• 专利附录
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    • 专利摘要:
    An automatic feeding dispenser for a feed hopper having an elongated hopper outlet and a feed dispensing means comprising an outer tube with multiple outer tube inlets underneath the hopper. The outer tube has multiple outer tube outlets at the bottom of the outer tube for directing feed dispersed from the feed dispensing means to multiple locations. The outer tube further has a rotatable inner tube with multiple inner tube inlets, which can rotate to alignment with the outer tube inlets, thereby allowing feed to be directed into the inner tube's interior. The inner tube further comprises multiple inner tube outlets, which can rotate to alignment with the outer tube outlets, thereby allowing feed contained in the inner tube's interior to be dumped into the outer tube outlets. The dispenser further comprises a rotating means arranged for rotating the inner tube.
    公开号:NL1042169A
    申请号:NL1042169
    申请日:2016-11-30
    公开日:2018-01-08
    发明作者:Van Rijbroek Eric；Van Den Langenberg Jos
    申请人:Kamplan B V；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    AUTOMATIC FEEDING DISPENSER
    TECHNICAL FIELD
    The invention relates to a dispensing device for distributing feed to multiple locations. More particular the invention relates to a dispensing device for distributing feed to animals and in particular animals which share the same space.
    BACKGROUND
    There are currently feeding systems available which distribute feed to multiple animals. A way to feed animals that share the same space in a stable is to either dump the feed on a pile on the floor or to spread it out in separate partitions distributed over an area in the shared space or to spread it out in some other kind of manner. Systems exist which aim to distribute the feed in a line. In practice these systems fail short in distributing the feed evenly. Instead the emergence of local bigger piles of feed cannot be prevented. This has a consequence that, especially in the case of sows, the most dominant animal may feed from the biggest pile, which is often the middle pile, and instinctively takes a position which blocks the other animals to feed as well. Only when the dominant animal is satiated she allows other animals to feed as well. As a consequence, the dominant animal (in the example the dominant sow) is fed more than the rest of the animals. The excessive eating by the dominant animal is an unwanted situation, for example because it decreases the efficiency of the feeding in general.
    Another feature of current feeding systems relates to the partitioning of the feed. There are two aspects of partitioning with this respect. The first aspect is the control o1 the right amount of feed to be dispensed. The second aspect is the timing of the dispensing of the feed. Automated (computer) controlled systems have been developed to control the timing of the dispense of food during the day. Mostly mechanical means have been introduced to achieve more or less predetermined partitions.
    To illustrate current art solutions, some patent applications are referenced below. United Kingdom patent application GB2258986A by Baker discloses a pet feeder which is summarized as a pet feeder comprising hoppers for dry or semi-moist pet food which is dispensed by pockets in a drum driven by a geared electric motor. The action of the drum is controlled by an electronic circuit including a clock module powered by its own battery that can be set to trigger dispensing for up to three predetermined occasions in twenty-four hours. The effective volume of pockets can be varied by locating a chosen insert therein.
    An example of a current distribution system for feeding multiple animals at the same time is disclosed in Netherlands patent application NL9101924 by Holl, which is summarized as a device for the metered supply of animal feed from a hopper to a feeding trough or the like. The device is provided with a metering component which can rotate about an axis of rotation, is provided with a number of compartments which are arranged one behind the other, as seen in the circumferential direction of the rotatable metering component, in order to take feed out of the container. The rotatable metering component can be rotated about its axis of rotation with the aid of a drive shaft, in order to transfer animal feed from the hopper, held inside the compartments, to the feeding trough or the like. A coupling mechanism, with the aid of which the angle through which the metering component is rotated about its axis of rotation can be adjusted for each revolution of the drive shaft, is arranged between the drive component and the metering component which can rotate freely with respect to the drive shaft.
