DEVICE FOR DIRECTED ANIMAL TRAFFIC

Abstract

A device for directed animal traffic, having at least three sectors and a loop path, which is connected to each of the sectors, by a segment of the loop path that forms a transition region from the sector into the loop path, and the segment comprises a swinging gate, which allows an animal to enter the loop path from a sector and allows only one walking direction of the animal in the loop path, and a selection unit arranged after the swinging gate as viewed in the walking direction of the animal, to direct the animal into the sector or further along the loop path.

Claims

1. A device for directed animal traffic comprising: a plurality of sectors and each sector is sized to permit movement of a plurality of dairy animals; an animal direction control device in communication with at least one sector, and the animal direction control device includes: a pair of animal passageways having: a first end adjacent to the sector and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and including: a first passageway extending between the first end and the second end; a second passageway extending between the first end and the second end; and a divider disposed between the first passageway and the second passageway, and having an end portion positioned at the second end of the pair of animal passageways; a deflector adjacent to the divider end portion, and moveable between a first position in which the first passageway is open and the second passageway is closed, and a second position in which the second passageway is open and the first passageway is closed; a loop passage in communication with the pair of animal passageways; a swinging gate spaced apart from the deflector and disposed between the deflector and the loop passage, and the swinging gate is moveable by an animal between a closed position and an open position to direct animal movement in a first direction in the loop passage and to block animal movement in a second and opposite direction of movement in the loop passage; and a selection unit spaced apart from the swinging gate and disposed in the first direction of the loop passage from the swinging gate to selectively direct an animal: in the first direction around the loop passage; into a milking area; or back toward the pair of animal passageways, wherein the pair of animal passageways, the deflector, the swinging gate, the loop passage, and the selection unit define a controlled and substantially crossing-free animal traffic pattern between the sectors and the milking area.

2. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: a milking area that is in communication with the loop passage in a plurality of locations.

3. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: a control device to control the selection unit.

4. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: an animal detection device unique to a specific animal and in communication with the control device to control the selection unit and direct animal movement of that specific animal.

5. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: a control device to control the selection unit and the deflector.

6. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: an animal detection device in communication with the control device to control the selection unit and selectively maintain the swinging gate in the closed position.

7. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: a divider disposed between the loop passage and the milking area.

8. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: a divider disposed between the loop passage and the milking area, wherein animals can only pass from the loop passage to the milking area through the selection unit.

9. A device for directed animal traffic comprising: a plurality of sectors and each sector is sized to permit movement of a plurality of dairy animals; an animal direction control device in communication with at least one sector, and the animal direction control device includes: a pair of animal passageways having: a first end adjacent to the sector and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and including: a first passageway extending between the first end and the second end; a second passageway extending between the first end and the second end; and a divider disposed between the first passageway and the second passageway, and having an end portion at the second end of the pair of animal passageways; a loop passage in communication with the pair of animal passageways; a swinging gate spaced apart from the divider end portion and disposed between the divider end portion and the loop passage, and the swinging gate is moveable by an animal between a closed position and an open position to direct animal movement in a first direction in the loop passage and to block animal movement in a second and opposite direction of movement in the loop passage; and a selection unit spaced apart from the swinging gate and disposed in the first direction of the loop passage from the swinging gate to selectively direct an animal: in the first direction around the loop passage; into a milking area; or back toward the pair of animal passageways, wherein the pair of animal passageways, the swinging gate, the loop passage, and the selection unit define a controlled and substantially crossing-free animal traffic pattern between the sectors and the milking area.

10. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 9, and wherein: the milking area is at least a portion of the loop passage.

11. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 9, and further comprising: a deflector positioned at the second end of the pair of animal passageways adjacent to the divider end portion, and moveable between a first position in which the first passageway is open and the second passageway is closed, and a second position in which the second passageway is open and the first passageway is closed.

12. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: a divider disposed between the loop passage and the milking area.

13. The device for directed animal traffic of claim 1, and further comprising: a divider disposed between the loop passage and the milking area, wherein animals can only pass from the loop passage to the milking area through the selection unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device for directed animal traffic,

[0024] FIG. 2 shows, in enlarged form, a detail from the device according to FIG. 1, and

