Lamb supplementary feeding mechanism

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of lamb supplementary feeding mechanism, mainly relates to feeding facilities field.The length direction of relative sheep pen is by near and far and parallelly arranged groove and belt conveyor, the rack with linear stroke is equipped above conveying belt along its length direction, the chain with rotary stroke is equipped on the rack, multiple push plates are equidistantly equipped on the chain;When the groove is in vertical state, the side of the groove close to the sheep pen is provided with a vertical slot, the upper side of the groove is provided with a flat plate connected therewith and vertically extended, the groove has a swing stroke, so that the groove can be erected relative to the sheep pen or turned outward to be flat, and the flat plate outside is butted with the conveying belt when it is flat.The beneficial effects of the present application are that it is installed on the outside of the sheep pen fence, and is used for realizing automatic feeding and supplementary feeding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of feeding facilities, specifically a lamb supplementary feeding facility. Background Technology

[0002] Supplemental feeding of lambs is an important part of ensuring their healthy growth. Supplemental feeding usually begins after three weeks of age, when their foregut has developed a certain digestive capacity. Larger flocks usually start supplemental feeding when lambs are 15-21 days old, while smaller sheep farmers can start supplemental feeding when lambs start licking feed, and as early as 10 days old.

[0003] For supplemental feeding of lambs, alfalfa hay or high-quality green hay are preferred roughage, while concentrates mainly include corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran. Special attention must be paid to the freshness and hygiene of the feed during supplemental feeding, and it should be provided at a fixed time each day. Since the lambs remain in the same pen as their mothers, they need to be manually removed and isolated for individual feeding during supplemental feeding. In large-scale farms, this work is very labor-intensive, and the repeated transfer of lambs can easily lead to accidents and injuries, posing certain safety risks to personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lamb supplementary feeding mechanism, which is installed on the outside of the sheep pen fence to realize automatic feeding and supplementary feeding.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0006] A lamb supplementary feeding mechanism includes a trough and a belt conveyor arranged side by side from near to far along the length of the sheep pen. The belt conveyor includes a directional conveyor belt with a flat top surface. A frame with a linear travel along its length is provided above the conveyor belt. A chain with a rotational travel is provided on the frame. The rotational direction of the chain is that the chain located on the bottom side moves towards the trough. Multiple push plates are provided at equal intervals on the chain.

[0007] When the trough is in an upright position, it has a vertical opening on the side near the sheep pen, and a vertically extending flat plate connected to it on the upper side. A rotating shaft is located on the side of the trough near the opening, and the trough has a swing stroke based on the rotating shaft. The swing stroke has a feeding stroke position and a feeding stroke position. In the feeding stroke position, the trough and flat plate are upright. In the feeding stroke position, the trough rotates 90 degrees from the feeding stroke position towards the conveyor belt. At this stroke position, the opening of the trough faces upward and the flat plate is horizontal. The height of the flat plate is equal to or lower than the conveyor belt, and the side of the flat plate closest to the conveyor belt is adjacent to the conveyor belt.

[0008] The swing stroke also includes a clearing stroke position, which is a rotation of more than 90 degrees from the feeding stroke position toward the conveyor belt, until the trough is on top and the flat plate is tilted downwards.

[0009] A material collection trough is provided below the belt conveyor. The opening of the material collection trough is at the top and covers the area below the conveyor belt and the area below the trough body. When the trough body is in the empty stroke position, the bottom side of the flat plate is located in the material collection trough. The side of the material collection trough away from the sheep pen is inclined downward.

[0010] Above the conveyor belt are guide rails and a lead screw arranged side by side. The guide rails and lead screw are parallel to the conveyor belt and in the same direction, and both are fixedly installed. The lead screw is fitted with a lead nut.

[0011] The frame is provided with bearing seats and fixed seats at both ends respectively. A sliding sleeve tube is fixedly inserted through the fixed seat. The sliding sleeve tube is sleeved on the outside of the guide rail and slides with the guide rail. Driven sprockets are rotatably installed at both ends of the sliding sleeve tube through bearing components.

