An automatic feeding machine and a method of operating the same

Abstract

The application provides an automatic feeding machine and an operation method thereof, the feeding machine comprising a fermentation tank body, a feeding opening being arranged at the upper end of the fermentation tank body, the fermentation tank body being heated and kept warm by a heat preservation and heating mechanism, a feeding system being arranged outside the fermentation tank body, the feeding system comprising a slurry pump, a feeding pipe being connected with the lower end of the fermentation tank body at one end and connected with the feeding inlet of the slurry pump at the other end, the feeding outlet of the slurry pump being connected with a discharging pipe, the discharging pipe being connected with a return pipe and a feeding pipe, the return pipe and the feeding pipe being respectively provided with a return valve and a feeding valve, the end of the return pipe being connected with the top of the fermentation tank body, a water pump being arranged outside the fermentation tank body, a water feeding pipe being connected with the water inlet of the water pump, and the water outlet of the water pump being connected with the fermentation tank body through a water inlet pipe. The feeding machine and the operation method thereof can realize the fermentation preparation and automatic feeding of the feed, reduce the labor intensity, and be beneficial to realize large-scale feeding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal husbandry equipment, and in particular to an automatic fermentation animal husbandry machine. Background Technology

[0002] In animal husbandry, feed preparation and feeding are generally done manually. The feed needs to be mixed and prepared before being fed manually. This traditional feeding method has the disadvantages of high labor intensity and inability to accurately control the amount of feed, so it is not suitable for large-scale breeding farms.

[0003] CN213369302U discloses a timed feeding trough, which can achieve timed feeding, but cannot prepare feed. The feed needs to be mixed before being put into the feeding trough for timed feeding.

[0004] Meanwhile, existing feeds are generally simply mixed and fed without fermentation, making it difficult for animals to absorb the nutrients better. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic feeder and its operating method, which realizes the fermentation preparation of feed and automatic feeding, reduces labor intensity, and is conducive to large-scale feeding.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: an automatic feeding machine, including a fermentation tank, a feeding port at the upper end of the fermentation tank, a heating and heat preservation mechanism for heating the fermentation tank, a feeding system on the outside of the fermentation tank, the feeding system including a slurry pump, one end of a feed pipe connected to the lower end of the fermentation tank, the other end connected to the feed port of the slurry pump, the discharge port of the slurry pump connected to a discharge pipe, the discharge pipe connected to a return pipe and a feeding pipe, the return pipe and the feeding pipe respectively equipped with a return valve and a feeding valve, the end of the return pipe connected to the top of the fermentation tank, a water pump on the outside of the fermentation tank, a water supply pipe connected to the water inlet of the water pump, and the water outlet of the water pump connected to the fermentation tank through a water inlet pipe.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the heat preservation and heating mechanism is located at the bottom of the fermentation tank, and the heat preservation and heating mechanism includes a heating element, with the outside of the fermentation tank covered with a heat preservation layer.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the fermentation tank is equipped with a stirring paddle, and the rotating shaft of the stirring paddle is driven by a stirring motor located at the top of the fermentation tank.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, a grinding mill is provided at the top of the fermentation tank, a discharge pipe is connected to a grinding material pipe, a grinding valve is provided on the grinding material pipe, the grinding material pipe is connected to the feed inlet of the grinding mill, and the discharge outlet of the grinding mill is connected to the fermentation tank.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet of the water pump is connected to the inlet pipe, the first backwash pipe, and the second backwash pipe via a four-way connector. The first backwash pipe is connected to the inlet of the slurry pump, and the second backwash pipe is connected to the outlet of the slurry pump. The inlet pipe, the first backwash pipe, and the second backwash pipe are respectively equipped with an inlet valve, a first flushing valve, and a second flushing valve.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet valve, the first flushing valve, and the second flushing valve are solenoid valves.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a frame is provided on the outside of the fermentation tank, and the slurry pump and water pump are mounted on the frame.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the fermentation tank is provided with a discharge port at the bottom, and an air vent valve is provided on the discharge port.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a feeding mechanism is also included, with the discharge end of the feeding mechanism located above the feeding port.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for using an automatic feeder, comprising the following steps:

[0016] Step 1: Add the raw materials and inoculum to the fermentation tank in sequence through the feeding mechanism. Connect the water supply pipe to the water source and add water to the fermentation tank through the water pump and water inlet pipe. Mix and stir evenly.

