Precision feeding troughs and feeding systems based on scientific dairy farming

Abstract

This invention provides a precision feeding trough and feeding system based on scientific dairy cow farming, including a fixed base, a first weighing support, a hopper, a telescopic structure, and a controller. The fixed base has a horizontally positioned platform with a vertical gantry frame at the top. Two first weighing supports are provided. The hopper is rotatably connected to the two first weighing supports and has an identification module. During cleaning, the telescopic structure can tilt and flip the vertically positioned hopper to an open, downward-facing position. When the hopper is vertically positioned, the weight of the hopper and the telescopic structure is entirely distributed across the two first and second weighing supports. The precision feeding trough and feeding system based on scientific dairy cow farming provided by this invention, through the telescopic structure in conjunction with the two first and second weighing supports and the flippable hopper, ensures both weighing accuracy and ease of hopper cleaning, making it highly practical.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of animal husbandry technology, specifically relating to a precision feeding trough and feeding system based on scientific dairy cow breeding. Background Technology

[0002] As dairy farming shifts towards large-scale operations, the feed intake of dairy cows is also subject to scientific control, thus requiring the implementation of precision feeding.

[0003] In existing technologies, the key to precision feeding of dairy cows lies in the feeding trough. In large-scale dairy farming, the feeding trough needs to accurately weigh the feed to monitor the daily feed intake of each cow. This is typically a fixed, open-top structure with a weighing module at the bottom to ensure accuracy. A fixed amount of feed is usually added to the trough before each feeding, such as 30 kg. However, there will be leftover feed, which is usually used as bedding or compost. Therefore, the feeding trough needs to be cleaned after each feeding. This process involves washing, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive for fixed-structure feeding troughs, hindering the development of intelligent farming practices and resulting in poor practicality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a precision feeding trough and feeding system based on scientific dairy farming, aiming to solve the problem that existing fixed-structure feeding troughs are inconvenient to clean after each feeding due to limitations in weighing accuracy, thus causing poor practicality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming, comprising:

[0006] A fixed base has a horizontally set platform, and a vertical gantry frame is provided on the top of the platform;

[0007] Two first weighing supports are provided, and the two first weighing supports are spaced apart on the platform along the width direction of the vertical gantry frame;

[0008] A hopper is rotatably connected to two of the first weighing supports, and an identification module is provided on the hopper;

[0009] The telescopic structure has one end rotatably connected to the second weighing support set on the vertical gantry frame, and the other end rotatably connected to the hopper; the telescopic structure is used to drive the vertically set hopper to tilt and flip to an open and downward angled position during cleaning; when the hopper is set vertically, the weight of the hopper and the telescopic structure is entirely applied to the two first weighing supports and the second weighing support.

[0010] Matching controller.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the vertical gantry frame includes two spaced-apart columns; the second weighing support is located on one of the columns.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the hopper may have an opening on the side wall of the vertical gantry frame for the cow's head to be inserted.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the two first weighing supports are designated as a first support and a second support, respectively;

[0014] The first support and the telescopic structure are located on the same side.

[0015] The second support is located on the other side of the hopper and is rotatably connected to a hollow rotating shaft mounted on the hopper. A through hole is provided on the side wall of the hollow rotating shaft. An annular cavity is provided in the second support surrounding the hollow rotating shaft. A plurality of baffles are arranged in the annular cavity, and each baffle divides the annular cavity into sub-cavities that can communicate with the through hole respectively.

[0016] The precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow breeding also includes a self-cleaning module, which corresponds to at least two of the sub-cavities. The self-cleaning module is used to rinse and dry the inside of the hopper after the hopper rotates from vertical pitch downwards.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the self-cleaning module includes:

[0018] A U-shaped fixed pipe is arranged around the notch and located on the inner wall of the hopper; a plurality of injection ports are arranged on the U-shaped fixed pipe;

[0019] The connecting pipe has one end connected to the U-shaped fixed pipe and the other end connected to the hollow rotating shaft;

[0020] An air pump is connected to one of the sub-cavities;

[0021] A water pump is connected to one of the said sub-cavities;

[0022] During the downward tilting and flipping process of the hopper, it first passes through the sub-cavity corresponding to the air pump and then reaches the sub-cavity corresponding to the water pump.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the side wall of the hopper where the U-shaped fixed tube is located is designated as the first side wall, and the first side wall has three adjacent side walls; each of the injection ports is respectively positioned facing the three side walls adjacent to the first side wall.

