JPH02115724A - Weight measuring instrument for animal capable of walking - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To correctly weigh an animal by positioning an auxiliary part, which acts upon the leg part of the animal, of a fence-shaped body on the inside of a weigher more than a main body part acting upon the body part of the animal. CONSTITUTION:A weighing part S is provided with a measurement processing part H, and weighed value data is successively taken into this processing part H while a guided cow walks on a weigher 2, and the processing part H calculates the reset weight value of the cow in accordance with weighed value data. Breadthwise control fences 38 (auxiliary parts) are provided under fences which are provided on both side parts of the weigher 2 to control the direction of walking of the cow, and the transverse movement of the leg part of the cow is controlled by fences 38. With respect to the fence 4, front and rear vertical pipe frames 35a are connected by four transverse pipe frames 35b (main body part) arranged in the vertical direction, and they are formed to a cross grid. Fences 38 are freely rocked and adjusted and are suspended on the inside of frames 35b. Consequently, the cow can move on the inside of fences without contacting with frames 35b, and the cow is correctly weighed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides a fence on the side of a weighing device on which an ambulatory animal rides and passes, to prevent the animal from moving outward. The present invention relates to a weight measuring device for an ambulatory animal that is provided with a shaped body.

[Conventional technology]

A walking animal weight measurement device is one in which the animals to be measured are placed one by one on a scale, made to walk, and the resting weight of the animal is determined from the weighing data measured while the animal is walking. . Therefore, this weighing device is equipped with bars along both sides of the path to prevent the animal from moving outward, or in other words, to ensure that the animal passes through a prescribed path on the weighing device. be. The distance between the fences on both sides of this path must be narrow enough to prevent two animals from walking side by side or changing direction midway. Furthermore, if the side of the animal touches the fence while walking, it will cause a measurement error, so it must be wide enough that the animal does not touch the fence. Therefore, it is desirable to make the width slightly wider than the width of one animal.

However, the width of the animal being measured varies depending on the species, age, and state of growth. Sometimes, when weighing a large number of animals, their widths may vary significantly. Conventionally, in preparation for cases where animals have different widths, it has been possible to freely adjust the spacing between the fence-like bodies.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, this method of adjusting the interval between the fence-like bodies has the disadvantage that the structure becomes large-scale when the animal to be measured is large. Furthermore, even if the distance between the fences is widened to provide some extra space, there is still the risk of the animal touching the fence if it walks unsteadily. Furthermore, in the case of a timid animal such as a cow, narrow spacing between fences can create a feeling of pressure. Extreme pressure can cause animals to become fearful and refuse to step onto the scale, delaying weighing.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to improve the drawbacks of conventional fence-like bodies by making simple improvements.

[Means to solve the problem]

In the weighing device according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the fence-like body is composed of a main part that acts on the body part of the animal and an auxiliary part that acts on the leg part of the animal, and It is characterized in that the portion is located further inward of the weighing device than the main portion.

In this case, the auxiliary portion may be provided so that the amount of protrusion toward the inside of the weighing device can be changed and adjusted.

[For production]

The main part of the fence-like body regulates the animal's trunk,
In addition, the auxiliary part of the fence prevents the animal from moving outward by restricting the animal's legs and allows the animal to walk along the route. However, since the auxiliary part is positioned further inward of the scale than the main part, the animal tries to walk inside this auxiliary part. As a result, the animal actually walks along the central part of the path between the fence-like bodies.

In addition, if the width of the animal becomes wider, the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary part toward the inside of the scale can be adjusted to be smaller; Change and adjust the amount of protrusion to the side to increase it. This makes it possible to match the width of the animal without having to change the spacing between the main body parts.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The above effects provide the following effects.

(a) If the animal's legs are restricted by the auxiliary part, the distance between the main parts can be widened, so there is no need to worry about the animal's body touching the main part of the fence-like body. As a result, correct weighing value data can be obtained and weighing errors can be reduced.

(b) Since the interval between the main parts of the i-shaped body can be made wider than the interval of the conventional fence-shaped body, the feeling of pressure given to the animal can be reduced. Particularly in the case of timid animals such as cows, this eliminates their fear, so they no longer refuse to get on the weighing machine and can be weighed more quickly.