[0017] Step 2: While mixing and stirring, turn on the heat preservation and heating mechanism to heat the fermentation tank instantly, so that the material is heated and kept warm for fermentation.

[0018] Step 3: Turn on the water pump and the second flushing valve to deliver water from the second backwash pipe to the slurry pump. Then, turn on the first flushing valve and the inlet valve. The flushing water enters the fermentation tank through the first backwash pipe and the inlet pipe in sequence. After the backwashing is completed, turn off the water pump, the inlet valve, the first flushing valve, and the second flushing valve.

[0019] Step 4: During fermentation, close the return valve and the feeding valve, open the grinding valve and the grinding machine, and turn on the slurry pump. The slurry in the fermentation tank is transported to the grinding machine for grinding. After grinding, it is returned to the fermentation tank to continue fermentation. Repeat this process several times until the particle size of the slurry meets the requirements. When grinding is no longer needed, close the grinding valve and open the return valve. The slurry enters the fermentation tank from the return pipe, realizing the up-and-down turning of the slurry in the fermentation tank.

[0020] Step 5: The fermented material is fed through the feeding system. The return valve and grinding valve are closed, and the feeding valve and slurry pump are opened. The material is then fed to the feeding point through the feeding pipe for the animals to eat.

[0021] The automatic feeding machine and its operating method provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. Add the various powdered ingredients for the feed from the feed inlet of the fermentation tank, add water to mix, and then heat to ferment, thus realizing the fermentation and preparation of the feed.

[0023] 2. The slurry pump of the feeding system feeds the fermented feed through the feeding pipe, which can realize automatic feeding.

[0024] 3. Preferably, by setting up a grinder, it is helpful to use the slurry pump to transport the slurry in the fermentation tank to the grinder for grinding. After grinding, the slurry is returned to the fermentation tank for continued fermentation. This process is repeated many times until the particle size of the slurry meets the requirements, so that the particle size of the feed meets the requirements, which is more conducive to fermentation and animal absorption.

[0025] 4. This equipment enables the fermentation and preparation of feed as well as automatic feeding, reducing labor intensity and facilitating large-scale breeding. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the discharge pipe, the return pipe, and the grinding material pipe;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Top view;

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Fermentation tank; 2. Insulation and heating mechanism; 3. Slurry pump; 4. Feed pipe; 5. Discharge pipe; 6. Return pipe; 7. Feeding pipe; 8. Return valve; 9. Feeding valve; 10. Water pump; 11. Water supply pipe; 12. Water inlet pipe; 13. Stirring motor; 14. Grinding machine; 15. Grinding material pipe; 16. Grinding valve; 17. Four-way valve; 18. First backwash pipe; 19. Second backwash pipe; 20. Water inlet valve; 21. First flushing valve; 22. Second flushing valve; 23. Frame; 24. Drain valve; 25. Feeding mechanism; 26. Insulation layer; 27. Climbing ladder; 101. Feeding port; 102. Discharge port. Detailed Implementation

[0032] like Figures 1-4As shown, an automatic feeding machine includes a fermentation tank 1, which has a cylindrical structure. A feeding port 101 is provided at the upper end of the fermentation tank 1. A heat preservation and heating mechanism 2 heats and preserves the fermentation tank 1. In this embodiment, the heat preservation and heating mechanism 2 is located at the bottom of the fermentation tank 1. The heat preservation and heating mechanism 2 includes heating elements, which can be heating wires, heating tubes, heating plates, etc. In this embodiment, a heating plate is selected to increase the contact area with the fermentation tank 1 and facilitate replacement. In actual use, a temperature sensor is provided on the side wall of the fermentation tank 1 for convenient monitoring of the temperature of the fermentation tank 1.

