WO2017064071A1

WO2017064071A1 - Animal-rearing facility comprising means for scraping up dejections and associated method

Info

Publication number: WO2017064071A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/074360
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cédric DOMAIN; Sébastien HOMO
Original assignee: Socobati
Priority date: 2015-10-12
Filing date: 2016-10-11
Publication date: 2017-04-20
Also published as: FR3042096B1; FR3042096A1

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to an animal-rearing facility which includes at least one pair of pits (3) provided with a bottom for collecting dejections, said pits being arranged below a perforated floor (4). According to the invention: the pits (3) face one another and communicate via a hollow transverse corridor (5); a self-propelled scraper (1) is provided, as well as a self-propelled receptacle (2) for receiving the scraped-up dejections, said receptacle moving inside the corridor (5); the corridor (5) is provided with a roof (50); and the perforated floor (4) and the roof (50) are arranged at the same level.

Description

ANIMAL HUSBAND INSTALLATION COMPRISING MEANS FOR SPLITTING DEJECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of breeding animals, and more particularly pigs.

More specifically, it relates to an animal breeding facility having means for scraping excrement. It also relates to an associated method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Document FR-A-2 959 639 discloses an animal breeding facility, in particular for pigs, which comprises a pit provided with a bottom for collecting and collecting the excrement of these animals. The pit is placed below a perforated floor (grating) forming a moving surface for the animals. This bottom has, in cross section, at least two flat and sloping surfaces which together form a "V". Both surfaces receive the excreta, the liquid part thereof, in this case urine, flowing by gravity into the connection area of the two sloping surfaces.

According to this document, said bottom has, in its longitudinal direction, a slope sufficient to move longitudinally urine, under the effect of gravity.

A scraper of manure flows along this bottom, guided by a cable. Of course, its scraping blades are arranged parallel to the slope of the facing surfaces. A description of a scraper used in combination with the aforementioned installation is described for example in FR-A-2 959 640.

The habits in terms of cleaning are to use the scrapers four times a day. But this represents a total of less than one hour of use per day, which is not rational in terms of use. Finally, when a scraper breaks down, all the breeding squares placed in line with the bottom of the corresponding pit are affected. Under these conditions, it is necessary to proceed quickly to a troubleshooting except to be faced with difficulties in evacuating large quantities of manure.

In addition, buildings that receive this type of installation have a footprint that has the shape of a very elongated rectangle. Thus, for example, one can deal with a building 25 meters long and a few meters wide.

On both sides of a longitudinal circulation lane allowing the comings and goings of operators, we are dealing with a pit of the type described above, which also extends longitudinally. On the other hand, the breeding huts where the sow and her cubs live have a transverse orientation.

In the interest of rationalization and economy, the natural tendency is to enlarge these buildings further in the longitudinal direction.

However, when considering an extension to 30 meters or more, it is necessary to resort to a structure of more complex frame thus more expensive.

In addition, as indicated above, the bottom has, in the direction of the length of the building, a slope which approximates 1%. This is of course a low value in itself, but it causes the end of the building an elevation of the "floor" of about 30 cm, which can be inconvenient because it generates additional heights of walls not valued.

Partial solutions to these problems have been described particularly in documents NL-C-1032049 and US-A-2970567, to automate the scraping and evacuation of waste.

However, these existing solutions have the main disadvantage of having gutters and / or rails and / or treadmills (that is to say, collection and / or evacuation equipment) that thwart the movement of animals to within the facility and the operators (breeders) who have to intervene at the place of installation.

The present invention aims to provide solutions to these problems, and thereby streamline the cleaning of farms. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, a first object of the invention relates to a breeding facility for animals, in particular pigs, which comprises at least one pair of pits provided with a bottom for collecting and collecting the excrement of these animals, pits. disposed beneath a perforated floor forming a displacement surface therefor, said bottom having, in cross-section, at least two sloped flat surfaces, together forming a "V", said two surfaces receiving said droppings, the liquid part thereof, in this case urine, flowing by gravity in the connection area of said surfaces, said bottom having, in its longitudinal direction, a slope sufficient to move longitudinally urine, under the effect of gravity, characterized by the fact:

- that the pits of each pair face each other and communicate with a hollow corridor separating them, this transversal corridor being so shaped that it constitutes a space for receiving manure from the said pits,

- it includes a device that includes:

- On the one hand, at least one mobile and self-propelled scraper shaped to move along said collection bottom while scraping said droppings,

- On the other hand, at least one mobile and self-propelled receptacle which has an upper opening and which is shaped to move and position itself vis-à-vis the bottom of collection where moves said scraper and receive the scraped waste,

- Device whose movable and self-propelled receptacle is shaped to move within said corridor and collect said droppings, said corridor is provided with a cover, the latter constituting a moving surface of an operator;

- And that said perforated floor and said cover are arranged at the same level.

