WO2012152249A1

WO2012152249A1 - Device and method for transporting animals

Info

Publication number: WO2012152249A1
Application number: PCT/DE2012/000453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josef Gierse
Original assignee: Josef Gierse
Priority date: 2011-05-06
Filing date: 2012-05-03
Publication date: 2012-11-15
Also published as: DE102011100856A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel transport box intended to be cost-effective and suitable for quick and easy attachment to a series-produced agricultural tractor (4). The novel method should allow transport that is fast and, above all, safe and stress-free for the animals. The transport box (1) can be mounted in a simple and time-saving manner on the most widely available front and/or rear-end hoisting units, with a hydraulic upper link, on tractors as they are known from the agricultural industry. The tractor (4) and the mounted transport box (1) thus allow the animals to be transported quickly and, above all, in a safe, stress-free, and animal-friendly manner. The transport box is preferably suited to transporting hooved and cloven-hooved animals, such as breeds of cattle or horses.

Description

"Device and method for transporting animals"

The invention relates to a system and a device for transporting animals with a tractor and a method for transporting animals.

On farms, it is often necessary to transport animals for a variety of purposes from one place to another. This is done on the one hand by a cattle drive on roads and paths, without using a vehicle, the speed of the transfer is very low. In addition, roads and paths must be closed to protect the animals, but also other road users, from accidents. The transfer even over very short distances is very difficult for most animals.

On the other hand, such transports take place by means of "cages" carried on tractors and carried on wheels, the animals having to run within such a cage, which has the same disadvantages as the manual cattle drive, with the exception of barriers not required here.

Another possibility for transporting animals is provided by axle-mounted livestock transport trailers, as shown, for example, in US7628436B1. The trailers described here are entered by the animals through a door at the rear end of the trailer. In the interior of the transport, the animals are led around a retractable partition, so that the animals are transported standing in a lateral position. At the destination, the partitions inside the transporter are adjusted so that the animals can turn in their body orientation and leave the transporter running forward again. Other livestock transport trailers known in the art show the possibility of transporting animals inside the van together as well as fence mesh elements by means of supports mounted externally to the transporter, as described in US7325513B1. Cattle transport trailers necessarily also have an axle with wheels, a drawbar and a brake system - all of which involve very high cost components and poor maneuverability due to the number of axles and the length of the tractor-to-trailer combination.

Finally, in all cattle transport trailers described in the prior art, the animals must leave the trailer after reaching the destination. This is done with all the associated inconvenience to the animal and also the driver either backwards or as described in US7628436B1 by turning the animal inside the van. Both options are stress-promoting for the animals and can therefore be improved.

Starting from this prior art, the invention is based on the problem of providing a system and a device with which animals, for example hoofed and ungulates, can be better transported.

The problem is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims.

Advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea to provide a cost-effective way for easy and fast transport of animals due to their spatial arrangement and design.

The device according to the invention has a transport box which is designed such that it is received by a hoist, as can be found on almost any tractor can be. This combination of transport frame and tractor then forms a suitable animal transport system. A hoist of a tractor is able to lift the transport box without or with loading by animals to be transported for transport or lower for loading and unloading at ground level.

The particular advantage over the use of a livestock trailer is that the trailer follows with his wheels the inclinations of the terrain to be traveled and the animals are exposed to increased risk of injury, while the transport box according to the invention has no direct contact with the ground during transport.

With a ground level lowering a shallow access for the animals can be created. An annoying ramp with an access-inhibiting background noise and increased risk of injury to humans and animals can thus be avoided.

Tractors may be equipped with a hoist at the rear and / or on the front. Preferably, it may be provided to receive the transport box by a hoist at the rear of the tractor, since here are the largest load to be absorbed by the Schweipunktlage. The transport box can also be picked up by a front hoist. For uniform load distribution can also be provided to accommodate each a transport box by a hoist at the rear and a hoist at the front of the tractor.

One or more transport boxes can be arranged in their longitudinal orientation yy approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tractor. In addition, each transport box can have doors at each end, so that the animals can climb the box at the starting point of the transport laterally relative to the direction of travel of the tractor and leave on the opposite door at the destination in the direction of travel again. In a further Ausfuhrimgsform the transport box used in an animal transport system can be provided that the transport box by an adjustable length top link with respect to the longitudinal axis x - x of the tractor is changeable and / or by another length-adjustable upper link in the inclination relative to the longitudinal direction y- y the transport box is changeable. By changing the inclination of the transport box with respect to the axis x-x and / or the axis y-y, it is possible to always align the bottom surface of the device horizontally, even if the tractor is moved through uneven terrain. Thus, the safety / stability of the animals during transport compared to the transport with a known from the prior art livestock trailer significantly improved

Furthermore, it can be provided to equip the device used in the animal transport system with means for determining the absorbed mass, so that the weight of the animals to be transported can be detected. As such means are, for example, load cells or spring-loaded instruments. The mass thus determined can be transmitted via a cable or wirelessly to a display unit and / or storage unit.