(C) In the case of a large animal such as a cow, the fence-like body will be large-scale, but since it is only necessary to change the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary part according to the width of the animal, there is no structure for adjusting the change. It becomes simple and easy to handle.

〔Example〕

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the case where the Example of this invention is applied to the weighing of a cow is demonstrated based on drawing.

As shown in FIG. 3, a cattle weight measuring device is installed in the middle of a walking path where cattle are accustomed to walking, such as between a livestock pen and a pasture.

This weight measuring device is equipped with an artificial chute (1) for guiding cows, a weighing section (S) having a weighing device (2), and an exit chute (3) for guiding cows. (2)
The stationary weight of the cow is measured as the cow passes by while riding and walking.

The artificial chute (1) and the exit chute (3) are constructed by installing pipe frames 1 (LA) and (3A) on both the left and right sides of the passage at intervals that allow one cow to pass through. The purpose is to allow the cows to walk safely while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

In addition, the human Rossi coat (1) is for guiding cattle one by one from the herd gathered in the holding area to the entrance of the weighing machine (2), and is a part close to the weighing machine <2). is bent so as to form a substantially right angle, so that the cow can enter the weighing device (2) while walking along a right-angled path. In other words, by bending the walking path of the cows, it is possible to prevent two cows from entering the weighing machine 2) at the same time, or to prevent a following cow from cutting in from the side of the preceding cow. In addition, the exit chute (3) is provided in a straight line so as to be located in an extension of the linear walking path on the weighing device (2), so that the cow can easily exit after being weighed. be.

As shown in FIG. 1, the weighing section (S) sequentially captures the weight data of guided cows while they are walking on the scale (2). A measurement processing unit (H) is provided to calculate the static weight value of the cow from
), and furthermore, fences (4) are provided on both sides of the scale (2) to regulate the walking direction of the cow so that the cow walks along a straight path on the scale. (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 take a walk (for example, 3 to 6) with its entire body on it, and the distance between the left and right fences (4) is set to the length of one cow. The distance should be set at a distance (for example, 70 to 80 cm) that cattle can pass through.

Next, regarding the weighing device (2), mainly Figs.
This will be explained in detail based on the figures.

The scale (2) is assembled to a pair of front and rear plate-shaped bases (5) installed on the population side and the exit side, and includes a rectangular measurement object mounting part (2A) and its mounting part ( 2
It is equipped with four load detecting parts (2B) arranged so as to receive each of the squares in A) separately. The load detection section (2B) consists of a plate-shaped load cell receiver (6) and a load cell (7) fixed to the load cell receiver (6) with a bolt (see FIG. 2).

The measurement object mounting section (2A) includes a pair of elongated frames (8) extending along the long side direction thereof, and 4 frame bodies divided along the long side direction.
each of the frame bodies (8) is removably connected to the load detection section (2B), and each of the frame bodies (9) is connected to the pair of frames. It is removably mounted on the body (8) (see Fig. 3).

Adding an explanation to each part, the above-mentioned pair base (5)
is fixed to the road surface with anchor bolts (10). The load cell receivers (6) are bolted to both left and right ends of these bases (5). Each load cell (7
) is equipped with a service bottle (11
) is removably inserted into the bottle (11), and the elongated frame (8) is removably fitted into the head of the bottle (11). Incidentally, side frames (12) are installed at both front and rear ends of the pair of elongated frames (8) to connect them.

When fitting the elongated frame (8) to the stepped bottle (11), a rubber band is attached to the inside of the elongated frame (8).
(13) and a washer (14) are stacked in two layers, and the head of the bottle (11) is inserted into the hole (15) passing through these, which causes the high frequency generated when the cow walks. It is designed to absorb vibrations (see Figure 4).

The upper surface of the mounting plate (9) is made of rubber pine (1
6) is attached by adhesive. Each mounting board (9)
(pine trees located on the entrance and exit sides) (1
6) is extended to the inlet side or outlet side, and its extension part (16
a) is a tilting table (
17). This is designed to prevent mud and stones from entering the gap between the weighing device (2) and the ramp (17) (see Figure 1). Further, an angle member (18) is attached to the lower surface of the mounting plate (9), which serves both for positioning and reinforcement by contacting with the elongated frame (8).

