and having pushed the first animal (Bl) into the corridor (1). The third non-return gate (20-3) opened, either under the action of the first animal (Bl) or under the action of a motor of the third gate (20-3).

[0068] [Fig. 12] illustrates the reversal of the carriage (10) in order to fetch the second animal (B2). The case is illustrated where the second animal (B2) has spontaneously advanced within the corridor (1), so that the carriage (10) only needs to reverse as far as the second gate (20-2). If the second animal (B2) has not advanced, then the carriage (10) is configured to reverse as far as the first gate (20-1); as illustrated in dotted lines.

[0069] When the trolley (10) moves back, the barrier (101) is preferably brought into the release position so as not to frighten the second animal. This motorized opening encourages the spontaneous advance of the second animal (B2) within the corridor (1).

[0070] For this same reason, the pivot of the first gate (20-1) is preferably motorized.

[0071] The corridor (1) is equipped with a presence sensor in order to detect the spontaneous or involuntary advance of the animals, so as to adapt the position to which the trolley (10) must move back.

[0072] The sequence of use of the corridor (1) corresponds to a “pilgrim’s step”, in which the trolley (10) goes back and forth within the corridor (1). This sequence makes a space-saving design possible.

[0073] Preferably, all the motors of the corridor (1) have a force limiter, making it possible to stop the corridor (1) in the event of an animal getting stuck. Injuries are therefore avoided.

[0074] Furthermore, the supply corridor (1) may be shaped differently from the examples given without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0075] In a variant not shown, the corridor (1) does not have non-return gates (20).

[0076] According to another variant not shown, the door closers (105) are mechanical, and comprise springs.

[0077] Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above can be, in whole or in part, combined with each other. Thus, the supply corridor (1) can be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

Claims

1. A feed corridor (1) for animals from a livestock facility or slaughterhouse, the corridor (1) comprising a trolley (10) for pushing the animals by means of a barrier (101) movable between a position for closing the corridor (1) and a position for clearing the corridor (1), the trolley (10) being movable in the corridor (1) by a sliding connection, characterized in that the sliding connection is actuated by a rack and pinion system, in that the sliding connection comprises rolling elements (109) arranged in contact with an upper face of a guide element (110) of the connection and supporting all or part of the weight of the trolley, and in that the rolling elements (109) and / or the upper face of the guide element comprise an elastomer or a polymer.

2. Corridor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier (101) is pivoting.

3. Corridor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrier (101) is arranged on a side wall of the corridor (1), and the corridor (1) comprises, on an opposite wall, a gate (20) pivoting between a position for closing the corridor (1) and a position for clearing the corridor (1).

4. Corridor (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the pivot connection of the barrier (101) and / or the gate (20) comprises a jack (105) of the door closer type to return it to the closing position.

5. Corridor (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the pivot connection of the barrier (101) and / or the gate (20) is motorized.

6. Corridor (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the motorization comprises a force limiter.

7. Corridor (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the pivot connection comprises a stop (112) in the form of a cam, limiting its amplitude between the closed position and the release position.

8. Corridor (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the barrier (101) and / or the gate (20) has a gray and anti-reflective tint.

9. Corridor (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the motorization of the barrier (101) is controlled by the position of the carriage (10).

10. Method for controlling a trolley (10) for pushing an animal feed corridor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, remarkable in that it consists of making animals advance within the corridor (1) according to a cycle of the "pilgrim's step" type, and in that the position of a barrier (101) movable from a position for releasing the corridor (1) to a position for closing the corridor (1) is controlled by the position of the trolley (10) within the corridor (1).

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