EP1903859A2

EP1903859A2 - Sorting device for the use of sorting animals

Info

Publication number: EP1903859A2
Application number: EP06742470A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Asger Thorsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2006-06-16
Publication date: 2008-04-02
Also published as: WO2006133717A2; DK176415B1; DK200500897A; WO2006133717A3

Abstract

A sorting unit (1) for use in sorting animals, including in particular pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure (2) and a sorting sensor, for example associated with a weighing platform (4). The sorting unit (1) has an entry (10) and exits for the animals and a control unit (70), which is adapted to control the exits in response to an output signal from the sorting sensor. The sorting unit (1) is provided with three or more exits, each of which is provided with a gate (20, 30, and 40), which is being controlled by said control unit (70).

Description

Sorting device for the use of sorting animals

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a sorting unit for use in sorting animals, including especially pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure and a sorting sensor, and which sorting unit has an entry and exits for the animals and a control unit adapted to control the exits in response to a signal from the sorting sensor.

The invention relates especially to such a sorting unit for use in relation with sorting and feeding of animals, for example in relation with multi-phase feeding.

Background of the invention

Passage scales for weighing for example pigs, where a hog or a pig can pass through the scale, and wherein the scale registers the weight of the animal, are generally known in various forms. Such a scale can for example be used, when it is desired to find out whether the pigs have achieved the slaughter weight, where the pigs are weighed one by one, and optionally those pigs are sorted off which meet the slaughter weight criterion.

For example US 4,850,441 discloses a passage scale having a frame with wheels, thus constituting a transportable scale, in which frame a weighing cage is suspended. A pig, a calf, or another animal is driven into the weighing cage, that optionally is closed, after which the weight is read on an electronic scale, to which the suspension of the weighing cage is connected.

It is clear, that there will be large difficulties with such a weighing system in relation with weighing of several animals. Much time would have to be spent on chasing the animals individually into the scale. The work would be of a very straining character for the personnel, for example in relation with weighing of pigs, where one would become exposed to a considerable noise level from the pigs, when they are being chased into the weighing cage. Moreover, it could be uncomfortable as well as damaging to the health to work in such environments, for example because of dust and the smell. Also, the pigs would be exposed to considerably stressing actions and thus also squeak and howl because of the unusual treatment, which again will constitute a negative effect for the personnel.

Further, US 6,805,078 B2 discloses a sorting scale where a weighing cage is suspended from two weighing cells placed at each respective ends of the scale above

^•the weighing cage. A pig can pass through a gate into the scale which gate is controlled by a control unit and is operated by an actuator. After weighing the pig can pass through one of two exits, which is opened by a common gate. This gate is operated by an actuator, which is controlled by the control unit in dependency of the weight of the pig, so that pigs ready for slaughter would be let out of a first exit, while the others pigs will be let out of the second exit. For this known sorting scale the weight is constantly monitored, so that it can be assessed, when a pig has left the scale, after which the entry can be opened again. Moreover, the system is arranged so that if some time after the weighing, the pig still stands halfway out of the exit, the exit gate could be pushed against the pig, which could cause the pig to move; however it could possibly cause the pig to move backwards into the scale again. This known technique relates also to a pen system with such a sorting scale, where pigs, which have reached the slaughter weight, would be sorted over to a special section, while pigs, which are too light, would be sorted over to a special feeding section. From here they can pass through a one-way gate back into the sorting scale, which they can then pass again, etc.

US 6,837,189 Bl discloses a similar system, which also relates to sorting of pigs that are ready for slaughter, while the other pigs are guided back into the feeding area, the sorting scale being formed with two exit gates. US 6,239,711 Bl likewise shows a system which relates to a transportable unit though. Therefore the bottom of this scale will be placed above floor level. Moreover this known scale predominantly relates to a mechanical system without actuators, etc. The exit gates are not opened with actuators, but they are released by locking devices so that a pig can push the gates open, and afterwards the gate is returned back by springs. It is clear that such a system will be defected with some disadvantage, such as for example a very limited capacity, since the throughput rate for the pigs would be very low.

US 5,579,719 also relate to use of a sorting scale, but for sows, which sows pass the scale at the entry of a feeding system. Depending on the weight one of two gates leading to two feeding areas can be opened. This known system does not relate to sorting as an integral part of the scale itself, but it is related to a larger pen system, wherein the scale is a single part of the system only, and where the gates are placed at different places in the pen system. Therefore, the sorting scale does not constitute a separate unit, and it can carry out its sorting function only together with the pen system as such and its units.

DE 200 18 646 Ul discloses an pen system for example for pigs, wherein a computer controlled sorting passage is placed so that animals from a free area can pass through the passage, wherein the animal is weighed by a scale. Depending on the weight of the animal the exit gate is opened to one of the two exits, so that the animal comes out to one of two feeding areas. From here the animal can again pass into the free area through one-way hatches. It should be noted that one-way hatches are also placed at the two exits which are to prevent a pig from going the wrong way into the scale. The passage itself is made in a way so that the entry hatch is controlled to open only when an animal has left the scale.

