Poultry handling station

Abstract

Poultry handling station comprising a working platform raised above the ground, a loading platform connected at a first end to said working platform by a hinge, said hinge defining at least two operating states of the station: a loading state for which said loading platform is in a first inclined position for which a second end of said loading platform is lowered relative to said working platform in a position for raising the poultry onto the loading platform from the ground, a working state for which said loading platform is in a second position in which said second end is raised relative to the working platform in a position for driving the poultry from the loading platform to the working platform. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Poultry handling station Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of poultry equipment and more particularly, to stations for handling adult or chick poultry. Prior art

[0002] Poultry care is of crucial importance within the poultry industry, playing a decisive role in the efficient production and quality of poultry products. Careful management of poultry feed, environment and health is essential to ensure their welfare, optimal growth and disease prevention.

[0003] The quality of nutrition, monitoring of living conditions, implementation of appropriate vaccination programs and management of poultry facilities are all key elements that directly influence the productivity, profitability and sustainability of poultry farming.

[0004] Thus, meticulous care of poultry represents a fundamental aspect of the poultry industry, helping to ensure food safety and consumer satisfaction.

[0005] Monitoring care protocols in the poultry industry can be complex due to several factors. Animal handling operations are tedious and it is desirable to create ergonomic treatment stations.

[0006] Poultry diversity encompasses a wide range of birds raised for commercial, ornamental, or recreational purposes. Common examples of poultry include chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, and guinea fowl.

[0007] Chickens, in particular, are the most common poultry in the poultry industry due to their widely consumed meat and eggs. Ducks and geese are also raised for foie gras and meat production, while turkeys are prized for their flesh, especially during the holidays. Geese and guinea fowl are often raised for their distinct flavor characteristics.

[0008] The known prior techniques do not allow the efficient treatment of said animals in a versatile manner according to the different types of breeding. Summary

[0009] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0010] A handling station for poultry is proposed comprising: - a working platform raised above the ground, - a loading platform connected at a first end to said work platform by an articulation, said articulation defining at least two operating states of the station: • a loading state for which said loading platform is in a first inclined position for which a second end of said loading platform is lowered relative to said working platform in a position for raising the poultry onto the loading platform from the ground, • a working state for which said loading platform is in a second position in which said second end is raised relative to the working platform in a position for driving the poultry from the loading platform to the working platform.

[0011] Each species of poultry has specific needs in terms of care, handling, nutrition and environment, which makes an approach adapted to each type of breeding essential to guarantee their welfare and productivity.

[0012] The proposed handling station can be adapted to any type of poultry. The work platform thus allows an operator to carry out specific operations meeting these specific needs.

[0013] To carry out manipulations on poultry, the platform can be raised. In particular, ergonomically, it can be at working height for an operator. For example, it can be at a height of between 65 and 110 cm.

[0014] It can also be height-adjustable, that is to say it is equipped with means which allow its height to be modified before, during or after use. The platform can thus be adjustable to a comfortable and ergonomic working height for the operator, whoever they may be.

[0015] For example, the handling station may be equipped with a system of jacks or motors which lowers or raises the work platform.

[0016] Similarly, ergonomically, the working platform may be horizontal, parallel to the ground, or inclined, forming an angle with the ground. For example, a platform inclined towards the operator, i.e. the part of the working platform closest to the operator is of a lower height, may help the poultry, at least by gravity, to move towards the operator, once they are on the working platform.

[0017] The loading platform allows the poultry to climb from the ground onto the working platform. It is hinged at one end with the working platform, so that the angle formed by the loading platform can be controlled. with the horizontal. The articulation therefore also makes it possible to control the contact of a second end of the loading platform, opposite the first, with the ground.

[0018] In the loading state, the loading platform is in a first inclined position for which said second end is lowered relative to the first and therefore to the working platform. In particular, in this loading state, the end of the loading platform opposite the first end can rest on the ground.

[0019] This position allows the poultry to climb onto the loading platform so that they can reach the working platform.

[0020] In the working state, the loading platform is in a second inclined position for which said second end is raised relative to the first end and the working platform. At least by gravity, this pushes the poultry towards the working platform to allow their handling.

[0021] In one embodiment, the station further comprises: - at least one actuator allowing the station to alternate between said loading state and said working state, and - a control interface allowing a user to control said actuator.

[0022] For example, the actuator may be a cylinder or motor system adapted to adjust the inclination of the loading platform.

