NL2010780C2

NL2010780C2 - Fence system comprising a gate.

Info

Publication number: NL2010780C2
Application number: NL2010780A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Hendrik Jan Hanskamp
Original assignee: Hanskamp Agrotech B V
Priority date: 2013-05-08
Filing date: 2013-05-08
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Description

P100116NL00

Fence system comprising a gate Field of the invention

The invention relates to a fence system, a gate for a fence system, a feeding station and milking parlour using such a fence system, a method for retaining livestock in a space. The invention further pertains to a method for routing livestock.

Background of the invention

Various documents disclose fences and gates for livestock. Examples of these fences are shown in for instance NL2004272 and EP2368426. EP2368426 in particular relates to a device which has animal identification devices cooperating with an animal identification unit provided in an animal, a computer controller, a milking robot and electrically controllable access doors. In the device, a controlled motion device moves, pivots or slides feeding troughs to a base position and an opened position. The troughs are moved to a height of a mouth of the animal in the base position, and milking places are opened in the opened position such that a straight travelling path is provided for the animal from and/or to the milking places.

A problem with known fences is that they have a fixed layout, that is difficult to adapt to the available floor space. Furthermore, the gates requires relatively large spaces and need clearance from animals to operate properly.

Summary of the invention

It is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative fence system that provided more flexibility in building layouts for stables. Furthermore or alternatively, it provides a fence system with improved access gates. In particular, these access gates at least partly obviate one or more of above-described drawbacks.

The invention thus provides a fence system for livestock, comprising at least one gate mounted rotatable about a swing axis to said fence system and rotatable from a locked position blocking a passage for livestock, to an open position allowing livestock to use or pass said passage. Said swing axis is horizontal with respect to said passage. This allows said gate to swing up and away from said passage in said open position.

The fence system of the invention provides modular elements that allow freedom in the design of a stable layout. Furthermore, it comprises an access gate that is easy to operate and control, and uses relatively little floor space.

In this respect, a fence usually is a stationary part that for instance defines an end of a space or corridor or gateway. A gate usually is a movable part that allows passing or that blocks passage. Often, a pasture has a fence for keeping livestock in the pasture, and is provided with a gate allowing livestock to get out of the pasture when the gate is open.

The current invention in particular relates to a fence system for fencing off parts or spaces in a stable. These spaces may be as small as a feeding space or milking space for an individual animal. Such spaces can be between 0,5 and 1,5 m wide and between 1 and 5 m long. The fence system allows parallel, directly adjacent spaces. Often, the fence system is used for fencing off a series of said spaces. Often, at least a number of said series of spaces are parallel, side by side. Often, these spaces have gates that are in-line.

In an embodiment, said gate comprises a substantially L-shaped gate which comprises a rotation gate part at an end rotatably couple to said swing axis, and a barrier part providing a barrier for blocking said passage.

In its locked position, the gate blocks said passage, and prevents livestock to pass the gate when it is closed. In this sence, closed means that livestock is unable to open the gate of their own motion. Usually, a farmer or a controller open the gate.

In an embodiment, said rotation gate part extend above said passage .

In an embodiment, said gate comprises an actuator for in operation moving said gate L-shaped gate between said open position and said locked position. In particular said actuator engages said L-shaped gate at a distance from said swing axis (R). In particular, said actuator engages said rotation gate part at a distance from said swing axis (R). More in particular it engages said rotation gate part near an elbow connecting said rotation gate part and said barrier part. The distance between the engagement of the actuator and the swing axis is non-zero. Often, the distance is between 0,5 and 3 m. The actuator may even engage as remote as an upper end of the barrier.

In an embodiment, said actuator is adapted to exert a force to said L-shaped gate along a working line, and wherein said working line is at an angle of between 10° and 90° with respect to said rotation gate part. More in particular said working line is at an angle of between 20° and 60° with respect to said rotation gate part.