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the device for directed animal traffic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a device for directed animal traffic. The device comprises sectors 1-5 in which animals can be kept and can preferably move freely. The sectors 1, 2 and 3 are preferably fields. The sectors 4 and 5 are preferably separation areas, into which predetermined animals can pass. A round passage is denoted by the reference sign 6. The round passage 6 is connected to the sectors 1-5 via one passage 11-14 each. Animals can pass from a sector via the passage associated with the sector into the round passage and from there into another sector or the same sector. The sector 1 is connected, for example, to the round passage 6 via the passage 11.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated according to FIG. 1, each passage 11-14 has a passageway 11a-14a and a passageway 11b-14b. The passageways 11a-14a and the passageways 11b-14b can be separated from one another by corresponding fences. It is apparent from the illustration in FIG. 1 that deflectors 15-17 are provided in the passages 11-13. A passageway 11a-13a or a passageway 11b-13b can be released or blocked by means of the deflectors 15-17. In the passageway 11a-14a, animals from a sector can pass into the round passage 6. The animals can pass from the round passage 6 via the same passageway 11a-14a into the particular sector 1-5. It is not necessary for the passageways 11a-11b; 12a-12b, 13a-13b; 14a-14b to be directly adjacent to one another. If it is determined that, for example, a passageway 11a can be passed through with difficulty or not at all by the animals because of rain or other events, the passageway 11a is blocked by the deflector 15 and the passageway 11b is opened up for the animals. There is also the possibility of configuring a passage in such a manner that the latter has a passageway in which animals can pass only from the sectors to the round passage, and a passageway in which animals can pass only from the round passage into a sector. This can be realized preferably by a corresponding position of the deflector in the passage. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the passageways 11a-14a are opened up for the animals. The passageways 11b-14b are blocked by the corresponding deflectors 15-17. The animals pass from and to a sector via the particular passageway 11a-14a. It is described below that the animals use the particular passageway 11a-14a without the subject matter of the invention being restricted to this embodiment.

[0028] In each case one segment 7-10 forms a transition region from a sector 1-5 into the round passage 6. Each segment 7-10 has a swinging gate 18-21. Each swinging gate 18-21 permits entry of an animal from a sector via a passage into the round passage 6. The swinging gates 18-21 are arranged in such a manner that the direction of movement of the animal or of the animals in the round passage is predetermined. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated according to FIG. 1, the animals move in the clockwise direction. A selection unit 22-26 is in each case provided adjacent to the respective swinging gate 18-21, as viewed in the direction of movement of the animals. By means of the selection unit, an animal situated in the round passage can be directed either into a passage and therefore into a sector. Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the selection unit permits an animal to move further along the round passage 6.

[0029] The selection units 22-26 and/or the deflectors 15-17 are preferably equipped with animal identification means, which are not illustrated, and therefore the deflectors and/or the selection units can be activated or deactivated depending on individual animal specifications. This is not absolutely necessary. There is also the possibility for the deflectors 15-17 and the selection units 22-26 to be actuable manually or semi-automatically.

[0030] Owing to the fact that the swinging gates 18-21 together with the selection units 22-26 determine the direction of movement of the animal, substantially crossing-free animal traffic is achieved and therefore the formation of clusters at crossings is also avoided, this occurring in particular if a high-ranked animal is situated in the crossing area.

[0031] The device is substantially designed in such a manner that the sequence of swinging gate and selection unit substantially always appears identical to the animal depending on the location in the round passage, and therefore an animal can become accustomed rapidly to the round passage and the sequence.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a milking area 27 is provided. The milking area 27 can be a sector within the meaning of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the milking area 27 is surrounded by the round passage 6 and is connected to the latter via the entrance 28 and the exit 29. The entrance 28 to the milking area 27 is formed adjacent to the segment 8. This is not absolutely necessary. There is also the possibility for the entrance 28 to be assigned, for example, to the segment 7 or 9. The selection unit 23 is coupled to the entrance 28. The selection unit 23 is designed in such a manner that said selection unit creates three different route possibilities for an animal. Firstly, an animal from the round passage can continue its route along the round passage 6 by means of the selection unit 23. If the animal is intended to be milked, the animal is conducted out of the round passage 6 via the selection unit 23 into the entrance 28. Since the selection unit 23 is also assigned to the passage 12, an animal can pass from the round passage 6 into the passageway 12a via the selection unit 23.

[0033] The provision of a three-way selection unit 23 has the advantage that the outlay on apparatus and design is reduced. If the device is intended to be constructed from substantially identical parts, there is the possibility of providing a selection unit which permits only two routes, wherein then two such selection units are necessary.

[0034] If the animal in the milking area 27 has been milked, for example, by means of a milking robot, the animal leaves the milking area 27 via the exit 29. It is apparent from the illustration according to FIG. 1, that a swinging gate 30 through which the animal can enter the round passage 6 in a predetermined direction of movement is provided in the transition region between the round passage 6 and the exit 29.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates the cooperation between the passage 12, the round passage 6 and the entrance 28 to the milking area in enlarged form. It is apparent from the illustration according to FIG. 2 that the passageway 12a is opened up by means of the deflector 16. The passageway 12b is blocked by means of the deflector 16. The animals pass via the passageway 12a from the corresponding sector to the round passage 6 and vice versa.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a device for directed animal traffic. The device comprises sectors 1-5. The sectors 1-4 are preferably fields. The sector 5 may be a separation area. A round passage is denoted by the reference sign 6. The sectors 1-4 are each connected via a passage 11-14. The sector 5 is directly connected to the round passage 6. Each passage 11-14 has a passageway 11a-14a. Animals from the relevant sector can pass through the passageways 11a-14a into the round passage 6. The animals can pass through the passageways 11b-14b from the round passage 6 into the respective sector 1-4. The sectors 1-4 can also be connected directly to the round passage 6.

