WO2009021511A1

WO2009021511A1 - Feeding device with grate

Info

Publication number: WO2009021511A1
Application number: PCT/DK2008/000283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Rasmussen
Original assignee: Egebjerg International AS
Current assignee: Egebjerg International AS
Priority date: 2007-08-10
Filing date: 2008-08-07
Publication date: 2009-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2010-02-10
Also published as: DK200701141A; EP2175715A1; EP2175715A4; DK176708B1; KR20100066495A; CN101801178B; CN101801178A

Abstract

There is disclosed a feeding device (1) for feeding animals, preferably pigs. The feeding device (1) includes a feeding reservoir (13) and a movable dispensing unit (2) which by movement is adapted to release feed from the reservoir (13) for sprinkling down upon a feed plate (4). The dispensing unit includes a grate (27) disposed at level above the feed plate (4) such that it can be reached by the animals' noses for actuating the movable dispensing unit (2).

Description

Feeding Device with Grate

The present invention concerns a feeding device for feeding animals, preferably pigs, including a feeding reservoir and a movable dispensing unit which includes a grate and which by movement is arranged to release feed from the reservoir for sprinkling down upon a feed plate.

International patent application WO 01/8705 discloses a feeding device of the kind mentioned in the introduction. This feeding device is provided with a tubular displaceable dispensing unit which is connected with a plate-shaped element disposed close to the mouth of the feeding reservoir, preventing feed from running out of the reservoir unless the dispensing unit is moved. The dispensing unit ends at the bottom in a tube which is moved by the pigs' snouts when they eat. In practice, it has appeared that after some time in operation, the feed will cake on and above the plate-shaped element and have difficulty in leaving the mouth of the reservoir. So-called bridge formation will occur.

Even though the feeding device is a success by itself, this bridge formation is, however, a major irritant. Especially when feeding piglets with feed having a large content of milk powder or granular feed material, e.g. milled grain in which melted fat has been absorbed, there is a great risk that the feed will cake.

The same problem is apparent in the feeding device disclosed in International patent application WO 2006/034709.

Description of the Invention

It is thus the purpose of the present invention to provide a feeding device which is suited for feeding animals, particularly pigs, and which has a much lesser tendency of bridge formation in the feed.

This purpose is achieved by a feeding device for feeding animals, preferably pigs, including a feeding reservoir and a movable dispensing unit which includes a grate and which by movement is arranged to release feed from the reservoir for sprinkling down upon a feed plate. Furthermore, the grate of the dispensing unit is disposed at a level above the feed plate such that it can be reached by the animals' noses for actuating the movable dispensing unit. Typically, the dispensing unit will be suspended at a relatively short distance above the feed plate such the animals will automatically push to the dispensing unit when they take feed from the feed plate.

By substituting the previously used tube at the end of the dispensing unit with a grate, it has surprisingly appeared that bridge formation in the feed is significantly reduced. A problem by the prior art has thus been solved by very simple means without any form of cost-increasing effect. That this construction solves the problem is, according to specific examination, assumed to be due to the following.

Contrary to the immediate expectation that a closed tube at the lower part of the dispensing unit protects the feed in the best way against moisture from the animals and their surroundings, it has appeared that the tube works directly against the intention. Moisture from the animals' breath and snouts have the tendency to get into the tube at its lowermost open end and be conducted to the feed in the outlet of the reservoir due to the closed design of the tube. By using a grate, moisture cannot accumulate in the same way in a closed space under the outlet of the reservoir, and bridge formation in the feed is considerably reduced.

Moreover, by the model described in International patent application WO01/87053 and previously used in the dispensing unit it has been difficult to clean the inner wall of the dispensing unit. In return, the grate is very simple to clean by a high-pressure cleaner. Several problems are thus solved by the grate which previously have been irritants.

The grate is preferably tubular, for example cylindric. Pigs may thereby easily operate the grate from several angles.

In line with the above described feeding device according to prior art, the feeding reservoir has a lower outlet and the dispensing unit a disc-shaped element covering the outlet at a certain distance from the outlet. The disc-shaped element is connected with the grate for moving the disc-shaped element together with the grate by actuating the grate.