DE 36 23 816 Al discloses feeding system for pigs, wherein the animal is identified and weighed, after which feed is supplied. Hereafter the animal can leave the system through the exit gate, where a one-way gate is used. This known system does not relate to sorting of the animals, and the weight is used only to determine, how much feed the individual animal is allocated.

Further, EP 1 215 957 Bl discloses a similar feeding system, where an individual allocation of feed for example for pigs takes place based on weighing and identification, as the pigs having passed a radio system, which determines the identity of the animals by means of a transponder in an ear tag, and having passed a scale are let into a feeding carousel, where the pigs one by one are assigned feeds. As it can be understood, this system would have a relatively limited throughput rate among others because of the limitations of the carousel, and as it can be understood, it would be required to have more carousels for larger livestock so that the system would be relatively extensive, complicated and cost demanding.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a sorting unit, which avoids the disadvantages mentioned above in relation with the prior art.

Especially, it is the object to provide such a sorting unit whereby considerable improvements of working conditions can be obtained, including in the field of the working environment.

Further, it is an object to provide such a sorting unit, whereby a considerable larger welfare of the animals can be obtained, including the pigs, whereby these would not be exposed for stressing actions in relation with weighing and sorting.

Further, it is an object to provide a sorting unit, whereby sorting in various groups, i.e. not just in one group of animals having reached the slaughter weight, and another group which is below the slaughter weight, but for example in three or more groups, can be carried out. Further, it is an object to provide such a sorting unit, whereby a higher throughput rate can be obtained, and whereby an optimal care, feeding, etc. of the animals can be obtained so that an increased yield can be obtained.

It is also an object to provide a sorting unit which is relatively compact and simple in construction, which does require any particular maintenance, and which is reliable.

It is still an object of the present invention to provide a sorting unit which can be used in relation with phase feeding, in particular multiphase feeding, and whereby a reduction of discharge of environmentally damaging substances such as for example nitrogen, phosphor, etc. can be obtained, so that the environmental strain in relation with livestock farming and in particular pig farming and breeding can be reduced considerably.

These and other objects are obtained by the invention, as it is further explained herein after.

The invention

The invention relates to a sorting unit for use in sorting animals, including in particular pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure and a sorting sensor, which sorting unit has one or more entries and exits for the animals and a control unit adapted to control the exits in response to a signal from the sorting sensor.

According to the invention such a sorting unit is characterized in that the sorting unit is provided with three or more exits, each equipped with a gate controlled by said control unit.

Hereby a number of advantages can be obtained, where the most important is, that a more flexible sorting that that with prior art sorting scales can be carried out. Thus, sorting can be done automatically, not just according to for example slaughter weight, but those pigs which have not reached the slaughter weight, can be sorted in different fractions according to different criteria. The animals can be fed in a particular way and with a feed which is optimal for these animals, when sorted after weight. Hereby a larger well-being is obtained for the animals, a faster growth and thereby also a larger economical yield for the user is obtained, and finally the amount of work to be done with respect to feeding several animals is reduced, whereby also the fraction of straining work is reduced. Further, the advantage is obtained by the invention that because optimal feed is allocated to the animals, the strain on the environment is also reduced considerably, since an excess of nutrients or a wrong composition of nutrients which cannot be fully digested by the animal and which thereafter will be discharged, is not allocated,.

Preferably, as defined in claim 2, the sorting unit may comprise a weighing platform, wherein the sorting sensor, for example a weighing cell, can be associated with this weighing platform. Hereby the sorting can be performed in a relatively simple manner based on the result of the direct weighing of for example the pig.

According to a further preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 3, the sorting sensor may comprise a scanner, a vision system or similar detection- and/or measuring means. Hereby a long series of advantages can be obtained. For example the size of the animal and/or the weight can be determined or estimated by a vision system comprising optical sensors, one or more cameras, etc. such as known to a skilled person, so that a sorting can be obtained according to size/weight. Further, an optical system can be used for sorting based on a marking of the animal. For example, one can envisage that during daily inspection an animal to be sorted is observed, for example an animal exhibiting symptoms of disease, it can suffice to spray a colour marking onto the animal, for example a red streak, which can be registered by the optical sensor system. This implies that the animal passing the sorting unit is guided to a special box for a closer investigation, treatment, etc. Thus, the personnel avoid catching the animal and/or chasing it to the special box, and further the animal would not be exposed to a stressing action. Thus, an improvement for the personnel as well as the animal is obtained.

Further, scanners, electronic systems, radio frequency systems, etc. can be applied, e.g. those which can be applied for detection of identification marks/ear marks, tags, RFID-tags, transponders, etc. on the animals so that a sorting of the animals in several groups hereby can be carried out.

Further, it should be noted that the term sorting sensor is intended to designate a broad range of sensors that can be applied in relation with sorting of animals. As discussed above, sensors can be weighing cells, vision systems, scanners, etc., and it is clear to a person skilled in the art that other types of detection and/or measuring sensors can be applied.