In an embodiment, said actuator comprises a first end engaging said L-shaped gate at a distance from said swing axis (R) and a second end stationary with respect to said swing axis (R). Said actuator further comprising a first state and a second state, and in which a distance between said first end and said second end in said first state is smaller than in said second state.

In an embodiment, said actuator comprises an arm for exerting a force to said gate. In particular, said actuator comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder operative on said arm. The ends of the actuator can be hingingly coupled to the L-shaped gate and hingingly coupled to the actuator frame, respectively.

In an embodiment, the fence system further comprises fence parts extending along both sides of said passage. In particular said fence parts defining corridor or two sides of a space opening at said passage.

In an embodiment, each of said fence parts each comprise at least one connecting end for fixing said fence parts to a floor. In an embodiment, in used usually the connecting ends are in one plane, and the swing axis (R) is parallel to that plane. In another embodiment, in general, the fence system comprises connecting ends for fixing said fence system to a floor. In that embodiment, in used usually the connecting ends are in one plane, and the swing axis (R) is parallel to that plane.

In an embodiment, said swing axis (R) extends across, in particular substantially perpendicular, with respect to said passage. In particular said swing axis (R) is fixed to fence parts extending at opposite sides of said passage.

In an embodiment, said gate further comprises an actuator frame, said actuator frame including said swing axis (R).

In an embodiment, said actuator frame comprising a point of action for said actuator at a distance from said swing axis (R). In particular said actuator frame comprises at least two poles holding said swing axis (R).

In an embodiment, a length of said barrier part is extendable.

In an embodiment, the fence system comprises at least two fence parts defining a corridor and at least two gates positioned opposite one another and at opposite ends of said corridor or gateway.

In an embodiment, the fence system further comprises a feeding device attached to at least one gate. In particular a feeding device attached to said barrier part of said L-shaped gate.

In an embodiment, the fence system comprises at least two fence parts along said passage, one of said gates positioned at one end for controlling a passing of an animal, and a fixed fence part at an opposite end and carrying a feeding device, said fence system thus defining a feeding space having a controllable access.

In an embodiment, the fence system comprises a feeder device on the barrier part.

In an embodiment, the fence system comprises a series of substantially parallel fence parts defining a series of substantially parallel passages or corridors.

In an embodiment, the fence system comprises a series of gates, a gate at each passage or at one end of each corridor.

In an embodiment, the fence system comprises a series of gates, with a gate at both ends of each passage.

In the L-shaped gate, the rotation gate part in fact forms the stem of the L, and the barrier part forms the arm of the L. It should be noted that in fact the L-shaped gate is a 3-dimensional structure. In fact, the barrier extends perpendicular to the arm of the L, and the stem on fact is normal or substantially normal to the barrier. The L-shaped gate can also be described as an angulated fence.

In an embodiment, the rotation gate part comprises a rectangular frame, having on one end the swing axis and on the opposite end the barrier extending substantially perpendicular to that rectangular frame. Alternatively, the L-shaped gate may have a single stem that is rotationally coupled at one end and that is coupled to the barrier at its opposite end.

The invention further pertains to a method routing livestock past a passage, using a fence system described herein, said method comprising the step of selectively opening or closing at least one of said at least one gates for allowing an animal of said livestock to take said passage or not.

The invention further pertains to a method for retaining livestock in a space, using a fence system described, wherein said fence system fences off a space and said at least one gate providing an access and an exit to said space, said method comprising the steps of - opening at least one of said at least one gates for providing an animal access to said space; -closing and locking said gate for retaining said animal in said space, and -opening one of said at least one gates for allowing said animal to leave said space.

In an embodiment of the method and wherein said fence system is provided with at least two gates, in particular said gates provided opposite one another, one of said at least two gates is opened for allowing said animal to access said space while another of said at least two gates is in its locked position, said gates are subsequently closed and locked for retaining said animal in said space, and subsequently at least said another of said at least two gates is opened for allowing said animal to leave said space.