As a new feature, the disc-shaped element has a slightly upwards bent, outer edge in order to improve feed retaining ability. In particular by pelletised feed, which has a low slide resistance against the inner side of the feed reservoir, by the prior art there is a risk that the feed trickles through the dispensing unit even without any movement of the dispensing unit, which is completely inexpedient. By providing the plate-shaped element with a slightly upwards bent edge, this self-induced trickling of pelletised feed or other feed through the dispensing unit is prevented. The edge may e.g. be bent upwards at an angle of between 5° and 45°, preferably between 10 and 30°. In that connection it has appeared to be particularly efficient if the slightly upwards bent outer edge of the disc-shaped element is provided outside the contour of the outlet. The plate-shaped element may e.g. be circular like the outlet of the feed reservoir and have a diameter between 5% and 20% greater, preferably between 5% and 10% greater.

In a further embodiment, the dispenser unit includes an agitating rod which extends decentrally from the disc-shaped element and into the feed reservoir. When the dispenser unit is moved, the agitating rod or rods cause that the feed is stirred, so as to say, further contributing to reduce the risk of bridge formation. This is particularly the case if the dispensing unit is suspended rotatably as well as displaceably. Such a rotatable and displaceable suspension of the dispensing unit is achieved by fastening the dispenser unit to a bendable rod as known from the prior art, while at the same time the rod or the suspension of the dispenser unit can rotate about the axis of the rod.

By a resilient rod suspension of the dispensing unit, the movement of the dispensing unit by actuation by large pigs will typically be displacement. But due to the resilient suspension of the dispenser suspension, it may be difficult for piglets to impart so much force to the dispenser unit that it will be displaced sufficiently to release enough feed from the reservoir. Piglets will therefore primarily turn the grate from the dispenser unit in order to get feed. Compared to the smooth tube used in the prior art, it is easier for the pigs to impart a turning movement to the grate, particularly if the grate is provided with vertical grate bars.

In order to prevent too large deflections of the dispenser unit, the feeding device includes a limiting ring around the grate of the dispensing unit for limiting lateral movement of the dispensing unit.

If the grate is conical and the limiting ring is vertically adjustable, it is possible by vertical displacement of the limiting ring to adjust the maximum deflection of the dispensing unit. Moreover, it is generally preferred that also the dispenser unit is vertically displaceable in order to adjust the distance between the plate-shaped element under the outlet of the feed reservoir. By the conical embodiment of the grate together with the displaceable limiting ring there is thus provided a simple, though versatile adjusting mechanism for the amount of feed released from the reservoir by movement of the dispensing unit.

In order to shield the outlet of the feed reservoir, the feeding device further includes a tubular duct in downwards continuation of the feed reservoir, in which duct the dispensing unit moves. The tubular duct is fixed and surrounds part of the dispenser unit, as also disclosed in International patent application WO 2006/034709 which, however, is in contrast to the movable duct in International patent application WO 01/87053. In both cases, this duct in the prior art has screened off against cleaning of the outlet and e.g. the plate-shaped element covering the outlet. In order to improve this deficiency in the prior art, in a further embodiment allowance is made for this by providing the tubular duct with an opening mechanism for opening at least a section of the duct in order thereby to enable lateral access to the dispenser unit in the duct and for easy cleaning of the inner wall of the duct.

In a concrete embodiment, the opening mechanism includes a substantially vertical hinging of the section. However, it is preferred that the duct is substantially constituted by two halves which are both vertically hinged for opening both halves. Direct and easy access to the dispenser unit at the outlet of the reservoir is thus provided. As mentioned above, the dispenser device may advantageously be adjusted in vertical direction, whereby the gap between the outlet of the reservoir and the disc-shaped plate is changed. In a simple way is hereby established a dosing while simultaneously the control rod, due to its passage up through the reservoir, causes stirring of the feed when the animals actuate the dispensing unit. Hereby, the risk of bridge formation is reduced.

This risk is particularly avoided if in the connection between the disc-shaped element and the control rod there is provided a conical adapter as known from International patent application WO 01/87053. Further developed, such an adapter may be provided with wings or other means projecting from the adapter. Such a conical adapter will contribute to the stirring and risk of bridge formation is thereby avoided. Such an embodiment is particularly important when the device is used for feeding piglets where the feed has a high content of milk powder and/or fat. Due to the conical adapter, the feed will be moved downwards and also outwards when the animals eat from the feed plate, thereby actuating the dispenser unit, as they eat from the plate via their rooting instinct.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the feeding device is peculiar in that the control rod is connected with means for elevating and lowering the tube at its upper end, and that the control rod is flexible. For example, it may be mounted displaceably in one or two spaced apart tubular slide bushings which are fastened to the reservoir, which is also known from International patent application