[0024] In one possible implementation, a neck clamp is provided in the opening of the vertical gantry frame.

[0025] The present invention also provides a feeding system, comprising:

[0026] The aforementioned precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming is provided in multiple units, and each of the aforementioned precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow farming is arranged in sequence.

[0027] The feeding unit has multiple feed dispensing ends that correspond one-to-one with each of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy farming, and is used to quantitatively feed each of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy farming.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the feeding system further includes a discharge trough for collecting any remaining feed poured out of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy farming.

[0029] In this implementation, the two first weighing supports on the fixed base ensure the rotational connection of the feed hopper, while the second weighing support on the vertical gantry frame ensures the rotational connection of the telescopic structure. The two first and two second weighing supports, working in conjunction with the telescopic structure, allow the feed hopper to be vertically positioned, distributing all weight across both supports. This ensures accurate monitoring of feed reduction, facilitating scientific feeding of dairy cows. The telescopic structure also allows the feed hopper to tilt and rotate. When tilted downwards, the hopper's opening is angled downwards, facilitating the drainage of cleaning water during the hopper's cleaning process and improving convenience. Through the telescopic structure, the two first and second weighing supports, and the tiltable hopper, both weighing accuracy and ease of hopper cleaning are ensured, making it highly practical. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (Vertical setting);

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (Pitch down and flip);

[0032] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second weighing support of the precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy farming provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A of the precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming provided in the embodiment;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the second support structure of the precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy farming provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 10. Fixed base; 11. Vertical gantry frame; 12. Support platform; 13. Limiting slide rail;

[0038] 20. First weighing support; 21. Baffle plate; 22. First cavity; 23. Second cavity; 24. Guide limiting post; 25. Hinge seat; 26. Second pressure sensor;

[0039] 30. Hopper; 31. Notch; 32. Hollow rotating shaft; 33. Identification module;

[0040] 40. Telescopic structure;

[0041] 50. Second weighing support; 51. Vertical slide; 52. Sealing cover; 53. First pressure sensor;

[0042] 60. Neck clip;

[0043] 70. Self-cleaning module; 71. U-shaped fixing pipe; 72. Connecting pipe; 73. Air pump; 74. Water pump;

[0044] 80. Feeding unit;

[0045] 90. Discharge trough. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0047] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2The present invention provides a precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming. The precision feeding trough includes a fixed base 10, a first weighing support 20, a hopper 30, a telescopic structure 40, and a controller. The fixed base 10 has a horizontally arranged platform, with a vertical gantry frame 11 at the top. Two first weighing supports 20 are provided, spaced apart along the width of the vertical gantry frame 11 on the platform. The hopper 30 is rotatably connected to the two first weighing supports 20, and an identification module 33 is provided on the hopper 30. One end of the telescopic structure 40 is rotatably connected to a second weighing support 50 on the vertical gantry frame 11, and the other end is rotatably connected to the hopper 30. During cleaning, the telescopic structure 40 can tilt and flip the vertically arranged hopper 30 to an open, downward-facing position. When the hopper 30 is set vertically, the weight of the hopper 30 and the telescopic structure 40 is entirely distributed on the two first weighing supports 20 and the second weighing support 50.

[0048] The principle behind the precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0049] Before feeding, the telescopic structure 40 adjusts the hopper 30 to a vertical position, meaning the opening of the hopper 30 faces upwards. This ensures that the weight of the hopper 30 and the telescopic structure 40 is fully distributed across the two first weighing supports 20 and the second weighing support 50. The two first weighing supports 20 and the second weighing support 50 together accurately monitor the weight of the hopper 30 and the telescopic structure 40. When there is no feed inside the hopper 30, the controller receives an initial value. After feed is added to the hopper 30, the change in the values ​​displayed on the two first weighing supports 20 and the second weighing support 50 represents the initial weight of the feed. During the feeding process, dairy cows may engage in mobile feeding, meaning that each feeding amount comes from two or more different precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow breeding. When a dairy cow is in one of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow breeding, the identification module 33 can identify the cow by its ear tag. Then, after the cow leaves, it can accurately monitor the amount of feed consumed by the cow in that precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow breeding based on the amount of feed reduction.