Thus, and since the scraper is self-propelled, it is no longer necessary to have a guide wire. Under these conditions, a scraper is no longer "attached" to a pit, which means that it is not associated with a specific pit. On the contrary, this same scraper can be used to clean multiple pits, which streamlines cleaning and saves money.

In addition, the use of a self-propelled receptacle makes it possible to better manage waste outside the livestock facility.

Moreover, according to the invention, both the scraper and the receptacle act and move below the level on which the animals and operators are caused to move. Their circulation is in no way impaired by any protruding element or by a device that is recessed relative to their moving surface.

According to other non-limiting and advantageous features of this installation:

said corridor comprises guide means running along its bottom;

said opening of said receptacle has means for supporting said scraper, so that said scraper, at the end of scraping of a first pit, is positioned on said receptacle.

Thus, when the opening of the receptacle has support means of said scraper, then this receptacle has a dual function. Indeed, it not only receives the droppings, but it also serves as a support for the scraper, to position it in front of another pit. Here again, we participate in the rationalization of the installation.

Finally, a second object of the present invention relates to a method of cleaning an installation using an installation as described above, characterized in that it comprises the steps which consist successively of:

a / moving said scraper along a first pit to bring the scraped waste towards said corridor and pour into said receptacle which is positioned opposite said first pit;

b / positioning said scraper on said receptacle after it has finished scraping said first pit;

and moving said scraper of said receptacle to a second pit which extends in front of the first;

d / move said scraper along said second pit to bring the scraped waste to said corridor and dump into said receptacle. According to other nonlimiting and advantageous features of this process:

moving said receptacle out of said installation when it is full, and emptying it, before it reintegrates said installation;

when said installation comprises at least two pairs of pits, and at the end of step d /, re-positioning said scraper on said receptacle, moving the receptacle vis-à-vis another pair of pits and repeating said steps a / to d /.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. This description is made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile and self-propelled scraper which forms part of the installation according to the invention; FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of FIG. a mobile and self-propelled receptacle which is also part of the installation according to the invention;

- Figure 4 is also a perspective view of the scraper and receptacle of the preceding figures, positioned one on the other;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of an animal breeding installation according to the invention, and more particularly of collection and waste collection pits, one of them being shown covered with a grating;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to the previous one, with the exception of the grating and a cover which in Figure 5 covers a separation corridor;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembly of the installation according to the invention;

- Figure 8 is a detail view, still in perspective, of the device shown in Figure 4, positioned in the aforementioned corridor, in front of two pits arranged face to face; - Figure 9 is a view similar to the previous one, the scraper being shown in a position in which it is detached from the receptacle and moves along a bottom of the pit;

- Figure 10 is still a view similar to the previous one, the scraper being this time positioned above another bottom of the pit;

- Figure 11 is a detailed perspective view of the receptacle in place in the corridor, more specifically for showing means for guiding this receptacle;

- Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cleaning device according to the invention, during transit in the aforementioned corridor;

and finally, FIGS. 13 and 14 are very simplified diagrams intended to illustrate how the receptacle moves out of the breeding facility, with a view to its emptying.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The installation according to the invention comprises a cleaning device which comprises, on the one hand, at least one mobile and self-propelled scraper 1, as well as at least one mobile and self-propelled receptacle 2.

The term "self-propelled" means that the scraper and receptacle carry means that allow them to move independently, without having to be towed or pushed.

An embodiment of a scraper 1 is particularly visible in Figure 1 attached. The latter has a physiognomy similar to that described in the document FR A 2 959 640 mentioned above.

This scraper essentially comprises a clear-beam frame C to which guide means 10 are fixed comprising a median longitudinal profile 11 provided with pairs of stiffening tubes 12 and 13 whose distal end, opposite to the profile 11, is attached to a skid. 14. The frame may be metal, for example stainless steel, injected plastic, etc.

