EP0291371B1 - Apparatus and method for the automatic debeaking of poultry - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for the automatic debeaking of poultry Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0291371B1
EP0291371B1 EP88400935A EP88400935A EP0291371B1 EP 0291371 B1 EP0291371 B1 EP 0291371B1 EP 88400935 A EP88400935 A EP 88400935A EP 88400935 A EP88400935 A EP 88400935A EP 0291371 B1 EP0291371 B1 EP 0291371B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
debeaking
support
beak
holding
assembly
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP88400935A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0291371A1 (en
Inventor
Albert Gourlandt
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POULTRY ROBOTIC SYSTEMS LIMITED
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POULTRY ROBOTIC SYSTEMS Ltd
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Publication of EP0291371A1 publication Critical patent/EP0291371A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61D—VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS
    • A61D1/00—Surgical instruments for veterinary use
    • A61D1/005—Devices for trimming, cutting, cauterising beaks, spurs, or the like, of poultry or other birds

Definitions

  • the present invention essentially relates to improvements to a method and an apparatus for automatic debeaking of birds, such as young chicks, turkey poults, guinea fowl, ducks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatic debeaking of birds comprising a debeaking assembly activated in two successive stages and of which, according to a particular embodiment, the debeaking element comprises a cutting member forming a guillotine while according to another particular embodiment, the debeaking element perforates the beak to destroy the nerve.
  • the present inventor has also invented a method and an apparatus for automatically containing volatiles, said method and apparatus in a preferred embodiment being applied to debeaking said volatiles.
  • This prior invention of the inventor is the subject of a patent published in France under the number FR-A-2 464 700 and in Europe published under the number EP-A-27064.
  • the present invention constitutes further improvements to these prior inventions of the applicant with the aim of simplifying as much as possible the general design of the debeaking assembly, the number of moving parts, improving the precision of debeaking while allowing different possibilities. adjustment allowing adaptation to demand.
  • the present invention solves these new technical problems by providing a solution greatly simplifying the debeaking assembly in its structure and operation, while increasing its precision and reliability over time, even after several hundred or thousands of hours of operation, while allowing adjustments facilitating numerous adaptations during operation on demand, thereby increasing the versatility of the invention.
  • the second step takes place substantially after the first step.
  • the debeaking element comprises a cutting member forming a guillotine.
  • the spout is cut by pulling up the debeaking element to first cut the lower spout and then the upper spout.
  • the spout can naturally be cut by a movement of the debeaking element from the top to the bottom.
  • the beak is perforated at the level of the nerve of the beak to destroy the nerve.
  • the beak is cut or perforated at a predetermined adjustable distance from the nose of the bird.
  • At least one cauterization of the spout is carried out after debeaking by cutting or perforating it.
  • At least part of the holding and / or support means is movable in an endless circuit, a plurality of holding and / or support means are provided spaced along said endless circuit, the aforementioned debeaking assembly is arranged in the vicinity of said endless circuit so that each holding and / or support means is brought first to a loading station, then to the debeaking station and finally to an unloading station.
  • the second activating means are activated substantially after the first activating means.
  • the debeaking assembly comprises a support element pivotally mounted relative to a support structure displaceable in rotation but in position fixed axial; the support element being activated by the aforementioned first activating means; the debeaking element is activated by the aforementioned second activating means so as to debeak by axial displacement of the debeaking element relative to the support structure.
  • the aforementioned debeaking element comprises a cutting member forming a guillotine or a member for perforating the beak at the level of the nerve to destroy the nerve, such as a wick system, laser system or electric arc system.
  • the support element comprises a through orifice
  • the cutting member also comprises a through orifice which, in the resting position of the cutting member, is in coincidence with the orifice of the support element so that the beak of the volatile is simultaneously introduced into the orifice of the support element and into the orifice of the cutting member when the debeaking element is brought close to the beak in the debeaking standby position.
  • the cutting of the spout is carried out by pulling the cutting member upwards.
  • it is characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of the debeaking element at a predetermined adjustable distance from the holding or restraining means, for cut the beak at a predetermined distance from the bird's nose.
  • the means for holding or restraining and / or supports comprise a front piece constituting at least part of a helmet and having a recess to receive at minus part of the bird's head
  • said recess includes an opening just wide enough to admit the passage of the volatile beak so that at least a part of it is accessible outside the front piece for its debeaking, and is characterized in that the front piece is pivotally mounted relative to its support, preferably the pivot axis is arranged horizontally and is located on the side of the front piece comprising the opening for passage of the spout but outside the plane of the opening.
  • the holding means and / or supports is mounted to be displaceable according to an endless circuit, a plurality of holding means and / or supports being provided spaced along said endless circuit.
  • the debeaking assembly being arranged in the vicinity of said endless circuit so that each holding and / or support means is brought first to a loading station, then to the debeaking station and finally to a unloading station, as described in the aforementioned previous requests of the applicant.
  • the apparatus comprises a support movable relative to a support structure, which is mounted so as to move from a non-operating position to an operating position or vice versa, and the debeaking assembly is at least partly linked to the mobile support to move with it.
  • the device according to the invention is characterized in that the first activating means comprise a first cam secured to the movable support and first cam follower means linked to the support element of the debeaking element; the second activating means comprise a second cam integral with the support structure of the movable support and the support element and second cam follower means capable of ensuring axial displacement of the debeaking element relative to the support structure.
  • the aforementioned front piece comprises on its face opposite the debeaking element, at least one inclined pan or ramp, making it possible to precisely adjust the cutting distance or perforation of the spout from the nose of the beak.
  • FIG 1 there is shown the essential part of the automatic bird debeaking device at the debeaking station, according to a first embodiment according to the invention, in a similar manner to Figures 28 to 30 of EP-A-148 692, the apparatus being essentially the basic apparatus described in EP-A-0 148 692.
  • FIG. 1 uses the same reference numbers for the parts fulfilling the same functions, this reference being however modified by the addition of the letter a.
  • the new reference numbers start at 700.
  • the device is represented by the general reference number 1a; the rotary axis 22 is here referenced 22a and the rotary table 20 is here reference rotary table 20a.
  • the mobile support 134 described in the previous requests of the applicant above is here referenced 134a.
  • This mobile support 134a is linked in rotation with an intermediate support structure here referenced 211a because it fulfills a function similar to the mobile plate 211 visible in FIGS. 11, 11a, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28 to 30, 32, 35, 36 and 38 of EP-0 148 692.
  • this intermediate support structure 211a extends vertically downward so as to constitute a structure not only of support but also of vertical sliding of the mobile support 134a.
  • this intermediate support structure 211a is fixed a part 700 still constituting a support structure of the debeaking assembly proper 702.
  • the mobile support 134a like the mobile support 134 of EP-A-0 148 692, is mounted to slide freely around an operating shaft 136a similar to the operating shaft 136 described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 11a in EP- A-0 148 692, page 17, lines 15 to 35.
  • This operating shaft 136 is naturally connected to the activator means 41 described in EP-A-0 148 692, in particular with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
  • the structure of these activator means 41 is not modified and it therefore suffices to refer to to EP-A-0 148 692.
  • the rotary plate 20a is provided with means 30a for holding or restraining and / or support for holding and / or supporting the head of the volatile which is substantially immobilized and for treating the volatile maintained in particular with a view to debeaking it, similar to the means 30 described in EP-A-0 148 692. More particularly, these means comprise a front piece 50a similar in function to the front piece 50 described in EP-A-0 148 692.
  • the volatile debeaking device is characterized in that it comprises first activating means 704 of the debeaking assembly 702 bringing the debeaking assembly 702 with the debeaking element itself 703 nearby. of the volatile 280 beak in the waiting position debeaking shown in Figures 3a and 3b; and second activating means 710 clearly visible in the front views 2b, 3b, 4b, displacing the debeaking element 703 relative to the debeaking assembly or more exactly relative to a support element 706 of the debeaking assembly 702.
  • the construction is carried out such that the second activating means 710 are activated substantially after the first activating means 704.
  • the debeaking assembly comprises a support element 706 pivotally mounted relative to the support part 700 secured to the support structure 211a, by a hinge pin 708 advantageously arranged horizontally so that the support element 706 pivots in the vertical plane.
  • the support element 706 is removably secured to an intermediate support member 707 in which is disposed the pivot axis 708 itself.
  • first cam follower means 712 To this support member 707 are pivotally attached the first cam follower means 712, along an axis of rotation 714 or pivotally offset axially upward relative to the axis of rotation 708.
  • These first cam follower means 712 are provided for example a roller 716 cooperating with first cam means 718 of the first activating means 704, which are integral with the movable support 134a.
  • the debeaking element 703 is mounted movable axially relative to the support structure 700 and is activated by the second activator means 710.
  • This structure of the second activator means is as follows.
  • the debeaking element 703 is here held against the support element 706 while being able to slide relative to the latter by means of two respectively lower 720 and upper 722 plates secured to each other by attachment means 724, 726 at adjustable pressure pressure by the presence of elastic return means 728, 730.
  • the upper plate 722 is linked in displacement with a transmission rod 732 pivotally mounted at one end relative to the upper plate 722 on a shoulder 722a of the latter and at its other end to an intermediate control part 734 with an L-profile mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation 736 disposed substantially at the angle of the L, while the transmission rod 732 is mounted articulated by a hinge pin 738 at one end of the L-shaped part 734, here from its base 734a.
  • a part 740 intended to form the aforementioned second cam follower means.
  • This part 740 is rotatably mounted relative to the part 734 by the presence of an axis of rotation 742.
  • This part 740 comprises at its end opposite the axis of rotation 742 a roller 744 rolling in a closed groove 746 produced in a plate 748 fixed on the mobile support 134a.
  • the part 740 in an intermediate part between the roller 744 and the hinge pin 742, towards the upper end of the bar 734b of the L-shaped part 734, the part 740 includes a light 750 through which a means of passage can pass.
  • the support element 706 is detachably fixed to the support member 707 by one or more fixing means 760.
  • the latter comprises a or several position adjustment lights 762 while at its upper end, the support element 706 has a groove 764 into which a lamella 766 penetrates secured to an adjustment screw 768 mounted on the upper part of the support member 707.
  • An elastic return means 770 is moreover fixed on the one hand to the support structure 211a and on the other hand to the upper part of the support member 707 so as to permanently apply the roller 716 against the cam-forming part. 718 and also the roller 744 in the groove 746 forming the second cam of the second activating means.
  • the debeaking element 703 here comprises a cutting member in the form of a plate provided with a through orifice 780 for the passage of the beak of the volatile.
  • the support element 706 comprises a through orifice 778 for the passage of the beak of the volatile which is advantageously of conical profile whose large base is directed towards the volatile to facilitate the insertion of its beak.
  • the lower plate 720 has a larger through hole 782 for the passage of the spout and its evacuation during cutting.
  • These adjustment means 790 consist for example of a screw, the head 792 of which is intended to come to bear against a corresponding surface 794 of the front piece 50a.
  • this corresponding surface 794 consists of an inclined face forming an acute alpha angle of a few degrees relative to the general plane of the face containing the plane of the opening 56.
  • the front piece 50a is pivotally mounted at its front edge 50b opposite the debeaking element 703 along a pivot axis disposed in the substantially horizontal plane and symbolized by the reference 800 in FIGS. 5, 5a and 5b.
  • the front piece 50a comprises two externally projecting transverse shoulders 802, 804 pivotally mounted in notches 806, 808 provided in support bearings 810, 812, forming a body with the rotary plate 20a .
  • the roller 716 forming part of the first activating means 704 lowers the arcuate part 718b of the cam 718 while then pivoting the support element 706 around the pivot axis 708 so as to bring it to the intermediate position in FIGS. 3a and 3b for which the debeaking element 703 is near the spout in the debeaking standby position.
  • the debeaking element was not actuated due to the movement of the roller 744 of the second activating means in the vertical part 746b of the groove 746.
  • the design of the structure is such that the cutting of the spout is done by a pulling movement upwards of the debeaking element 703 here forming a guillotine, which causes cutting of the lower beak before that of the upper beak.
  • the relative positions of the support element 706 and therefore of the debeaking element 703 and of the inclined face 794 of the front piece 50a are provided so that this cutting is made perpendicular to the beak of the bird.
  • FIGS. 6a, 6b; 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b there is shown a second embodiment of the debeaking assembly according to the invention according to which the debeaking element is here referenced 803 and consists of a cutting member forming a simple guillotine by the fact that the cutting of the spout is produced during the downward movement of the support element 806.
  • the first activating means are essentially identical to those of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5.
  • the support element 806 of the debeaking element 803 is secured to an intermediate slide 900 by securing means 860, this slider 900 being slidably mounted in a corresponding housing of the support member 807 which comprises an L-shaped part 812 pivoting along an axis of rotation 814 supporting a roller 816 cooperating with the first cam means 818. All of these means are similar to those described for the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 and for this reason bear the same reference numbers, increased by one hundred.
  • the slider 900 is actuated in translation by the fact that it is secured to one end of the base of an intermediate control part 834 similar to the intermediate control part 734 of the first embodiment of the figures. 1 to 5.
  • This intermediate control part 834 is thus mounted to rotate along an axis of rotation 836.
  • this intermediate control part 834, referenced 834b is simpler and carries a roller 844 coming to cooperate with a cam 846 first comprising a vertical profile 846a then a curved profile 846b ending in a flat 846c.
  • a cam 846 is situated in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the cam 818, as in the first embodiment.
  • the debeaking element 803 is simplified by consisting of a simple guillotine which will cut the beak by a movement vertical from top to bottom while the design of the structure of the intermediate control part 834 is also simplified, but the same structure as that of FIG. 1 using an additional part 740 could be adopted in this embodiment to allow an even more precise setting.
  • This sliding movement of the slide 900 is made possible by the presence of a light 902 in the slide co-operating with the hinge pin 838 formed here simply by a finger secured to the base 834a of the part 834.
  • debeaking also takes place here in two successive stages as in the case of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 there is shown a schematic view from above of the base 700 of the support structure 211a making it possible to represent the debeaking station at 910 which can be provided with a debeaking assembly conforming to that of FIGS. 1 to 5 or Figures 6 to 8 or Figure 11 which will be described later.
  • At least one and preferably two cauterization stations are provided, identified by the reference numbers 912 and 914.
  • These cauterization stations can be as described in EP-A-0 148 692, FIGS. 34 to 36 or by the cautery assembly shown in Figure 10.
  • This structure which requires only a simple pivoting movement of a cautery element 930 to bring it against the beak of the volatile to cauterize it is therefore essentially identical to the basic structure of the first and second embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the only difference lies in the removal of all the organs which were intended to effect a relative movement of the support member 906 of the cauterization element 903.
  • the support element 906 is in one piece and is fixed directly to the support member as for the first embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 5. Its positioning is also adjustable in height by the presence of an adjustment means.
  • the cauterization element 903 has a conical profile and is heated by any appropriate means to a temperature sufficient to cause the cauterization of the spout.
  • FIG 11 there is shown a third embodiment of the debeaking element, which constitutes an alternative embodiment of the debeaking assembly subject of Figures 6 to 8.
  • a simple cutting blade as a debeaking element
  • These may for example be drill means referenced 1003 fixed on a support element 1006 of the same structure as the support element 806 integrated in the same structure as the second embodiment of Figures 6 to 8.
  • This drill comprises as usual an engine block 1004 actuating a drill bit 1005.
  • the wick will be brought just above the beak of the bird, that is to say in the intermediate position shown in FIG. 7a, 7b and the continuation of the descent of the mobile support 134a, while the engine block is rotated and rotates the wick, will bring the piercing of the spout at its nerve.
  • the destruction of the nerve of the beak will subsequently cause the fall of the beak and therefore results in debeaking, according to an operating principle identical to that of the first two embodiments.
  • the wick system can of course be replaced by a laser or electric arc system.
  • at least one cauterization which can be carried out by a cauterization member in the form of a lock brought to a cauterization temperature.
  • the cauterization will also take place in two stages, a step of approaching the cauterization member near the spout and a cauterization step proper with passage through the perforation to cauterize it.
  • the invention can be implemented according to numerous variants without departing from its scope.
  • the invention therefore includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described as well as their various combinations.
  • the entire cauterization structure, debeaking assemblies, and the front part described and shown is an integral part of the invention.
  • the holding and / or restraining and / or support means (30a) can be on a fixed structure or be mounted to be movable in an endless circuit as shown in the drawings, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment.

