JP2621958B2 - Walking animal weight measurement device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fence on a lateral side of a weighing machine on which a walkable animal rides, walks and passes, and prevents the animal from moving outward. The present invention relates to a walking animal weight measuring device provided with a body.

[Conventional technology]

A walkable animal weight measuring device is a device that allows an animal to be measured to be put on a weighing machine one by one and walks, and obtains a static weight value of the animal from weighing data measured during walking. . Therefore, this weight measuring device is provided with a fence along both sides of the path so as to prevent the animal from moving outward, in other words, so that the animal passes a prescribed path on the weighing machine. is there. The spacing between the fences on either side of this path must be so small that the two animals cannot walk side by side or change direction on the way. Also,
If the side of the animal touches the fence while walking, it will cause weighing errors and must be wide enough so that the animal does not touch the fence. Therefore, it is desirable that the width be slightly wider than the width of one animal.

However, the width of the animal to be measured is different depending on the type, age, and growing state. Sometimes, when weighing many animals, their widths can be extremely different. Conventionally, the distance between the fences can be freely adjusted in preparation for such a case in which the width of the animal is different.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, the method of adjusting the interval between the fences in this way is
When the measurement target animal is large, there is a problem that the structure becomes large. Also, even if you increase the interval to give room,
If the animal walks erratically, there is still concern about touching the fence. In addition, in the case of a cowardly animal such as a cow, if the distance between the fences is small, a sense of oppression is given. Extreme pressure can scare the animal and can delay weighing by refusing to get on the scale.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances,
The aim is to remedy the drawbacks of the conventional fences by making simple modifications.

[Means for solving the problem]

In the weighing device according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the fence comprises a main body portion acting on a torso portion of an animal, and an auxiliary portion acting on a foot portion of the animal. It is characterized in that the part is located on the inner side of the weighing device than the main part.

At this time, the auxiliary portion may be provided so as to change and adjust the amount of protrusion of the weighing device inward.

(Operation)

The main part of the fence restricts the torso of the animal, and the auxiliary part of the fence restricts the foot of the animal, preventing the animal from moving outwards. They let you walk along the path. However, since the auxiliary part exists in a state located on the inner side of the weighing device than the main part,
Animals try to walk inside this auxiliary part. As a result, the animal actually walks in the center of the path sandwiched between the fences.

Also, when the width of the animal becomes wider, change and adjust the auxiliary part so that the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary part toward the inside of the weighing device becomes smaller,
When the lateral width of the animal becomes narrow, change and adjust the auxiliary portion so that the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary portion toward the inside of the weighing device becomes large. Thereby, it is possible to match the width of the animal without having to change the interval between the main portions.

〔The invention's effect〕

 The following effects are obtained by the above operation.

(A) If the foot portion of the animal is regulated by the auxiliary portion, the interval between the main portions can be widened, so that the animal's body does not have to worry about touching the main portion of the fence. Thereby, correct weighing value data is obtained, and the weighing error is reduced.

(B) Since the interval between the main portions of the fence can be made wider than the conventional interval between the fences, the feeling of pressure given to the animal can be reduced. Especially in the case of cowardly animals like cattle, they can wipe out their fears, so they will not refuse to get on a weighing scale,
Weighing can be performed quickly.

(C) In the case of a large animal such as a cow, the fence becomes large, but only the protrusion amount of the auxiliary portion needs to be changed according to the width of the animal. It is simple and easy to handle.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, a case where the embodiment of the present invention is applied to the measurement of cattle will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 3, a cattle weight measuring device is provided in the middle of a walking passage between a barn and a pasture where cows are used to walking habitually.

This weight measuring device is an entrance chute for cow guidance (1)
And a weighing section (S) having a weighing device (2), and an outlet chute (3) for guiding cows.
The weight of the cow is measured as it walks and passes through the vehicle.

The entrance chute (1) and the exit chute (3) are constructed by providing fences (1A) and (3A), which frame a pipe frame, on the left and right sides of the passage at an interval such that one cow can pass. The cows can walk with confidence while looking around.