The term "longitudinal", the direction identified by the double arrow f of Figure 1 which corresponds to the movements of movement of the scraper. The aforementioned guide means therefore have the shape of a longitudinal section 11 which has an inverted "U" -shaped section, with a plane base 110 and two diverging wings 112. Between them, an opening extends. The faces facing the wings 111 may optionally be coated with an antifriction coating, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

On both sides of the wings 111 extend the stiffening tubes 12 and 13. These are metal tubes of circular section which have a slight inclination relative to the horizontal, so that their distal end, c that is to say opposite the profile 11, is slightly raised. This structure is likely to be modified according to the number of blades that are used.

This arrangement is made to adapt to the slope of the surface of the pit to be scraped, as will be specified later.

The distal ends of the tubes 12 and 13 are attached to a pad 1 which has a U-shaped cross section whose parallel wings extend horizontally. The "rear" tubes 12 are in alignment with one another and extend strictly perpendicular to the guide means 10 while the "front" tubes 13 preferentially form with the profile 11 an acute angle between 75 and 80 °. The words "before" and "backward" are purely arbitrary and can be reversed, if necessary.

On examining the FIG. 1, it can be seen that on the above-mentioned tubes 12 and 13 are articulated transverse scraping blades referenced 15. These blades (each of one piece) are able to move in rotation around the tubes of to occupy a raised position in which they occupy a substantially horizontal orientation to a working position in which they occupy the scraping position illustrated in Figure 1.

According to one embodiment, electric cylinders ensure the lifting and lowering of the blades.

In a variant not shown, the scraper could be provided with blades only on one side, these blades being provided movable to be moved along the opposite side.

As will be seen later, this possibility of lifting blades allows to move the scraper of the invention, with its raised blades to where it is necessary that he begins to scrape the animal droppings. The blades on the side of its direction of advancement are then lowered and the scraping work begins.

On the guiding means 10 is fixed an electric motor 16 whose output axis cooperates with a wheel 160 oriented longitudinally and which partially crosses the wing 110 of the profile 11. The function will be explained later.

In addition, the scraper carries a housing 17 which accommodates a rechargeable electric battery, as well as all the electronic means which, as will be seen later, make it possible to manage the movement of the scraper 1.

As indicated above, the cleaning installation comprises, in addition to the scraper 1 which has just been described, a self-propelled mobile receptacle 2. An embodiment of this receptacle is particularly visible in Figures 2 to 4 attached.

It has the overall shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped with two large longitudinal faces 20 and two small transverse faces 21. It has an upper opening OUV, so that the aforementioned faces delimit the actual receptacle.

As mentioned above, this mobile device is self-propelled. A motor, also of electric type, is provided for this purpose but is not shown in the accompanying figures. The motor actuates two pairs of wheels 22 whose axis of rotation extends in the transverse direction, that is to say parallel to the small faces 21.

Underneath the underside of the receptacle is an inverted "U" shaped rail 25 with diverging wings, which has substantially the same shape as the scraper guide means 10 described above.

We will understand further the interest of this guide rail. The latter is not mandatory but helps to give a good orientation to the mobile receptacle when it is moved, as will be explained below. It is easy to implement since it only requires pouring concrete in an appropriate form.

In the continuity of the large faces 20 mentioned above are pivoting flaps 200, controllable orientation, to be directed outwards (see Figure 2) which contribute to give the receptacle a greater width than that between the two large faces and which, as also explained below, allow to dump faeces moved by the scraper to the inside of the receptacle 2, without risk of falls on either side of the latter.

Preferably, this receptacle 2 comprises means for supporting the scraper 1. In this case, these means consist, on the one hand, in the upper extension of the small transverse faces 21, in two support beams 23 which have an upper surface 230.

These means also comprise an intermediate beam 24 shaped "U" inverted whose parallel wings 240 extend in the upper extension of the large faces 20, halfway between the two beams 23 just mentioned.

This intermediate beam 24 comprises, on its upper part, a profile 241 which has a shape complementary to that of the guide means 10 of the scraper. On either side of this profile extend support surfaces 242.

Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the scraper 1 is positioned on the receptacle 2. In this configuration, the guiding means 10 are slidably positioned on the section 241 of the intermediate beam 24, while the sections 14 end of the scraper are positioned on the end beams 23. The scraper is therefore in a stable position on the receptacle.

In this configuration, it is then a self-propelled self-propelled unit that not only moves the receptacle 2 from one place to another, but also the scraper 1.