[0023] The control interface may be an interface fixed to the station, a wired control box connected to the station, or a remote control system for the station such as a remote control. By means of this interface, an operator can control the actuator, and therefore the inclination of the loading platform and the status of the station.

[0024] In one embodiment, the loading platform is extended by a side panel, hinged at said second end and forming an extension of the loading platform, in contact with the ground when the station is in a loading state.

[0025] This side panel advantageously makes it possible to reduce the angle of inclination necessary for the loading platform to touch the ground, by extending its length.

[0026] Furthermore, in one embodiment, said side panel comprises means for holding the side panel in position relative to the loading platform.

[0027] In particular, these means can make it possible to maintain the side panel in advantageously predefined positions such as an extension position in which the side panel is in the extension of the loading platform so that a bottom of the loading platform forms a substantially flat resulting surface, as well as a closed position, where the side panel is substantially perpendicular.

[0028] For example, these means may be housings provided in the station, in which the side panel is housed to be held in position. In other examples, the articulation of the side panel may comprise locking means such as stop notches, to maintain the articulation at a chosen angle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the work platform and the loading platform include upwardly facing poultry retaining side walls.

[0030] These walls allow the poultry to be held on their respective platforms. At the same time, these walls can serve as guides for the poultry.

[0031] The height of these side walls can be adapted to the type of poultry handled.

[0032] These side walls can also be of adjustable height. For example, these walls are telescopic by means of a scissor mesh, or extendable, by presenting means of fixing extensions or lengthenings.

[0033] The means for holding the side panel in position are at least part of the side walls for retaining the poultry of the loading platform.

[0034] The side panel with side walls for holding means in position may have a funnel shape to guide a greater number of poultry onto the loading platform.

[0035] In one embodiment, the side panel advantageously comprises folding side walls.

[0036] For example, the means for holding in position may be one or more unfolding and folding flaps to hold the side panel in position while serving as walls for retaining the poultry.

[0037] The side panel can also be held perpendicular to the rest of the loading platform, in a closed position, by the holding means. Advantageously, a side panel in such a position makes it possible to form an additional retaining wall. This set of walls, with the side panel, can thus form a closed enclosure entirely surrounded by walls on its sides.

[0038] In one embodiment, the holding means comprise fixing means between the side walls of the loading platform and the side walls of the side panel so as to hold the side panel in the extension of the loading platform.

[0039] Ideally, holding means are present on each side of the side panel, to advantageously distribute the mechanical forces.

[0040] These fixing means include means known from the prior art, such as screw systems.

[0041] In one embodiment, said work platform further comprises at least one removable extraction chute comprising a poultry introduction end raised relative to a bottom of the work platform.

[0042] The removable chutes make it easier to handle the station, move it, and improve its versatility.

[0043] Once the operator has finished handling the poultry, the latter can be expelled from the station via the extraction chute.

[0044] In addition, this extraction chute makes it possible to separate the perimeter of the work platform into different work zones to accommodate operators. For example, a chute can delimit two work zones, the chute then being shared by two operators located on each side of the chute; with two chutes, three zones are delimited, etc.

[0045] The station can also provide several chutes allowing, for example, the extraction of poultry to different extraction zones, so as to allow sorting of the poultry.

[0046] Advantageously, the extraction chutes are raised relative to a bottom of the working platform on which the poultry rests. Thus, it is not possible for the poultry to enter the extraction chutes by themselves. For example, the chutes can rest on the side walls or be fixed in housings provided for this purpose in the side walls.

[0047] Thus, in one embodiment, said work platform is at handling height and the inlet of said at least one removable chute is positioned on one of said side walls of said work platform.

[0048] The loading platform may also include a conveyor or a conveyor belt, allowing the poultry to be forced to be transported from the loading platform to the working platform.

[0049] To assist the poultry in getting onto the handling station, the loading platform may also advantageously include a non-slip coating.

[0050] In one embodiment, the station may further comprise a chassis on which the work platform and the loading platform are fixed, and in which the chassis comprises means for moving the handling station. In particular, the chassis may be equipped with wheels.

[0051] In addition, said chassis may further comprise means of fixing to the ground to advantageously improve its stability.

[0052] The station may have walls and a side panel folded onto the loading platform in a perpendicular position to maintain a compact and safe shape for the poultry present in the station. This position is particularly ideal for handling the station and / or the poultry (to move them to a different location).

[0053] Thus, in one embodiment, the articulation of the side panel defines a handling state of the handling station, in which the side panel is folded so as to rest on the loading platform.