As defined in claim 4, said gates may be mounted in relation with the support structure of the sorting unit, for example be carried on the support structure and connected with actuators, etc., which again are mounted on the support structure. Thus, the support structure constitutes the predominant portion of the scale, and the weighing platform would be formed as a relatively simple part, suspended in the support structure. It should further be noted that an optimal shielding such as a lattice, grating, etc., can also be mounted on the support structure. Further, said gates may be mounted in relation with elements of a pen or sty system, for example mounted on partition elements or the like so that the gates can be located in a certain distance from the weigher itself, but anyhow be controlled by its control unit, so that the animals are guided to the right place after having passed the weigher. Finally, said gates can be mounted in relation with a weighing platform of the sorting unit, if such a device is used in the sorting unit, for example be carried on the weighing platform and being connected with actuators etc., that also are mounted on the weighing platform. Thus, the weighing platform constitutes a predominantly portion of the weigher, and the support structure can in practice be limited to solely constitute the suspension construction for the platform. It should further be noted that optional further shielding such as lattice, grating, etc. also can be mounted on the weighing platform.

Preferably, as defined in claim 5, the sorting unit may further comprise one-way gates that can be placed in relation with said entries and/or exits.

Hereby it is obtained that the reliability is increased and the throughput rate is improved so that a larger number of animals can be sorted with the same sorting unit, since the risk is considerably reduced that the weigher is blocked by an animal seeking to or succeeding in entering the weigher through an exit.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 6, said entry provided with a gate controlled by said control unit may be adapted in a side part of the sorting unit, for example mounted in relation with the support structure or the weighing platform of the sorting unit.

Hereby a still larger flexibility and a more compact construction is obtained, since the one or both end parts can be kept free or be used as exits or for other purposes, and since the sorting unit hereby can be placed with a larger degree of freedom, because one need not consider that the one end absolutely must be used as entry. Further, it should be noted that there can be more than one entry and entry gate on the sorting unit. Thus there can be placed an entry on each side of the unit, but there can also be more than two, and also an entry can be provided at the end part of the unit if preferred.

According to a still a preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 7, the sorting unit may be adapted with means for motivating the animal to move out of the sorting unit, which means are controlled by said control unit.

Hereby it is obtained that the reliability and the throughput rate is increased further so that a larger number of animals can be sorted with the same sorting unit, since the risk is considerably reduced that the weigher is blocked by an animal that out of curiosity or another reason remains in the weigher longer than necessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, as defined in claim 8, said means to motivate the animal to move out of the sorting unit may comprise a mechanical part that can be displaced for example in the longitudinal direction of the sorting unit.

Hereby it is obtained that the animal in a relatively simple manner is motivated to leave the weigher without being exposed to harm. This embodiment is further particularly preferred in relation with the one end being kept free for entry gates, that must be able to open, and through which an animal must be able to pass. As motivator can simply be applied an object which is located in that end part where it will not obstruct the operation of the sorting unit, when there is no activation.

According to a further preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 9, said means for motivating the animal to move out of the sorting unit may comprise pneumatic, hydraulic and/or electronic means, including means producing sound, light, vibrations and/or electrical signals.

According to still a preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 10, said weighing platform may be suspended in a weighing cell placed on the support structure over the weighing platform, and the weighing platform may b e controlled by guides connected to the support structure.

Hereby a particularly simple and reliable construction is obtained, for which the weighing cell is being placed in a location where it would not be exposed to adverse influences, and further only a single weighing cell is required which can be positioned over the mid section for example. Further, by said position of moving parts it would be avoided that operational problems occur caused for example by manure, urine, and other waste, etc. from the animals that get in contact with moving and other vulnerable parts and possibly block these, create corrosion, etc. According to a further preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 11, said weighing platform may be suspended so that it is located substantially at the floor level for example in a plane with a slatted floor.

Hereby it is obtained that the sorting unit can be incorporated easily and quickly, and the animals can go in without having to pass a step, a ramp, or the like. Further, a simple and reliable construction it is hereby obtained, where the weighing platform itself still is suspended so that it can be moved freely in the relevant limited extent.

The invention also relates to a sorting unit for use in sorting animals, including in particular pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure and weighing platform, which sorting unit has en entry and exits for the animals and a control unit adapted for controlling the exits in response to a weighing signal, which sorting unit is characterized in that said weighing platform is suspended in a weighing cell placed on the support structure over the weighing platform, the weighing platform being controlled by guides connecting a substantially vertical part of the weighing platform with a substantially vertical part of the support structure.

Hereby a particularly advantageous manner of constructing a sorting unit is obtained, the weighing platform being suspended by means of relative simple means, for example in form of a parallelogram suspension which causes that it is sufficient to apply a single weighing cell, contrary to known weighers where several weighing cells are applied. Further, no moving parts are placed in or close to the floor level such that it is often the case with the prior art, where moving parts for example can become exposed to manure, urine, and other waste, etc. from the animals, so that operation problems can arise for example caused by blocking, corrosion, etc. Further the weighing cell can hereby be placed over the weigher, so that it too is not exposed to harmful actions. Finally, the suspension itself can be placed at any position along the weigher, for example also at the one end, since the parallelogram suspension controls the movements of the weighing platform in relation to the support structure. The invention further relates to a sorting unit for use in sorting animals, including in particular pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure and a weighing platform which sorting unit has an entry and exits for the animals and a control unit, adapted for controlling the exits in response to a weighing signal, which sorting unit is characterized in that the sorting unit is adapted with means to motivate the animal to move out of the sorting unit, for example out of the support structure or the weighing platform, which means are controlled by said control unit.