    The use of a rotating tube for partitioning feed is also disclosed in United States patent 4,993,364 by Hessenauer, which is summarized as an automatic feeding dispenser having a housing for containing feed, a feed measuring and dispensing device, and an outlet for directing feed to a desired location. The housing has a removable partition to have two types of feed delivered, one from a compartment at each end of a cylindrical delivery tube. The control actuates the rotating tube at desired times in one or more half-turns for each meal as selected. A disadvantage of the current art solutions is that, although individual partitioning of feed can be provided with a possibly sufficient accuracy, the current systems for partitioning are either only suitable for one feeding location at a time, or they do not manage to evenly distribute the feed to multiple locations in substantially same portions in a reliable and cost efficient manner. Uneven distribution is for example typically caused by piling up of granular matter at the position where it is dumped. A flow of granular material may even be blocked by so-called arching, which is often increased by dry friction of the slanted side walls of containers such as hoppers.
    DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
    It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for accurately partitioning of feed and distributing the partitioned feed to multiple locations at the same time in a simple, effective and cost effective manner. It is a further object of the invention to provide an easy to manufacture, reliable, adjustable and hygienic feeding dispenser. By distributing the feed equally over multiple locations, whether it be on the floor or in a trough, more animals are able to feed at the same time, without one dominant animal (esp. a dominant sow) blocking the other animals.
    The object is realized by the present invention, summarized in the following clauses. 1. An automatic feeding dispenser for a feed hopper arranged for containing feed, the feed hopper comprising an elongated hopper outlet arranged at the bottom of said hopper for discharging feed from said hopper, a feed dispensing means for receiving feed from said hopper outlet, characterized in that the feed dispensing means comprises the following elements: - an outer tube, arranged for being mounted underneath the hopper, the outer tube comprising multiple outer tube inlets, arranged at the top of the outer tube in alignment with the hopper outlet, and arranged for allowing feed to be passed through; - the outer tube further comprising multiple outer tube outlets, arranged at the bottom of the outer tube, and arranged for directing feed dispersed from said feed dispensing means to multiple locations in correspondence with the multiple outlets; - an inner tube rotatably arranged inside the outer tube, the inner tube comprising multiple inner tube inlets, whereby the inner tube is arranged for being rotated to an inlet position, wherein the inner tube inlets are aligned with the multiple outer tube inlets, thereby allowing feed to be directed into the inner tube’s interior; - the inner tube further comprising multiple inner tube outlets, whereby the inner tube is arranged for being rotated to an outlet position, wherein the inner tube outlets are aligned with the multiple outer tube outlets, thereby allowing feed contained in the inner tube’s interior to be dumped into said multiple outer tube outlets; - a rotating means arranged for at least partially rotating the inner tube. 2. The automatic feeding dispenser according to clause 1, characterized in that the outer tube inlets are substantially oval shaped in longitudinal direction. 3. The automatic feeding dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the multiple inner tube inlets comprise a substantially similar shape and position on the inner tube relative to the shape and position of the outer tube inlets. 4. The automatic feeding dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the multiple inner tube inlets are arranged for functioning as inner tube outlets when the inner tube is rotated in an outlet position. 5. The automatic feeding dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the inner tube is arranged for alternatingly rotating between the inlet position and the outlet position. 6. The automatic feeding dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the multiple inlets and/or outlets of the outer tube are aligned in longitudinal direction with respect to the longitude of the outer tube. 7. The automatic feeding dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the outer diameter of the inner tube is such that the outer wall of the inner tube abuts the inner wall of the outer tube. 8. The automatic feeding dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the rotating means is arranged for being powered by any of the group comprising: - a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator, provided with means for translating the linear motion into a rotary motion; - an electric motor; - manual action. 9. The automatic feeding dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the rotating means is arranged for an oscillating rotationa motion, causing an alternating rotation of the inner tube between the inlet position and the outlet position.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the invented automatic feeding dispenser. FIGURE 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invented automatic feeding dispenser. FIGURE 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invented automatic feeding dispenser. FIGURE 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a detail of the invented automatic feeding dispenser, wherein an inner tube is positioned in an outer tube. FIGURE 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the outer tube as shown in figure 4 without the inner tube. FIGURE 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the inner tube as shown in figure 4 without the surrounding outer tube. FIGURE 7 shows a top view of the embodiment as shown in figure 4, without the inner tube positioned in the interior of the outer tube.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.