WO 01/87053. By making a control rod of a flexible material disposed in said at least one of the slide bushings, this control rod may simultaneously fulfil two purposes, i.e. an adjustment of the height of the dispenser unit above the feed plate and thereby an adjustment of the amount of feed to be discharged, simultaneously with the control rod providing a greater or lesser elastic deflection of the dispensing unit at a given action of a force on the lower end of the unit. The control rod thus creates an elastic, yielding reversal of the dispenser unit, something which has appeared advantageous by the feeding of animals. If the dispensing unit only is suspended in the control rod, the elastic reversing force of the dispenser unit be determined by the flexibility of the control rod. As it is possible to provide tubular spring steel rods in different dimensions, the desired elasticity may be achieved in a very simple way. The dispenser unit may be manufactured of a cheap stiff material. Controlling the feeding device may take place in an uncomplicated way just by displacing the dispenser unit upwards or downwards by means of the control rod, and when the feeding device has to be adjusted to animals of different size, it takes place simply by changing the position of the slide bushing in relation to the reservoir and thereby in relation to the feed plate.

Small pigs e.g. require that the dispenser unit is displaced downwards, extending the distance from the lower end of the dispenser unit to the bushing of the control rod, which in turn causes the grate to be deflected sideways more easily. Automatic adaptation of the stiffness of the dispenser unit to the strength of the pigs is thus effected.

The dimensions of the control rod may be varied, the length of the slide bushing may be varied, the position of the slide bushing may be varied, as well as the use of two mutually spaced apart slide bushings is possible. In a very flexible way, this makes it possible to adjust a feeding device according to the present invention to animals having different sizes. Accordingly, the feeding device may also be adjusted for use by other animals than piglets.

Short Description of the Drawing The present invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which

Fig. 1 shows a view of an embodiment of a feeding device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through the feeding device; Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the feeding device; Fig. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the feeding device; Fig. 5 shows an enlarged detail of the feeding device in perspective view, where a) shows the locking mechanism in closed position, b) shows the locking mechanism in open position, and c) shows the duct in open condition.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In the Figures of the drawing, identical or corresponding elements are designated with the same reference numbers. Such elements will not be explained in detail in connection with each figure.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a feeding device 1 according to the present invention. The feeding device 1 includes a feed reservoir 13 and a dispenser unit 2 provided under the reservoir with a grate 27 which is disposed immediately above a base 3 designed with a feed plate 4. As shown on Fig. 2, the dispenser unit 2 is mounted pivotably on a control rod 5 inside a tubular duct 7 which is fastened to a fitting 6. At the upper end of the dispenser unit 2, a disc-shaped element 8 is provided, the rim 9 of which forming a gap 10 with the edge 11 of the outlet 12 of the feed reservoir 13. The discshaped element 8 has an area which is slightly larger than the area of an outlet 12 from a feed reservoir 13, and has a slightly upwards facing rim 9 which reduces the speed at which the feed, particularly pelletised feed, leaves the feed reservoir 13. The feeding device 1 moreover includes a water system 14 with drinking nipples 14'.

The upper end of the duct 7 is funnel-shaped 15, having a dimension for receiving the outlet 12 from the feed reservoir 13 which is adapted to contain feed. The reservoir 13 may be filled manually or by means of not shown automatic feed conveying systems that have discharge openings at the top of the funnel-shaped feed reservoir 13.

The feed reservoir 13 is secured to a frame 16 by means of rod connections 17, which also are used for fastening fittings 19,20 inside the reservoir 13. The fittings 19.20 serve as support for the control rod 5 which is mounted in a slide bushing 18 for vertical displacement. The fitting 20 also serves as a support of a control means 21 for elevating and lowering the control rod 5. The control means 21 consists of a bracket 22 with arresting apertures that may engage projections on a handle 24. The handle 24 is adapted for pivoting about a journal which is secured to the bracket 22 and connected with the control rod 5 via a rod 26 through a mechanism 36 converting the rotation of the rod 26 into an upwards and downwards movement in the control rod 5. By turning the handle 24, the control rod 5 may thus be elevated and lowered, as the coupling mechanism 36 is provided between the rods 5, 26. The slide bushing 18 is fastened to a rod 38 extending transversely of the reservoir 13 and which is fastened via the fitting 19.

The control bar 5 extends through the reservoir 13 and the interior of the dispenser unit 2. At its lower end, the control rod 5 is connected with the disc-shaped element 8 by fastening in a central opening through which the rod 5 runs. The control rod 5 is flexible such that the dispensing unit 2 can be pivoted by actuation when animals, which eat feed that has flowed out upon the feed plate 4, exert a pressing force on the grate 27.