The entrance chute (1) is for guiding one cow at a time from the herd of cattle gathered in the waiting area to the entrance of the weighing device (2), and a portion close to the weighing device (2). Is bent so as to be substantially at a right angle, so that the cow enters the weighing machine (2) while walking along the right-angled path. In other words, by bending the walking path of the cow, it is possible to prevent a trouble that two cows enter the weighing machine (2) at the same time and prevent a succeeding cow from breaking in from the side of the preceding cow. The outlet chute (3) is provided in a straight line so as to be located on an extended line of the linear walking path on the weighing device (2) so that the weighed cow can easily retreat. is there.

As shown in FIG. 1, the weighing unit (S) sequentially captures the weighed value data while the guided cow is walking on the weighing device (2), and reads the weighed value data from the captured weighed value data. A measurement processing unit (H) for calculating the static weight value of the cow is provided, and an entrance gate (G ₁ ) and an exit gate (G ₂ ) are located at the entrance side and the exit side of the weighing device ( ₂ ).
And a fence (4) that is positioned on both lateral sides of the weighing device (2) and regulates the walking direction of the cow so that the cow can walk on the weighing device along a linear path. An example of a fence-like body in the claims) is provided.

By the way, the total length of the weighing device (2) is set to 3 m so that the cow can walk several steps (for example, 3 to 6) with the whole of the weighing device, and the distance between the left and right fences (4) is one head. Of cows (for example, 70-80 cm).

Next, the weighing device (2) will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIGS.

The weighing device (2) is attached to a pair of front and rear plate-like bases (5) installed on an inlet side and an outlet side, and includes a rectangular measurement object mounting portion (2A) and the mounting portion ( Two
It has four load detectors (2B) arranged to receive each of the squares in A). The load detector (2B) includes a plate-shaped load cell receiver (6) and a load cell (7) fixed to the load cell receiver (6) by bolts (see FIG. 2).

The measurement object mounting portion (2A) has a pair of elongated frames (8) along the long side direction thereof, and four frames divided in the long side direction.
And two end plates of each of the frame members (8) are removably connected to the load detecting portion (2B), respectively, and each of the mounting plates (9) is connected to the pair of frame members. It is removably mounted on (8) (see FIG. 3).

To explain each part, the pair of bases (5) is fixed to the road surface side by anchor bolts (10). The load cell receiver (6) is bolted to both left and right ends of the base (5). Each load cell (7) has a stepped pin (11) having a large-diameter portion at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, which is removably inserted, and the elongated frame (8) is mounted on the head of the pin (11). It is fitted so that it can be inserted and removed.
In addition, a side frame (12) for connecting the pair of long frame bodies (8) is provided on both front and rear end portions thereof. When fitting the elongated frame (8) to the stepped pin (11), a rubber pad (13) and a washer (14) are provided in a two-stage stack inside the elongated frame (8). Holes through these (15)
The head of the pin (11) is inserted into the structure to absorb high frequency vibrations generated when the cow walks. (See FIG. 4).

A rubber mat (1) is placed on the upper surface of the plaque (9) to prevent the cow's feet from slipping and to reduce the impact when stepping on them.
6) is attached by gluing. Each mounting plate (9)
Mats located on the entrance and exit side of the mat (16)
Is extended to the inlet side or the outlet side, and the extension (16a) covers the edges of the inclined table (17) arranged in front and rear of the weighing device (2). The weighing device (2)
It is devised so that mud and stones do not enter into the gap between the table and the inclined table (17) (see FIG. 1). In addition, an angle member (18) for positioning and strengthening by contact with the long frame (8) is attached to the lower surface of the support plate (9).

As described above, the weighing device (2) can be divided into the measuring object placing portion (2A) and the load detecting portion (2B), and the measuring object placing portion (2A) is provided with the pair of elongated frames (8). Four mounting plates (9)
This makes it possible to carry out and carry out the installation work satisfactorily while handling individual articles that are extremely weighed compared to the total weight.

Next, each of the gates (G ₁ ) and (G ₂ ) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

However, since both gates (G ₁ ) and (G ₂ ) have basically the same structure, the description will be made with the entrance gate (G ₁ ) as a representative, and the exit gate (G ₂ ) will be described as necessary.

The entrance gate (G ₁ ) includes a gate-shaped frame (19), a pair of left and right doors (20) that open and close in a sliding manner, and a door opening and closing mechanism (21) that opens and closes the doors (20). The portal frame (19) has a lower end flange fixed to both ends of the base (5) by bolts.