    For convenience of interpretation of the figures, the following comprises a list ol references as used in the figures. The addition of “a” and “b” to the numbers mean that the embodiments comprise a multitude of similar elements. For the sake of clarity nol all elements of this multitude of elements are numbered and referenced. 100 The invented automatic feed dispenser 101 Outer tube 103a,b Outer tube inlets 104a,b Outer tube outlets 110a,b Flange of outer tube 101 120 Interior of outer tube 101 201 Inner tube 202 Axle in inner tube 202a,b Axle end sections 203a,b Inner tube inlets 204a,b Inner tube outlets 220 Interior of inner tube 201 300 Feed hopper 301 Elongated hopper outlet 400 Lid 401 Hole in lid 400 500 Linear actuator 501 Chamber 502 Piston 503 Joint between piston and bar 504 504 Bar for driving axle 202 505 Plate connecting chamber 501 to outer tube 101
    The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the invented automatic feeding dispensei 100. A feed hopper 300 is arranged for receiving feed via its top opening. Feed may be transported to hopper 300 through feed transport system, such as a such as a pneumatically powered pipe system leading feed from a feed container at a differed location (not shown). The feed may be transported to the hopper at regular time intervals in relation to the required time of feeding animals and in relation to the level o feed contained in hopper 300. A control system may be arranged to measure the level of feed in hopper 300. As soon as the level drops below a predetermined threshold, the control system ma^ operate the transport system in order to transport new feed to hopper 300, at leas when a feeding time is approaching. i To prevent dust and other contamination of the feed in hopper 300, a lid 400 ma} be provided to cover the top of hopper 300. One or more holes 401 may be provided tc allow feed to pass through from the transport system. The lid is also suitable fo preventing distribution of small airborne feed particles into the surroundings.
    Hopper 300 comprises an elongated hopper outlet 301 at the bottom and the opening is connected at the bottom to the top of an outer tube 101. The top of outer tube 101 comprises inlets 103a,b (as shown in figure 3) which allow reception of feed from hopper 300. Outer tube 101 comprises an inner tube 201 (as shown in figure 4 and 6), rotatably positioned at the inside, and which is arranged for receiving feed through inner tube openings 203a,b which are arranged as inner tube inlets. When outer tube inlets 103a,b are not aligned, feed remains in hopper 300, but at least part of the bottom of the feed may already pass outer tube inlet and positioned directly above the closed outer shell of inner tube 201. By rotating inner tube 201 to a position wherein inner tube inlets 203a,b are aligned with outer tube inlets 103a,b, feed from hopper 300 is allowed to pass through, i.e. through both inlets subsequently. Gravity causes more feed from hopper 300 to pass through both inlets 103a,b and 203a,b respectively.
    The invented configuration with an elongated bottom hopper outlet 301 and a row of inlets 103a,b and 203a,b spaced apart at certain distances is arranged such that the pile of feed lying above the outer tube is distributed as evenly as possible over the inlets 103a,b. The evenly distribution of feed is maintained and even enhanced as soon as feed continues to flow into inner tube 201. The physics behind this phenomenon which are related to dynamic granular systems such as grain, sand are only partly known in science, but the desired positive effect of the invention is clearly demonstrated in the invented configuration. The proposed configuration is effective in even distribution of grains, corn and even mixed other elements such as hay or little pieces of straw. Because of this even distribution in inner tube 201, the next step of evenly distribution of the feed out of the device is facilitated easier. By dropping the feed through openings of inner tube 201 into outer tube outlets 104a,b of outer tube 101, the feed is evenly distributed over the ground, in a trough or other container.
    The invention proposes at least two option for allowing feed to pass through outer tube outlets 104a,b.