Description

La présente invention concerne essentiellement des perfectionnements à un procédé et un appareil de débecquage automatique de volatiles, tels que de jeunes poussins, dindonneaux, pintadeaux, canards. Plus particulièrement, la présente invention concerne un procédé et un appareil de débecquage automatique de volatiles comprenant un assemblage de débecquage activé en deux étapes successives et dont, selon un mode de réalisation particulier, l'élément de débecquage comprend un organe coupant formant guillotine tandis que selon un autre mode de réalisation particulier, l'élément de débecquage réalise une perforation du bec pour en détruire le nerf.The present invention essentially relates to improvements to a method and an apparatus for automatic debeaking of birds, such as young chicks, turkey poults, guinea fowl, ducks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatic debeaking of birds comprising a debeaking assembly activated in two successive stages and of which, according to a particular embodiment, the debeaking element comprises a cutting member forming a guillotine while according to another particular embodiment, the debeaking element perforates the beak to destroy the nerve.

L'inventeur de la présente invention a déjà décrit dans le brevet américain US-A-3 964 481 un appareil d'injection de vaccin sur un poussin supporté manuellement, en employant une seringue hypodermique.The inventor of the present invention has already described in American patent US Pat. No. 3,964,481 an apparatus for injecting vaccine into a manually supported chick, using a hypodermic syringe.

D'autre part, le présent inventeur a également inventé un procédé et un appareil de contention automatique de volatiles, lesdits procédé et appareil dans un mode de réalisation préféré étant appliqués au débecquage desdits volatiles. Cette invention antérieure de l'inventeur fait l'objet de brevet publié en France sous le numéro FR-A-2 464 700 et en Europe publié sous le numéro EP-A-27064.On the other hand, the present inventor has also invented a method and an apparatus for automatically containing volatiles, said method and apparatus in a preferred embodiment being applied to debeaking said volatiles. This prior invention of the inventor is the subject of a patent published in France under the number FR-A-2 464 700 and in Europe published under the number EP-A-27064.

En outre, le présent inventeur a également perfectionné cette invention de base et déposé des brevets correspondants, dont un brevet européen publié sous le numéro EP-0 148 692.In addition, the present inventor has also perfected this basic invention and filed corresponding patents, including a European patent published under the number EP-0 148 692.

Le préambule des revendications 1 et 7 est fondé sur ce fascicule.The preamble of claims 1 and 7 is based on this specification.

La présente invention constitue encore des perfectionnements supplémentaires à ces inventions antérieures du demandeur dans le but de simplifier au maximum la conception générale de l'assemblage de débecquage, le nombre de pièces en mouvement, d'améliorer la précision du débecquage tout en permettant différentes possibilités de réglage permettant une adaptation à la demande.The present invention constitutes further improvements to these prior inventions of the applicant with the aim of simplifying as much as possible the general design of the debeaking assembly, the number of moving parts, improving the precision of debeaking while allowing different possibilities. adjustment allowing adaptation to demand.

On sait que la pratique du coupage et de la cautérisation des becs de volatiles pour minimiser le cannibalisme est largement répandue, dans l'industrie croissante de l'élevage des volatiles.We know that the practice of cutting and cauterizing the beaks of birds to minimize cannibalism is widespread in the growing industry of breeding birds.

Mais, le coupage des becs doit être extrêmement précis, fiable dans le temps de manière à éviter de blesser le volatile en le rendant inapte à s'alimenter, ou en facilitant une infection aboutissant presque dans tous les cas à un décès de celui-ci.But, the cutting of the beaks must be extremely precise, reliable over time so as to avoid injuring the bird by rendering it unfit to feed, or by facilitating an infection leading almost in all cases to a death thereof. .