The door (20) is formed in a horizontal lattice by a plurality of horizontal pipe frames (20a) so as to improve the visibility of the cow and not to give the cow a feeling of anxiety. The board (20b) is stuck so as not to catch the attention of the cow. Further, in consideration of weight reduction and cost reduction, a lower portion of the plate (20b) is omitted to provide a gap (see FIG. 5).

Brackets (22) are provided at the left and right ends of the horizontal frame portion (19a) above the portal frame (19), and a stopper (23) is provided at the center of the horizontal frame portion (19a).
Is provided. A round bar-shaped upper slide rail (24) is supported through the bracket (22) and the stopper (23) (see FIG. 6). Bosses (25) welded to the upper left and right sides of the door (20) are slidably fitted to the upper slide rail (24) (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, a pair of left and right vertical frame portions (19b) of the gate-shaped frame (19) are provided with locking pieces (26) for slidably locking the lower edge of the door (20). The door (20)
Is slidably supported in a suspended state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, sprockets (27) are provided on each of the left and right ends of the horizontal frame portion (19a) so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis, and the chain (27) extends over these sprockets (27). 28) is wound. Then, the pair of path portions of the chain (28) are separately connected to the bosses (25) on the inner side of the left and right doors (20), and the left and right doors (20) are rotated as the chain (28) rotates. Are configured to slide in opposite directions, so that the left and right doors (20) are simultaneously opened and closed.

The door opening / closing mechanism (21) includes a first operation lever (29) as an opening / closing operation tool slidably provided on a vertical frame portion (19b) of a gate-shaped frame (19). The swing arm (30) attached to the support shaft (29a) of (29), and the swing arm (30) and the left door (20)
And a push-pull link (31) erected and connected to a boss (25) on the inner side of the boss. When the first operation lever (29) is manually swung downward, the push-pull link (31) is pulled leftward and outward as the swing arm (30) swings outward, and the left door (20). Of course, as described above, the left and right doors (20) are interlocked so as to slide simultaneously in opposite directions.
The right door (20) will also be opened. A spring (32) is provided between the inner boss (25) to which the push-pull link (31) is connected and the horizontal frame portion (19a) to pull the door (20) toward the closing side. When the hand is released from the first operation lever (29), the left and right doors (20) return to the closed position regulated by the stopper (23).

Since the exit gate (G ₂ ) has a symmetrical structure with respect to the entrance gate (G ₁ ), a detailed description of the structure is omitted. However, the second operating lever as an opening and closing operation member for operating the exit gate (G ₂₎ (33) is provided on the inlet side of the weigher (2) together with the first operating lever (29). That is, the support shaft of the second operating lever (33) (33a) is, is bridged over by a portal frame of the entrance gate (G ₁₎ and (19) and an exit gate portal frame (34) of (G ₂₎ that is provided in a state, the second operating lever (33) is attached to the entrance gate (G ₁₎ near the support shaft (33a) (see FIG. 1).

Therefore, the operator can open and close both gates (G ₁ ) and (G ₂ ) while continuing to be located at the entrance side of the weighing device (2).

Next, a description will be given of a configuration in which a cow walks on a weighing machine (2) along a linear walking path.

As described above, the fences (4) are provided on both left and right sides of the weighing device (2), and below the fences (4), a width fence (38) (an example of an auxiliary part in the claims). Is provided. The fence (4) is provided for restricting the lateral movement of the cow's torso, and the width fence (38) is provided for restricting the lateral movement of the cow's foot.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fence (4) includes four horizontal pipe frames (35b) in which front and rear vertical pipe frames (35a) are vertically arranged (an example of a main portion in the claims) ) and lying lattice shape coupled with the vertical frame portion of the portal frame (19) of the entrance gate (G ₁₎ (19b)
If, central column (3 a vertical frame portion of the exit gate gate-shaped frame _{(G 2) (34) (} 34b), located intermediate between them
7) are fixed using U-bolts (36). By connecting the entrance gate (G ₁ ) and the exit gate (G ₂ ) by the fence (4) in this way, they are made into an integral structure, thereby increasing their installation strength.