In this way, the weighing device (2) can be divided into a measuring object resting part (2A) and a load detecting part (2B), and the measuring object resting part (2A) is connected to a pair of elongated frames (8). 4 mounting plates (9
), it is possible for one person to carry out transportation and installation work while handling individual items, which are extremely heavy compared to the overall weight.

Next, each of the above games) (GIN, (G2)) will be explained based on FIGS. 5 to 7.

However, since both games) (Gl) and (G2) have basically the same structure, the explanation will be given using the entry-role game (Gl) as a representative, and the explanation will be added for the exit-role game) (G2) as needed.

The artificial gate (adhesive) consists of 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/closing mechanism (21) that opens and closes the doors (20).

The lower end flanges of the portal frame (19) are fixed to both ends of the base (5) with bolts.

The door (20) is formed into a horizontal lattice shape with a plurality of horizontal vibrator frames (20a) in order to improve the cow's visibility and prevent the cow from feeling uneasy, and the portion corresponding to the cow's feet has a , a board (20b) is pasted so as not to attract the attention of the cows. Furthermore, in consideration of weight reduction and cost reduction, the lower part of the plate (20b) is omitted to leave a gap (
(See Figure 5).

The upper horizontal frame portion of the portal frame (19) (
Brackets (22) are provided at both left and right ends of the horizontal frame portion (19a), and a stopper (22) is provided at the center of the horizontal frame portion (19a).
23) is provided. These brackets) (22)
and the stopper (23), and the round bar-shaped upper slide rail (
24) is supported through it (see Figure 6). Bosses (25) welded to the left and right upper portions of the door (20) are slidably fitted onto the upper slide rail (24) (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, the left and right vertical frame portions (19b) of the portal frame (19) have doors (20).
A locking piece (26) is provided that slidably locks the lower end edge of. Therefore, the door (20) is supported in a suspended state so as to be freely slidable.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal frame portion (1
A sprocket (27) rotatable around the vertical axis is provided on each of the left and right end sides of 9a), and a chain (2B) is wound around these sprockets (27). The pair of path portions are separately connected to the bosses (25) on the inner side of the left and right doors (20), so that the left and right doors (20) move in opposite directions as the chain (28) rotates. It is configured to slide, so that the left and right doors (20) can be opened and closed at the same time.

The door opening/closing mechanism (21) includes a first operating lever (29) as an opening/closing operating tool provided on the vertical frame portion (19b) of the portal frame (19) so as to be swingable up and down, and this first operating lever. A swinging arm (30) attached to the support shaft (29a) of (29), and this swinging arm (30)
and a push/pull link (31) which is constructed and connected to the boss (25) on the inner side of the left door (20). Then, when the first operating lever (29) is manually rocked downward, the swing arm (30) swings outward and the push/pull link (31) is pulled outward to the left. (
20) is now open. Of course, as described above, the left and right doors (20) are interlocked and connected so that they slide in opposite directions at the same time, so the right door (20) is also opened. Note that 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 and bias the door (20) toward the closing side. is interposed therein, so that when the first operation lever (29) is released, the left and right doors (20) return to the closed position regulated by the stopper (23).

Since the exit gate (G2) has a front-back symmetrical structure with that of the human log game (Gl), a detailed explanation of its structure will be omitted. However, the second operation lever (33) as an opening/closing operation tool for operating the output game (G2) is provided on the population side of the scale (2) together with the first operation lever shaft 9). That is, the second operation lever (33
The spindle (33a) of
4), and the support shaft (
The second operating lever (
33) is attached (see Figure 1).

Therefore, the worker can open and close both gates (G,) and (G2) while remaining on the entrance side of the weighing device (2).

Next, a description will be given of a configuration in which a cow is made to walk along a linear walking path on the scale (2).

As mentioned above, the fences (4) are provided on both the left and right sides of the weighing device (2), and below the fences (4) there is a width 1 (
An example of an auxiliary part in the scope of the 38N claim) is provided. The fence (4) is provided to restrict lateral movement of the cow's body, and the width fence (38) is provided to restrict lateral movement of the cow's legs.