Hereby a sorting unit is obtained which provides an unprecedented reliability and throughput rate in relation with sorting of animals, so that a larger number of animals can be sorted with the same sorting unit, since the risk that the weigher is being blocked by an animal which is curious or for another reason stays in the weigher longer than necessary is being minimised.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 14, said means for motivating the animal to move out of the sorting unit may comprise a mechanical part which can be displaced for example in the longitudinal direction of the sorting unit.

Hereby it is obtained that the animal in a relatively simple manner is motivated to leave the scale without being exposed to harm. This embodiment is further particularly preferred in relation with the one end of the scale being kept free for an entry gate that must be able to open, and through which an animal must be able to pass. As motivator can simply be applied an object which is located in that end part where it will not obstruct the operation of the sorting unit, when there is no activation.

The invention also relates to a pen system comprising a sorting unit according to one or more of claims 1-14, wherein the pen system comprises a number of separate areas, for example a living area and a number of feeding areas, each being connected to an entry or an exit for said sorting unit.

Hereby a pen or sty system is obtained, by which a much more flexible sorting can be performed than it is the case with known sorting units, and so that sorting is carried out automatically not only according to slaughter weight, if desired, but also in different fractions according to weight, so that these animals can be fed in a manner and with a feed that is optimal for exactly this animal. Multiphase feeding can be performed, i.e. depending on the animals phase in the growth feeding is by the most optimal feed adapted for the needs of the animal on exactly the concrete state of the growth. Hereby a larger welfare for the animals is obtained, a faster growth is obtained, and thereby also a larger economical yield for the user. Further the work load to be performed in relation with feeding of a number of animals is reduced, whereby also the portion of straining work is reduced. Finally the discharge is reduced of environmentally harmful substances by use of the invention, since the feed to the individual animal is accurately adapted to the animals, so that the take up of nutrients in the animal is optimized, whereby the amount of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphor, etc., which is not taken up by the animal and thus is released with the urine, manure, etc. is reduced considerably if not substantially avoided.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 16, the system may comprise one or more one-way gates, which one-way gates comprise a number of fence bars, that independent of each other are rotationally carried, so that they can move past a mid position in one direction, but are kept in this position when activated in the other direction, and move back to the mid position by means of gravity.

Hereby a one-way gate is obtained, which distinguish itself by being relatively simply constructed, among other by application of gravity as a means for moving the fence bars back to the mid position. Since the individual substantially horizontal fence bars or grating is independent of each other contrary to known one-way gates, there is obtained a larger reliability against that for example pigs can pass the gate in the wrong direction, for example by activating one of the fence bars, for example when another pig passes the gate in the right direction, whereby the entire one half of the gate can be opened. This disadvantage is avoided by the invention.

According to a further preferred embodiment, as defined in claim 17, the system may be adapted so that when an animal passes from one area into the sorting unit a following animal would be able to pass the sorting unit to another area, for example a feeding area, optionally controlled by the control unit.

Hereby it is obtained that the animals for example the pigs can practice to use the sorting unit system. By application of the sorting unit system in relation with phase feeding and multiphase feeding it is required that animals pass the weigher in order to arrive at the feeding area and normally because of curiosity the pigs would quickly learn to pass the scale in order to arrive at the feed. Though there might be animals, also including pigs, that can be very cautious, shy and awaiting, so that they would not right away go into the sorting unit. It is clear that these animals also must be fed and learn to use the sorting unit system, and this can happen when an animal go into the weigher, the present embodiment of the invention would provide the possibility for a waiting animal to pass the sorting unit outside and go into the feeding area. This happens when the entry gate is closed after the animal which has gone into the weigher, a passage along the sorting unit is opened. The more cautious animal can thereby pass directly into the feeding area and additionally get accustomed to the system. After having got used to it, the animal would be confident with the system whereby it would use the path through the sorting unit instead for awaiting at the open entry gate, until a more practiced animal goes into the weigher and thereby opens for the path outside the weigher. It has turned out that for pigs for example, all pigs would after 14-21 days have learnt to use the sorting unit when this embodiment of the invention is used. After this period of practice the system is adjusted so that all pigs must pass through the sorting unit, whereby an optimal feeding and welfare for all pigs is obtained. The Figures

In the following the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein

fig. 1 shows a top view of a sorting unit according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 2 shows a side view of the sorting unit shown in fig. 1, fig. 3 shows an example of how the sorting unit according to an embodiment of the invention can be applied in a pen system, fig. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment of a one-way gate according to the invention, fig. 5 shows a front view of another embodiment of a one-way gate according to the invention, fig. 6 shows a side view of a one-way gate according to the invention, fig. 7 and 8 show top views of the one-way gates shown in fig. 4 and 5, respectively, fig. 9 shows an overview of a pen system with a sorting unit according to the invention, fig. 10 shows a schematic view of part of fig. 9 with the sorting unit, and fig. 11 illustrates the control of the sorting unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