[0012] A rotating sleeve, rotatably connected to the bearing housing, passes through the bearing housing. The rotating sleeve is fitted around the outside of the lead screw, with its inner wall not in contact with the lead screw. The lead screw nut is coaxially fixed inside the sleeve. The rotating sleeve is driven by a rotary motor mounted on the frame, and drive sprockets are fixed at both ends of the rotating sleeve.

[0013] The chain consists of two chains, which are wound in a loop around the driving sprocket and the driven sprocket on the same side, respectively.

[0014] The chain is a roller chain. An L-shaped connecting plate is fixed on the outer chain plate inside the roller chain. The connecting plate has a through hole. A strip is provided between two corresponding connecting plates. Bolts that mate with the mounting holes are passed through both ends of the strip. One side of the push plate is fixed to the strip.

[0015] The push plate is inclined in the direction of the chain's travel on its outer side away from the slats. A flexible scraper is fixed to the outer side of the push plate. The scraper is inclined in the opposite direction to the push plate on its outer side away from the push plate. When the push plate is located below the chain, the bottom side of the scraper is in contact with the top surface of the conveyor belt.

[0016] The two ends of the trough are respectively provided with fixed frames, the rotating shaft is rotatably installed with the fixed frames through bearings, and one end of the rotating shaft is connected to a swing motor.

[0017] When the trough is in the feeding position, the height of the upper side of the trough is 30-45 cm.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] Our facility enables automated feeding and supplemental feeding, achieving long-distance feeding through mechanized operations. We use flatbeds to restrain and prevent adult sheep from eating, allowing only lambs to consume feed, thus eliminating the need for manual isolation. This is particularly effective in large sheep pens, ensuring even feed distribution and meeting the needs of large-scale farming. This significantly improves farming efficiency, reduces labor costs, and enhances standardization and management levels in livestock farming. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the AA cross-section (feeding stroke position).

[0022] Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 A diagram of the feeding route.

[0023] Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 2 A diagram showing the clearing of travel positions.

[0024] Figure 5 This is an overall schematic diagram of the invention at the feeding stroke position (the sheepfold is on the right).

[0025] Figure 6 This is an overall schematic diagram of the feeding route position of the present invention (the sheep pen is on the right).

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention in clearing the travel position.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a partial schematic diagram of the frame portion of the present invention.

[0028] The labels shown in the attached diagram:

[0029] 1. Belt conveyor; 2. Conveyor belt; 3. Guide rail; 4. Lead screw; 5. Frame; 6. Fixed seat; 7. Sliding sleeve; 8. Driven sprocket; 9. Bearing housing; 10. Rotating sleeve; 11. Drive sprocket; 12. Chain; 13. Connecting plate; 14. Slat; 15. Push plate; 16. Scraper; 17. Fixed frame; 18. Trench; 19. Rotating shaft; 20. Trench opening; 21. Flat plate; 22. Collection trough. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined in this application.

[0031] like Figure 1-8 As shown, for ease of understanding, the sheep pen is shown on the right. This supplementary feeding mechanism is installed on the outside of the fence along the length of the sheep pen to achieve automatic feeding and supplementary feeding.

[0032] The main structure includes a trough 18 and a belt conveyor 1 arranged parallel to the sheep pen fence. The trough 18 is located between the belt conveyor 1 and the sheep pen and is used to supplement the feed for lambs. The belt conveyor 1 is arranged in the same direction and at equal intervals relative to the sheep pen. The belt conveyor 1 includes a rotating conveyor belt 2 for directional conveying. The top surface of the conveyor belt 2 is flat. Since the feed for supplementing lambs is different from the pellet feed for adult sheep, the feed is mostly hay (alfalfa hay or high-quality hay, etc.) and various nutrient feeds (corn, soybean cake, etc.). When mixed together, there is both hay and pellets, which is not suitable for using existing feed mixing machines. Therefore, this device uses a belt conveyor structure and cooperates with the push plate 15 through the flattened belt surface.