Preferably, an automatic tilt compensation of the transport box used in an animal transport system may be provided during transport, wherein detected by one or more, attached to the transport box (s) sensor (s) the deviation of the actual inclination of the transport box from the horizontal in one or more axes is this deviation is reported to an electronic control, which generates therefrom control signals that cause a control unit to change the length of one or more length-adjustable upper link (s) so that the transport box continuously with respect to one or more axes in a horizontal, regardless of the inclination of the tractor. By such an automatic tilt compensation, the driver of the tractor concentrate on the operation of the tractor itself and on the road, thereby increasing the safety of animal transport.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the transport box used in an animal transport system consists of at least one individual box for example an animal, wherein the orientation of the at least one individual box in its longitudinal direction y - y is provided so that the longitudinal direction y -y extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x - x of the tractor. This embodiment makes it possible for an animal, for example, to be driven into the transport box from the left, relative to the longitudinal direction x - x and the main direction of travel of the tractor, and accordingly driven out to the right. Consequently, an animal does not have to be driven backwards out of a transport device against its natural running direction, which has regularly led to great irritation of the animals. Of course, in this preferred embodiment, the input or expulsion direction can be adapted to the loading or unloading conditions on site and exchanged accordingly, so that an animal can also be driven in from the right and expelled to the left.

Due to the carrying capacity of today's tractors, it can be provided in a further preferred embodiment to design the transport box used in an animal transport system for accommodating at least two animals. However, it is also conceivable to provide the transport box for receiving more than two animals. In each of these preferred embodiments, each animal is in individual boxes separated by pivoting and / or removable partitions. Through the partitions individual animals are separated so that they can not interfere with each other. In addition, the dividing wall ensures that the animals are evenly distributed in the transport box, whereby a uniform load distribution can be achieved. The partitions can be designed pivotable on the right and left, for example, to gain access to an animal, if such necessary, to facilitate or to simplify. The dividing wall or partitions may be removably provided to transport, for example, a larger animal or a plurality of smaller animals. The transport of other, possibly bulky items can be facilitated or facilitated. Furthermore, it may be necessary to create more freedom for a single animal. Furthermore, by the removability of the partitions, the cleaning of the transport box can be simplified.

For each individual box, at least two doors can be provided, with one door on the left and one door on the right, with respect to the longitudinal axis x-x of the tractor. By this arrangement of the doors, it is possible to collect the animals either from the right or from the left by each a corresponding door of a single box is opened and the respective opposite door remains closed. The expulsion then takes place by opening the door, which was closed when driving. Another advantage of the embodiment of each individual box with two doors results from the fact that both doors of one or more individual boxes can be opened at the same time, so as to be able to clean the transport box quickly and easily. Also, at least one Eintreibgitter be provided in the region of each door. These grids can be swung away from the door to close loopholes for the animals.

In a preferred embodiment of the device used in an animal transport system is provided to produce the transport box and the bottom of stainless material, such as stainless steel and / or a material with antirust coating, such as zinc and the interstices with so-called screen printing plates, as they are made the manufacture of truck bodies are known to dress. This Koristruktionsweise a long life of the transport box is guaranteed. For the bottom of the transport box may preferably be a surface-structured material such as so-called "Riffelblech" be provided. The animals are thus given a better footing, which can reduce the risk of injury.

In a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided to equip the transport box used in an animal transport system with means for protecting the animals against the effects of weather. These means may be a solid, closed construction, but also a tarpaulin carried by a transport box, providing waterproof and sun protection.

Also, the transport box used in an animal transport system may preferably be equipped with steerable (castors), but also with non-steerable rollers (fixed castors) or both. Characterized a movement of the transport box without tractor, for example, in confined spaces, such as a stabling, allows or at least simplified.

Due to the need for the device used in an animal transport system also to be used on public roads, it may preferably be provided for receiving means at its outer boundaries necessary for operation on public roads. These means may be, for example, bulbs such as flashers of a general nature or for the direction of change, taillights, headlights or information panels. Furthermore, the outer boundaries of the device may be provided in a preferred embodiment for receiving further blowing grid. By the entrainment of further fuel grids, it is possible without difficulty to lock even larger loopholes for the animals.