[0054] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a handling station. This method may comprise the following steps: - put said handling station in a loading state, - load poultry onto the loading platform of said handling station, using said sideboard, - put said handling station into a working state, - carry out manipulation, by at least one operator, on poultry thus transported on said work platform.

[0055] Once the handling has been carried out on the poultry, the method may comprise: extracting the handled poultry through an extraction chute from said handling station.

[0056] This method may also include a step of adjusting the station in a configuration adapted to the type of poultry to be handled. For example, this may include a movement or positioning of the station, a particular angle of the loading platform, a particular angle of the side wall, a particular height of the side walls, a particular number of extraction chutes, or a particular height of the working platform.

[0057] In a preliminary step, the method may comprise deploying the side panel of said handling station.

[0058] These steps can be implemented by one or more operators. Brief description of the drawings

[0059] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0060] [Fig.l] schematically shows a handling station according to one embodiment.

[0061] [Fig.2A] schematically shows a handling station in a handling state according to one embodiment.

[0062] [Fig.2B] schematically shows the handling station of [Fig.2A] whose side panel is being deployed.

[0063] [Fig.2C] schematically shows the handling station of [Fig.2B] with the side panel deployed and with extraction chutes.

[0064] [Fig.2D] schematically shows the handling station of [Fig.2C] in a loading mode.

[0065] [Fig.2E] schematically shows the handling station of [Fig.2D] in a working mode.

[0066] [Fig.3] schematically shows the steps of a method of using a handling station of the invention according to one embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0067] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1] which schematically illustrates a handling station of the invention and its various elements according to one embodiment.

[0068] The handling station thus comprises a work platform 101, raised to an ergonomic height for the handling of poultry by an operator. In this embodiment, the work platform is positioned horizontally.

[0069] In addition, the handling station comprises a loading platform 102, articulated to the work platform 101 by the articulation 102a. This articulation makes it possible to tilt the loading platform relative to the ground and the work platform.

[0070] The loading platform 102 comprises a side panel 103, hinged to the rest of the loading platform 102 with the hinge 102b.

[0071] It also includes a non-slip coating, making it easier for poultry to climb in.

[0072] The platform 102 further comprises means 104 for holding the side panel 103 in position, which make it possible to hold the side panel 103 in the extension of the loading platform 102, so that the latter has a substantially flat bottom.

[0073] The working platforms 101 and loading platforms 102 comprise side walls 106 for retaining the poultry. These simultaneously allow the poultry to be guided towards the working platform 101.

[0074] The side walls 106 of the work platform 101 have housings 106a for accommodating extraction chutes 105.

[0075] These means of maintaining position are in the form of 2 flaps, the first hinged to the (fixed) side walls of the loading platform, and the second flap hinged to the first flap.

[0076] According to the example, the means for holding the side panel 103 in position 104 are also constituted by side walls 106 making it possible to retain and guide the poultry towards the work platform 101.

[0077] According to the example, the handling station further comprises two removable extraction chutes 105, positioned in suitable housings on the side walls of the work platform 101. These chutes make it possible to define, between them, three different work spaces for operators.

[0078] A station may have more or less than two chutes depending on its dimensions or the needs of the users.

[0079] Furthermore, the loading platform 102 also comprises hoops 107 which stiffen the structure of the handling station. It is also possible to replace these hoops with a roof, the loading platform thus forming a tunnel for the passage of poultry.

[0080] Finally, the various elements of the handling station are mounted on a chassis 108. This chassis is here equipped with wheels thus allowing the handling station to be moved, but also with means of fixing to the ground 109, making it possible to greatly improve the stability of the station. A fixed station without wheels is also conceivable within the framework of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference is now made to Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E, which schematically illustrate a use of the handling station, and to [Fig.3] which presents in the form of a flowchart the steps of a method of using the handling station of the invention according to a preferred embodiment.

[0082] Preliminarily, as illustrated in [Fig.2A], the station is in a handling state, that is to say that the side panel 103 is folded onto the loading platform. The extraction chutes 105 are not yet installed on the station, which thus has a more compact shape, ideal for being moved.

[0083] Once the station has been moved to the desired location, the side panel 103 can be unfolded 301 as illustrated in [Fig.2B]. At the same time, the means for holding the side panel 103 in position 104, constituted here by flaps, are unfolded: the flaps are unfolded respectively around their respective articulation described above.

[0084] When the side panel 103 is fully unfolded and held by the holding means 104, the bottom of the loading platform 102 forms a flat surface.