La présente invention permet de résoudre ces nouveaux problèmes techniques en fournissant une solution simplifiant grandement l'assemblage de débecquage dans sa structure et son fonctionnement, tout en augmentant sa précision et sa fiabilité dans le temps, même après plusieurs centaines ou milliers d'heures de fonctionnement, tout en permettant des réglages facilitant de nombreuses adaptations en cours de fonctionnement à la demande, en augmentant ainsi la versatilité de l'invention.The present invention solves these new technical problems by providing a solution greatly simplifying the debeaking assembly in its structure and operation, while increasing its precision and reliability over time, even after several hundred or thousands of hours of operation, while allowing adjustments facilitating numerous adaptations during operation on demand, thereby increasing the versatility of the invention.

Ainsi, selon un premier aspect, la présente invention fournit un procédé de débecquage automatique de volatiles comprenant:

  • ― la prévision sur un châssis de moyens de maintien ou de contention et/ou de support pour maintenir et/ou supporter la tête du volatile sensiblement immobilisée et traiter le volatile ainsi maintenu notamment en vue de son débecquage; et
  • ― la prévision d'un assemblage de débecquage au voisinage dudit moyen de maintien ou contention, comprenant un élément de débecquage, déplaçable entre une position non opératoire et une position opératoire où l'élément de débecquage est en position de débecquage contre le bec, caractérisé en ce qu'on procède au débecquage en deux étapes, dans une première étape on amène l'assemblage de débecquage avec l'élément de débecquage à proximité du bec en position d'attente de débecquage et dans une deuxième étape on procède à un déplacement de l'élément de débecquage relativement à l'assemblage de débecquage pour réaliser le débecquage proprement dit.
Thus, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of automatic debeaking of birds comprising:
  • - The provision on a chassis of holding or restraining and / or support means for holding and / or supporting the head of the volatile substantially immobilized and treating the volatile thus maintained in particular with a view to debeaking it; and
  • - the provision of a debeaking assembly in the vicinity of said holding or restraining means, comprising a debeaking element, movable between a nonoperative position and an operating position where the debeaking element is in debeaking position against the spout, characterized in that we debeak in two stages, in a first stage we bring the debeaking assembly with the debeaking element near the spout in the debeaking standby position and in a second step, the debeaking element is moved relative to the debeaking assembly to perform the debeaking properly said.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, la deuxième étape se déroule sensiblement après la première étape.According to a particular embodiment, the second step takes place substantially after the first step.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation particulier du procédé selon l'invention, l'élément de débecquage comprend un organe coupant formant guillotine. Dans ce cas, selon une variante de réalisation avantageuse, on procède à la découpe du bec par traction vers le haut de l'élément de débecquage pour sectionner tout d'abord le bec inférieur puis le bec supérieur.According to another particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, the debeaking element comprises a cutting member forming a guillotine. In this case, according to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the spout is cut by pulling up the debeaking element to first cut the lower spout and then the upper spout.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation du procédé selon l'invention, on peut naturellement sectionner le bec par un mouvement de l'élément de débecquage du haut vers le bas.According to another alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, the spout can naturally be cut by a movement of the debeaking element from the top to the bottom.

Selon encore une autre variante de réalisation du procédé selon l'invention, on procède à une perforation du bec au niveau du nerf du bec pour détruire le nerf.According to yet another alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, the beak is perforated at the level of the nerve of the beak to destroy the nerve.

Selon une caractéristique particulièrement avantageuse du procédé selon l'invention, on procède à la découpe ou perforation du bec à une distance prédeterminée réglable du nez du volatile.According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the method according to the invention, the beak is cut or perforated at a predetermined adjustable distance from the nose of the bird.

Avantageusement, on procède à au moins une cautérisation du bec après débecquage par découpe ou perforation de celui-ci.Advantageously, at least one cauterization of the spout is carried out after debeaking by cutting or perforating it.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse du procédé selon l'invention, au moins une partie du moyen de maintien et/ou de support est déplaçable selon un circuit sans fin, une pluralité de moyens de maintien et/ou de support sont prévus espacés le long dudit circuit sans fin, l'assemblage de débecquage précité est disposé au voisinage dudit circuit sans fin de sorte que chaque moyen de maintien et/ou de support est amené à passer tout d'abord à une station de chargement, ensuite à la station de débecquage et enfin à une station de déchargement.According to another advantageous characteristic of the method according to the invention, at least part of the holding and / or support means is movable in an endless circuit, a plurality of holding and / or support means are provided spaced along said endless circuit, the aforementioned debeaking assembly is arranged in the vicinity of said endless circuit so that each holding and / or support means is brought first to a loading station, then to the debeaking station and finally to an unloading station.

Selon un deuxième aspect, la présente invention fournit également un appareil de débecquage automatique de volatiles comprenant un châssis;

  • ― des moyens de maintien ou de contention et/ou de support pour maintenir et/ou supporter la tête du volatile sensiblement immobilisée et traiter le volatile maintenu notamment en vue de son débecquage;
  • ― un assemblage de débecquage au voisinage desdits moyens de maintien ou de contention, comprenant un élément de débecquage, déplaçable entre une position non opératoire et une position opératoire où l'élément de débecquage est en position de débecquage contre le bec; et
  • ― des moyens activeurs déplaçant l'assemblage de débecquage à la position opératoire et après retournant l'assemblage de débecquage à sa position non opératoire,
    caractérisé en ce que les moyens activeurs comprennent des premiers moyens activeurs amenant l'assemblage de débecquage avec l'élément de débecquage à proximité du bec en position d'attente de débecquage; et des seconds moyens activeurs déplaçant l'élément de débecquage relativement à l'assemblage de débecquage pour réaliser le débecquage proprement dit.
According to a second aspect, the present invention also provides an automatic bird debeaking apparatus comprising a chassis;
  • - means for holding or restraining and / or support for maintaining and / or supporting the head of the volatile which is substantially immobilized and treating the volatile maintained in particular with a view to debeaking it;
  • - a debeaking assembly in the vicinity of said holding or restraining means, comprising a debeaking element, movable between a nonoperative position and an operating position where the debeaking element is in debeaking position against the spout; and
  • Activating means moving the debeaking assembly to the operating position and after returning the debeaking assembly to its non-operating position,
    characterized in that the activating means comprise first activating means bringing the debeaking assembly with the debeaking element near the spout in the debeaking standby position; and second activating means moving the debeaking element relative to the debeaking assembly to perform the debeaking proper.

Selon une caractéristique particulière de l'appareil selon l'invention, les seconds moyens activeurs sont activés sensiblement après les premiers moyens activeurs.According to a particular characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, the second activating means are activated substantially after the first activating means.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, l'assemblage de débecquage comprend un élément support monté pivotant relativement à une structure de support déplaçable en rotation mais de position axiale fixe; l'élément support étant activé par les premiers moyens activeurs précités; l'élément de débecquage est activé par les seconds moyens activeurs précités de manière à effectuer un débecquage par déplacement axial de l'élément de débecquage relativement à la structure support.According to a particular embodiment, the debeaking assembly comprises a support element pivotally mounted relative to a support structure displaceable in rotation but in position fixed axial; the support element being activated by the aforementioned first activating means; the debeaking element is activated by the aforementioned second activating means so as to debeak by axial displacement of the debeaking element relative to the support structure.

Selon une variante de réalisation particulière, l'élément de débecquage précité comprend un organe coupant formant guillotine ou un organe de perforation du bec au niveau du nerf pour détruire le nerf, tel que système à mèche, système laser ou système à arc électrique.According to a particular variant embodiment, the aforementioned debeaking element comprises a cutting member forming a guillotine or a member for perforating the beak at the level of the nerve to destroy the nerve, such as a wick system, laser system or electric arc system.

Selon une réalisation particulière, l'élément support comprend un orifice traversant, l'organe coupant comprend aussi un orifice traversant qui, en position de repos de l'organe coupant, est en coïncidence avec l'orifice de l'élément support de sorte que le bec du volatile est simultanément introduit dans l'orifice de l'élément support et dans l'orifice de l'organe coupant lors de l'amenée de l'élément de débecquage à proximité du bec en position d'attente de débecquage.According to a particular embodiment, the support element comprises a through orifice, the cutting member also comprises a through orifice which, in the resting position of the cutting member, is in coincidence with the orifice of the support element so that the beak of the volatile is simultaneously introduced into the orifice of the support element and into the orifice of the cutting member when the debeaking element is brought close to the beak in the debeaking standby position.

Selon une variante de réalisation particulière, la découpe du bec est réalisée par traction de l'organe coupant vers le haut.According to a particular variant embodiment, the cutting of the spout is carried out by pulling the cutting member upwards.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, celui-ci est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de réglage de la position de l'élément de débecquage à une distance prédéterminée réglable des moyens de maintien ou de contention, pour réaliser une découpe du bec à une distance prédéterminée du nez du volatile.According to another particular embodiment of the invention, it is characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of the debeaking element at a predetermined adjustable distance from the holding or restraining means, for cut the beak at a predetermined distance from the bird's nose.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation particulier de l'appareil selon l'invention, dans lequel les moyens de maintien ou de contention et/ou de supports comprennent une pièce frontale constituant au moins une partie d'un casque et ayant un évidement pour recevoir au moins une partie de la tête du volatile, ledit évidement comprend une ouverture juste assez large pour admettre le passage du bec du volatile pour qu'au moins une partie de celui-ci soit accessible à l'extérieur de la pièce frontale en vue de son débecquage, et est caractérisé en ce que la pièce frontale est montée pivotante relativement à son support, de préférence l'axe de pivotement est disposé horizontalement et est situé du côté de la pièce frontale comprenant l'ouverture de passage du bec mais hors du plan de l'ouverture.According to another particular embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, in which the means for holding or restraining and / or supports comprise a front piece constituting at least part of a helmet and having a recess to receive at minus part of the bird's head, said recess includes an opening just wide enough to admit the passage of the volatile beak so that at least a part of it is accessible outside the front piece for its debeaking, and is characterized in that the front piece is pivotally mounted relative to its support, preferably the pivot axis is arranged horizontally and is located on the side of the front piece comprising the opening for passage of the spout but outside the plane of the opening.