In addition, a method of transporting animals based on the use of the device according to the invention is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, after lowering the transport box to the floor, an animal is driven at ground level into a transport box, wherein one of the two doors is used as an entrance while the other one remains closed. If the animal is in the box, the door used as the entrance is also closed. For transport, the transport box is raised above the hoist of the tractor and the inclination adjusted so that a level footing is given for the animals. It follows the transport to the destination. After repeated lowering of the transport box at the destination on the floor, the animals can leave the transport box in the direction by opening the second door again.

Compared to the state of the art, the risk of injury and the stress associated with transport for the animals is reduced by the ground level entry and exit and by leaving the transport box in the direction of travel.

With the animal transport system according to the invention, the inventive method can then be carried out with the steps described in the method claim.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

In the drawings shows:

Fig. 1 a transport box according to the invention, complains of hoist and top link

(Three - point hydraulic system) of a tractor;

Fig. 2 shows the assembly of a transport box at the rear and at the front of a

Tractor;

Fiq. 3 a transport box according to the invention with the Aufhahmepunkte for

Pick-up by a tractor and the doors of the individual boxes and the attached Eintreibgitter; 4 shows an interior view of a transport box according to the invention with doors open on both sides and issued Eintreibgittern.

Fiq. 5 is a rear view of the transport box

Fig. 1 shows a transport box (1) according to the invention for the transport of animals, preferably of hoofed and cloven-hoofed animals. The transport box (1) is mounted by a hoist (2) and an associated top link (3) on an agricultural tractor (4). The assembly of the transport box (1) takes place so that its longitudinal axis y - y is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x - x of the tractor (4), as can be seen by a top view of these axes (5).

The hoist (2) by means of the hydraulics of the tractor (4) in height adjustable so that the transport box (1) by the hoist (2) can be lowered to the ground or raised to different heights.

By the hydraulics of the tractor (4) and the length of the hydraulic top link (3) can be changed. By this change in length of the upper link (3), the transport box (1) about a pivot point (6) on the hoist (2), wherein the inclination of the transport box (1) in relation to the inclination of the tractor (4) changes Thus, the transport box (1) are always level, regardless of what inclination of the tractor (4), for example when driving on uneven terrain, so that the animals to be transported can stand substantially on a horizontal surface. This can significantly reduce the risk of injury to the animals.

The rectangular arrangement of the axis y - y of the transport box (1), relative to the longitudinal axis x - x of the tractor (4), makes it possible, for example, two animals successively driven from the left into the transport box (1) and expelled to the right can. For this purpose, one of the two doors (7) on the left side is first opened and the first animal driven. The two doors on the opposite, so the right, remain closed. Now the first door on the left side is closed and the second door is opened. The second animal can then be driven into the second single box and the second door (7) on the left side can be closed. In order to facilitate the driving as well as the expulsion of the animals, the Eintreibgitter (8), which are present at each box on the right and left, can be issued, for example, to close loopholes for the animals.

After the animals have been transported, they can be driven one by one, by opening the doors (7) on the right side in the forward direction of movement to their destination.

Of course, the input or expulsion process in the opposite direction, ie from right to left, so that the animals can always go forward, regardless of the direction in which they are to be driven or expelled.

2 illustrates the possibility, in addition to the assembly of the transport box (1) at the rear of a tractor (4), as shown in Fig. 1, a second inventive transport box (9) on a front-side hoist (10) and a front upper link ( 11) to be mounted in the same way as has been done at the rear of the tractor (4). With this extension, it is possible to accommodate a larger number of animals. Furthermore, a mass balance is thus created which ensures a favorable center of gravity S of the tractor (4).

In Fig. 3, the Aufhahmepunkte (12, 13) of the transport box (1) can be seen. The two Aufhahmepunkte (12) serve to accommodate the transport box (1) by a hoist (2) of a tractor (4). By this hoist (2), the transport box (1) can be raised and lowered. Another, third Pickup point (13) serves to receive the transport box by a top link (3) of a tractor (4). By retracting or extending the top link (3) whose total length is reduced or increased. As a result, the transport box (1) can pivot about the central axis of the pin (14) provided for reception by a hoist (2), whereby the inclination of the transport box (1) with respect to the tractor (4) can be changed. Thus, the horizontal orientation of the transport box (1) is possible, regardless of whether the tractor (4) just drives uneven terrain.

Shown are also the two doors (15, 16) for each a single box. If the spring-loaded latch (17) of a door (15, 16) is released, a door together with the associated Eintreibgitter (18, 19) can be opened about the pivot point of the hinges (20).