[0033] To improve heating and insulation, the outside of the fermentation tank 1 is covered with an insulation layer 26. The insulation layer 26 uses conventional insulation materials, such as rock wool or glass wool, or composite materials, such as rock wool or glass wool for the inner layer and sheet metal or aluminum sheet for the outer layer. A climbing ladder 27 can be installed on the outside of the fermentation tank 1 to facilitate maintenance of the equipment on the top of the fermentation tank 1.

[0034] A feeding system is installed on the outside of the fermentation tank 1, enabling automatic feeding. The feeding system includes a slurry pump 3. One end of a feed pipe 4 is connected to the lower end of the fermentation tank 1, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the slurry pump 3 via a bend. The outlet of the slurry pump 3 is connected to the outlet pipe 5 via a bend. The outlet pipe 5 is connected to the return pipe 6 and the feeding pipe 7. The return pipe 6 and the feeding pipe 7 are respectively equipped with a return valve 8 and a feeding valve 9. The end of the return pipe 6 is connected to the top of the fermentation tank 1. The feed slurry in the fermentation tank 1 is transported to the outlet pipe 5 through the feed pipe 4 and the slurry pump 3, and then discharged from the feeding pipe 7, thus achieving feeding. When not feeding, the slurry is transported back into the fermentation tank 1 through the return pipe 6, which facilitates the mixing of materials within the fermentation tank 1.

[0035] A water pump 10 is installed on the outside of the fermentation tank 1. A water supply pipe 11 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 10, and the outlet of the water pump 10 is connected to the fermentation tank 1 through an inlet pipe 12. The water supply pipe 11 is connected to a water source, and the water pump 10 enables automatic water supply to the fermentation tank 1.

[0036] Preferably, the fermentation tank 1 is equipped with a stirring paddle, and the rotating shaft of the stirring paddle is driven by a stirring motor 13 located at the top of the fermentation tank 1.

[0037] By setting up a stirring paddle, the feed in fermentation tank 1 can be stirred and mixed, improving mixing efficiency.

[0038] It also includes a feeding mechanism 25, the discharge end of which is located above the feeding port 101. In this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 25 is an inclined screw conveyor. During use, various powdered materials for preparing feed are added from the feeding port at the lower end of the screw conveyor, and the automatic feeding of materials is achieved through the screw conveyor mechanism.

[0039] Preferably, the fermentation tank 1 is equipped with a grinder 14 at the top, and the discharge pipe 5 is connected to the grinding pipe 15. The grinding pipe 15 is equipped with a grinding valve 16 and is connected to the feed inlet of the grinder 14. The discharge outlet of the grinder 14 is connected to the fermentation tank 1. By setting up the grinding pipe 15, it is easier to use the slurry pump 3 to transport the slurry in the fermentation tank 1 to the grinder 14 for grinding. After grinding, the slurry is returned to the fermentation tank 1 for continued fermentation. This process is repeated multiple times until the particle size of the slurry meets the requirements, making the feed particle size more suitable for fermentation and animal absorption.

[0040] Preferred, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outlet of the water pump 10 is connected to the inlet pipe 12, the first backwash pipe 18 and the second backwash pipe 19 through the four-way connector 17. The first backwash pipe 18 is connected to the feed inlet of the slurry pump 3 and the second backwash pipe 19 is connected to the discharge outlet of the slurry pump 3. The inlet pipe 12, the first backwash pipe 18 and the second backwash pipe 19 are respectively equipped with an inlet valve 20, a first flushing valve 21 and a second flushing valve 22.

[0041] In this embodiment, the inlet valve 20, the first flushing valve 21, and the second flushing valve 22 are solenoid valves. The solenoid valves can also be replaced by other pneumatic or electric valves to realize the opening and closing control of the inlet pipe 12, the first backflushing pipe 18, and the second backflushing pipe 19.

[0042] The first backwash pipe 18, the second backwash pipe 19, and various valves constitute a backwashing system. Water pump 10 and the second backwash valve 22 are turned on, delivering water from the second backwash pipe 19 to the slurry pump 3. Then, the first backwash valve 21 and the inlet valve 20 are opened, and the backwash water sequentially flows through the first backwash pipe 18 and the inlet pipe 12 into the fermentation tank 1. After backwashing is complete, the backwashing system effectively reverses the flow of water through the pipelines, especially the slurry pump 3, preventing blockage.