In fig. 1 there is shown a schematic top view of a sorting unit according an embodiment of the invention, which sorting unit is generally designated with reference numeral 1 in the drawings. This sorting unit 1 has a support structure 2 which can be substantially in form of a box but which is constructed in an open structure. In the shown embodiment, an entry gate 10 is placed on the support structure 2 at one side thereof. This entry gate 10 is carried around a rotational axis 11, and it has a side face 13, which abut against the support structure 2 in a closed position. This side face can be barred, have a lattice face, or the like, which closes the interior of the scale. Further the gate 10 has an outer side face 12 in form of a part of a circular cylinder, which also can be barred, have a lattice face, or the like. The function hereof will be explained later. Further, a roller 14, or the like, can be mounted as shown at the edge formed between the side faces 12 and 13, to function as a protection of the animals. Finally, the entry gate 10 is connected with a linear actuator 15 which by activation can turn the entry gate 10 around the axis 11 so that the access to the interior of the weigher 1 can be opened or closed.

Further, the sorting unit is provided with three exit gates 20, 30, and 40, respectively, which can be placed at the other end of the support structure 2, viz. directly at the end face and on each side of this as shown in fig. 1. These gates 20, 30, and 40 are constructed similarly to the entry gate 10 and they are activated in the same way with linear actuators 25, 35, and 45, respectively. Therefore will these gates not be further described here.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, the weigher has a weighing cell 60 which is mounted on top of the support structure 2 about in the middle. Further, the scale is provided with a control unit 70 which can be a PLC-controller, a computer controller, etc. which would be known to skilled person.

Finally, the sorting unit can be provided with means 80 to motivate an animal to leave the scale which means comprises a grating, or the like, suspended vertically so that it can be moved through the interior of the scale by an actuator 82, which will be explained fully later.

As mentioned, the sorting unit 1 is shown in a side view in fig. 2. It is shown how the weigher comprises a weighing platform 4 which is provided so that it covers a substantial part of the interior of the scale. This weighing platform 4 which can be provided in a countless number of ways, for example as a grating with slits, etc, is connected to a suspension 6 which for example comprises a vertical pole on each side of the scale as shown in fig. 2. This suspension 6 is connected to a part of the support structure, for example a side support 7, on each side of the scale by two relatively short guides 8 which allow a vertical movement of the weighing platform 4 as indicated by the double arrow in fig. 2, the two guides at each end being pivotally arranged. At the top of the weigher the weighing platform 4 is connected to the weighing cell 60, for example by a mechanical connection from the suspension 6 to the weighing cell 60.

Further, as shown in fig. 2, the weighing platform 4 is located very close to the bottom of the sorting unit, because both the weighing cell and the guides are placed above the platform 4. The step height is therefore very small. The sorting unit can furthermore be placed so that a pig can pass directly into the weigher without passing a step. This can take place in a pen with slatted floor 5, or the like, as illustrated in fig. 2. The support structure 2 of the sorting unit can be placed on the floor, thus the weighing platform 4 can be substantially level with the slatted floor 5.

Further, the entry gate 10 is shown in fig. 2 where the protection roller 14 and a part of the outer grating 12 can be seen, which as shown can be in form¹ of horizontal gratings that are bended in form of a circle, cf. fig. 1. Similar holds for the exit gate 20 which is placed at the side and the exit gate 30 which is placed at the end. Preferably, vertical gratings, or the like, would be applied so that the animals cannot step on the gratings.

Further, a sorting sensor 65 is illustrated in fig. 2 in form of for example a scanner, a vision system, or the like, which as described above can be a part of the sorting unit instead of or together with a weighing platform with a weighing cell. For example a sensor for registering the identity of the animal, a sensor such as a vision apparatus to detect the size of the animal and/or estimate/determine the weight of the animal may be used, just as it can relate to optical sensors for detection of colours, etc.

Fig. 3 shows an example of how the sorting unit may be applied in a stall or pen system for pigs for example. Here, the sorting unit 1 is shown in the same manner as in fig. 1, but a part of the reference numerals are not shown for clarity reasons.

The pen is divided into a number of areas by usually applied sty partitions 90. Foremost, the living- and access area 91 from which a pig can pass into the weigher. This requires that the control unit 70 has opened the entry gate 10, which only happens when the system has registered that no pig is present in the weigher and that all exits are closed. Once the entry gate 10 is opened and the control unit registers that a pig enters onto the weighing platform 4, the entry gate 10 is closed again so that no more than one pig can enter.

The system decides which of the three gates 20, 30, or 40, shown in this embodiment, is to be opened, when the weight of the pig has been registered, for example when the signal from the weighing cell has reached a constant value. At one of the exits, for example the exit gate 40, a pig having reached the slaughter weight could be guided to the area 94 where transport to the slaughter house is awaited.