By the way, if the walking direction of the cow is restricted only by the fence (4), there is a risk that the calf or the like may change direction unnecessarily, and the torso portion of the cow easily comes into contact with the fence (4), The contact easily causes an error in the weighed value. For this reason, the said width | variety fence (38) is provided so that those inconveniences may be avoided. The width side fence (38) forms a framework by connecting rectangular loops formed by pipe frames with a plurality of reinforcing pipe frames (41) arranged vertically, and attaches a plate (38a) to the entire inner surface. And is suspended from the bottom horizontal pipe frame (35b) of the fence (4) so as to be swingably adjustable. By adjusting the swing, the distance between the left and right width shelves (38) can be adjusted according to the size of the cow. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a support frame (39) is fixed to the center support (37) along the front-rear direction, and pin receiving brackets (39) are provided at both ends of the support frame (39). 40) is attached. In addition, width side fence (3
A plate-shaped adjusting bracket (42) is pivotally mounted in front of and behind the lower end side of the reinforcing pipe frame (41) of 8). And pin receiving bracket (40) and adjustment bracket (42)
Are connected to each other by a pin so as to restrict the swing of the widthwise fence (38), and a number of pin holes (42a) are formed in the adjusting bracket (42). Therefore, adjustment of the interval between the left and right side fences (38) can be easily performed by changing the pin hole (42a) used for connection.

By the way, the width side fence (38) may substantially change the cow passage without changing the width of the fence (4). Since there is no feeling of oppression, there is an advantage that the cow does not feel uneasy.

As shown in FIG. 8, a stand (43) is set up near the entrance side of the weighing device (2). An instrument box (B) for housing the measurement processing section (H) is provided with an instrument box (B) for adjusting the forward and backward tilting using two bolts in a front open box-shaped casing (44) fixed to the upper portion of the stand (43). Supported as possible. A printer mounting table (45) is provided on the lateral side of the casing (44), on which a printer (46) for printing a cow identification number and a determined static weight value is mounted. ing. The printer mounting table (45) is swingably provided via a hinge (47). When not in use, the printer mounting table (45) is swung upward to rotate the casing (4).
It can be stored compactly by putting it on the upper surface of 4).

At the front of the instrument box (B), a first display (4
8) and the second display (49), and a numeric keypad (5
0), ON / OFF key (51) for instructing start and end of weighing,
(52), various keys such as a print key (53) for instructing printing of the printer (46) are provided. A buzzer (54) is provided in the instrument box (B). The first display unit (48) displays a cow identification number input by a numeric keypad (50), weighing value data read as needed, and the like, and the second display unit (49) displays an arithmetic operation. The displayed resting weight value of the cow is displayed.

Here, the operation of the weighing means (S) and its operation procedure will be briefly described.

When the cow is guided by the entrance chute (1) and comes in front of the entrance gate (G ₁ ), input the read identification number of the cow by pressing the numeric keypad (50). Once you have input by operating the first operating lever (29) to open the entrance gate (G _1),
The cow is put on the weighing machine (2). Cattle entrance gate (G ₁₎ If you take in a weighing device (2) is closed. When the static weight value is obtained by the measurement processing section (S), the buzzer (54) operates to notify the end of weighing. Then, open the exit gate (G ₂ ), lower the cow from the weighing machine (2), and press the print key (53) to display the static weight value displayed on the second display (49) together with the identification number of the cow and the printer. Print on (46).

 Next, the measurement processing section (H) will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 10, the measurement processing section (H) includes an input means (55) for receiving a weighing value signal (analog electric signal) obtained by adding the detection signals of the four load cells (7);
It comprises a central controller (56) for sequentially receiving and storing the received weighing value signals as time-series weighing value data and obtaining a static weight value.

The input means (55) includes an amplifier (55A) for amplifying the weighing value signal, a low-pass filter (55B) for smoothing the output of the amplifier, and an A for quantizing the smoothed signal with a predetermined sampling time. / D converter (55C).

The central control device (56) includes a memory (56A) that stores time-series weighed value data of the sampled weighed values for a certain period of time, and a walking periodicity evaluating means (calculating the walking periodicity from the time-series weighed value data) 56B) and an effective data section setting means (56C) for setting an effective data section (T) from the time-series weighed value data based on the walking periodicity;
A calculating means (56D) for calculating a static weight value of the walking animal from the time-series weighing value data in the effective data section (T), and is constituted mainly by a microcomputer.