Naturellement, on peut aussi prévoir qu'au moins une partie du moyen de maintien et/ou de supports soit montée déplaçable selon un circuit sans fin, une pluralité de moyens de maintien et/ou de supports étant prévus espacés le long dudit circuit sans fin, l'assemblabe de débecquage étant disposé au voisinage dudit circuit sans fin de sorte que chaque moyen de maintien et/ou de support est amené à passer tout d'abord à une station de chargement, ensuite à la station de débecquage et enfin à une station de déchargement, comme décrit dans les demandes précités antérieures du demandeur. Dans ce cas, l'appareil comprend un support mobile par rapport à une structure support,qui est monté de manière à se déplacer depuis une position non opératoire à une position opératoire ou inversement, et l'assemblage de débecquage est au moins en partie lié au support mobile pour se déplacer avec lui.Naturally, it is also possible to provide that at least part of the holding means and / or supports is mounted to be displaceable according to an endless circuit, a plurality of holding means and / or supports being provided spaced along said endless circuit. , the debeaking assembly being arranged in the vicinity of said endless circuit so that each holding and / or support means is brought first to a loading station, then to the debeaking station and finally to a unloading station, as described in the aforementioned previous requests of the applicant. In this case, the apparatus comprises a support movable relative to a support structure, which is mounted so as to move from a non-operating position to an operating position or vice versa, and the debeaking assembly is at least partly linked to the mobile support to move with it.

Dans ce cas de figure, l'appareil selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que les premiers moyens activeurs comprennent une première came solidaire du support mobile et des premiers moyens suiveurs de came liés à l'élément support de l'élément de débecquage; les seconds moyens activeurs comprennent une deuxième came solidaire de la structure support du support mobile et de l'élément support et des seconds moyens suiveurs de came capables d'assurer un déplacement axial de l'élément de débecquage relativement à la structure support.In this case, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the first activating means comprise a first cam secured to the movable support and first cam follower means linked to the support element of the debeaking element; the second activating means comprise a second cam integral with the support structure of the movable support and the support element and second cam follower means capable of ensuring axial displacement of the debeaking element relative to the support structure.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, la pièce frontale précitée comprend sur sa face en regard de l'élément de débecquage, au moins un pan ou une rampe incliné, permettant de régler avec précision la distance de découpe ou perforation du bec depuis le nez du bec.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the aforementioned front piece comprises on its face opposite the debeaking element, at least one inclined pan or ramp, making it possible to precisely adjust the cutting distance or perforation of the spout from the nose of the beak.

On comprend ainsi que l'on obtient avec le procédé et l'appareil selon l'invention une structure simplifiée aboutissant à tous les avantages techniques précédemment énoncés.It is thus understood that a simplified structure is obtained with the method and the apparatus according to the invention, leading to all the technical advantages previously stated.

Mais, d'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront clairement à l'homme du métier à partir de la description explicative qui va suivre faite en référence à deux modes de réalisation actuellement préférés du procédé et de l'appareil de débecquage selon l'invention, donnés simplement à titre d'illustration et qui ne sauraient donc en aucune façon limiter la portée de l'invention. Dans les dessins:

  • ― la figure 1 est une vue schématique, de profil, au niveau du poste de débecquage d'un appareil de débecquage de volatiles selon la présente invention, constituant une modification de l'appareil de base objet des demandes de brevet antérieures du demandeur FR-2 464 700 ou EP-A-0 027 064; ou EP-A-0 148 692. A cet égard, la figure 1 est une vue similaire aux figures 28 à 30 de EP-0 148 692;
  • ― les figures 2a et 2b représentent en coupe partielle, agrandie, l'assemblage de débecquage en position de départ non opératoire, de profil (2a) ou de face (2b);
  • ― les figures 3a et 3b sont des vues similaires aux figures 2a et 2b en position intermédiaire où l'élément de débecquage est à proximité du bec en position d'attente de débecquage, respectivement de profil (3a) et de face (3b);
  • ― les figures 4a et 4b sont des vues similaires à celles des figures 2a, 2b et 3a, 3b en position opératoire de débecquage, en cours de débecquage, l'élément de débecquage ayant ici été tiré vers le haut;
  • ― les figures 5, 5a et 5b représentent respectivement une vue en coupe partielle schématique de la pièce frontale constituant des moyens de maintien ou de contention et/ou de support des volatiles, la figure 5 représentant la pièce seule; la figure 5a représentant une vue de dessus, en coupe, montrant le montage à pivotement de cette pièce frontale; et la figure 5b représente la pièce frontale en position de coopération avec l'assemblage de débecquage, très agrandie, dans la position représentée à la figure 3a;
  • ― les figures 6a et 6b représentent un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'appareil de débecquage selon l'invention comprenant un assemblage de débecquage dont l'élément de débecquage est à guillotine simple; en position non opératoire, respectivement de profil (6a) et de face (6b);
  • ― les figures 7a et 7b sont des vues intermédiaires similaires à celles des figures 3a et 3b;
  • ― les figures 8a et 8b sont des vues similaires à celles des figures 4a et 4b, représentant une position opératoire en cours de débecquage;
  • ― la figure 9 est une vue de dessus schématique, des différents postes représentant les stations de cautérisation après la station de débecquage, cette vue étant à rapprocher de ce point de vue des figures 22 ou 31 ou 34 de EP-A-148 692;
  • ― la figure 10 représente une vue schématique en coupe partielle de profil de la station de cautérisation qui est de ce point de vue à rapprocher avec la figure 25 de EP-A-148 692; et
  • ― la figure 11 représente un troisième mode de réalisation de l'élément de débecquage.
However, other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear clearly to those skilled in the art from the explanatory description which follows, given with reference to two currently preferred embodiments of the debeaking process and apparatus. according to the invention, given simply by way of illustration and which therefore cannot in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings:
  • - Figure 1 is a schematic view, in profile, at the debeaking station of a bird debeaking apparatus according to the present invention, constituting a modification of the basic apparatus object of the prior patent applications of the applicant FR- 2,464,700 or EP-A-0 027 064; or EP-A-0 148 692. In this regard, Figure 1 is a view similar to Figures 28 to 30 of EP-0 148 692;
  • - Figures 2a and 2b show in partial section, enlarged, the debeaking assembly in non-operative starting position, profile (2a) or front (2b);
  • - Figures 3a and 3b are views similar to Figures 2a and 2b in the intermediate position where the debeaking element is close to the spout in the debeaking standby position, respectively in profile (3a) and in front (3b);
  • - Figures 4a and 4b are views similar to those of Figures 2a, 2b and 3a, 3b in debeaking operating position, during debeaking, the debeaking element having here been pulled up;
  • - Figures 5, 5a and 5b respectively show a schematic partial sectional view of the front piece constituting means for holding or restraining and / or supporting birds, Figure 5 showing the piece alone; Figure 5a showing a top view, in section, showing the pivoting mounting of this front piece; and FIG. 5b represents the front part in the position of cooperation with the debeaking assembly, very enlarged, in the position shown in FIG. 3a;
  • - Figures 6a and 6b show a second embodiment of the debeaking apparatus according to the invention comprising a debeaking assembly whose debeaking element is single guillotine; in the nonoperative position, respectively in profile (6a) and in front (6b);
  • - Figures 7a and 7b are intermediate views similar to those of Figures 3a and 3b;
  • - Figures 8a and 8b are views similar to those of Figures 4a and 4b, showing an operating position during debeaking;
  • - Figure 9 is a schematic top view of the various stations representing the cautery stations after the debeaking station, this view being to be compared from this point of view of Figures 22 or 31 or 34 of EP-A-148 692;
  • - Figure 10 shows a schematic partial sectional profile view of the cautery station which is from this point of view to be compared with Figure 25 of EP-A-148 692; and
  • - Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of the debeaking element.

En référence à la figure 1, on a représenté la partie essentielle de l'appareil de débecquage automatique de volatiles au niveau de la station de débecquage, selon un premier mode de réalisation selon l'invention, d'une manière similaire aux figures 28 à 30 de EP-A-148 692, l'appareil étant pour le reste essentiellement l'appareil de base décrit dans EP-A-0 148 692.Referring to Figure 1, there is shown the essential part of the automatic bird debeaking device at the debeaking station, according to a first embodiment according to the invention, in a similar manner to Figures 28 to 30 of EP-A-148 692, the apparatus being essentially the basic apparatus described in EP-A-0 148 692.

Pour une meilleure compréhension des modifitions présentement apportées par rapport à l'appareil décrit dans ces demandes antérieures, on utilise à la figure 1 les mêmes numéros de référence pour les pièces remplissant les mêmes fonctions, cette référence étant cependant modifiée par l'adjonction de la lettre a. En outre, les nouveaux numéros de référence débutent à 700.For a better understanding of the modifications currently made with respect to the device described in these previous applications, FIG. 1 uses the same reference numbers for the parts fulfilling the same functions, this reference being however modified by the addition of the letter a. In addition, the new reference numbers start at 700.

Ainsi, à la figure 1 annexée, l'appareil est représenté par le numéro de référence général 1a; l'axe rotatif 22 est ici référencé 22a et le plateau rotatif 20 est ici référence plateau rotatif 20a.Thus, in Figure 1 attached, the device is represented by the general reference number 1a; the rotary axis 22 is here referenced 22a and the rotary table 20 is here reference rotary table 20a.

De même, le support mobile 134 décrit dans les demandes antérieures du demandeur ci-dessus est ici référencé 134a. Ce support mobile 134a est lié en rotation avec une structure de support intermédiaire ici référencée 211a car elle remplit une fonction similaire au plateau mobile 211 visible aux figures 11, 11a, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28 à 30, 32, 35, 36 et 38 de EP-0 148 692.Similarly, the mobile support 134 described in the previous requests of the applicant above is here referenced 134a. This mobile support 134a is linked in rotation with an intermediate support structure here referenced 211a because it fulfills a function similar to the mobile plate 211 visible in FIGS. 11, 11a, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28 to 30, 32, 35, 36 and 38 of EP-0 148 692.

Dans la présente modification, cette structure support intermédiaire 211a s'étend verticalement vers le bas de manière à constituer une structure non seulement de support mais aussi de coulissement vertical du support mobile 134a.In the present modification, this intermediate support structure 211a extends vertically downward so as to constitute a structure not only of support but also of vertical sliding of the mobile support 134a.