Pigs that have not reached the slaughter weight yet, are guided out through two other exit gates, two groups being differentiated, for example pigs having a weight over a certain weight limit, but also under the slaughter weight, and pigs having a weight under this weight limit. The pigs are let out either into the area 92 or to the area 93 where the difference between the two areas can consist in the feed provided in the two areas. In this way optimal feeding can be given with respect to the size of the pigs or rather the growth rate which the pig experiences.

It should be noted that when the control unit 70 has determined which exit gate is to be opened, e.g. gate 30 the actuator 35 is activated. First when it is registered that the pig is completely out, which is obtained by monitoring the signal from the weighing cell 60, the gate 30 is closed again, and when this is closed, the entry gate 10 can be opened again, etc.

It should further be noted that if time has passed after an exit gate has been opened without the pig inside the weigher has left, which can be obtained by monitoring the weighing signal as mentioned, the control unit 70 can activate different means for motivating the pig to leave the weigher. This could for example be the motivator 80 shown in fig. 1 and fig. 3, consisting of a hanging grating or bars that extend across the inner of the scale. As shown in fig. 3 this would normally be located at the entry end where it is connected to an activator 82. As shown it could be suspended from a wheel on each side which can move in the direction of the unit in a pair of sectional irons, or the like. Thus, the activator 82 moves the grating, or the like, forward through the unit so that the pig by itself goes out through the exit gate. Then the motivator 80 moves back again.

Other means can be applied with the same purpose. Thus, a sprinkler can be activated whereby the pig is motivated to move by water, or an air pressure nozzle can be opened so that the unusual action and/or the sound of the air gets the pig to move. Sound and/or light signal sources can also be applied just as electrical signals and/or electronic means can be applied. In this respect it should be mentioned that none of these means harms the animals.

Furthermore, in fig. 3 it is shown that at the exits, i.e. after the exit gates 20, 30, and 40, one-way gates 83 can be placed which prevent a pig form going back through an exit gate when this for example is opened for the next pig. Such a one-way gate is characterized in that a pig without difficulty can go one way but cannot pass the other way. Because a pig after having passed an exit gate could be standing in the intermediate area between this and the following one-way gate, or optionally half way through a one-way gate, it could be an advantageous also to have motivation means here to get a pig to move further. The presence of a pig in such as place in a time period, that is undesirably long, can be determined with different sensors associated with the control unit 70.

As shown in fig. 3 there could be access from the area 92 to the access area 91 through a one-way gate 83 so that the pigs can pass the sorting unit 1 again, which they would do in practice. A similar condition could apply for the area 93. Therefore, it would not be necessary to do anything special for sorting of the pigs. Thus, one does not need to send personnel into the pen areas with the purpose of chasing the pigs through a sorting system which as mentioned is productive for the working environment.

It should be mentioned that the sorting unit 1 could be constructed with gates, actuators, gratings, etc. mounted onto the support structure 2 as such , but these parts could similarly be mounted onto the weighing platform 4 as such, which only would influence the reference point of the weigher. Further, it should be noted that the example shows a weigher with one entry gate and three exit gates but it is clear that that there can be more for example two entry gates and that there can be more than three exit gates, for example four, five, six, etc. Further, there is a possibility for placing exit gates in a certain distance from the support structure or weighing platform, but still controlled by the control unit 70. Further, there is a possibility that there can be more controlled gates after each other. For example, if an animal is let out by the gate 20, two gates can be placed after this gate next to each other and leading to each of their own areas, which gates only can be opened by the control unit 70 dependent on the weight of the animal, so that a further sorting or grouping is obtained.

Two different embodiments for one-way gates 83 are shown in figs. 4 and 5, both constructed by fence bars 85, which at one end are connected to a sleeve 86 having an inner diameter corresponding to the thickness of a bar 87 that functions as an axis of rotation for the fence bars 85. The bars 87 are mounted to the floor or pen partitions, etc., for example by a mounting 88, which also can make up a lower bearing for the fence bars 85. As shown in the figures a number of fence bars 85 are stacked on top of each other in a suitable height. As shown in fig. 4 fence bars 85 can be placed right opposite each other, which implies however, that a certain space between the ends 89 of two opposite fence bars 85 must be present as shown in fig. 7. As shown in fig. 5 fence bars 85 can be placed in different heights on the two sides of the gate so there can be an overlap which can reduce the risk that an animal can open the gate and pass in the opposite to the desired direction. This is also shown in fig. 8 where it is also shown, as in fig. 7, that the ends 89 of the fence bars 85 can be bended a little bit in the direction of the transit. This makes it more convenient for an animal to pass in the direction of the transit as well as more difficult for an animal to try to pass in the opposite direction.

Finally, a side view of a one-way gate is shown in fig. 6. The rotational axis 87 is inclined a certain angle with respect to vertical. For example there is a shift of the top of 5-10 cm with respect to the bottom. It is understood that the fence bars 85 are prevented in passing the middle position, i.e. opposite the direction of the arrow in figs. 7 and 8. This can be arranged in various ways as it will be well known to a skilled person. In the other direction, the fence bars 85 are able to rotate freely. It is understood that when the fence bars have been rotated this way, for example when an animal has passed, they move back to the middle position again because of the inclination of the axis.