[0085] Removable extraction chutes 105 may be installed in the housings 106a of the side walls 106, as illustrated in [Fig.2C].

[0086] As illustrated in [Fig.2D], by means of an actuator 201, here, a jack system, the loading platform can be tilted towards the ground to put 302 the station in a loading state.

[0087] The actuator 201 can be controlled by the operators 202 by means of a control interface 203 connected to the actuator 201.

[0088] In this loading state, poultry can climb 303 by the side wall 103 from the ground onto the loading platform 102, in order to move towards the working platform 101, guided by the side walls 106.

[0089] At the same time, the holding means are retaining walls 106 which guide and retain the potential poultry towards the working platform.

[0090] Again, the actuator 201 can be controlled by the operators 202 to tilt the loading platform 102 in the other direction, as illustrated in [Fig.2E], and put 304 the handling station into a working state.

[0091] In this state, the poultry that were present in the loading platform are driven towards the working platform 101, where the operators can handle them 305.

[0092] Once the manipulation 305 is completed, the operators can extract 306 the poultry from the station by means of the extraction chutes 105.

[0093] At any time, the side panel 103 can be folded down, after the removal of the holding means 104, the removable extraction chutes can be removed, and the loading platform 102 can be returned to the horizontal position, so as to return the handling station to a handling state, to allow its movement and that of the poultry present inside.

[0094] The station described above allows in particular optimal ergonomics for the work of the operators in particular with an adjustable height of the work platform. The invention defined by the appended claims is not limited to the preceding description, for example the work station can also include a towing hook and serve as a trailer for transporting birds.

Claims

Claims

1. Poultry handling station characterized in that it comprises: - a working platform (101) raised relative to the ground, - a loading platform (102) connected at a first end to said working platform (101) by an articulation (102a), said articulation (102a) defining at least two operating states of the station: • a loading state (302) for which said loading platform (102) is in a first inclined position for which a second end of said loading platform is lowered relative to said working platform (101) in a position for raising the poultry onto the loading platform (102) from the ground,• a working state (304) for which said loading platform (102) is in a second position in which said second end is raised relative to the working platform (101) in a position for driving the poultry from the loading platform (102) to the working platform (101).,

2. A poultry handling station according to claim 1 further comprising: - at least one actuator (201) allowing the station to alternate between said loading state (301) and said working state (304), and - a control interface (203) allowing a user to control said actuator.

3. A poultry handling station according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the loading platform is extended by a side panel (103), hinged at said second end and forming an extension of the loading platform (102), in contact with the ground when the station is in a loading state (302).

4. A handling station according to claim 3 wherein the hinge (102b) of the side panel (103) defines a handling state of the handling station, in which the side panel (103) is folded so as to rest on the loading platform.

5. Poultry handling station according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said side panel (103) comprises means for holding the side panel in position (104) relative to the loading platform (102).

6. A poultry handling station according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the side panel (103) has foldable side walls (104).

7. A poultry handling station according to any preceding claim wherein the working platform (101) and the loading platform (102) comprise upwardly facing poultry retaining side walls (106).

8. Handling station according to claims 6 and 7, in which the holding means (104) comprise fixing means between the side walls of the loading platform and the side walls of the side panel (106) so as to hold the side panel in the extension of the loading platform.

9. Handling station according to any one of the preceding claims in which said working platform (101) further comprises at least one removable extraction chute (105) comprising an end (106a) for introducing the poultry raised relative to a bottom of the working platform (101).

10. Handling station according to claim 9 for which the work platform (101) comprises side walls (106), wherein said work platform is at handling height and the inlet of said at least one removable chute (105) is positioned on one of said side walls of said work platform.

11. A handling station according to any preceding claim wherein the loading platform (102) comprises a non-slip coating.

12. A handling station according to any preceding claim further comprising a frame (108) on which the work platform and the loading platform are fixed, and in which the chassis comprises means for moving the handling station.

13. Method for handling poultry by means of a handling station according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: - putting said handling station in a loading state (302), - raising (303) poultry onto the loading platform of said handling station, - putting said handling station in a working state (304) - carrying out a manipulation (305), by at least one operator, on a poultry thus transported onto said working platform.

14. Method for handling poultry according to claim 13 by means of a handling station comprising a side panel (103), for which a preliminary step of deploying the side panel (103) of said handling station is carried out.

15. Method for handling poultry according to claim 13 or 14 by means of a handling station comprising at least one extraction chute (105) for which steps of extraction (306) of poultry are carried out by means of said extraction chutes (105).

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