En outre, à sa partie inférieure de cette structure support intermédiaire 211a est fixée une pièce 700 constituant encore une structure support de l'assemblage de débecquage proprement dit 702.In addition, at its lower part of this intermediate support structure 211a is fixed a part 700 still constituting a support structure of the debeaking assembly proper 702.

Le support mobile 134a, comme le support mobile 134 de EP-A-0 148 692, est monté librement coulissant autour d'un arbre de manoeuvre 136a analogue à l'arbre de manoeuvre 136 décrit en référence aux figures 11 et 11a dans EP-A-0 148 692, page 17, lignes 15 à 35.The mobile support 134a, like the mobile support 134 of EP-A-0 148 692, is mounted to slide freely around an operating shaft 136a similar to the operating shaft 136 described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 11a in EP- A-0 148 692, page 17, lines 15 to 35.

Cet arbre de manoeuvre 136 est naturellement connecté aux moyens activeurs 41 décrits dans EP-A-0 148 692, notamment en référence aux figures 10 et 11. La structure de ces moyens activeurs 41 n'est pas modifiée et il suffit donc de se reporter à EP-A-0 148 692.This operating shaft 136 is naturally connected to the activator means 41 described in EP-A-0 148 692, in particular with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The structure of these activator means 41 is not modified and it therefore suffices to refer to to EP-A-0 148 692.

De même, le plateau rotatif 20a est pourvu de moyens 30a de maintien ou de contention et/ou de support pour maintenir et/ou supporter la tête du volatile sensiblement immobilisé et traiter le volatile maintenu notamment en vue de son débecquage, similaire aux moyens 30 décrits dans EP-A-0 148 692. Plus particulièrement, ces moyens comprennent une pièce frontale 50a similaire en fonction à la pièce frontale 50 décrite dans EP-A-0 148 692.Likewise, the rotary plate 20a is provided with means 30a for holding or restraining and / or support for holding and / or supporting the head of the volatile which is substantially immobilized and for treating the volatile maintained in particular with a view to debeaking it, similar to the means 30 described in EP-A-0 148 692. More particularly, these means comprise a front piece 50a similar in function to the front piece 50 described in EP-A-0 148 692.

Selon la présente invention, l'appareil de débecquage de volatiles est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des premiers moyens activeurs 704 de l'assemblage de débecquage 702 amenant l'assemblage de débecquage 702 avec l'élément de débecquage proprement dit 703 à proximité du bec du volatile 280 en position d'attente de débecquage représentée aux figures 3a et 3b; et des seconds moyens activeurs 710 clairement visibles aux vues frontales 2b, 3b, 4b, déplaçant l'élément de débecquage 703 relativement à l'assemblage de débecquage ou plus exactement relativement à un élément support 706 de l'assemblage de débecquage 702.According to the present invention, the volatile debeaking device is characterized in that it comprises first activating means 704 of the debeaking assembly 702 bringing the debeaking assembly 702 with the debeaking element itself 703 nearby. of the volatile 280 beak in the waiting position debeaking shown in Figures 3a and 3b; and second activating means 710 clearly visible in the front views 2b, 3b, 4b, displacing the debeaking element 703 relative to the debeaking assembly or more exactly relative to a support element 706 of the debeaking assembly 702.

Avantageusement, la construction est réalisée de telle sorte que les seconds moyens activeurs 710 sont activés sensiblement après les premiers moyens activeurs 704.Advantageously, the construction is carried out such that the second activating means 710 are activated substantially after the first activating means 704.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation représenté aux figures 1 à 5, l'assemblage de débecquage comprend un élément support 706 monté pivotant relativement à la pièce support 700 solidaire de la structure support 211a, par un axe d'articulation 708 avantageusement disposé horizontalement de manière que l'élément support 706 pivote dans le plan vertical. Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté, l'élément support 706 est solidarisé de manière démontable à un organe support intermédiaire 707 dans lequel est disposé l'axe de pivotement 708 proprement dit.According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the debeaking assembly comprises a support element 706 pivotally mounted relative to the support part 700 secured to the support structure 211a, by a hinge pin 708 advantageously arranged horizontally so that the support element 706 pivots in the vertical plane. In the embodiment shown, the support element 706 is removably secured to an intermediate support member 707 in which is disposed the pivot axis 708 itself.

A cet organe support 707 sont fixés de manière pivotante les premiers moyens suiveurs de came 712, selon un axe de rotation 714 ou de pivotement décalé axialement vers le haut relativement à l'axe de rotation 708. Ces premiers moyens suiveurs de came 712 sont pourvus par exemple d'un galet 716 coopérant avec des premiers moyens formant came 718 des premiers moyens activeurs 704, qui sont solidaires du support mobile 134a.To this support member 707 are pivotally attached the first cam follower means 712, along an axis of rotation 714 or pivotally offset axially upward relative to the axis of rotation 708. These first cam follower means 712 are provided for example a roller 716 cooperating with first cam means 718 of the first activating means 704, which are integral with the movable support 134a.

On conçoit ainsi que la coopération des moyens suiveurs de came 712 avec les moyens formant came 718, lors des mouvements de descente du support mobile 134a ou de remontée de celui-ci, on aboutira à un mouvement de pivotement de l'élément support 706 dans le plan vertical depuis la position de départ représentée aux figures 2a et 2b jusqu'à la position intermédiaire représentée aux figure 3a et 3b, en raison du profil de la came 718 qui comprend, de bas en haut, tout d'abord un bossage 718a, muni d'une courbure 718b prolongée par une partie verticale 718c.It is thus understood that the cooperation of the cam follower means 712 with the cam means 718, during movements of descent of the movable support 134a or ascent thereof, one will end up with a pivoting movement of the support element 706 in the vertical plane from the starting position shown in Figures 2a and 2b to the intermediate position shown in Figures 3a and 3b, due to the profile of the cam 718 which comprises, from bottom to top, first of all a boss 718a , provided with a curvature 718b extended by a vertical part 718c.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'appareil selon l'invention, l'élément de débecquage 703 est monté déplaçable axialement relativement à la structure support 700 et est activé par les seconds moyens activeurs 710. Cette structure des seconds moyens activeurs est la suivante.According to another advantageous characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, the debeaking element 703 is mounted movable axially relative to the support structure 700 and is activated by the second activator means 710. This structure of the second activator means is as follows.

Tout d'abord, l'élément de débecquage 703 est ici maintenu contre l'élément support 706 tout en pouvant coulisser relativement à celui-ci par l'intermédiaire de deux plaques respectivement inférieures 720 et supérieures 722 solidarisées entre elles par des moyens de solidarisation 724, 726 à pression d'appui réglable par la présence de moyens de rappel élastiques 728, 730. Ici, la plaque supérieure 722 est liée en déplacement avec une tige de transmission 732 montée pivotante à une extrémité relativement à la plaque supérieure 722 sur un épaulement 722a de celle-ci et à son autre extrémité à une pièce de commande intermédiaire 734 à profil en L montée en rotation selon un axe de rotation 736 disposé sensiblement au niveau de l'angle du L, alors que la tige de transmission 732 est montée articulée par un axe d'articulation 738 à une extrémité de la pièce en L 734, ici de sa base 734a.First of all, the debeaking element 703 is here held against the support element 706 while being able to slide relative to the latter by means of two respectively lower 720 and upper 722 plates secured to each other by attachment means 724, 726 at adjustable pressure pressure by the presence of elastic return means 728, 730. Here, the upper plate 722 is linked in displacement with a transmission rod 732 pivotally mounted at one end relative to the upper plate 722 on a shoulder 722a of the latter and at its other end to an intermediate control part 734 with an L-profile mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation 736 disposed substantially at the angle of the L, while the transmission rod 732 is mounted articulated by a hinge pin 738 at one end of the L-shaped part 734, here from its base 734a.

Par ailleurs, sur la barre 734b de la pièce en L 734 est montée en rotation une pièce 740 destinée à former le second moyen suiveur de came précité. Cette pièce 740 est montée en rotation relativement à la pièce 734 par la présence d'un axe de rotation 742. Cette pièce 740 comprend à son extrémité opposée à l'axe de rotation 742 un galet 744 roulant dans une rainure fermée 746 réalisée dans une plaque 748 fixée sur le support mobile 134a. En outre, dans une partie intermédiaire entre le galet 744 et l'axe d'articulation 742, vers l'extrémité supérieure de la barre 734b de la pièce en L 734, la pièce 740 comporte une lumière 750 par laquelle peut passer un moyen de solidarisation 752 de la pièce 740 avec la pièce de commande 734, afin de permettre un réglage de la position relative des pièces 740 et 734, de manière à régler la longueur de la course active de la tige de transmission 732, et donc de l'élément de débecquage 703 lié en déplacement avec cette tige 732 lorsque le galet 744 sera amené à pénétrer dans la partie de rainure 746a inclinée vers la gauche et faisant suite à la partie de rainure verticale 746b, en fin de descente du support mobile 134a.Furthermore, on the bar 734b of the L-shaped part 734 is mounted in rotation a part 740 intended to form the aforementioned second cam follower means. This part 740 is rotatably mounted relative to the part 734 by the presence of an axis of rotation 742. This part 740 comprises at its end opposite the axis of rotation 742 a roller 744 rolling in a closed groove 746 produced in a plate 748 fixed on the mobile support 134a. In addition, in an intermediate part between the roller 744 and the hinge pin 742, towards the upper end of the bar 734b of the L-shaped part 734, the part 740 includes a light 750 through which a means of passage can pass. joining 752 of part 740 with the control part 734, in order to allow adjustment of the relative position of the parts 740 and 734, so as to adjust the length of the active stroke of the transmission rod 732, and therefore of the debeaking element 703 linked in displacement with this rod 732 when the roller 744 will be brought into the groove part 746a inclined to the left and following the vertical groove part 746b, at the end of the descent of the movable support 134a.