As shown in FIG. 1, the I(4) refers to four horizontal pipe frames (35b) arranged vertically with the front and rear vertical vibe frames (35a) (an example of the main body part in the claims). ) is connected in a horizontal lattice shape, and the vertical frame part (19) of the portal frame (19) of the entrance gate (pasting)
b) and the portal frame (34) of the exit gate (G2).
) on the vertical frame part (34b) and the central column (37) located between them, a 0-character pol) (
36). By connecting the entrance gate (Gl) and exit gate (G2) with the fence (4) in this way, they are made into an integrated 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 etc. will change direction unnecessarily, and the body part of the cow will easily come into contact with the fence (4). This contact tends to cause errors in the weighed value. For this reason, the width 1 (38) is provided to avoid these inconveniences. The fence (38) is
A rectangular loop formed by a vibrator frame is connected with a plurality of reinforcing vibrator frames (41) arranged in the vertical direction to form a framework, and a plate (38a) is pasted on the entire inside of the frame, i ( It is suspended from the horizontal pipe frame (35b) at the bottom of 4) so as to be able to swing freely. By adjusting the swing, the left and right width of 1f can be adjusted.
l) (38) can be adjusted to suit the size of the cow. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a support frame (39) is fixed to the center column (37) along the front and back direction, and pin receivers are attached to brackets at both ends of the support frame (39). ) (40) is attached. In addition, plate-shaped adjustment fittings (42) are pivotally attached to the front and back of the lower end of the reinforcing vibe frame (41) of the side fence (38). The pin receiver is made by connecting the bracket (40) and the adjustment fitting (42) with a pin so that the swing of width 1 (3g) is restricted, and the adjustment fitting (42) has a large number of pins. Hole (42a
) are drilled. Therefore, the left and right side fences (38
) can be easily adjusted by changing the pin holes (42a) used for connection.

Incidentally, the width fence (38) can be used to substantially change the passage for cattle without changing the width of v# (4).
Even if it is narrow, there is no feeling of pressure coming from both sides like with regular fences, so it has the advantage of not making the cows feel anxious.

As shown in FIG. 8, a stand (43) is installed near the population side of the weighing device (2).

The front-open, box-shaped casing (44) fixed to the top of the stand (43) has an instrument box (B) that houses the measurement processing unit (H) that can be tilted back and forth using two bolts. Possibly supported. Further, a printer mounting stand (45) is provided on the side of the casing (44), and a printer (46) for printing the cow's identification number and determined static weight value is placed on this stand. ing.

This printer mounting stand (45) is swingably provided via a hinge (47), and can be stored in a compact by swinging upward and covering the top surface of the casing (44) when not in use. It's Nishide.

On the front of the instrument box (B), there is a first display section (48
) and the second display section (49), a numeric keypad (50) for manual data use, ON/OFF keys (51) and (52) for commanding the start and end of weighing, and commands for printing on the printer (46). Various keys such as a print key (53) are provided. Further, a buzzer (54) is provided in the instrument box (B). The first display 1ffl (48) displays the identification number of the cow input using the numeric keypad (50), the weighing value data read at any time, etc.
The second display section 49) displays the calculated static weight value of the cow.

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

When the cow is guided to the entrance gate (-) (1) and comes in front of the entrance gate (Gl), manually enter the read identification number of the cow by pressing the numeric keypad (50).When you have finished entering it, press the first operating lever ( 29) to operate the population gate, (G,)
Open the scale and place the cow on the scale (2).

When the cow gets on the scale (2), close the entrance gate (Gl). When the static weight value is determined by the measurement processing section (S), the buzzer (54) is activated to notify the end of weighing. Then, release the weighing machine (G2) to remove the cow from the scale (2), press the print key (53), and print the static weight value displayed on the second display (49) together with the cow's identification number. (46) is printed.

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

As shown in FIG. 10, this measurement processing section (H) includes an input means (55) for receiving and receiving a weighing value signal (analog electrical signal) obtained by adding the detection signals of the four load cells (7); The receiver consists of a central control unit (56) that sequentially captures and stores the taken weighing value signals as time-series weighing value data to obtain a static weight value.

The input means (55) includes an amplifier (55A) that amplifies the weighed value signal, a low-pass filter (55B) that smoothes the output of this amplifier, and A that quantizes the smoothed signal at a predetermined sampling time. /D converter (55C).