Fig. 9 shows an overview of a pen system according to an embodiment of the invention, for example of a pen system for use in multiphase feeding. Again here is shown a sorting unit 1 with an entry and three exits. The pen is divided into four areas, viz. a living area 91, and three feeding areas 92, 93, and 94, each with a feeding trough 96, or the like. As explained the pigs can go into the weigher 1, after which the entry gate is closed, the weight is registered and one of the exit gates is opened, dependent on the weight of the pig. The pig can now go into the feeding area and eat of the available feed, the content, composition, energy content, etc. of which is adjusted exactly for the weight class or the growth class for the pig. Afterwards the pig can go out in the living area 91 again through a one-way gate 83, etc.

In fig. 10 a small section of the system shown in fig. 9 with the sorting unit 1 is shown. Pigs can be guided from the living area 91 to the three feeding areas 92, 93, or 94. In this figure, the four gates are drawn schematically and so that the "normal" position is shown in a full line, whereas the "not normal" position is shown in a dotted line. Thus, it is shown that the entry gate 10 normally would be open, i.e. waiting that a pig go into the weigher, while the exit gates normally are closed. It shall now be explained how the animals can practice to use the sorting unit.

Use of the sorting unit system with respect to phase feeding and multiphase feeding requires that the animals pass the weigher in order to arrive at the feeding area, and normally for example pigs will because of their curiosity quickly learn to pass the weigher to come to feeding. However, there might be animals, including pigs, which are more cautious, shy and awaiting so that they are not going directly into the sorting unit. It is clear that these animals must be fed also and that they have to learn to use the sorting system.

This can be achieved by the following. When an animal enters the weigher, the entry gate 10 is closed after the animal which has entered into the weigher. As shown in fig. 10, hereby the passage along the sorting unit 1 is opened between this and the partition 90 such as shown by the arrow. Since the exit gate 20 is normally closed and is opened only if a pig inside the weigher is going this way out, the awaiting pig could go this way and out in the feeding area 92. It is clear that this feeding area not necessarily is the right area for this animal, but the animal is not refrained from eating. Hereby the more cautious animal can get used to the system. After getting accustomed the animal will eventually gain sufficient confidence with the system whereby it will use the route through the sorting unit instead of waiting at the open entry gate for another more practiced animal to go into the scale and thereby open for the path around the weigher. It has turned out that for example for pigs, all pigs have gotten used to using the sorting unit after 14 - 21 days using this embodiment of the invention. Hereafter the system can be adapted so that all pigs have to pass the sorting unit whereby all animals get the optimal care.

It is clear that there is also the possibility of passing on the other side of the weigher 1. It is also clear that the control unit 70 can be used in the training of the animals, since there can be further sensors, gates, or the like, that can make it possible for the animals to pass around it, if they are not used to use the sorting unit.

In fig. 11 there is illustrated an example of a control system 70. The control unit 70 receives signals from a weighing cell 60 from which it determines whether the entry gate, controlled by the actuator 15, must be closed/opened, and whether an exit gate must be opened and if affirmed which one. A signal is thus send to one of the actuators 25, 35, or 45 (or a further exit gate as illustrate by the dotted lines).

Further, fig. 11 shows that the signal forming the basis of the sorting can come for example from a scanner, a vision system, or the like 65, which as described earlier can be a part of the sorting unit instead of or together with a weighing platform with weighing cell.

Further, the control unit 70 can be adapted to determine whether animals have not left the weigher within predetermined time periods after an exit gate has been opened. If this is the case, the control unit 70 can send control signals to the actuator 82 for the motivator 80, which is illustrated as a hanging grating, stripes, or the like, which runs through the scale and thus motivates the animal to leave the scale.

First when it has been noted that the animal has left the scale, the exit gate closes again, the entry gate opens again, etc. As mentioned earlier there can be further sensors 98 by which it is determined for example whether animals stay in places where it is not desired at a given point in time, and it can then activate other motivators as mentioned earlier.

In the foregoing concrete examples are described with reference to the drawings but it is clear to a skilled person that the invention can be varied in a countless number of ways within the scope of the subsequent patent claims.

It is also clear that even if the drawings generally shows a sorting unit with a weighing platform, i.e. in form of a sorting weigher, the sorting unit according to the invention can be formed without a weighing platform, but with another type of sorting unit such as it has previously been described, or with a combination of a weighing platform and another form of sorting sensor.

Further, it should be noted that the shown embodiments, number and placement of entry- and exit gates are only illustrating for the invention and shall not be construed as limiting.