One aspect of the invention relates to an animal breeding installation which makes use of the device which has just been described and which combines the receptacle 2 with the scraper 1.

Such an installation comprises at least one pit provided with a bottom for collecting and recovering animal waste, this pit being disposed beneath a perforated floor which forms a moving surface for the animals. This bottom has, in a known manner, in transverse section, at least two flat surfaces sloping together forming a V, these surfaces receiving the droppings, the liquid part thereof, in this case urine, flowing by gravity in the connection area of these surfaces. Furthermore, the bottom has in its longitudinal direction a slope sufficient to move longitudinally urine, under the effect of gravity.

Such a structure is described in particular in the aforementioned French patent application No. 2 959 639.

In the installations described in the introduction of the present application, this collection floor extends in the longitudinal direction of the installation, in this case the livestock building, so that one is dealing with a bottom who measures longitudinally several tens of meters. It is of course possible to use the assembly according to the invention within these known installations.

However, and for reasons of practicality and rationalization, it will be preferred to use the cleaning device described above in combination with the installation which will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and following.

Thus, when referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that this is an installation that is integrated within a livestock building 6 of generally known structure, having longitudinal partitions 60, as well as transverse partitions 62, the latter forming with another parallel partition 63 an outlet corridor 64 which will be described in detail below.

As it appears in FIG. 7, but also in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is a case in this building of a set of pairs of pits 3, the pits of the same pair facing each other. to the other.

As shown in Figure 5, each pit is covered with a perforated floor 4 which in this case consists of a grating configured to form a moving surface for animals. To facilitate the description as well as the legibility of the figures, only a grating has been shown in FIG. 5, but it is necessary to imagine that each pit is covered with a similar material.

Each of the pits 3 comprises a collection fund 30 which has the characteristics described above. In other words, the pits of one and the same pair which face each other have this structure with flat surfaces 300, 301 sloping, V-shaped, each bottom having in its longitudinal direction a slope sufficient to move the liquid part of the droppings.

As in the aforementioned patent application, the grating 4 is disposed horizontally and is supported on the vertical edges of each collection floor, so that there is a space between the underside of this grating and the surfaces 300 and 30, which has a height sufficient to receive the scraper 1 and allow its movement. Under these conditions, scraping manure can be done without disturbing the animals.

It will also be specified that the two surfaces 300 and 301 mentioned above meet in the form of a rail 302 which has a shape complementary to that of the guide means 10 which equip the scraper. Between the pits 3 of each pair facing each other extends a longitudinal corridor 5. This corridor is shaped hollow, so that its bottom 51, in particular visible in FIG. 11, is at a level much lower than that of the surfaces 300 and 301. These surfaces communicate directly with the corridor.

Still with reference to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the corridor 5 is delimited laterally by two divergent partitions 50 which are attached to each pair of pits 3. At the upper surface of the bottom 51 of this corridor is formed a rail 510 which has the complementary shape of the profile 25 which equips the receptacle. Moreover, the width of this corridor is such that it is able to receive the receptacle 2 engaged in the longitudinal direction, leaving sufficient space for the flaps 200 to be folded so that they can come into contact with the end of the surfaces 300 and 301 of the collection funds.

The corridor extends over the entire length of the building 6.

It is covered by a cover 50, the latter constituting a moving surface for an operator. This cover is at the same level as the grating that covers the pits.

According to a second aspect of the invention, this relates to a method of cleaning an installation as described above with the aid of a device consisting of the scraper 1 and the receptacle 2.

According to the invention, the first step of this method consists in moving the scraper 1 along a first pit, as illustrated in FIG. 10, to bring the scraped waste back towards the corridor 5, and to discharge them into the receptacle which is positioned next to this first pit. In other words, again with reference to Figure 10, it begins by positioning the scraper to the distal end of the bottom of the pit, in the direction of the arrow g, having previously raised its scraping blades. At this end, it is moved in the opposite direction, that is to say in the direction of the arrow h, blades "scraping" before "lowered, and moved over the entire extent of the pit. In doing so, the materials are moved to the proximal end of the pit 3 and flow into the receptacle 2. When this operation is performed, then moves the scraper 1 on the receptacle 2 so that it is in the position of Figure 3, then moves the scraper along the second pit (located opposite the first) to bring the scraped waste towards the corridor and dump in the receptacle 2. This corresponds to the configuration of Figure 9 where the second pit 3 which faces the first is cleaned in the same manner as previously indicated.