On notera par ailleurs que l'élément support 706 est fixé de manière démontable à l'organe support 707 par un ou plusieurs moyens de fixation 760. Pour permettre un réglage vertical ou en hauteur de l'élément support 706, celui-ci comporte une ou plusieurs lumières de réglage de position 762 tandis qu'à son extrémité supérieure, l'élément support 706 comporte une rainure 764 dans laquelle vient pénétrer une lamelle 766 solidaire d'une vis de réglage 768 montée sur la partie supérieure de l'organe support 707. Un moyen de rappel élastique 770 est par ailleurs fixé d'une part à la structure support 211a et d'autre part à la partie supérieure de l'organe support 707 de manière à appliquer en permanence le galet 716 contre la pièce formant came 718 et également le galet 744 dans la rainure 746 formant la seconde came des seconds moyens activeurs.It will also be noted that the support element 706 is detachably fixed to the support member 707 by one or more fixing means 760. To allow vertical or height adjustment of the support element 706, the latter comprises a or several position adjustment lights 762 while at its upper end, the support element 706 has a groove 764 into which a lamella 766 penetrates secured to an adjustment screw 768 mounted on the upper part of the support member 707. An elastic return means 770 is moreover fixed on the one hand to the support structure 211a and on the other hand to the upper part of the support member 707 so as to permanently apply the roller 716 against the cam-forming part. 718 and also the roller 744 in the groove 746 forming the second cam of the second activating means.

Par ailleurs, l'élément de débecquage 703 comprend ici un organe coupant en forme de plaque pourvu d'un orifice traversant 780 pour le passage du bec du volatile. De même, naturellement, l'élément support 706 comporte un orifice traversant 778 pour le passage du bec du volatile qui est avantageusement de profil conique dont la grande base est dirigée vers le volatile pour faciliter l'insertion de son bec.Furthermore, the debeaking element 703 here comprises a cutting member in the form of a plate provided with a through orifice 780 for the passage of the beak of the volatile. Likewise, naturally, the support element 706 comprises a through orifice 778 for the passage of the beak of the volatile which is advantageously of conical profile whose large base is directed towards the volatile to facilitate the insertion of its beak.

De même, la plaque inférieure 720 comporte un orifice traversant 782 de plus grande dimension, pour le passage du bec et son évacuation lors de la découpe.Likewise, the lower plate 720 has a larger through hole 782 for the passage of the spout and its evacuation during cutting.

On observera que l'orifice 780 de l'organe coupant constituant ici l'élément débecquage 703, en position de repos de cet organe coupant, coïncide avec l'orifice 778 de l'élément support 706 de sorte que le bec du volatile puisse être simultanément introduit dans l'orifice 778 de l'élément support 706 et dans l'orifice 780 de l'organe coupant (naturellement aussi dans l'orifice 782 de la plaque inférieure 720), comme représenté dans la position intermédiaire des figures 3a et 3b.It will be observed that the orifice 780 of the cutting member constituting here the debeaking element 703, in the rest position of this cutting member, coincides with the orifice 778 of the support element 706 so that the beak of the volatile can be simultaneously introduced into the orifice 778 of the support element 706 and into the orifice 780 of the cutting member (naturally also in the orifice 782 of the lower plate 720), as shown in the intermediate position of Figures 3a and 3b .

Pour permettre un réglage à volonté de la distance de découpe du bec relativement aux narines du bec du volatile, il est prévu des moyens 790 de réglage de la position de l'élément de débecquage 703 à une distance prédéterminée réglable des moyens de maintien/contention 30a,c'est-à-dire ici la pièce frontale 50a. Ces moyens de réglage 790 consistent par exemple en une vis dont la tête 792 est prévue pour venir prendre appui contre une surface correspondante 794 de la pièce frontale 50a.To allow adjustment at will of the cutting distance of the beak relative to the nostrils of the beak of the bird, there are provided means 790 for adjusting the position of the debeaking element 703 at a predetermined adjustable distance from the holding / restraining means. 30a, that is to say here the front piece 50a. These adjustment means 790 consist for example of a screw, the head 792 of which is intended to come to bear against a corresponding surface 794 of the front piece 50a.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, cette surface correspondante 794 consiste en un pan incliné formant un angle alpha aigü de quelques degrés relativement au plan général de la face contenant la plan de l'ouverture 56.According to an advantageous embodiment, this corresponding surface 794 consists of an inclined face forming an acute alpha angle of a few degrees relative to the general plane of the face containing the plane of the opening 56.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement préféré, la pièce frontale 50a est montée pivotante à son bord avant 50b en regard de l'élément de débecquage 703 selon un axe de pivotement disposé dans le plan sensiblement horizontal et symbolisé par le repère 800 aux figures 5, 5a et 5b. En pratique, en référence aux figures 5, 5a et 5b, la pièce frontale 50a comporte deux épaulements transversaux extérieurement saillants 802, 804 montés pivotants dans des échancrures 806, 808 prévues dans des paliers support 810, 812, formant corps avec le plateau rotatif 20a. On prévoit dans au moins l'un des paliers, par exemple le palier 810, un moyen 814 permettant de rappeler en permanence la pièce frontale 50a en position verticale, par la coopération d'une tige 816 appliquée par un moyen de rappel élastique 818 en permanence contre une surface inclinée 802a, 804a des projections transversales 802, 804.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the front piece 50a is pivotally mounted at its front edge 50b opposite the debeaking element 703 along a pivot axis disposed in the substantially horizontal plane and symbolized by the reference 800 in FIGS. 5, 5a and 5b. In practice, with reference to FIGS. 5, 5a and 5b, the front piece 50a comprises two externally projecting transverse shoulders 802, 804 pivotally mounted in notches 806, 808 provided in support bearings 810, 812, forming a body with the rotary plate 20a . Provision is made in at least one of the bearings, for example the bearing 810, a means 814 making it possible to permanently recall the front piece 50a in a vertical position, by the cooperation of a rod 816 applied by an elastic return means 818 permanently against an inclined surface 802a, 804a of the transverse projections 802, 804.

A la figure 5b, on voit la position d'appui du moyen de réglage 790 contre le pan incliné 794 de la pièce frontale 50.In FIG. 5b, the support position of the adjustment means 790 can be seen against the inclined face 794 of the front piece 50.

Grâce à cette structure, il est ainsi possible de régler à volonté la découpe du bec à une distance prédéterminée du nez du volatile.Thanks to this structure, it is thus possible to adjust at will the cutting of the beak at a predetermined distance from the nose of the bird.

Le fonctionnement de ce dispositif ainsi décrit est le suivant en référence aux figures 1 à 5, 5a, 5b, selon ce premier mode de réalisation de l'assemblage de débecquage.The operation of this device thus described is as follows with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, 5a, 5b, according to this first embodiment of the debeaking assembly.

Partant de la position de départ représentée aux figures 2a et 2b où le support mobile 134a est en position haute et le galet 716 repose contre une partie inférieure proéminente 718a de la came 718 et où le galet 744 se trouve contre le bord inférieur de la partie de rainure verticale 746b de la rainure 746, lors de la descente du support mobile 134a, le galet 716 faisant partie du premier moyen activeur 704 descend la partie arquée 718b de la came 718 en faisant alors pivoter l'élément support 706 autour de l'axe de pivotement 708 de manière à l'amener à la position intermédiaire des figures 3a et 3b pour laquelle l'élément de débecquage 703 est à proximité du bec en position d'attente de débecquage. Dans cette première phase ou étape, l'élément de débecquage n'a pas été actionné en raison du déplacement du galet 744 des seconds moyens activeurs dans la partie verticale 746b de la rainure 746.Starting from the starting position shown in Figures 2a and 2b where the movable support 134a is in the high position and the roller 716 rests against a protruding lower part 718a of the cam 718 and where the roller 744 is against the lower edge of the part of vertical groove 746b of groove 746, during the descent of the mobile support 134a, the roller 716 forming part of the first activating means 704 lowers the arcuate part 718b of the cam 718 while then pivoting the support element 706 around the pivot axis 708 so as to bring it to the intermediate position in FIGS. 3a and 3b for which the debeaking element 703 is near the spout in the debeaking standby position. In this first phase or step, the debeaking element was not actuated due to the movement of the roller 744 of the second activating means in the vertical part 746b of the groove 746.

Cependant, par la suite, la continuation de la descente du support mobile 134a oblige le galet 744 à pénétrer dans la partie inclinée 746a de la rainure 746 et provoque alors un pivotement des pièces 740 et 734 qui sont solidarisées par le moyens de solidarisation 752 de sorte que la tige de transmission 732 se déplace sensiblement linéairement d'une distance d qui est clairement indiquée à la figure 4b. Ceci a naturellement entraîné un déplacement linéaire de cette même distance d de l'élément de débecquage 703 constitué par un organe coupant formant guillotine.However, thereafter, the continuation of the descent of the movable support 134a obliges the roller 744 to penetrate into the inclined part 746a of the groove 746 and then causes a pivoting of the parts 740 and 734 which are joined by the joining means 752 so that the transmission rod 732 moves substantially linearly by a distance d which is clearly indicated in the Figure 4b. This naturally led to a linear displacement of this same distance d of the debeaking element 703 constituted by a cutting member forming a guillotine.

On observera, dans ce premier mode de réalisation, que la conception de la structure est telle que la découpe du bec se fait par un mouvement de traction vers le haut de l'élément de débecquage 703 formant ici guillotine, ce qui provoque une découpe du bec inférieur avant celle du bec supérieur.It will be observed, in this first embodiment, that the design of the structure is such that the cutting of the spout is done by a pulling movement upwards of the debeaking element 703 here forming a guillotine, which causes cutting of the lower beak before that of the upper beak.

En outre, les positions relatives de l'élément support 706 et donc de l'élément de débecquage 703 et du pan incliné 794 de la pièce frontale 50a sont prévues de manière que cette découpe se fasse perpendiculairement au bec du volatile.In addition, the relative positions of the support element 706 and therefore of the debeaking element 703 and of the inclined face 794 of the front piece 50a are provided so that this cutting is made perpendicular to the beak of the bird.

On conçoit ainsi que l'on obtienne une conception de l'assemblage de débecquage particulièrement simple, avec de nombreuses possibilités de réglage, de la distance de découpe par les moyens de réglage 790, du trajet de l'organe coupant formant guillotine constituant l'élément de débecquage 703 par le moyen de solidarisation 752 coopérant avec la lumière 750.It is thus conceivable that a particularly simple design of the debeaking assembly is obtained, with numerous adjustment possibilities, the cutting distance by the adjustment means 790, of the path of the cutting member forming a guillotine constituting the debeaking element 703 by the joining means 752 cooperating with the light 750.