[0050] After feeding, there may be some leftover feed or unpalatable feed components in the hopper 30. At this time, the feed may also contain cow saliva and other residues. The feed adheres to the inner wall of the hopper 30 and needs to be rinsed with water. The telescopic structure 40 can be used to rotate the hopper 30 so that its opening faces downwards, ensuring that the rinsing water can be poured out in time during the rinsing process, thus improving the convenience of rinsing.

[0051] The precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming provided in this embodiment, compared with the prior art, features two first weighing supports 20 on the fixed base 10 to ensure the rotational connection of the feed hopper 30, and a second weighing support 50 on the vertical gantry frame 11 to ensure the rotational connection of the telescopic structure 40. The two first weighing supports 20 and two second weighing supports 50 work in conjunction with the telescopic structure 40 to allow the feed hopper 30 to be vertically positioned, while simultaneously distributing all weight onto the two first weighing supports 20 and the second weighing supports 50, ensuring accurate monitoring of feed reduction and facilitating scientific feeding of dairy cows. Furthermore, the telescopic structure 40 can also tilt and rotate the feed hopper 30. When the feed hopper 30 tilts downwards, its opening is angled downwards, facilitating the drainage of cleaning water during the cleaning process and improving convenience. By using the telescopic structure 40 in conjunction with two first weighing supports 20, a second weighing support 50, and a flip-up hopper 30, the weighing accuracy can be guaranteed while ensuring the ease of cleaning the hopper 30, making it highly practical.

[0052] In some embodiments, the aforementioned vertical gantry frame 11 can be adopted as follows: Figure 2 The structure shown. See also Figure 2 The vertical gantry frame 11 includes two spaced columns. The second weighing support 50 is located on one of the columns.

[0053] Since the vertical gantry frame 11 is involved in the vertical setting, the second weighing support 50 is located on the vertical gantry frame 11, which can ensure that the hopper 30 is flipped to a vertical setting, thereby ensuring the accuracy of feed weight monitoring.

[0054] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 Regarding the second weighing support 50, it may include a vertical slide 51, which is slidably connected to a limiting slide rail 13 provided on the column. A sealing cover 52 is provided at the bottom of the slide groove of the vertical slide 51, allowing the vertical slide 51 to move only downwards and not diagonally upwards. A first pressure sensor 53 is provided at the bottom end of the vertical slide 51. Correspondingly, a support platform 12 is provided on the column, located below the vertical slide 51, which, together with the vertical slide 51, clamps the first pressure sensor 53. A limiting groove for embedding the pressure sensor may be provided on the support platform 12.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hopper 30 described above may be as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hopper 30 is provided with an opening 31 on the side wall of the vertical gantry frame 11, which allows the cow's head to be inserted. The opening 31 is designed to accommodate the cow's feeding habits and prevent the cow's neck from interfering with the hopper 30.

[0056] In some embodiments, the aforementioned weighing support may be adopted as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 5 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 and Figure 5 Two first weighing supports 20 are set as the first support and the second support, respectively.

[0057] Specifically, the first support and the telescopic structure 40 are located on the same side.

[0058] Specifically, the second support is located on the other side of the hopper 30 and is rotatably connected to the hollow rotating shaft 32 disposed on the hopper 30. A through hole is provided on the side wall of the hollow rotating shaft 32. An annular cavity is provided in the second support surrounding the hollow rotating shaft 32. Multiple baffle plates 21 are arranged in a ring within the annular cavity, each baffle plate 21 dividing the annular cavity into sub-cavities that can communicate with the through hole.

[0059] In this embodiment, a specific implementation of the first and second supports may include two guide limiting posts 24 fixed on the fixed base 10, with a hinge seat 25 sandwiched between each guide limiting post 24, and a second pressure sensor 26 provided between the hinge seat 25 and the fixed base 10. Each guide limiting post 24 has a limiting cap at its top, which abuts against the hinge seat 25.

[0060] The only difference between the first and second supports is the hinge seat 25.

[0061] Specifically, the precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy farming also includes a self-cleaning module 70, which corresponds to at least two sub-cavities. The self-cleaning module 70 can rinse and dry the inside of the hopper 30 after the hopper 30 rotates from vertical pitch downwards.

[0062] The second support divides the annular cavity into multiple sub-cavities by multiple baffles 21. Two of the sub-cavities are connected to the self-cleaning module 70. This structure ensures that the self-cleaning structure is linked with the flipping action of the hopper 30, so that the cleaning mode is triggered during the flipping of the hopper 30, thereby realizing the automatic cleaning and drying of the hopper 30, saving manpower and resources. It also avoids the hopper 30 being set vertically or accidentally triggering the cleaning mode during the feeding of dairy cows, which could frighten the cows.