In an embodiment of the method, said method comprises routing of livestock, wherein depending upon a parameter of an animal, one or the other or all of said at least two gates is or are opened.

The invention further pertains to a treatment space for an animal, comprising a space fenced off using the fencing system described.

The invention further pertains to a feeding station for an animal, comprising a space fenced off using the fencing system described, said space comprising at least one feeding device.

The invention further pertains to a milking parlour for cows, comprising a space fenced off using the fencing system described.

The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially rectangular” or in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. In this respect, the term “functionally” in combinations like “functionally rectangular” is to be understood by the skilled person to differ so little from actually being rectangular that something functions the same as if it were actually rectangular.

The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of the fence system in a layout providing a pass-through feeding station with closed access gates;

Figure 2 shows the layout of figure 1 with opened access gates;

Figure 3 shows a layout using the fence system, which provides parallel passthrough feeding stations;

Figure 4 shows an alternative layout of the fencing system, with a feeder device on an access gate, providing a pass-through feeding station with feeding devices on an end;

Figure 5 shows the layout of figure 4 with both access gates opened;

Figure 6 shows a layout using the fence system, which has a feeder device on a fixed fence at an end of a closure or station and provided with parallel feeding stations;

Figure 7 shows a layout providing zigzag feeding stations with feeder devices alternating at different ends of a closure or station;

Figure 8 shows the layout of figure 7 with opened gates;

Figure 9 shows a layout using selected elements of the fence system, providing a walk-in feeding station;

Figure 10 shows an alternative layout of a feeding station, providing a walk-in feeding station for smaller animals;

Figure 11 shows a layout of a feeding station, using elements of the fence system and that can for instance be used in a milking parlour;

Figure 12 shows a feeder device having four pipe feeders;

Figure 13 shows a feeder device with one pipe feeder.

The drawings are not necessarily on scale

Description of preferred embodiments

The current fence system has several elements that can be combined into layouts that can fulfil various needs in animal farming. In particular, but not limited to, cattle farming, the fencing system 1 allows a flexible layout of a stable. Using elements of the fence system, a milking parlour, feeding stations and/or drinking stations can be designed. It may be used to build layouts or routing systems for milking systems and milking robots. It may be used to define treatment zones, where for instance sick or wounded animals can be separated and treated. It may also be used for selecting specific animals. An other use can be to provide a space for holding a selected animal for observation or (short) inspection. An animal can for instance be weight, measured, or visually inspected. The fence system allows a complete view of the animal. Furthermore, a layout can be designed that allows a routing of cows along various stations at various times or periods of the day. This, for instance allows a better planning and spreading of work of a farmer over the day. Using the fence system, parallel resting boxes can be defined that for instance exit to a pasture, a milking system, or a feeding part of a stable, for instance. Selectively, animals may be allowed to leave or enter.

A noteworthy element of the fence system is the gate, in the drawings indicated with reference number 2, and which in fact allows or blocks access and/or allows or blocks exit to of from the fence system. The gate is robust, allows an easy operation and control, and uses relatively little floor space. The gate 2 when combined allows parallel spaces on a minimal floor spacing, and it allows selective access and exit, by opening and closing selected gates. Thus, animals can de routed and/or selected.

Another special element, although at first glace it does not jump out like the gate, is the fence part which in the drawings is indicated with reference number 9. The fence part is versatile, and is build using several standardized parts. Combined with a specially designed pipe feeder which can be combines into a feeder device that is indicated with reference number 13, most any layout can be build. The elements are robust so as to be able to withstand the rough engagement of a cow-environment. On the other hand, the elements are designed in such a way that cows will not hurt themselves on the elements.