[0043] Preferably, the fermentation tank 1 is provided with a frame 23 on the outside, and the slurry pump 3 and water pump 10 are installed on the frame 23. In actual use, the grinding machine 14 can also be installed on the frame 23. By setting the frame 23, it is convenient to install the slurry pump 3 and water pump 10.

[0044] Preferably, the fermentation tank 1 is provided with a discharge port 102 at the bottom, and a drain valve 24 is provided on the discharge port 102. By setting the drain valve 24, the tank can be emptied during equipment maintenance to prevent residual slurry in the fermentation tank 1 from affecting maintenance and the life of the equipment.

[0045] A method for using an automatic feeder includes the following steps:

[0046] Step 1: Add the raw materials and bacterial culture materials to the fermentation tank 1 through the feeding mechanism 25 in sequence. Connect the water supply pipe 11 to the water source and add water to the fermentation tank 1 through the water pump 10 and the water inlet pipe 12. Mix and stir evenly.

[0047] Taking silver carp farming as an example, the main raw materials are rice bran, grass meal, soybean meal, rapeseed cake, and wheat bran, and the inoculum can be Bacillus subtilis, yeast, or lactic acid bacteria. The raw materials and inoculum are added to the fermentation tank 1 through the feeding mechanism 25.

[0048] Step 2: While mixing and stirring, turn on the heat preservation and heating mechanism 2 to heat the fermentation tank 1, raising the material to the set temperature and then maintaining the temperature for fermentation. A temperature sensor is installed on the side wall of the fermentation tank 1 to monitor the temperature inside the fermentation tank 1.

[0049] Taking silver carp farming as an example, the fermentation temperature is 40℃. When the fermentation temperature in fermentation tank 1 reaches 40℃, heating is stopped, and the fermentation time is 16 hours.

[0050] Step 3: Turn on the water pump 10 and the second flushing valve 22 to deliver water from the second backwash pipe 19 to the slurry pump 3. Then, turn on the first flushing valve 21 and the water inlet valve 20. The flushing water passes through the first backwash pipe 18 and the water inlet pipe 12 in sequence and enters the fermentation tank 1. After the backwashing is completed, turn off the water pump 10, the water inlet valve 20, the first flushing valve 21 and the second flushing valve 22.

[0051] Step 4: During fermentation, close the return valve 8 and the feeding valve 9, open the grinding valve 16 and the grinding machine 14, and turn on the slurry pump 3. The slurry in the fermentation tank 1 is transported to the grinding machine 14 for grinding through the slurry pump 3. After grinding, the slurry is returned to the fermentation tank 1 to continue fermentation. Repeat this process multiple times until the particle size of the slurry meets the requirements. When grinding is no longer required, close the grinding valve 16 and open the return valve 8. The slurry enters the fermentation tank 1 from the return pipe 6, realizing the up-and-down turning of the slurry in the fermentation tank 1.

[0052] Step 5: Once the fermented material has matured, it is fed through the feeding system. The return valve 8 and grinding valve 16 are closed, while the feeding valve 9 and slurry pump 3 are opened. The material is then delivered to the feeding point via the feeding pipe 7 for the animals to consume. In practical use, a controller can be set to control the start and stop times of the feeding valve 9 and slurry pump 3, achieving fixed-point, timed, and quantitative delivery to the feeding point. After this batch of material is fed, steps 1-5 are repeated to enter the next cycle.

[0053] This automatic feeding machine uses bio-fermented feed to feed animals, which can significantly reduce feed costs, improve feed utilization, and shorten the breeding cycle.