[0033] Above the conveyor belt 2, there are guide rails 3 and lead screws 4 arranged side by side. The guide rails 3 are smooth rod guide rails 3, and the lead screws 4 are fitted with lead screw nuts. The guide rails 3 and lead screws 4 are arranged parallel to the conveyor belt 2 and in the same direction, and both are fixedly installed.

[0034] Above the conveyor belt 2 is a frame 5 with a linear travel along its length, and at both ends of the frame 5 are bearing seats 9 and fixed seats 6, respectively.

[0035] A sliding sleeve 7 is fixedly inserted through the fixed base 6. The sliding sleeve 7 is a long tubular structure. The sliding sleeve 7 is sleeved on the outside of the guide rail 3 and slides with the guide rail 3. Driven sprockets 8 are rotatably installed at both ends of the sliding sleeve 7 through bearing components.

[0036] A rotating sleeve 10, rotatably connected to the bearing housing 9, passes through it. A drive sprocket 11 is fixed to both ends of the rotating sleeve 10. The rotating sleeve 10 is fitted around the outside of the lead screw 4, with its inner wall not in contact with the lead screw 4. The lead screw nut is coaxially fixed inside the sleeve. The rotating sleeve 10 is driven by a rotary motor mounted on the frame 5. A chain 12, a roller chain, is wound around the drive sprocket 11 and the driven sprocket 8 on the same side. The two roller chains are positioned so that the opposite side is the inner side, and the side furthest from each other is the outer side. An L-shaped connecting plate 13 is fixed to the outer chain plate on the inner side of the roller chain. Mounting holes are passed through the connecting plate 13. A strip 14 is provided between two corresponding connecting plates 13. Bolts that mate with the mounting holes pass through both ends of the strip 14. Push plates 15 are fixedly mounted on some of the strips 14.

[0037] The chain 12 rotates in the following directions: the chain 12 on the bottom side moves towards the trough 18 and the sheep pen, while the chain 12 on the top side moves away from the trough 18. The push plate 15 is inclined in the direction of the chain 12 from the outer side away from the slats 14, and a flexible scraper 16 is fixed to the outer side of the push plate 15. The scraper 16 is inclined in the opposite direction to the push plate 15 from the outer side away from the push plate 15. That is, when the push plate 15 is below the chain 12, the bottom side of the push plate 15 is inclined towards the trough 18, enhancing the material collection and propulsion effect. The bottom side of the scraper 16 is in contact with the top surface of the conveyor belt 2, and the scraper 16 is inclined away from the trough 18, which facilitates better adaptation and scraping of feed on the surface of the conveyor belt 2 through deformation. This pushes the feed towards the trough 18.

[0038] Multiple push plates 15 are provided and are installed on the chain 12 at equal intervals.

[0039] Based on the above structure, when the frame 5 moves relative to the guide rail 3, it can simultaneously complete the rotation of the chain 12 and the feeding and dropping of materials. The feeding action and the moving action are completed in conjunction. This enables the automatic filling of feed into the trough 18 from one end to the other.

[0040] The two ends of the tank 18 are respectively provided with fixed frames 17 and rotating shafts 19. The rotating shafts 19 and fixed frames 17 are rotatably installed through bearings to realize the flipping of the tank 18. One end of the rotating shaft 19 is connected to a swing motor to drive the tank 18 to swing automatically.

[0041] When the trough 18 is in an upright state, the trough 18 has an opening 20 on the side near the sheep pen (away from the conveyor belt 2). The upper height of the opening 20 is adapted to the height of the lamb. Taking a common sheep as an example, the height of a lamb seven days after birth is usually 30-40 cm. It is recommended that the upper height of the opening 20 be about 30 cm so that the lamb can stretch its head to eat.