Once this operation is done, simply move the assembly consisting of the receptacle supporting the scraper to a new pair of pits 3.

The receptacle is equipped with means for detecting its filling rate so that, when it is full, this receptacle is guided out of the installation and emptied, after which it reintegrates the installation with a view to new scraping operations. .

This possibility is illustrated very schematically in FIGS. 13 and 14 in which the receptacle is moved outside the installation either to a droppump situated below or at the same level as the ground. The fact that the receptacle is self-propelled allows to consider that it can be moved on the pile T of excrement.

As indicated above, the scraper carries a housing 17 which accommodates a rechargeable electric battery, as well as all the electronic means which, as will be seen later, make it possible to manage the displacement of the scraper 1.

The functions managed by the electronics embedded in the box include the following functions:

- Reception of sensor signals (including distance and positioning) that includes the scraper;

- Signal processing by a microcontroller (computer);

- Sending signals to the actuators (electric motor);

- Recording of operating cycles;

- Check the correct operation (cycle time, number of cycles, etc.);

- sending of fault or safety signals;

- Storage of energy.

In the electronic box is provided an electronic card that contains a program that is responsible for managing the movements of robots. The sensors detect singular points that the building presents (such as a metal part, a hole, a cleat), positioning in the building and guiding elements. Sensors for displacement are distance sensors (ultrasonic, laser or other), positioning sensors (switch, capacitive sensor or others). For security, Positioning sensors will check the correct deployment of the actuators and the correct positioning of the devices on each other.

Finally, urine is collected in a network of pipes, for example PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with a slight slope for gravity evacuation.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, the entire scraping and evacuation of excrement is performed in "basement", that is to say below the level on which animals and operators move. Their circulation is therefore not disturbed.

Claims

1. Livestock facility, in particular pigs, which comprises at least one pair of pits (3) provided with a bottom (30) for collecting and collecting the excrement of these animals, pits (3) arranged below a perforated floor (4) forming a displacement surface therefor, said bottom (30) having, in cross-section, at least two planar surfaces (300, 301) sloping, together forming a "V", these two surfaces (300, 301) receiving said excrements, the liquid part thereof, in this case urine, flowing by gravity into the connection zone of said surfaces (300, 301), said bottom (30) having, in its longitudinal direction, a slope sufficient to move the urine longitudinally under the effect of gravity, characterized by the fact that:

- that the pits (3) of each pair face each other and communicate with a hollow corridor (5) separating them, this transverse corridor (5) thus being shaped as a space for receiving the excrement from said pits ( 3),

it includes a device that includes:

- On the one hand, at least one scraper (1) mobile and self-propelled to move along said bottom (30) of collection while scraping said droppings,

- On the other hand, at least one receptacle (2) movable and self-propelled which has an upper opening (OUV) and which is shaped to move and position itself vis-a-vis the collection floor (30) where moves said scraper (1) and receiving the scraped waste,

device whose receptacle (2) mobile and self-propelled to move within said corridor (5) collect said droppings,

- said corridor (5) is provided with a cover (50), the latter constituting a moving surface of an operator;

- And that said perforated floor (4) and said cover (50) are arranged at the same level.

2. Installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said corridor (5) comprises guide means (510) running along its bottom.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said opening (OUV) of said receptacle (2) has support means (23,

24) of said scraper (1), so that said scraper, at the end of scraping a first pit (3), is positioned on said receptacle (2).

4. A method of cleaning an installation according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises the steps which consist successively of:

a / moving said scraper (1) along a first pit (3) to bring the scraped waste towards said corridor (5) and to pour it into said receptacle (2) which is positioned opposite said first pit (3); );

b / positioning said scraper (1) on said receptacle (2) after it has finished scraping said first pit (3);

and moving said scraper (1) from said receptacle (2) to a second pit (3) extending opposite the first;

d) moving said scraper (1) along said second pit (3) to bring the scraped waste towards said corridor (5) and dump in said receptacle (2).

5. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one moves said receptacle (2) out of said installation when it is full, and that one carries out its emptying, before it reinstates said installation.

6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein said installation comprises at least two pairs of pits (3), characterized in that at the end of step d /, is positioned again said scraper (1) on said receptacle (2), that the receptacle (2) is moved in relation to another pair of pits (3) and that said steps a / to d / are repeated.