Next, the procedure for determining the stationary weight of a cow walking on the weighing machine (1) will be described.

FIG. 11 shows that as a cow walks on the scale (2),
It is a graph of the amplifier output of the analog signal which shows the weighing value sent from the load cell (7). In this graph, the area indicated by a is the state where only the forepaw of the walking animal is on the weighing device (2), and the area indicated by b is the state where the total weight of the cow is on the weighing device (2). , C shows a state in which only the cow's hind legs are on the weighing device (2).

This amplifier output is passed through a low-pass filter (55B) and becomes a smoothed signal as shown in FIG. Thirteenth
The figure is an enlarged view of the area indicated by b, and it can be understood from this figure how the analog weighing value signal is sampled and quantized.

After the weighing is started, when the quantized weighing value data (hereinafter simply referred to as weighing value data) becomes larger than a set value (K) slightly larger than the weight of the weighing device (2), the cow is weighed. Assuming that the user has started riding on the container (2), the weighing value data is sequentially stored in the memory (56A) as a sampling sequence. The storage by the memory (56A) is continued over a sample data section (T ₀ ) until a fixed time elapses after the storage is started.

Next, the maximum value: Wmax is obtained from the sampling data stored in the memory (56A) by the walking periodicity evaluation means (56B), and a data group having a value of 90% or more of this maximum value is The total weight load is regarded as a weighing value data group in a state where it is mounted on the weighing device (2), and specified as a weighing value data group. In the present embodiment, the value is multiplied by 0.9, but a value (n) to be multiplied can be a number greater than 0.8 and less than 1.

Further, the walking periodicity evaluation means (56B) evaluates the walking periodicity from the weighed value data group by examining the local maximum value. In the case shown in FIG. 13, five maximum values W1, W8, W15, W23, and W29 exist.

Next, the valid data section (T) is set by the valid data section setting means (56C) with the time point at which the first local maximum value W1 appears as a start point, and the time point at which the maximum value W23 at the fourth time, here, the fourth time appears as an end point. Will be set.

However, in the setting of the effective data section (T), the number of walking cycles to be inserted can be set in advance by the type of the walking animal, the natural frequency of the weighing device (2), and the like.

The sampling data in the effective data section (T) set in this way is averaged by the calculating means (56D), and the static weight value of the cow walking on the weigher (2) is calculated. By this measurement, for example, an animal weighing 1000 kg can be detected with an accuracy within an error range of 1 kg.

In the claims, reference numerals are provided for the purpose of simplicity with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the accompanying drawings.

(Another embodiment)

As shown in FIG. 14, if the front end corner of the width fence (38) is slightly bent outward, even if the width of the width fence (38) is reduced, the cow can be easily placed on the scale (2). It is convenient because it can be loaded.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the fence-shaped body (4) is erected on the outside of the weighing device (2) is illustrated, but the fence-shaped body (4) is erected on the weighing device (2). May be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

The drawings show an embodiment of a weight measuring device for a walkable animal according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of the weight measuring device, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view of a weighing device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view showing the same portion, FIG. 5 is a front view of the weighing device, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a door opening / closing operation structure, FIG. 7 is a longitudinal side view of the same part, FIG. 8 is a front view showing the installation configuration of the measurement processing unit, FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the weight measuring device, FIG. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the weighing value analog signal,
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a signal after a low-pass filter is applied to the signal of FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a sampling state of a main part of FIG. 12, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows another Example of a part. (2) ... weighing device, (4) ... fence, (35b) ... main part, (38) ... auxiliary part.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-138472 (JP, A) JP-A-49-30170 (JP, A) JP-A-61-25034 (JP, U) US Pat. , A)

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A walker having a fence (4) provided on a lateral side of a weighing device (2) on which a walkable animal rides, walks and passes, and prevents the animal from moving outward. A weight measuring device for an animal, wherein the fence-shaped body (4) has a main part (35b) acting on the torso part of the animal and an auxiliary part (38) acting on the foot part of the animal ), Wherein the auxiliary part is located on the inner side of the weighing device with respect to the main part (35b). 2. The auxiliary part (38) is provided so as to be able to change and adjust the amount of protrusion toward the inside of the weighing device.
An apparatus for measuring the weight of a walkable animal as described in the above.