[0054] The equipment uses sealed, constant temperature, liquid fermentation technology to achieve fully automatic control of feeding, grinding, and feeding, ensuring the fermentation maturity, particle size, and feeding amount of the feed.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding machine, characterized in that, The fermentation tank (1) is equipped with a feeding port (101) at the upper end. The fermentation tank (1) is heated and kept warm by a heat preservation and heating mechanism (2). A feeding system is provided on the outside of the fermentation tank (1). The feeding system includes a slurry pump (3). One end of the feed pipe (4) is connected to the lower end of the fermentation tank (1), and the other end is connected to the feed port of the slurry pump (3). The discharge port of the slurry pump (3) is connected to the discharge pipe (5). The discharge pipe (5) is connected to the return pipe (6) and the feeding pipe (7) respectively. The return pipe (6) and the feeding pipe (7) are respectively equipped with a return valve (8) and a feeding valve. The door (9) and the end of the return pipe (6) are connected to the top of the fermentation tank (1). A water pump (10) is provided on the outside of the fermentation tank (1). The water supply pipe (11) is connected to the inlet of the water pump (10). The outlet of the water pump (10) is connected to the fermentation tank (1) through the inlet pipe (12). A grinding machine (14) is provided on the top of the fermentation tank (1). The discharge pipe (5) is connected to the grinding material pipe (15). A grinding valve (16) is provided on the grinding material pipe (15). The grinding material pipe (15) is connected to the inlet of the grinding machine (14). The outlet of the grinding machine (14) is connected to the fermentation tank (1). The outlet of the water pump (10) is connected to the inlet pipe (12), the first backwash pipe (18) and the second backwash pipe (19) through a four-way connector (17). The first backwash pipe (18) is connected to the feed inlet of the slurry pump (3), and the second backwash pipe (19) is connected to the discharge outlet of the slurry pump (3). The inlet pipe (12), the first backwash pipe (18) and the second backwash pipe (19) are respectively equipped with an inlet valve (20), a first flushing valve (21) and a second flushing valve (22).

2. An automatic feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat preservation and heating mechanism (2) is located at the bottom of the fermentation tank (1). The heat preservation and heating mechanism (2) includes a heating element, and the outside of the fermentation tank (1) is covered with a heat preservation layer (26).

3. An automatic feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fermentation tank (1) is equipped with a stirring paddle, and the rotating shaft of the stirring paddle is driven by a stirring motor (13) located at the top of the fermentation tank (1).

4. An automatic feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet valve (20), the first flushing valve (21), and the second flushing valve (22) are solenoid valves.

5. An automatic feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fermentation tank (1) is equipped with a frame (23) on the outside, and the slurry pump (3) and water pump (10) are installed on the frame (23).

6. An automatic feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fermentation tank (1) is provided with a discharge port (102) at the bottom, and an air vent valve (24) is provided on the discharge port (102).

7. An automatic feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a feeding mechanism (25), the discharge end of which is located above the feeding port (101).

8. The method of using an automatic feeding machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Add the raw materials and bacterial strains into the fermentation tank (1) in sequence through the feeding mechanism (25). Connect the water supply pipe (11) to the water source and add water into the fermentation tank (1) through the water pump (10) and the water inlet pipe (12). Mix and stir evenly. Step 2: While mixing and stirring, turn on the heat preservation and heating mechanism (2) to heat the fermentation tank (1), so that the material is heated and kept warm for fermentation; Step 3: Turn on the water pump (10) and the second flushing valve (22) to transport water from the second backwash pipe (19) to the slurry pump (3). Then turn on the first flushing valve (21) and the inlet valve (20). The flushing water passes through the first backwash pipe (18) and the inlet pipe (12) in sequence and enters the fermentation tank (1). After the backwashing is completed, turn off the water pump (10), the inlet valve (20), the first flushing valve (21), and the second flushing valve (22). Step 4: During the fermentation process, close the return valve (8) and the feeding valve (9), open the grinding valve (16) and the grinding machine (14), and turn on the slurry pump (3). The slurry in the fermentation tank (1) is transported to the grinding machine (14) for grinding through the slurry pump (3). After grinding, the slurry is returned to the fermentation tank (1) to continue fermentation. This process is repeated multiple times until the particle size of the slurry meets the requirements. When grinding is no longer required, close the grinding valve (16) and open the return valve (8). The slurry enters the fermentation tank (1) from the return pipe (6) to realize the up-and-down turning of the fermentation tank (1). Step 5: The fermented material is fed through the feeding system. The return valve (8) and grinding valve (16) are closed, and the feeding valve (9) and slurry pump (3) are opened. The material is then fed to the feeding point through the feeding pipe (7) for the animals to eat.

Images