List of reference numerals

1 Sorting unit

2 Support structure

4 Weighing platform

5 Slatted floor

6 Suspension

7 Side support in support structure

8 Guide

10 Entry gate

11 Rotational axis

12 Outer lattice on gate

13 Inner lattice on gate

14 Protection roller

15 Linear actuator

20, 30, 40 Exit gates

21, 31, 41 Rotational axes

22, 32, 42 Outer lattices on gates

23, 33, 43 Inner lattices on gates

24, 34, 44 Protection rollers

25, 35, 45 Linear actuators

60 Weighing cell

65 Scanner, vision system or the like

70 Control unit

80 Motivator

81 Hanging grating, strips, or the like

82 Actuator for motivator

83 One-way gates

85 Fence bars

86 Sleeve

87 Rotational axis 88 Suspension

89 End of fence bar

90 Partitions

91 Access- and living area

92 First feeding area

93 Second feeding area

94 Tertiary feeding area or area for swine with slaughter weight 96 Feed trough

Claims

Patent claims

1. A sorting unit (1) for use in sorting animals, including in particular pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure (2) and a sorting sensor, which sorting unit

(1) has an entry and exits for the animals and a control unit (70), adapted to control the exits in response to an output signal from the sorting sensor, characterized in, that the sorting unit (1) is provided with three or more exits, each being provided with a gate (20, 30, 40), which is controlled by said control unit (70).

2. The sorting unit according claim 1, characterized in, that the sorting unit comprises a weighing platform (4), and that the sorting sensor, for example a weighing cell (60), is associated with this weighing platform (4).

3. The sorting unit according claims 1 or 2, characterized in, that the sorting sensor comprises a scanner, a vision system, or the like (65).

4. The sorting unit according to claims 1,2 or 3, characterized in, that said gates (20, 30, 40) are mounted in relation to the support structure (2) of the sorting unit, in relation with elements of a sty system, for example partition elements (90), and/or in relation with the weighing platform (4) of the sorting unit, provided it being applied.

5. The sorting unit according to one or more of claims 1-4, characterized i n , that the sorting unit further comprises one-way gates (83), which can be placed in relation with said exits and/or entries.

6. The sorting unit according to one or more of claims 1-5, characterized in, that said entry, which is provided with a gate (10) that is controlled by said control unit (70), is arranged in a side part of the sorting unit, for example mounted in relation with the support structure (2) or weighing platform (4) of the sorting unit.

7. The sorting unit according to one or more of claims 1 -6, characterized in, that the sorting unit (1) is provided with means (80) to motivate the animal to move out of the sorting unit, for example out of the support structure (2) or the weighing platform, which means are controlled by said control unit (70).

8. The sorting unit according to claim 7, characterized in, that said means to motivate the animal to move out of the sorting unit (1) comprises a mechanical part (80) for example to be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the sorting unit.

9. The sorting unit according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in, that said means to motivate the animal to move out of the sorting unit (1) comprises pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or electronic means, including means to produce sound, light, vibrations, and/or electrical signals.

10. The sorting unit according to one or more of claims 2 - 9, characterized in, that said weighing platform (4) is suspended in a weighing cell (60), that is placed on the support structure (2) above the weighing platform, and that the weighing platform (4) is controlled by guides (8) connected to the support structure (2, 7).

11. The sorting unit according to one or more of claims 2 - 10, characterized in, that said weighing platform (4) is suspended so that it is substantially in plane with the floor, for example in plane with a slatted floor (5).

12. A sorting unit (1) for use in sorting animals, including in particular pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure (2) and a weighing platform (4), which sorting unit (1) has an entry and exits for the animals and a control unit (70) adapted to control the exits in response to a weighing signal, characterized in, that said weighing platform (4) is suspended in a weighing cell (60) placed on the support structure (2) above the weighing platform, and that the weighing platform (4) is controlled by guides (8), which connect a substantially vertical part (6) of the weighing platform (4) with a substantially vertical part (7) of the support structure (2).

13. A sorting unit (1) for use in sorting animals, including in particular pigs, which sorting unit comprises a support structure (2) and a sorting sensor, which sorting unit (1) has an entry and exits for the animals and a control unit (70) adapted to control the exits in response to an output signal from the sorting sensor, characterized in, that the sorting unit (1) is provided with means (80) to motivate the animal to move out of the sorting unit, for example out of the support structure (2) or weighing platform, which means are controlled by said control unit (70).

14. The sorting unit according to claim 13, characterized in, that said means to motivate the animal to move out of the sorting unit (1) comprises a mechanical part (80), which for example can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the sorting unit (1).

15. A pen system comprising a sorting unit according to one or more of claims 1 - 14, which pen system comprises a number of separate areas (91, 92, 93, 94), for example a living area (91) and a number of feeding areas (92, 93, 94), each of which are connected to an entry or an exit for said sorting unit.

16. The pen system according to claim 15, characterized in, that the system comprises one or more one-way gates (83), which one-way gates (83) comprises a number of fence bars (85), which independent of each other are rotationally carried so that they can be move past a middle position in one direction, but kept in this position by activation in the other direction, and which moves back to the middle position by gravity.

17. The pen system according to claims 15 or 16, characterized in, that the system is adapted so, that when an animal passes from one area (91) into the sorting unit (1), a subsequent animal could pass around the sorting unit (1) to another area, for example a feeding area (92, 93, 94), optionally controlled by the control unit (70).