FR2776891A1 - Automatic locking and unlocking of gate restraining cow or other farm animal - Google Patents

Abstract

The automatic locking control has a rack (2) driven by a linear electric actuator (3) and a pinion (1) driving in rotation a shaft with a number of raised projections (4) along its length that runs above the gates. The raised projections operate on a lever which releases the gate as the shaft rotates. A programmable timer determines the times of locking and unlocking.

Description

-1- The present invention relates to a locking device and

  automatic unlocking of comrnadis, without the help of the breeder.

  The locking and unlocking of the locks is traditionally done by the breeder at often precise times of the day. Generally, a shaft with stops prevents the comrnadis from tilting in the open position. The breeder must always intervene by performing

  half a turn of the tree to free or take the animals.

  The device according to the invention makes it possible to remedy this drawback. Indeed, according to a first characteristic, it comprises a rack actuated by a double-acting electric actuator. A gear is

  fixed to the end of the stop shaft, a notched rod meshes with the toothed wheel.

  The electric actuator is fixed to the notched rod. The actuation of the cylinder up or down will transform a rectilinear movement into a rotational movement which will cause the locking or unlocking of the controls.

  i 5 performing the U-turn of the tree.

  The notched rod slides in a slide to avoid deflecting the movement. A timer-programmer allows you to set the locking and unlocking times of the controls according to the wishes of the breeder. Cylinder stroke

  is limited to make a U-turn.

  According to particular embodiments:

  -the toothed wheel can be a pinion.

  -the toothed wheel can be welded to its shaft or fixed with a cam.

  the cylinder may include a thermal resistance as a safety measure.

  -the device can be placed above or below the comadis.

  -the shaft with stops can pivot towards the front or the rear of the comrnadis.

  -a programmer can be set up.

  -rings can guide the toothed wheel shaft if the device is not

  fixed between two comadis panels.

  -the process can be fitted with a three-position switch - manual stop-automatic start -. For the "manual operation" position, mounted and

  lowering the cylinder with a second switch.

  the shaft with stops can be fixed to the shaft of the toothed street by interlocking; by pins or bolts plus nuts, in holes previously made on the

two trees.

  3 5 -the device can be connected to several dozen comadis panels.

  -the device can be used on all types of comrnadis if the system includes

  a tree with stops and a non-return of the comrnadis.

  Figure 1 shows the device in the locked position.

Comrnadis closed.

-2-

  Figure 2 shows the device in the unlocked position with several open comradis.

  With reference to these drawings, the device comprises a toothed wheel (1), a notched rod (2) which define the rack. This being connected to a jack (3). The notched rod moves up or down through the cylinder. A predetermined cylinder stroke allows a half-turn of the stop shaft (4). Two slides (5) guide the movement (9) from top to bottom and vice versa. 1 o The gear wheel shaft (8) is fixed to the stop shaft (4) by a pin (7) or a bolt plus nut (7) .Two rings (6) located on each side of the wheel

  toothed allow the maintenance of the wheel in the notched rod. According to a variant not illustrated, this device can be placed on a support. The user will just have to fix this support on the frame of the building15 for example, it will be sufficient for him to associate the shaft with stops (4) with the shaft gear (8), put the device on the sector and the mechanism will be operational.

  Results researched by the invention:

  - automatic locking and unlocking (with timer) without the breeder intervening (absence of the breeder for various reasons, example: meeting, ...).

  -allows the animals to relax for some time after milking to limit the risk of contamination by the sphincters in the udder, until they close properly. Therefore, can decrease the cellular level of milk as well as mastitis due to contamination. Can avoid the use of soaking products - teats. 25 - the time of blocking of animals to the comrnadis reduces the risk of soiled litter, therefore has an effect on the cleanliness of the animals or a

economy of straw.

  -a long blocking of animals in the evening during the insemination period makes it easier to detect heat ten minutes after release.

  the device according to the invention is intended for sheep and goat cattle and particularly for dairy cattle (dairy cows).

-3 -

Claims (4)

- CLAIMS -   I) Automatic locking and unlocking device of the comadis characterized in that it comprises a rack which transforms a rectilinear movement (9) into rotational movement (10) to allow a shaft with stops to perform a U-turn to cause locking or unlocking the headlocks (1 1). 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rectilinear movement (9) from top to bottom or vice versa, is achieved by an electric actuator (3) double effect fixed to a notched rod (2) forming the object of part of the rack. 1 o 3) Device according to claim 1 or claim 2. characterized in   that the notched rod (2) is guided by two slides (5).   4) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the stroke of the   cylinder is predefined to perform only a half-turn (10).   ) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the 1 5 displacement of the cylinder is defined at times given by timer programmer.