If necessary, the Eintreibgitter (18, 19) can be further pivoted about the pivot point of the hinges (21). This makes it possible to block loopholes for the animals. The Eintreibgitter (18, 19) are held by appropriately kinematically hinged springs (22) either closed or opened. During transport, the Eintreibgitter (18, 19) can be secured by bolts (23). Doors and Eintreibgitter are equally on the opposite side to the page shown.

In Fig. 4, the transport box (1) is shown fully open. The doors (15, 16) on both sides of the transport box (1) are open, as well as the through the springs (22) issued Eintreibgitter (18, 19). In this position, the transport box (1) can be cleaned very easily, eg with a commercially available high pressure cleaning device. The partition (23) can be swung out by loosening retaining bolts on one (right) or the other (left) side. Thus, the driving in of at least one animal can be facilitated, or additional space can be created in a single box, as required, for example, when an animal is to be treated.

If a very large animal is to be transported, or if many small animals are to be transported, or if the transport box is to be used for transporting other objects, then it is possible to completely remove the dividing wall (23) by loosening all retaining bolts.

The transport box (1) is constructed in the embodiment as follows: A hot-dip galvanized, rectangular steel frame construction (24) takes in the lower part of a floor pan (25), which also consists of hot-dip galvanized, structured steel sheet. The structuring of the floor pan (25) ensures that the animals can stand safely and thus their risk of injury can be reduced.

Above the floor pan (25), the steel frame construction (24) is partially lined with screen printing plates (26).

The four outer vertical bars (27) of the steel frame construction (24) receive the doors (15, 16) via the hinges (20) and the drive-in grids (18, 19) via the hinges (21). The doors (15, 16) are also covered with screen printing plates. They also have deflector (30).

The partition wall (23) is attached via removable bolts on the vertical, central rods (28). The pivotable and removable partition (23) is also partially covered with a screen printing plate (29). Fig. 5 shows a rear view of the transport box (1) with the cuboid steel frame construction (24), the bottom tray (25) and two screen printing plates (26) attached thereto. For operation on public roads lighting devices (31) and information boards (32) are attached. The lighting devices (31) may include taillights, brake lights, turn signal lights and reversing lights.

On the two rear vertical bars (27) holders (33) are mounted, which are suitable for carrying other propellants.

Claims

claims

1. Transport system for animals, characterized by

a) a tractor with a hoist,

b) A arranged on the hoist transport box (1) for receiving at least one animal.

2. Animal transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that hitch. And transport box are designed so that the transport box can be lowered at ground level, for easier entry of animals.

3. animal transport system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for the uniform distribution of loads depending on a transport box is provided at the rear and at the front of the tractor.

4. Animal transport device for receiving one or more animals, characterized by

a) a transport box (1), and

b) an adapter provided on the transport box (10, 11) for connecting the transport box with the hoist of a tractor.

5. Animal transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that the transport box has an input and an output. for the at least one animal in substantially the same direction of movement.

6. Animal transport device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by a device for horizontal alignment of the transport box during transport.

7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one partition wall.

8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one Removable partition between the transport boxes and / or is pivotable.

9. Animal transport device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that intermediate spaces of the transport box are covered above the ground, preferably with screen printing plates.

10. Animal transport device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one provided on the transport box adapter, which allows a connection of at least two transport boxes for transport.

11. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport box and the bottom of stainless material, preferably made of stainless steel, and / or of a material with antirust coating, preferably zinc, is made.

12. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by rollers on the underside of the transport box.

13. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one pivotable Eintreibgitter.

14. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by means for detecting the charged mass and / or for data transmission of the determined mass to a display unit or for storing the data in a memory unit.

15. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is connected via at least one length-adjustable upper link to the tractor, whereby the transport box in the Inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of the tractor is adjustable.

16. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sensor, at least one electronic controller and at least one control unit, which are adapted to detect the inclination of the transport box from the horizontal during transport and then the orientation of the transport box by Corresponding signal transmission to the or the length-adjustable upper link automatically or manually correct to the effect that the footprint of the transported animals can be kept continuously horizontal, regardless of the inclination of the tractor or the terrain profile.

17. A method for transporting animals by means of the device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the following steps:

a) lowering a mounted on the hoist of a tractor transport box on the floor;

b) opening a door. a transport box, if necessary issue of one or more Eintreibgitter (s);

c) driving an animal into a box, closing the door and folding in the used grids, possibly repeating steps b and c;

d) lifting the transport box and transport;

e) At the destination, lowering the transport box to the ground, and opening the opposite door of the box, if necessary issuing one or more grille (s) and expelling the animal.