Several of the layouts and the elements already shortly introduced above will be explained in detail below. In the drawings, the various numbers parts are not always indicated to avoid that the drawings have too many reference numbers. For instance, the working lines of the actuators, 11 and 12, are only indicated in fig. 1 and 2.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a fence system 1 in a layout providing a pass-through feeding station. The fence system 1 is in this layout provided with two opposite gates 2. Both gates 2 are here depicted in a locked position. Thus, livestock can be blocked from accessing an enclosed space, or livestock can be maintained in the enclosed space. In figure 1, the gates 2 are closed end locked, and in figure 2, the gates 2 are open. In this embodiment of figures 1 and 2, only one station is shown, but as will be explained and depicted below, other configurations with several coupled stations are possible.

Gate 2 comprises an L-shaped gate 15. The L-shapes gate 15 has a rotation gate part 4 and a barrier part 5. At one end, rotation gate part 4 is rotatably coupled to a swing axis R. Swing axis R is here formed simply using an outer tube 16 that is fixed at an end of the rotation gate part 4 and that is coaxially mounted over an inner swing axis tube 17. By varying (increasing with respect to the current) the length of the inner swing axis tube, more L-shaped gates 15 can be fitted on a single, common, inner swing axis tube 17, saving material, money and space. Furthermore, it allows easy mounting. Blocking bar 10 further blocks the gate 2 and provides an abutment which prevents/diverts forces on the gate when animals push against the barrier part 5 from outside. Blocking bar 10 may further provide a force holding the fence parts. It may further function as an ‘anti-jump-bar’, for preventing animals to jump on top of one another. The L-shape of the L-shaped gate 15 allows the swing axis to be removed and remote from the barrier part 5, in particular at a distance from the barrier part 5. Furthermore, the swing axis R is positioned above the passage 3. It is positioned above a space fenced off by the fence system 1. The length of the tubes defining the swing axis R allows side forces to be absorbed.

The rotation gate part 4 and the barrier part 5 are coupled using an elbow part. Here, the rotation gate part 4 is formed as a rectangular tube frame. One end forming part of the swing axis R, the opposite end of the rectangular tube frame here providing an engagement for an actuator 6. Coupled to the end of the rotation gate part 4 are here two elbow tubes 18 that are in turn coupled to the barrier part 5. The barrier part 5 has two tubes holding a barrier 19. In this embodiment, two opposite tubes of the barrier 19 can slide with respect to, here in, the two tubes of the barrier part 5, allowing the height of the barrier part 5 to be adjustable. Furthermore, the barrier 19 is curved, providing a cow more space while reducing the length of the access gate 2. It should be noted that the bars (tubes) of the barrier are parallel and vertical, preventing the leg of an animal from getting stuck. The L-shaped gate 15 may also be referred to as an angulated fence part, angulated at a right angle or substantially at a right angle. The rotation gate part 4 extends substantially parallel to the passage. The barrier 19 extends in its closed position substantially perpendicular to the passage.

Actuator 6 here is a pneumatic cylinder having an extendible arm 7. Other types of actuators may also be possible, like an electromotor-driven actuator. Such an actuator may even be battery-operated and be controlled wirelessly. In this embodiment, the length of the actuator 6 can be controlled. One end 20 of this actuator 6 is coupled to the fence system 1 that is fixed to the world; the other end 21 is coupled to the L-shaped gate 15 for actuating it. Here, the one end 21 of the actuator 6 is coupled to an actuator frame, and the other end 21 is coupled to the L-shaped gate 15. The distance between the actuator ends 20, 21 can be controlled, thus allowing a controllable motion of the gate 2. Here, one end 20 can hinge around a tube 12 forming part of the actuator frame. The opposite end 21 of the actuator is hingingly coupled to the L-shaped gate 2. When the actuator 6 is actuated, the L-shaped gate 15 swings about swing axis R, between an open position (figure 2) and a closed position (figure 1). The swing axis R is horizontal with respect to the passage 3 and with respect to the fixed world. Furthermore, swing axis R is cross with respect to passage 3. In fact, the swing axis R can be substantially perpendicular with respect to the passage 3. The L-shaped access gate 15 thus swings up, using little to no floor space.