En référence aux figures 6a, 6b; 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b, on a représenté un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'assemblage de débecquage selon l'invention selon lequel l'élément de débecquage est ici référencé 803 et est constitué d'un organe coupant formant guillotine simple par le fait que la découpe du bec est réalisée lors du mouvement de descente de l'élément support 806. Selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, les premiers moyens activeurs sont essentiellement identiques à ceux du premier mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 5. La différence essentielle réside dans le fait que l'élément support 806 de l'élément de débecquage 803 est solidarisé à un coulisseau intermédiaire 900 par des moyens de solidarisation 860, ce coulisseau 900 étant monté coulissant dans un logement correspondant de l'organe support 807 qui comporte une pièce en L 812 pivotante selon un axe de rotation 814 supportant un galet 816 coopérant avec les premiers moyens formant came 818. Tous ces moyens sont similaires à ceux décrits pour le premier mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 5 et pour cette raison portent les mêmes numéros de référence, augmentés de cent.Referring to Figures 6a, 6b; 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b, there is shown a second embodiment of the debeaking assembly according to the invention according to which the debeaking element is here referenced 803 and consists of a cutting member forming a simple guillotine by the fact that the cutting of the spout is produced during the downward movement of the support element 806. According to this second embodiment, the first activating means are essentially identical to those of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5. The essential difference resides in the fact that the support element 806 of the debeaking element 803 is secured to an intermediate slide 900 by securing means 860, this slider 900 being slidably mounted in a corresponding housing of the support member 807 which comprises an L-shaped part 812 pivoting along an axis of rotation 814 supporting a roller 816 cooperating with the first cam means 818. All of these means are similar to those described for the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 and for this reason bear the same reference numbers, increased by one hundred.

Selon cette variante de réalisation, le coulisseau 900 est actionné en translation par le fait qu'il est solidarisé à une extrémité de la base d'une pièce de commande intermédiaire 834 analogue à la pièce de commande intermédiaire 734 du premier mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 5. Cette pièce de commande intermédiaire 834 est ainsi montée en rotation selon un axe de rotation 836.According to this alternative embodiment, the slider 900 is actuated in translation by the fact that it is secured to one end of the base of an intermediate control part 834 similar to the intermediate control part 734 of the first embodiment of the figures. 1 to 5. This intermediate control part 834 is thus mounted to rotate along an axis of rotation 836.

Par contre, l'autre extrémité de cette pièce de commande intermédiaire 834, référencée 834b est plus simple et porte un galet 844 venant coopérer avec une came 846 comportant tout d'abord un profil vertical 846a puis un profil courbé 846b se terminant par un méplat 846c. En raison du fait que l'axe de rotation 836 de la pièce de commande intermédiaire 834 est disposé perpendiculairement à l'axe de rotation 808 de la barre support 807, il est clair que la camme 846 est située dans un plan perpendiculaire au plan de la came 818, comme dans le premier mode de réalisation.On the other hand, the other end of this intermediate control part 834, referenced 834b is simpler and carries a roller 844 coming to cooperate with a cam 846 first comprising a vertical profile 846a then a curved profile 846b ending in a flat 846c. Owing to the fact that the axis of rotation 836 of the intermediate control part 834 is arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation 808 of the support bar 807, it is clear that the cam 846 is situated in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the cam 818, as in the first embodiment.

On conçoit que selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, l'élément de débecquage 803 est simplifié en consistant d'une guillotine simple qui va couper le bec par un mouvement vertical depuis le haut vers le bas tandis que la conception de la structure de la pièce de commande intermédiaire 834 est également simplifiée, mais la même structure que celle de la figure 1 utilisant une pièce supplémentaire 740 pourrait être adoptée dans ce mode de réalisation pour permettre un réglage encore plus précis.It is understood that according to this second embodiment, the debeaking element 803 is simplified by consisting of a simple guillotine which will cut the beak by a movement vertical from top to bottom while the design of the structure of the intermediate control part 834 is also simplified, but the same structure as that of FIG. 1 using an additional part 740 could be adopted in this embodiment to allow an even more precise setting.

Le fonctionnement de ce deuxième mode de réalisation est très simple et est le suivant.The operation of this second embodiment is very simple and is as follows.

En partant de la position de départ des figures 6a et 6b pour laquelle le support mobile 134a est en position haute, qui est la position non opératoire, lors du mouvement de descente du support mobile 134a provoqué par les moyens activeurs 41 décrit dans FR-A-2 276 838 ou dans EP-A-27 064 ou encore dans EP-A-0 148 692, le galet 816 va suivre immédiatement la partie incurvée 818b de la came 818 et provoquer un pivotement de l'ensemble organe support 807-coulisseau 900-élément support 806-élément de débecquage 803 qui consiste ici en une lame coupante solidarisée à l'élément support 806,de sorte que l'élément de débecquage 803 se situe juste au-dessus du niveau du bec en position d'attente de débecquage car le galet 844 a suivi le profil vertical 846c de la came 846 comme cela est clairement visible aux figures 7a et 7b. Le coulisseau 900 n'a donc pas bougé.Starting from the starting position of FIGS. 6a and 6b for which the mobile support 134a is in the high position, which is the non-operating position, during the downward movement of the mobile support 134a caused by the activating means 41 described in FR-A -2 276 838 or in EP-A-27 064 or in EP-A-0 148 692, the roller 816 will immediately follow the curved part 818b of the cam 818 and cause the support member 807-slide assembly to pivot 900-support element 806-debeaking element 803 which here consists of a cutting blade secured to the support element 806, so that the debeaking element 803 is located just above the level of the spout in the waiting position for debeaking because the roller 844 followed the vertical profile 846c of the cam 846 as is clearly visible in Figures 7a and 7b. The slide 900 therefore did not move.

Par contre, dans la poursuite de la descente du support mobile 134a, représentee aux figures 8a et 8b, le galet 844 suit le profil incurvé 846b et il se produit alors un coulissement du coulisseau 900 relativement à la barre support 807 grâce au pivotement de la pièce de commande intermédiaire 834 autour de son axe de pivotement 836, et ce d'une distance d représentée clairement à la figure 8b.By cons, in the continuation of the descent of the mobile support 134a, shown in Figures 8a and 8b, the roller 844 follows the curved profile 846b and there is then a sliding of the slide 900 relative to the support bar 807 through the pivoting of the intermediate control part 834 about its pivot axis 836, and this from a distance d shown clearly in FIG. 8b.

Ce mouvement de coulissement du coulisseau 900 est rendu possible grâce à la présence d'une lumière 902 dans le coulisseau coppérant avec l'axe d'articulation 838 formé ici simplement par un doigt solidaire de la base 834a de la pièce 834.This sliding movement of the slide 900 is made possible by the presence of a light 902 in the slide co-operating with the hinge pin 838 formed here simply by a finger secured to the base 834a of the part 834.

Par contre, en raison du profil vertical suivant de la came 818, l'élément support 806 et l'élément de débecquage 803 qui y est solidarisé sont restés dans le même plan vertical.By cons, due to the following vertical profile of the cam 818, the support member 806 and the debeaking member 803 which is integral therewith remained in the same vertical plane.

Ainsi, le débecquage a ici également lieu en deux étapes successives comme dans le cas du premier mode de réalisation.Thus, debeaking also takes place here in two successive stages as in the case of the first embodiment.

En référence à la figure 9, on a représenté une vue schématique du dessus de la base 700 de la structure support 211a permettant de représenter le poste de débecquage en 910 qui peut être pourvu d'un assemblage de débecquage conforme à celui des figures 1 à 5 ou des figures 6 à 8 ou encore de la figure 11 qui sera décrit plus loin.Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a schematic view from above of the base 700 of the support structure 211a making it possible to represent the debeaking station at 910 which can be provided with a debeaking assembly conforming to that of FIGS. 1 to 5 or Figures 6 to 8 or Figure 11 which will be described later.

A la suite du poste de débecquage, on prévoit au moins un et de préférence deux postes de cautérisation repérés par les numéros de référence 912 et 914. Ces postes de cautérisation peuvent être tels que décrit dans EP-A-0 148 692, figures 34 à 36 ou par l'assemblage de cautérisation représenté à la figure 10. Cette structure, qui ne nécessite qu'un simple mouvement de pivotement d'un élément de cautérisation 930 pour l'amener contre le bec du volatile pour le cautériser est donc essentiellement identique à la structure de base des premier et second mode de réalisation représentés aux figures 1 à 8, la seule différence réside dans la suppression de tous les organes qui avaient pour but d'effectuer un déplacement relatif de l'élément support 906 de l'élément de cautérisation 903. Autrement dit, l'élément support 906 est en une seule pièce et est fixé directement à l'organe support comme pour le premier mode de réalisation des figures 2 à 5. Son positionnement est également réglable en hauteur par la présence d'un moyen de réglage. L'élément de cautérisation 903 présente un profil conique et est chauffé par tout moyen approprié à une température suffisante pour provoquer la cautérisation du bec.Following the debeaking station, at least one and preferably two cauterization stations are provided, identified by the reference numbers 912 and 914. These cauterization stations can be as described in EP-A-0 148 692, FIGS. 34 to 36 or by the cautery assembly shown in Figure 10. This structure, which requires only a simple pivoting movement of a cautery element 930 to bring it against the beak of the volatile to cauterize it is therefore essentially identical to the basic structure of the first and second embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the only difference lies in the removal of all the organs which were intended to effect a relative movement of the support member 906 of the cauterization element 903. In other words, the support element 906 is in one piece and is fixed directly to the support member as for the first embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 5. Its positioning is also adjustable in height by the presence of an adjustment means. The cauterization element 903 has a conical profile and is heated by any appropriate means to a temperature sufficient to cause the cauterization of the spout.

