an Automatically Cleaning Livestock Watering Trough

Abstract

2026202972 25 Apr 2026

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of livestock farming equipment, and more particularly to a livestock watering trough with an automatic cleaning function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In livestock farming, providing animals with a continuous supply of clean drinking water is critical to their health. When livestock drink, impurities such as food residues, forage debris, and silt from their mouths enter the watering trough, forming filth.

[0003] In the prior art, the bottom of a watering trough is typically a relatively flat surface or a large-radius curved surface. Food residues settle and disperse across the entire bottom surface. If these scattered deposits are not cleaned in time, they easily decompose and deteriorate, increasing the chances of algae growth, which worsens water quality and ultimately impacts the health of the livestock. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a longitudinal watering trough for providing clean drinking water to livestock, capable of achieving "settle-and-aggregate" (immediate settling and concentration) and automatic discharge of filth.

[0005] The main structure of the watering trough is composed of an upper trough body part and a lower sediment collection pipe part.

[0006] The trough body part is a longitudinal trough body having a cross-section in an upwardly wide and downwardly narrow shape, with two side walls converging from top to bottom, and a bottom opening extending along the longitudinal direction of the trough body is formed at the bottom thereof; two longitudinal ends of the trough body are respectively provided with end walls for sealing the trough body.

[0007] The sediment collection pipe part is arranged below the trough body and is a tubular structure having an upward opening at its top, wherein the upward opening matches the bottom opening of the trough body in size and shape; the cross-section of the sediment collection pipe may be circular, elliptical, U-shaped, or other irregular shapes.

[0008] The bottom opening of the trough body part and the upward opening of the sediment collection pipe part are docked with each other and are in communication, such that the trough body and the sediment collection pipe constitute an integrated watering trough main body with internal communication. Describing the watering trough in two parts aims to clearly define the structural features of the internal space of the present invention based on spatial geometric logic, 2026202972  25 Apr 2026 rather than limiting the processing technology. The watering trough of the present invention may be made of suitable materials (such as food-grade plastic or stainless steel) and manufactured through integrated molding processes such as rotational molding, injection molding, or 3D printing, or the two parts may be docked together through processes such as welding or bonding.

[0009] The present invention is provided with an automatic water level control valve connected to a water supply pipeline for maintaining the water surface in the trough at a preset water level. The automatic water level control valve is installed in a protection chamber at one end of the watering trough to prevent livestock from touching it.

[0010] One end of the sediment collection pipe is connected to a controllable drainage valve, and the other end is provided with a flushing nozzle; the flushing nozzle is connected to the water outlet pipeline of the automatic water level control valve, serving the dual functions of drainage scouring and routine water replenishment.

[0011] Structure determines function. The beneficial effects of the present invention are reflected in:

[0012] First, "settle-and-aggregate." By utilizing the convergence and guidance of the trough side walls and the internally communicating sediment collection pipe structure, filth synchronously completes physical aggregation into the narrow sediment collection pipe during the process of settling toward the bottom under gravity. Since the opening of the sediment collection pipe completely overlaps and is in fluid communication with the narrow bottom opening of the trough body, the settling filth is forced to be confined within the cavity of the sediment collection pipe, which has a volume much smaller than that of the trough body part, effectively avoiding the dispersion and accumulation of filth on a wide trough bottom.

[0013] Second, high cleaning efficiency. When the controllable drainage valve is opened, the filth aggregated in the sediment collection pipe is discharged with the water flow; the drop in water level triggers the automatic water level control valve to open. Due to the small cross-sectional area of the sediment collection pipe, the fluid energy sprayed by the flushing nozzle can be highly concentrated in the core area where filth is piled up, generating a powerful dynamic push-flow impact force to thoroughly expel the filth from the watering trough. Compared with traditional flat-bottom troughs, the present invention achieves extremely high desilting efficiency and automatic cleaning effects.