In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the actuators 6 are adapted for bringing the L-shaped gates 15 from their closed position (fig. 1, for instance) to their open position (figure 2, for instance). To that end, the actuators 6 are adapted to exert a force that works along working line 11 (fig. 1) in the closed position of the L-shaped gate 15. During opening the L-shaped gate, the working line rotates until the working line 12 (fig. 2) is attained. In fact, in this embodiment the working line of the force of the actuator is at an angle with respect to the rotation gate part 4. When installed, the point of action or point of application of the force exerted by the actuator on the actuator frame is above the swing axis R. In this embodiment, the actuator is at one end 20 rotatably mounted, rotatable about rotation axis Ra. Here, rotation axis Ra is substantially parallel to swing axis R. At its other end 21, the actuator is rotationally coupled to the rotation gate part 4. The point of action is remote from the swing axis R. Furthermore, the axis of rotation of the other end 21 or rotation gate part end 21, is substantially parallel to the swing axis R. In this particular embodiment, the point of action of the actuators 6 is vertical above the swing axis R. pole 11 hold both the sing axis R and the point of action of the actuator 6.

The actuator frame in this embodiment is a substantially rectangular frame. It comprises vertical poles 11. These vertical poles 11 can extend and can be fixed to the world/ground. Here, the vertical poles 11 are fixed to and couple fence parts 9 that are in turn fixed to the ground. Here, the fence parts have floor attachment ends 23, for attaching each fence part 9 to the floor. The inner swing axis tube 17 is connected to the vertical poles 11 to form one end of the actuator frame. Actuator coupling tube 12 here forms the other end of the actuator frame. Extending the length of both the swing axis tube 17 and the actuator coupling tube 12, like for instance shown in figure 3, makes it easy to extend the layout to several parallel stations, using these tubes as common rotation axes. See, for instance, figs. 3, 6, 7, 8.

As mentioned, the layout of figure 1 has a feeder device 13 at a side of the station. The feeder device 13 is provided next to passage 3. It has a trough 14 allowing livestock to feed at or near one end of the passage 3. In practise, usually the gate 2 at the opposite end of the station, i.e. opposite the feeder device end of the station (in the drawing right), first opens to allow an animal to enter the station. Next, the gate 2 that provided access closes, for holding the animal in the station for an amount of time. After some time, the gate 2 at the side provided with the feeder device (in the drawing left) opens. This usually is the gate 2 closest to the head of the animal. It allows the animal to leave the station by just walking straight on. Therefore, the layout of figure 1 may also be referred to as walk-through station.

The gates 2 are in fact controlled, in an embodiment, via a control system. Such a control system may comprise a computer running software to control or manage parts of a livestock facility. For instance, the processes around a cow facility. The system may control the routing of livestock during a day, delivery of feed/fodder, including the amount delivered to each animal, and for instance milking of each animal. To that end, animals may be provided with an electronic identification means, for instance an RFID chip. The fence system may be provided with a reader for reading the identification means, and transmission means, for instance wireless like wifi, bluetooth, for transmitting the identification to the control system. The control system thus opens and closes gates 2 when needed, thus managing and controlling routing of animals.

In figure 3, two parallel stations are shown, in fact coupling two of the stations shown in figure 1. Thus, two parallel walk-through stations are provided. The fence system 1 with its modular parts allows the number of stations to be designed in a flexible manner, and to build them using a minimum amount of material.

In figure 4, another layout is demonstrated that can be produced using the elements that are also shown in figure 1 (and figures 2 and 3, for that much). In the embodiment of figure 4, the feeder device 13 is provided on one of the gates 2. In fact, the feeder device is attached to a barrier part 5. This layout thus actually has a feeder device at one end of the station, allowing an animal to enter the station and feed. This layout provides an even better walk-through station. Furthermore, it leaves room for introducing other functions. For instance, it leaves room of a milking device to operate, for inspection of the animal, or for cleaning. In particular when using the feeder device shown here, the layout is flexible. The feeder device 13 in this embodiment can be coupled to a feed supply using flexible hoses (not shown). The feeder device 13 is also in the art referred to as “tube feeder”.