En référence à la figure 11, on a représenté un troisième mode de réalisation de l'élément de débecquage, qui constitue une variante de réalisation de l'assemblage de débecquage faisant l'objet des figures 6 à 8. Ici, au lieu d'utiliser une simple lame coupante comme élément de débecquage, on utilise un organe de perforation du bec au niveau du nerf pour détruire le nerf. Il peut s'agir par exemple de moyens formant perceuse référencés 1003 fixés sur un élément support 1006 de même structure que l'élément support 806 intégré dans la même structure que le deuxième mode de réalisation des figures 6 à 8. Cette perceuse comprend comme habituellement un bloc moteur 1004 actionnant une mèche 1005.Referring to Figure 11, there is shown a third embodiment of the debeaking element, which constitutes an alternative embodiment of the debeaking assembly subject of Figures 6 to 8. Here, instead of use a simple cutting blade as a debeaking element, we use a piercing organ of the beak at the level of the nerve to destroy the nerve. These may for example be drill means referenced 1003 fixed on a support element 1006 of the same structure as the support element 806 integrated in the same structure as the second embodiment of Figures 6 to 8. This drill comprises as usual an engine block 1004 actuating a drill bit 1005.

Ainsi, dans la première phase, la mèche va être amenée juste au-dessus du bec du volatile, c'est-à-dire dans la position intermédiaire représentée à la figure 7a,7b et la continuation de la descente du support mobile 134a, alors que le bloc moteur est mis en rotation et fait tourner la mèche, va amener le perçage du bec au niveau de son nerf. La destruction du nerf du bec va provoquer par la suite la chute du bec et aboutit donc à un débecquage, selon un principe de fonctionnement identique à celui des deux premiers modes de réalisation. On peut naturellement remplacer le système à mèche par un système à laser ou à arc électrique. Après la perforation, on procède avantageusement à au moins une cautérisation qui peut être réalisée par un organe de cautérisation en forme de mèche porté à une température de cautérisation. Dans ce cas, la cautérisation aura lieu aussi en deux étapes, une étape d'approche de l'organe de cautérisation à proximité du bec et une étape de cautérisation proprement dite avec passage dans la perforation pour la cautériser.Thus, in the first phase, the wick will be brought just above the beak of the bird, that is to say in the intermediate position shown in FIG. 7a, 7b and the continuation of the descent of the mobile support 134a, while the engine block is rotated and rotates the wick, will bring the piercing of the spout at its nerve. The destruction of the nerve of the beak will subsequently cause the fall of the beak and therefore results in debeaking, according to an operating principle identical to that of the first two embodiments. The wick system can of course be replaced by a laser or electric arc system. After the perforation, advantageously one proceeds to at least one cauterization which can be carried out by a cauterization member in the form of a lock brought to a cauterization temperature. In this case, the cauterization will also take place in two stages, a step of approaching the cauterization member near the spout and a cauterization step proper with passage through the perforation to cauterize it.

On conçoit ainsi que l'invention peut être mise en oeuvre selon de nombreuses variantes sans sortir de son cadre. L'invention comprend donc tous les moyens constituant des équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs diverses combinaisons. En outre, il est à observer que l'entière structure de cautérisation,des assemblages de débecquage, et de la pièce frontale décrite et représentée fait partie intégrante de l'invention. Ainsi, le moyen de maintien et/ou de contention et/ou de support (30a) peut être sur une structure fixe ou être monté déplaçable selon un circuit sans fin comme représenté aux dessins, selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux.It is thus understood that the invention can be implemented according to numerous variants without departing from its scope. The invention therefore includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described as well as their various combinations. In addition, it should be observed that the entire cauterization structure, debeaking assemblies, and the front part described and shown is an integral part of the invention. Thus, the holding and / or restraining and / or support means (30a) can be on a fixed structure or be mounted to be movable in an endless circuit as shown in the drawings, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment.

Claims (14)

1. Method for automatically debeaking poultry comprising the steps of:
― providing on a frame holding or restraining and/or support means (30a) for holding and/or supporting the head of the bird in substantially immobilized position and for treating the bird held in this way, particularly for debeaking purposes; and
― providing a debeaking assembly (702, 802) in the vicinity of said holding or restraining means (30a), comprising a debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) which is deplaceable between a non-operative position and an operative position such that the debeaking element is in debeaking position against the beak, characterized in that the debeaking is performed in two steps, a first step in which the debeaking assembly (702, 802) is brought with the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) close to the beak in a waiting position, and a second step in which the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) is displaced relatively to the debeaking assembly in order to perform the debeaking proper.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second step takes place substantially after the first step.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the debeaking element (703, 803) comprises a guillotine-forming cutting member for cutting the beak either by pulling the debeaking element upwardly in order to cut first the lower beak and then the upper beak, or by pulling the debeaking element downwardly.
4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the beak is perforated at the level of the beak nerve in order to destroy the nerve.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the beak is cut at an adjustable predetermined distance of the bird's nostril; advantageously, the beak is at least cauterized after debeaking by cutting or perforation of the beak.
6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, according to which at least part of said support and/or holding means (30a) is displaceable along an endless path, a plurality of holding and/or support means are provided in spaced apart relationship along said endless path, said debeaking assembly (702, 802) is placed in the vicinity of said endless path so that each holding and/or support means is caused to pass first of all before a loading station, then before a debeaking station and finally before an unloading station.
7. Apparatus for automatically debeaking poultry comprising a frame;
― holding or restraining and/or support means (30a) for holding and/or supporting the bird's head in substantially immobilized position and for treating the bird held in this way for debeaking purposes;
― a debeaking assembly (702, 802) in the vicinity of said holding or restraining means, comprising a debeaking element (703, 803, 1003), displaceable between a non-operative position and an operative position where the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) is in debeaking position against the beak; and
― actuator means (704, 710; 804, 810) for moving the debeaking assembly (702, 802) to the operative position and thereafter for returning said debeaking assembly (702, 802) to its non-operative position,
characterized in that the actuator means comprise first actuator means (704, 804) for bringing the debeaking assembly (702, 802) with the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) close to the beak in waiting position; and second actuator means (710, 810) displacing the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) relative to the debeaking assembly for performing the debeaking proper.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the second actuator means (710, 810) are actuated substantially after the first actuator means; preferably, the debeaking assembly (702, 802) comprises a support element (706, 806, 1006) mounted for pivoting relative to a support structure (700-211a) displaceable in rotation but whose axial position is fixed; the support element (706, 806, 1006) being actuated by said first actuator means (704, 804); the debeaking element (703, 803) is actuated by said second actuator means (710, 810) so as to perform debeaking by axial displacement of the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) relative to the support structure (700-211a).
9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said debeaking element (703, 803) comprises a guillotine-forming cutting member, or a member for perforating the beak at the level of the nerve in order to destroy that nerve, such as a drill bit system, a laser system or an electric arc system.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the support element (706) comprises a through orifice, the cutting member (703) also comprises a through orifice (780) which, when the cutting member (703) is in rest position, coincides with the orifice (778) of the support element (706) so that the bird's beak is simultaneously introduced into the orifice of the support element and into the orifice (780) of the cutting member (703) while the debeaking element (703) is brought close to the beak in waiting position, cutting of said beak being advantageously performed by pulling the cutting member upwardly.
11. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means (790) for adjusting the position of the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) to a predetermined adjustable distance of the holding and restraining means (30a) in order to cut or perforate the beak at a predetermined distance from the bird's nostril.
12. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 11, in which the holding or restraining and/or support means (30a) comprise a front piece (50a) constituting at least a portion of a cap and having a hollow (54) for receiving at least part of the bird's head, said hollow (54) comprises an opening (56) of just sufficient width to allow the bird's beak through so that at least a portion thereof is accessible from outside the front piece (50a) for debeaking purposes, charaterized in that the front piece (50a) is mounted for pivoting relative to its support (20a), preferably the pivoting axis (800-800) is placed horizontally placed and is situated on the side of the front piece which includes the beak-passing opening (56), but outside the plane of the opening.
13. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 12, according to which at least one part of the holding and/or support means (30a) is mounted for displacement along an endless path, a plurality a holding and/or support means (30a) are provided in spaced apart relationship along said endless path, the debeaking assembly (703, 803) is placed in the vicinity of said endless path so that each holding and/or support means is caused to pass first before a loading station, then before the debeaking station and finally before an unloading station, a support (134a) movable with respect to a support structure (211a) is mounted such as to move from a non-operative position to an operative position or vice-versa, the debeaking assembly (702, 802) is at least partly joined to the movable support (134a) so as to move therewith, characterized in that the first actuator means (704, 804) comprise a first came (718, 818) fast with the movable support (134a) and first cam follower means (712, 812) joined to the support element (706, 806, 1006) of the debeaking element; the second actuator means (710, 810) comprise a second cam (746, 846) fast with the support structure (211a-700) of the movable support and with the support element (706), and second cam follower means (740-734; 834) capable of axially moving the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003) relative to the support structure (700-211a).
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said front piece (50a) comprises on its face opposite the debeaking element (703, 803, 1003), at least one inclined slope or ramp (794) for accurately adjusting the distance from the nostril of the beak at which the beak is cut or perforated.
EP88400935A 1987-04-23 1988-04-18 Apparatus and method for the automatic debeaking of poultry Expired - Lifetime EP0291371B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8705767A FR2614175B1 (en) 1987-04-23 1987-04-23 IMPROVEMENTS TO A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC DEBECTING OF VOLATILES, SUCH AS YOUNG CHICKS, DINDONNEAUX, PINTADAUX, DUCKS.
FR8705767 1987-04-23

Publications (2)

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EP0291371A1 EP0291371A1 (en) 1988-11-17
EP0291371B1 true EP0291371B1 (en) 1991-07-24

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EP88400935A Expired - Lifetime EP0291371B1 (en) 1987-04-23 1988-04-18 Apparatus and method for the automatic debeaking of poultry

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EP (1) EP0291371B1 (en)
CA (1) CA1322903C (en)
DE (1) DE3863836D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2614175B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1322903C (en) 1993-10-12
US4951610A (en) 1990-08-28
EP0291371A1 (en) 1988-11-17
FR2614175B1 (en) 1989-07-28
DE3863836D1 (en) 1991-08-29
FR2614175A1 (en) 1988-10-28

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