[0014] Third, precise and controllable. The opening and closing times of the drainage valve and the number of openings per day can be preset. By accurately setting the working frequency and duration according to actual working conditions, water can be saved to the maximum extent while ensuring water cleanliness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the overall structure and the water supply and drainage system of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of the trough body and the sediment collection pipe docking with each other;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the watering trough, including the trough body and the sediment collection pipe; 2026202972  25 Apr 2026

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the sediment collection pipe arranged in a horizontal state along the longitudinal direction;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the sediment collection pipe arranged to tilt downward toward the drainage outlet;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a "V-shaped" arrangement of the sediment collection pipe with two high ends and a low middle;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of one embodiment.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals: 1-watering trough main body, 2-trough body, 3-sediment collection pipe, 4-controllable drainage valve, 5-automatic water level control valve, 6-flushing nozzle, 7-water supply inlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the height of the watering trough is preferably 350 mm, the length is preferably 2200 mm, and the upper width is preferably 200 mm.

[0024] The sediment collection pipe preferably has dimensions of 50 mm in opening width, 2400 mm in length, and 50 mm in depth for a U-shaped pipe. Its arrangement can be preferably tilted downward toward the drainage valve (as shown in FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 6, an arrangement scheme where the longitudinal middle height is lower than the heights of its two ends may also be adopted, with the drainage outlet (4) arranged at the lowest point, and flushing nozzles (6) are provided at both ends; at this time, the nozzles at both ends can be opened synchronously to perform drainage through counter-current scouring toward the middle.

[0025] The drainage valve (4) is preferably a DN50 motorized drainage valve; the interface of the water level control valve (5) is DN25, with its inlet connected to a water supply pipeline (pressure preferably 0.4 MPa) and its outlet connected to a flushing nozzle (6) which is preferably an 8 mm inner diameter copper pipe.

[0026] The large-angle inclined surfaces of the inner side walls of the trough body guide the filth to gather directly toward the bottom-most sediment collection pipe during the settling process. Since the trough body and the sediment collection pipe are docked to form an internally communicating structure, the sediment collection pipe can accurately capture and concentrate all eventually settling filth.

[0027] This embodiment completes a full automatic cleaning and drainage cycle through the following steps:

[0028] 1. Static Pressure Initial Drainage Phase: When the preset drainage time is reached, the controllable drainage valve (4) opens. At this time, by utilizing the static water pressure generated by the water level in the trough, the high-concentration filth pre-aggregated in the cavity of the sediment collection pipe quickly rushes out of the drainage outlet with the water flow.

[0029] 2. Dynamic Push-Flow Scouring Phase: As the water level drops, the water level valve (5) senses and opens. The flushing nozzle (6) installed at one end of the sediment collection pipe starts to spray water along the sediment collection pipe toward the drainage outlet (or counter-scouring from both ends as in FIG. 6), generating a continuous push-flow to thoroughly expel residual filth. 2026202972  25 Apr 2026

[0030] 3. Water Replenishment and Reset Phase: After the preset drainage duration ends, the drainage valve closes. At this time, the water level valve remains open, and water continues to be injected through the nozzle until the water level in the trough returns to the preset height and then automatically closes.

[0031] The watering trough main body (1) is provided with a support structure on its periphery for supporting the watering trough main body and allowing it to be placed stably on the ground. A sandwich space formed between the support structure and the watering trough main body provides thermal insulation. To inhibit algae growth, dark-colored materials are recommended for the device. In winter, water activity can be maintained by increasing the automatic drainage frequency, or a heating device can be configured in the sandwich space to prevent freezing.