[0037] One segment 7-10 in each case forms a transition region from a sector 1-4 into the round passage 6. Each transition region has a swinging gate 18-21. Each swinging gate 18-21 permits entry of an animal from a sector 1-4 via a passage 11a-14a into the round passage 6. The transition region from the sector 5 to the round passage 6 has a swinging gate 31. The swinging gates 18-21 and 31 are arranged in such a manner that the direction of movement of the animal or of the animals in the round passage 6 is predetermined. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the animals move counterclockwise, which is indicated by arrows in the round passage 6 of FIG. 3. A selection unit 22-26 is in each case provided adjacent to the respective swinging gate 18-21 and 26, as viewed in the direction of movement of the animals.

[0038] By means of the selection unit, an animal located in the round passage can either be transferred into the sector via a passage. Alternatively, there is also the possibility for the selection unit to permit the animal to move further along the round passage. Each selection unit has correspondingly swingable gates or the like through which the route for an animal is opened up or blocked.

[0039] The animals preferably bear identification means which can communicate with corresponding identification units provided on the selection units 22-26, and therefore the selection units are activated or deactivated depending on individual animal specifications, and directed animal traffic is thus achieved. This is not absolutely necessary. There is also the possibility for the selection units 22-26 to be actuable manually or semi-automatically.

[0040] The direction of movement of the animal or of the animals can be determined by the swinging gates 18-21 and 31 and the selection units 22-26. Crossing-free animal traffic is substantially achieved.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a milking area 27. The milking area 27 has a plurality of milking places. The animals leave the milking area by the route 37 or 38 to the selection units 34 or 35. The selection units 34 and 35 are designed in such a manner that, depending on the individual animal specification, they can pass the animal either back into a waiting area 36 or into a collecting area 33. The collecting area 33 is part of the round passage 6. The animals pass out of the collecting area 33 into the round passage 6 via the selection unit 26.

[0042] It can be seen from the illustration according to FIG. 3 that the selection units 22-25 are designed in such a manner that the animals can pass out of a sector into the waiting area 36. Alternatively, the animals can walk along the round passage 6 or can be directed back into the sector. The selection units 22-25 therefore make it possible for the animals to walk along three different routes. This will be explained once again in more detail below by way of example in conjunction with an animal which is located, for example, in the sector 2. If an animal is located in the sector 2, the animal can pass via the passageway 12a and by swinging of the swinging gate 19 into a segment of the round passage 6. The animal is identified in particular as it enters the selection unit 23. The selection unit is correspondingly activated depending on the information about the animal, which information is stored in a database (not illustrated). If the information that the animal is authorized for milking is stored, only the route into the waiting area 36 is opened up in the selection unit. The further route along the round passage and the route to the passageway 12b are blocked. The animal located in the waiting area 36 can pass to the milking area 27. The milking area 27 preferably has a plurality of milking places. If the animal enters a milking place, the animal is milked. Subsequently, the animal passes, for example via the passage 38, into the selection unit 35. If the animal is intended to leave the milking area 27, the entrance to the collecting area 33 is opened up. Via the selection unit 26, the animal can leave the collecting area 33 either, for example, into the sector 5 or into the round passage 6. The animal can walk along the round passage. The animal passes the selection unit 25 here. If the animal has been recognized in the selection unit 25, the selection unit 25 is activated in accordance with the data stored regarding the animal. If it is on file that the animal can now pass into the sector 4, the entrance to the sector 4 is activated in the selection unit 25, and therefore the animal can pass from the round passage 6 into the passageway 14b.

[0043] If the animal which has left the sector 2 and is in the selection unit 23 is not yet authorized for milking, the entrance to the milking area 27 is blocked and, for example, the entrance to the passageway 12b is opened up such that the animal can be guided back into the sector 2. If the animal which has left the sector 2 via the selection unit 23 is intended to pass to the sector 1, the further route in the round passage is opened up by the selection unit 23. The animal then proceeds to enter the selection unit 22 and passes via the passageway 11b into the sector 1.

[0044] The selection units 22-26 are preferably of identical design, and therefore the outlay on design and apparatus for realizing the device for directed animal traffic can be kept low. The device according to the invention also has the advantage that the number of sectors can be extended within the scope of what is practical without complicating the route for the animals.