[0042] The upper side of the trough 18 is provided with a flat plate 21 integrally formed therewith. When the trough 18 is upright, the flat plate 21 is vertical and positioned near the trough opening 20. When upright, it can be close to the fence of the sheep pen, thus blocking the gap in the fence above the trough opening 20. This prevents adult sheep from stretching their necks out within that area, and the height near the trough opening 20 is too low for adult sheep to stretch their necks out at that height, thereby enabling feeding specifically for lambs. Personnel only need to supervise from one side to prevent individual cases, eliminating the need to isolate and supplement the lambs with feed, greatly saving time and labor.

[0043] The trough 18 is driven by a swing motor and has a swing stroke via a rotating shaft 19. The swing stroke includes three stroke positions: feeding stroke position, feeding stroke position, and emptying stroke position.

[0044] Feeding position: The trough 18 and the flat plate 21 are upright, the trough opening 20 is set close to the sheep pen fence, and the baffle is set close to the sheep pen fence;

[0045] Feeding stroke position: The trough 18 rotates 90 degrees from the feeding stroke position to the side of the conveyor belt 2 to reach the feeding stroke position. The opening of the trough 20 under this stroke position is upward and the flat plate 21 is horizontal. The height of the flat plate 21 is the same as or slightly lower than the conveyor belt 2. The side of the flat plate 21 closest to the conveyor belt 2 is adjacent to the conveyor belt 2. When the push plate 15 pushes the feed to the side of the trough 18, the flat plate 21 receives the pushed feed and guides the feed into the trough 18 when it rotates to the feeding stroke position.

[0046] Emptying position: With the trough 18 on top and the flat plate 21 tilted downwards, any uneaten feed in the trough 18 is emptied out so that the next day's feeding consists entirely of fresh feed. In this position, because the trough 18 is tilted and inverted, it can be easily cleaned by manual flushing.

[0047] Based on the above structure, the following actions are performed during material feeding:

[0048] The trough 18 is located at its feeding stroke position, with the trough opening 20 on top and the flat plate 21 connected to one side of the conveyor belt 2.

[0049] The conveyor belt 2 transports the feed in a directional manner. One end of the conveyor belt 2 is the feeding end, and the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 2 is from the feeding end to the other end. The feed is fed to the feeding end of the conveyor belt 2 by manual labor or equipment (such as a mixing equipment). At the same time, the push plate 15 reciprocates to lift the feed onto the flat plate 21, while the frame 5 moves along the direction of the conveyor belt 2, so that the feed is gradually fed from one end of the trough 18 to the other end.

[0050] After feeding is completed, the trough 18 is flipped from the feeding position to the sheep pen side to the feeding position to begin supplementary feeding;

[0051] After the supplementary feeding is completed, the trough 18 is flipped from the feeding stroke position to the empty stroke position on the conveyor belt 2 to empty the contents.

[0052] Our organization enables automated feeding and supplemental feeding of lambs without isolating them. Especially for large sheep pens, we can ensure even feeding, meet the needs of large-scale farming, comply with supplemental feeding requirements, and promptly empty the feed troughs to ensure that the feed is fresh, clean, and hygienic.

[0053] Automated, large-scale operations replace manual labor in repeatedly moving and isolating lambs, greatly improving breeding efficiency, reducing labor costs, and enhancing the standardization and management level of breeding.

[0054] Furthermore, a collection trough 22 can be installed below the belt conveyor 1. One side of the collection trough 22 is located below the trough body 18, and the collection trough 22 covers the area below the conveyor belt 2. It can collect fallen feed and also receive feed that has fallen after the trough body 18 has been emptied. The side of the collection trough 22 away from the sheep pen slopes downward, concentrating the collected feed on the outside away from the sheep pen for easy manual collection. This feed can be recycled and used to feed adult sheep, avoiding waste. It also avoids polluting the sheep pen environment, further reduces manual labor, and achieves clean feeding.