In this embodiment, the actuator 6 in fact comprises two hydraulic cylinders to lift the somewhat heavier combination of the feeder device 13 attached to the gate 2. Other solutions for the actuator 6 however may also be possible. In figure 5, the layout of figure 4 is shown where both gates 2 are open. The L-shaped gates 15 are swung about axes R. Usually, a control system operates the access gates 2 one after the other. Thus, usually first the right gate 2 opens, allowing an animal to enter the station, Next, the gate 2 closes, and the animal is allowed time to feed. Next, the left gate 2 with the feeder device 13 opens, which allows an animal to proceed and walk out of the station. The animal does not have to turn or walk backwards, but can in fact just walk on and leave the station.

In case the fence system 1 is used for cows, for instance, the fence parts have a height of between 1-3 m. The swing axis R is such an embodiment would be about 1-3 m above the floor. The rotation gate part 4 in these embodiments may have a length of about 0.5-3 m. The barrier may be between 0.5-2 m high. Its width is between 0.5 and 1.5 m. In many of these embodiments, the distance between swing axis R and axis Ra would be 0.3-1 m.

In figure 6 the elements of the fence system 1 are used in a more conventional layout of a station, showing two parallel stations: the feeder device 13 is fixed at one fixed end of one station, opposite the gate 2. It is fixed to a stationary fence part 22. Thus, a layout is provided and which is extended into parallel stations, here for instance two parallel stations, but it is clear that this again may be extended into many parallel stations.

In figure 7, the elements of the fence system 1 are used in on the one part a more conventional layout of a station: the feeder device 13 is fixed at one end of the station, opposite the access gate 2, on a stationary fence part 22. On the other part, the stations are oriented in a zigzag configuration. Thus, each time a neighbouring station of a station is rotated 180 degrees (in a passage plane) with respect to its neighbouring station.

The layouts described above can also be combined: In the layouts of figures 6 and 7, the feeder devices can be mounted on gates 2, providing parallel or zigzag walk through or pass-through stations. In fig. 8, the gates 2 of figure 7 are open.

In figure 9, a more conventional use of elements of the fence system 1 is demonstrated. Here, one end of a station is left open, and the other end is closed using a stationary or fixed fence part 22 having a feeder device 13 attached to it.

In figure 10, yet another layout with a gate 2 is shown, creating a small station for instance for a calf. It shows that using the various elements of the current fence system 1, many different layouts can be build.

In figure 11, the layout of figure 10 is provided without an access gate 2, but in this embodiment the feeder device 13 has four pipe feeders. This layout may be used in a milking parlour.

In figures 12 and 13, a fixed or stationary frame 22 is shown that is used in for instance the layout of figures 6 and 7, but here provided with vertical poles 11 for fixing the frame to the floor. In figure 12, the frame is provided with four pipe feeders. In figure 13, the frame is provided with only one pipe feeder.

It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.

Claims

A cattle fence assembly (1) comprising at least one gate (2) rotatably mounted on a swing axis (R) to the fence assembly and rotatable from a locked position in which it blocks a cattle passage (3) to an open position in which the livestock allows use of the passage (3), the pivot axis (R) being horizontal with respect to the passage (3), to allow the gate to swing up and away in the open position from the passage.

The gate assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the gate (2) comprises a substantially L-shaped gate (15) which comprises a rotation gate part (4) which is rotatably connected at one end to the pivot axis (R) and a barrier part (5) which provides a barrier (19) for blocking the passage (3).

The fence assembly (1) according to claims 1 or 2, further comprising fence parts (9) extending along both sides of the passage (3), which fence parts (9) define a corridor, in particular the fence parts (9) extend extends along two sides which ends in the passage (3).