    The first solution comprises that the inner tube openings 203a,b serve as inner tube inlets when inner tube 201 is rotated to align with outer tube inlets 103a,b respectively. As soon as a preset amount of feed has entered inner tube 201, or after inner tube 201 is completely filled, or the feed in hopper 300 is used up, inner tube 201 is rotated until openings 203a,b are in alignment with openings 104a,b respectively, which serve as outlets of outer tube 101. When aligned with outer tube outlets 104a,b, openings 203a,b now serve as inner tube outlets and feed from the interior 220 (as shown in figure 6) is allowed to leave inner tube 201. After dumping of the feed, inner tube 201 may be rotated to a position for alignment of openings 203a,b with outer tube inlet 103a,b. At this point openings 203a,b serve as inlets again. This process may be repeated frequently in time intervals, of multiple times in a continuous sequence until a desired amount of feed is dumped. Rotation of inner tube 201 may be in the same direction every time the openings change from the inlet position to the outlet position, or rotation may be oscillating, whereby inner tube rotates backwards to an inlet position after having an outlet position.
    The second solution, which is preferred, comprises that inner tube 201 comprises two arrays of openings. A first array 203a,b serving as inlets and a second array 204a,b serving as outlets. Preferably both arrays are spaced apart equally, but the second array may also have a specific spacing of openings suitable for alignment with a specific spacing of outer tube outlets. The number and size of openings of the second array may also differ from the number and size of openings of first array 203a,b, as long as second array is arranged for alignment with outer outlets 104a,b which allows dumping of feed from interior 220 of inner tube 201. In the second solution, the device is arranged for being rotated to a position wherein inlets 203a,b are in alignment with outer tube inlets 103a,b. After filling of inner tube 201 with feed, inner tube 201 is rotated to a position wherein outlets 204a,b are in alignment with outer tube outlets 104a,b, thereby allowing feed to be dumped from the interior 220. After dumping of feed, inner tube is rotated backwards to the position wherein inner tube inlets 203a,b are again in alignment with outer tube inlets 103a,b. This oscillating motion is repeated similar to the first solution.
    Figure 1 also shows a preferred solution for powering the rotational motion of inner tube 201. In principle several types of motor and actuators may be used to cause rotation of inner tube 201. In a farm environment, however some motors and actuators are less reliable because of dust, airborne (feed) particles and corrosive gases, such as ammonia, which is emitted by live stock. Therefore, the invention proposes to use a pneumatic linear actuator 500, which comprises a cylinder 501, a piston 502 which moves back and forth within chamber 501 by compressed air being pumped inside chamber 501 and pushing air out of the other side of chamber 501. Piston 502 is connected to joint 503 and drives a bar 504 which is rotatably connected to joint 503 end and which is fixedly connected to end section 202a of axle 202 which is connected to rotatable inner tube 201 and which runs through inner tube 201. The oscillating linear motion, in this way translates into an oscillating rotational motion of inner tube 201. Actuator 500 is preferably mounted on mounting plate 505 which is connected to flange 110a of outer tube 101. Preferably both sides of outer tube 101 comprise a flange 110a,b and an axle end section 202,a,b. This facilitates the mounting of actuator 500 on either side of outer tube 101. By having a flange 110b on the free side of outer tube 101, the invention makes it also possible to connect multiple feed dispensers, by connecting the flange and axle end section of the one dispenser to the flange and axle end section of the other dispenser, and by using axle. In this way a larger area may be provided with feed without having to design and produce longer dispensers. FIGURE 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invented automatic feeding dispenser 100, displaying more or other elements of the configuration. FIGURE 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invented automatic feeding dispenser 100. A particular effective configuration of the outer tube inlets 103a,b is shown. By arranging outer tube inlets 103a,b as ovals, a relatively narrow hopper outlet 301 may be applied, with a maximum size of the opening of outer tube outlets 103a,b. Although rectangular outer tube outlets may provide an even larger opening relative to the width of hopper outlet 301, it is discovered after experimentation, that the oval shapes are more effective in distributing feed evenly into inner tube 201. FIGURE 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a detail of the invented automatic feeding dispenser 100, wherein inner tube 201 is positioned in outer tube 101. Inner tube 201 is rotated in a position wherein inner tube outlets 204a,b are in alignment with outer tube outlets 104a,b respectively. Outer tube inlets 103a,b are at a fixed position on top of outer tube 101, whereas inner tube inlets 203a,b are rotated in a position away from any opening. In this way feed may be dumped, but no new feed may enter interior 220 of inner tube 201. FIGURE 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of outer tube 101 as shown in figure 4 without inner tube 201 positioned in interior 120 of outer tube 101, for a clearer view on the configuration of outer tube 101. FIGURE 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of inner tube 201 as shown in figure 4 without surrounding outer tube 101, for a clearer view on the configuration of inner tube 201. FIGURE 7 shows a top view of the embodiment as shown in figure 5, without inner tube 201 positioned in interior 120 of outer tube 101 for a clearer view on outer tube 101. Oval-shaped outer tube inlets 103a,b allow a partial view on outer tube outlets 104a,b which in this case have a circular cross-section.