Claims

1. A lamb supplementary feeding mechanism, characterized in that, The system includes a trough and a belt conveyor arranged side by side along the length of the sheep pen from near to far. The belt conveyor includes a directional conveyor belt with a flat top surface. Above the conveyor belt is a frame with a linear travel along its length. The frame is equipped with a chain with a rotational travel. The rotational direction of the chain is that the chain located on the bottom side moves towards the trough. Multiple push plates are evenly spaced on the chain. When the trough is in an upright state, it has a vertical opening on the side near the sheep pen, and a vertically extending flat plate connected to it on the upper side. The trough has a rotating shaft on the side near the opening, and the trough has a swing stroke based on the rotating shaft. The swing stroke has a feeding stroke position and a feeding stroke position. The feeding stroke position is when the trough and flat plate are upright. The feeding stroke position is when the trough rotates 90 degrees from the feeding stroke position toward the conveyor belt. The opening of the trough at the feeding stroke position is upward and the flat plate is horizontal. The height of the flat plate is the same as or lower than the conveyor belt. The side of the flat plate near the conveyor belt is adjacent to the conveyor belt. When the trough is in the feeding position, the height of the upper side of the trough is 30-45 cm. The flat plate is set on the side close to the trough. When it is upright, it can be close to the fence of the sheep pen, thereby blocking the gap of the fence above the trough. This prevents the large sheep from sticking out their necks within the blocked area. Also, the height near the trough is too low, making it difficult for the large sheep to stick out their necks at that height, thus enabling feeding specifically for the small sheep. Above the conveyor belt are guide rails and a lead screw arranged side by side. The guide rails and lead screw are parallel to the conveyor belt and in the same direction, and both are fixedly installed. The lead screw is fitted with a lead nut. The frame is provided with bearing seats and fixed seats at both ends respectively. A sliding sleeve tube is fixedly inserted through the fixed seat. The sliding sleeve tube is sleeved on the outside of the guide rail and slides with the guide rail. Driven sprockets are rotatably installed at both ends of the sliding sleeve tube through bearing components. A rotating sleeve rotatably connects to the bearing housing. The rotating sleeve is fitted around the outside of the lead screw, but its inner wall does not contact the lead screw. The lead screw nut is coaxially fixed inside the sleeve. The rotating sleeve is driven by a rotary motor mounted on the frame, and drive sprockets are fixed at both ends of the rotating sleeve. The chain consists of two chains, which are wound in a loop around the driving sprocket and the driven sprocket on the same side, respectively; The chain is a roller chain. An L-shaped connecting plate is fixed on the outer chain plate inside the roller chain. The connecting plate has a through hole. A strip is provided between two corresponding connecting plates. Bolts that mate with the mounting holes are passed through both ends of the strip. One side of the push plate is fixed to the strip. The push plate is inclined in the direction of the chain's travel on its outer side away from the slats. A flexible scraper is fixed to the outer side of the push plate. The scraper is inclined in the opposite direction to the push plate on its outer side away from the push plate. When the push plate is located below the chain, the bottom side of the scraper is in contact with the top surface of the conveyor belt.

2. The lamb supplementary feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swing stroke also includes a clearing stroke position, which is a rotation of more than 90 degrees from the feeding stroke position toward the conveyor belt, until the trough is on top and the flat plate is tilted downwards.

3. The lamb supplementary feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, A material collection trough is provided below the belt conveyor. The opening of the material collection trough is at the top and covers the area below the conveyor belt and the area below the trough body. When the trough body is in the empty stroke position, the bottom side of the flat plate is located in the material collection trough. The side of the material collection trough away from the sheep pen is inclined downward.

4. The lamb supplementary feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the trough are respectively provided with fixed frames, the rotating shaft is rotatably installed with the fixed frames through bearings, and one end of the rotating shaft is connected to a swing motor.

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