The fence assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein each of the fence parts (9) each comprises at least one fixing part (23) for fixing the fence parts (9) to a floor.

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 3-4, wherein the pivot axis (R) extends transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the passage (3), wherein in particular the pivot axis (R) is attached to opposite gate sections on both sides of the passage.

The gate assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the rotation gate part (4) extends above the passage (3).

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the gate (2) comprises an actuator (6) for moving the L-shaped gate (15) into operation between the open position and locked position, in particular the L-shaped gate (15) engaging a distance from the pivot axis (R), in particular the rotation port part (4) engaging a distance from the pivot axis (R), more particularly the rotation port part (4) engaging an elbow connecting the rotation gate part (4) and the barrier part (5).

The gate assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the actuator is adapted to exert a force on the L-shaped gate (15) along an operating line (11, 12), and wherein the operating line is at an angle of between the 10 ° and 90 ° with respect to the rotation gate part (4), more particularly at an angle of between 20 ° and 60 ° with respect to the rotation gate part (4).

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (6) comprises a first end (21) which engages the L-shaped gate (15) at a distance from the pivot axis (R) and a second end (20) stationary relative to the pivot axis (R), the actuator further comprising a first state and a second state, and wherein a distance between the first end (21) and the second end (20) in the first state smaller is that in the second state.

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (6) comprises an arm (7) for exerting a force on the gate (2), in particular the actuator (6) comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder acting on the arm (7).

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the gate further comprises an actuator frame, the actuator frame comprising the pivot axis (R).

The gate assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the actuator frame comprises a point of engagement for the actuator (6) at a distance from the pivot axis (R), in particular the actuator frame comprises at least two posts which pivot axis (R) ) to hold.

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the barrier part (5) is extendable.

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least two gate sections (9) defining a corridor and at least two gates (2) opposite each other and at opposite ends of the corridor.

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a feeding device (13) connected to at least one port (2), in particular a feeding device (13) connected to the barrier part (5) of the L-shaped gate (15).

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least two gate sections (9) along the passage, one of the gates (2) positioned at an end for controlling the passage of an animal, and a fixed gate part (22) at an opposite end and which holds a feeding device, wherein the gate assembly (1) defines a feeding space with controllable access.

The fence assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a feeding device (13) on the barrier part (5).

The gate assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a number of substantially parallel gate sections (9) which define a number of substantially parallel passages (3).

The gate assembly (1) according to claim 18, comprising a plurality of gates (2), a gate at each passage (3) or at an end of each passage.

The gate assembly (1) according to claim 19, comprising a plurality of gates (2), with a gate (2) at both ends of each passage (3).

A treatment space for an animal, comprising an enclosed space by using the fence assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims.

A feeding station for an animal, comprising an enclosed space by using the fence assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the space comprises at least one feeding device.

A milking station for cows, comprising an enclosed space by using the fence assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims.

A method for routing cattle along a passage, using a gate assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, the method comprising the step of selectively opening or closing at least one of the at least one port (2) ) for allowing an animal from the cattle to pass through or not.

A method of keeping livestock in a space, using a fence assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the fence assembly defines a space and wherein at least one gate (2) provides an access and an exit for the space wherein the method comprises the steps of - opening at least one of the at least one port (2) to provide access to the space to an animal; closing the gate (2) for keeping the animal in the space, and opening at least one of the at least one port (2) for allowing the animal to leave the space.

The method of claim 25, providing at least two ports (2), in particular providing the ports (2) opposite each other, one of the at least two ports (2) being opened for enabling that the animal gains access to the space while another of the two ports (2) is in its closed position, the ports (2) then being closed to hold the animal in the space, and then at least one of the others of the two gates (2) are opened to allow the animal to leave the room.

The method of claim 25 for routing cattle, wherein depending on a parameter of an animal, one or another of the at least two gates (2) is opened. -o-o-o-o-o-