The central control device (56) stores a memo I for storing time-series weight value data of sampled weight values for a certain period of time.
J (568), a gait periodicity evaluation means (56B) that calculates gait periodicity from the time-series weighing value data, and
Valid data interval setting means (
56C) and calculation means (56D) for calculating the static weight value of a walking animal from the time-series weighing value data in the effective data section (T), and is constructed with a micro combicoater as the main part.

Next, the procedure for determining the static weight of a cow walking on the scale (1) will be explained.

Figure 11 shows that as the cow walks on the scale (2),
It is a graph of the amplifier output of the analog signal indicating the weighed value sent from the load cell (7). In this graph, the area indicated by a is where only the forepaws of the walking animal are on the scale (2
〉 The area indicated by b is the state where the full weight of the cow is placed on the scale (2), and the area indicated by C is
Only the cow's hind legs are on the scale (2).

The output of this amplifier is passed through a low-pass filter (55B) and becomes a smoothed signal as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the area already shown above, and from this view it can be understood how the analog weighing value signal is sampled and quantized.

After weighing has started, when the quantized weight value data (hereinafter simply referred to as weighing value data) becomes larger than a set value (K) that is slightly larger than the weight of the scale (2), the cow is weighed. Assuming that the weighing device (2) has started to be loaded, the weighed value data is sequentially stored in the memory (56A) as a sampling series. This memo! Memory by J (56A) is a sample data interval (
(To) can be continued.

Next, the gait periodicity evaluation means (56B) writes a memo! J
- (56A) The maximum value: Wmax is determined from the sampling data stored in
A data group having a value of % or more is regarded as a weighing value data group with the entire weight of the cow on the scale (2),
Identified as a weighing value data group. In addition, in this example,
Although 0.9 was multiplied, a number greater than 0.8 and less than 1 can be used as the value (n) to be multiplied.

Furthermore, the gait periodicity evaluation means (56B) evaluates the gait periodicity from this weighed value data group by checking its maximum value. In the case shown in Figure 13,
The local maximum values are Wl, W8. Wl5゜W23. W29
There will be five.

Next, the valid data interval setting means (56C) sets the time point at which the first local maximum value W1 appears as the starting point, and sets the
Here, a valid data section (T) is set with the end point at the time when the fourth maximum value W23 appears.

However, in setting this effective data section (T), how many walking cycle peaks are included can be set in advance depending on the type of walking animal, the natural frequency of the weighing device <2), etc.

The sampling data within the valid data interval (T) thus set is averaged by the calculating means (560), and the static weight value of the cow walking on the scale (2) is calculated. By this measurement, an animal weighing, for example, 1000 kg can be detected with accuracy within an error of 1 kg.

Note that although reference numerals are written in the claims section for convenience of reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the accompanying drawings.

[Another example]

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

In the above embodiment, the fence-like body (4) is erected on the outside of the scale (2), but the fence-like body (4) is erected on the scale (shaft of the scale). It's okay.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the weight measuring device for an ambulatory animal according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a side view of the weight measuring device, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view of the weighing device, and FIG. 3 is a load detection device. 4 is a partially cutaway side view showing the same part, FIG. 5 is a front view of the weighing device, and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the door opening/closing operation structure. Fig. 7 is a vertical side view of the same part, Fig. 8 is a front view showing the installation configuration of the measurement processing section, Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the weight measuring device, Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the measurement processing section, Figure 11 is a diagram showing the weighed value analog signal, Figure 12 is a diagram showing the signal after applying a low-pass filter to the signal in Figure 11, and Figure 13 is an enlarged diagram showing the sampling state of the main part of Figure 12. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the auxiliary part of the present invention. (2)...Weighing device, (4)...Fence-like body, (35b)...Main part, <38)...
...Auxiliary part. Figures 1 and 5

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A weighing device on which an ambulatory animal can ride and walk through (
2) A weight measuring device for an ambulatory animal, which is provided with a fence-like body (4) on the side of the animal to prevent the animal from moving outward, the fence-like body (4) comprising: It consists of a main part (35b) that acts on the body part of the animal, and an auxiliary part (38) that acts on the leg part of the animal, and the auxiliary part is smaller than the main part (35b). Ambulatory animal weight measuring device located on the medial side. 2. The weight measuring device for an ambulatory animal according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary portion (38) is provided so that the amount of inward protrusion of the weighing device can be changed and adjusted.