Claims

Claim 1:A self-cleaning livestock drinking trough, characterized in that it comprises a trough main body, the trough main body comprising:• a trough body, having a cross-section in a shape that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, wherein two side walls of the trough body taper downwardly and remain unclosed at the bottom to form a bottom opening extending along the entire longitudinal length of the trough body;o wherein longitudinal ends of the trough body are respectively provided with end walls for closing the trough body;• a sediment collection pipe, disposed below the trough body, the sediment collection pipe being a tubular structure having a top opening at a top portion thereof, wherein the top opening is adapted in size and shape to the bottom opening of the trough body;o wherein the bottom opening of the trough body and the top opening of the sediment collection pipe are abutted and through-connected with each other, such that the trough body and the sediment collection pipe constitute the trough main body of an integral structure in fluid communication internally;o wherein one end of the sediment collection pipe is provided with a discharge outlet connected to a controllable discharge valve;o wherein the other end of the sediment collection pipe is provided with a flushing nozzle oriented towards the discharge outlet;o wherein the sediment collection pipe is inclined downwardly along a longitudinal direction thereof toward the discharge outlet;• a water level automatic control valve for maintaining the water surface in the trough at a preset water level;o wherein an inlet of the water level automatic control valve is connected to a water supply line, and an outlet thereof is in fluid communication with the flushing nozzle;o wherein the flushing nozzle is configured to expel sediments that have settled in the sediment collection pipe;o wherein the flushing nozzle is configured to replenish / fill the trough body with water;2026202972   09 Aug 2026• a controller for operating the controllable discharge valve and the water level automatic control valve.Claim 2:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the trough body and sediment collection pipe are made from stainless steel.Claim 3:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the trough body and sediment collection pipe are made from food-grade plastic.Claim 4:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the trough body and sediment collection pipe are manufactured through integrated moulding processes.Claim 5:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the trough body and sediment collection pipe are manufactured through 3D printing processes.Claim 6:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the trough body and sediment collection pipe are joined together through processes such as welding or bonding.Claim 7:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the crosssection of the pipe is circular, elliptical, U-shaped, or other irregular shapes.Claim 8:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the automatic water level control valve is installed in a protection chamber at one end of the drinking trough to prevent livestock from touching it.Claim 9:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the controller is programmed to open and close the discharge valve and the water level automatic control valve such that the drinking trough is emptied and filled at user-defined intervals.Claim 10:2026202972   09 Aug 2026The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the height of the drinking trough is approximately 350 mm, the length is approximately 2200 mm, and the upper width is approximately 200 mm.Claim 11:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 1, wherein the trough main body is provided with a support structure around its periphery for supporting the trough main body and allowing it to be placed stably on the ground, wherein a sandwich space formed between the support structure and the trough main body provides thermal insulation.Claim 12:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 11, wherein a heating device is located in the sandwich space to prevent freezing.Claim 13:The self-cleaning livestock drinking trough according to claim 11, wherein the trough main body and support structure are dark-coloured in order to inhibit algae growth.Claim 14:A self-cleaning livestock drinking trough, characterized in that it comprises a trough main body, the trough main body comprising:• a trough body, having a cross-section in a shape that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, wherein two side walls of the trough body taper downwardly and remain unclosed at the bottom to form a bottom opening extending along the entire longitudinal length of the trough body;o wherein longitudinal ends of the trough body are respectively provided with end walls for closing the trough body;• a sediment collection pipe, disposed below the trough body, the sediment collection pipe being a tubular structure having a top opening at a top portion thereof, wherein the top opening is adapted in size and shape to the bottom opening of the trough body;o wherein the bottom opening of the trough body and the top opening of the sediment collection pipe are abutted and through-connected with each other, such that the trough body and the sediment collection pipe constitute the trough main body of an integral structure in fluid communication internally;o wherein a height of a longitudinal middle portion of the sediment collection pipe is lower than a height of each end thereof, and a discharge outlet is disposed at the lowest point of the sediment collection pipe;2026202972   09 Aug 2026o wherein the discharge outlet is connected to a controllable discharge valve;o wherein each end of the sediment collection pipe is provided with a flushing nozzle oriented towards the discharge outlet;• a water level automatic control valve for maintaining the water surface in the trough at a preset water level;o wherein an inlet of the water level automatic control valve is connected to a water supply line, and an outlet thereof is in fluid communication with the flushing nozzles;o wherein the flushing nozzles are configured to expel sediments that have settled in the sediment collection pipe;o wherein the flushing nozzles are configured to replenish / fill the trough body with water;• a controller for operating the controllable discharge valve and the water level automatic control valve.

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