    It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
    权利要求:
    Claims (9)
    [1]
    An automatic feed distributor for a feed hopper (300) adapted to contain feed, wherein the feed hopper (300) comprises an elongated hopper outlet (301) arranged at the bottom of said hopper (300) to feed feed from said hopper discharge hopper (300) and a feed distributing means for receiving feed from said feeding funnel outlet (301), characterized in that the feed distributing means comprises the following elements: - an outer tube (101) adapted to be mounted under the hopper (300), wherein the outer tube (101) comprises a plurality of outer tube inlets (103a, b) arranged at the top of the outer tube (101) aligned with the hopper outlet (301), and adapted to feed feed through let go; - the outer tube further comprising a plurality of outer tube outlets (104a, b) arranged at the bottom of the outer tube (101), and arranged to feed feed that is distributed from said feed distributing means to a plurality of locations in accordance with the plurality of outlets (104a , b) to guide; - an inner tube (201) rotatably arranged within the outer tube (101), the inner tube (201) comprising a plurality of inner tube inlets (203a, b), the inner tube (201) being adapted to be rotated to an inlet position, in which the inner tube inlets (203a, b) are aligned with the plurality of outer tube inlets (103a, b), thereby allowing feed to be led into the inside of the inner tube (201); - the inner tube (201) further comprising a plurality of inner tube outlets (204a, b), wherein the inner tube (201) is adapted to be rotated to an outlet position, wherein the inner tube outlets (204a, b) are aligned with the a plurality of outer tube outlets (104a, b), thereby including feed contained in the interior of the inner tube (201) to be dumped inwards into said outer tube outlets (104a, b); - a rotary means adapted to at least partially rotate the inner tube (201).
    [2]
    The automatic feed distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer tube inlets (103a, b) are formed substantially oval in the longitudinal direction.
    [3]
    The automatic feed distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of inner tube inlets (203a, b) on the inner tube (201) have a substantially similar shape and position in comparison with the shape and position of the outer tube inlet (103a, b).
    [4]
    The automatic feed distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of inner tube inlets (203a, b) are adapted to function as inner tube outlets (204a, b) when the inner tube (201) is rotated in an outlet position.
    [5]
    The automatic feed distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that inner tube (201) is adapted to alternately rotate from an inlet position to and fro to an outlet position.
    [6]
    The automatic feed distributor according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of inlets (103a, b) and / or outlets (104a, b) of the outer tube (101) are aligned in longitudinal direction with respect to the length of the outer tube (101).
    [7]
    The automatic feed distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer diameter of the inner tube (201) is such that the outer wall of the inner tube (201) is the inner wall of the outer tube (101) touches.
    [8]
    The automatic feed distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary means is adapted to be driven by one of the group comprising: - a linear actuator (500), such as a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator, provided of a means for translating a linear movement into a rotational movement; - an electric motor; - manual operation.
    [9]
    The automatic feed distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary means is arranged for an oscillating movement, thereby causing an alternating rotation of the inner tube (201) from an inlet position to and fro to an outlet position .
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
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    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    NL1041944|2016-06-24|
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