At the pivoting, the gap 10 between the rim 9 of element 8 and the outlet 12 of the reservoir 13 will change such that feed can flow out over the rim 9, as indicated by 33, and down through the gap 10 between the rim 9 and the inner wall 31 of the duct 7. At the same time, the control rod 5 will cause stirring in the feed in the reservoir 13 such that bridge formation is avoided. Moreover, an agitating rod 25 is provided which will contribute to prevent bridge formation and caking due to moisture. The agitating rod 25 is particularly efficient if the dispenser unit 2 can rotate about the axis of the vertical control rod 5.

By varying the elasticity of the rod 5 and vary the level of the dispenser unit there is achieved an adjusting possibility of the dosed feed portion, as a change of the level of the dispenser unit 2 causes a change of the gap 10 between the plate 8 and the edge 11 of the outlet 12. In order to limit the deflection of the dispenser unit 2 there is provided a limiting ring 28 around the grate 27, which is best seen on Fig. 5c.

The dispenser unit is usually made of metal, but may also be made of plastic. The reservoir 13, which in the shown embodiment is provided with a lid 37, is preferably made of clear plastic in order to visually consider the filling of the device. Alternatively, the dispenser unit 2 and the reservoir 13 can be made of other materials. In Fig. 2 appears a tubular slide bushing 18 fastened to the rod 38 in such a way that it may be displaced upwards and downwards and fixed at different levels. The free length of the control rod 5 may hereby be adjusted whereby there may be achieved a greater or lesser flexibility and thereby adaptation to large or small animals. Alternatively, it is possible to adjust the flexibility by replacing the control rod 5 with a corresponding control rod having other dimensions/bending characteristics.

On Fig. 5a-c is shown a detail of the feeding device in perspective view with focus on the duct 7 around the dispensing unit 2. The fitting 6 keeps the duct 7 closed which otherwise is two-part, a fact clearly appearing from Fig. 5c. By pushing fitting 6 upwards, bushings 29 are released such that, due to a hinging 32, one half 7a and correspondingly the other half can be swung out from their locked position, allowing cleaning of the inner wall 31 of the duct 7 and of the grate 27 with its vertical bars 23. In order to displace the fitting 6, a barbed safety catch 30 is to be loosened. This safety catch 30 counteracts inadvertent opening of the duct 7.

Claims

1. A feeding device (1) for feeding animals, preferably pigs, including a feeding reservoir (13) and a movable dispensing unit (2) which includes a grate (27) and which by movement is arranged to release feed from the reservoir (13) for sprinkling down upon a feed plate (4), characterised in that the grate (27) of the dispensing unit (2) is disposed at a level above the feed plate (4) such that it can be reached by the animals' noses for actuating the movable dispensing unit (2).

2. Feeding device according to claim 1, characterised in that the grate (27) is tubular, preferably cylindric.

3. Feeding device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the feed reservoir (13) has a lower outlet (12) and that the dispensing unit (2) has a disc-shaped element (8) covering the outlet (12) at a certain distance (11) from the outlet (12), where the disc-shaped element (8) is connected with the grate (27) for moving the disc-shaped element (8) together with the grate (27) when the grate (27) is actuated.

4. Feeding device according to claim 3, characterised in that the disc-shaped element (8) has a slightly upwards bent, outer edge (9) in order to improve feed retaining ability.

5. Feeding device according to claim 4, characterised in that the slightly upwards bent outer edge (9) of the disc-shaped element (8) is provided outside the contour (12) of the outlet.

6. Feeding device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the dispenser unit (2) includes an agitating rod (25) which extends decentrally from the disc-shaped element (8) and into the feed reservoir (13).

7. Feeding device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the dispensing unit (2) is suspended rotatably and displaceably.

8. Feeding device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the feeding device includes a limiting ring (28) around the grate (27) of the dispensing unit for limiting lateral movement of the dispensing unit (2).

9. Feeding device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that in downward continuation of the feed reservoir (13), the feeding device (1) moreover includes a static tubular duct (7) in which the dispensing unit (2) moves, that the tubular duct (7) encloses part of the dispensing unit (2) and where the tubular duct (7) has an opening mechanism (6, 30) for opening a section (7a) of the duct (7) for laterally accessing the dispenser unit (2) in the duct (7).

10. Feeding device according to claim 9, characterised in that the opening mechanism (6, 30) includes a substantially vertical hinging (32) of the section (7a, 7b).

11. Feeding device according to claim 10, characterised in that the duct (7) is substantially constituted by two halves (7a) which are both vertically hinged (32) for opening both halves (7a).