[0063] In some embodiments, the self-cleaning module 70 described above may employ, for example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The self-cleaning module 70 includes a U-shaped fixed pipe 71, a connecting pipe 72, an air pump 73, and a water pump 74. The U-shaped fixed pipe 71 is arranged around the notch 31 and is located on the inner wall of the hopper 30. Several spray nozzles are arranged on the U-shaped fixed pipe 71. One end of the connecting pipe 72 is connected to the U-shaped fixed pipe 71, and the other end is connected to the hollow rotating shaft 32. The air pump 73 is connected to one of the sub-cavities through a high-pressure hose. The water pump 74 is connected to one of the sub-cavities through a high-pressure hose and can be placed in a water tank.

[0064] The U-shaped fixing tube 71 is arranged around the notch 31, which can thicken the edge of the notch 31 to prevent the cow's neck from being scratched due to the thin side wall of the hopper 30, thus ensuring safety. At the same time, after the hopper 30 is tilted, the side wall with the U-shaped fixing tube 71 will move to the top of the hopper 30. At this time, the water or air sprayed by the U-shaped fixing tube 71 through each spray nozzle can cover the entire inner wall of the hopper 30, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect of the hopper 30.

[0065] Specifically, during the tilting and downward flipping process of the hopper 30, it first passes through the sub-cavity of the corresponding air pump 73 and then reaches the sub-cavity of the corresponding water pump 74. This process requires the through hole of the hollow rotating shaft 32 to first pass through the sub-cavity corresponding to the air pump 73 (set as the first cavity 22) and then reach the sub-cavity corresponding to the water pump 74 (set as the second cavity 23).

[0066] One specific embodiment of the hollow rotating shaft 32 and the second support is as follows: the hopper 30 can be rotated at an angle of 110° from a vertical position to an open, downward-sloping position. When the hopper 30 is vertical, its through-hole can be set along the through-path of the vertical gantry frame 11 and facing the vertical gantry frame 11. The plane containing the axis of the through-hole is defined as the first plane. The angle between the first cavity 22 and the first plane is between 90° and 100°, while the angle between the second gun and the first plane is between 100° and 110°. This ensures that when the hopper 30 is rotated to a position of 90° to 100°, high-pressure gas blowing is triggered; high-temperature steam can also be used. When the hopper 30 is rotated to a position between 100° and 110°, high-pressure water cleaning is initiated. At this time, the hopper 30 is open and angled downwards, which ensures that the cleaning water mixed with residual feed is promptly discharged from the hopper 30.

[0067] In this embodiment, a sealed bearing is required for the connection between the hollow rotating shaft 32 and the second support.

[0068] In this embodiment, during the process of the hopper 30 being rotated from its vertical orientation, it can briefly skip over the first chamber 22 and proceed directly to the second chamber 23, where it will stop, i.e., it will be washed first. After the washing is completed, it can be tilted upwards to correspond to the first chamber 22 and stop there. At this time, the inner wall of the hopper 30 is dried by a high-speed airflow.

[0069] In some embodiments, the U-shaped fixing tube 71 described above can be adopted as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 The side wall of the hopper 30 where the U-shaped fixed tube 71 is located is designated as the first side wall, and the first side wall has three adjacent side walls. Each injection port is positioned facing the three side walls adjacent to the first side wall.

[0070] After the hopper 30 is tilted, the gas and cleaning water sprayed through the U-shaped fixed pipe 71 will impact the side wall adjacent to the first side wall, avoiding waste of cleaning water or ineffective cleaning. Furthermore, after the hopper 30 is tilted, the first side wall will be at the top of the hopper 30. At this time, the gravity of the sprayed cleaning water can be converted into some kinetic energy, thus ensuring the flushing of other side walls and guaranteeing the cleaning effect.

[0071] In some embodiments, the aforementioned vertical gantry frame 11 can be adopted as follows: Figure 2 The structure shown. See also Figure 2 A neck clamp 60 is provided in the opening of the vertical gantry frame 11.

[0072] During the feeding process, the cow's head must first pass through the vertical gantry frame 11 before passing through the opening 31 of the hopper 30 and extending into the hopper 30. Since the amount of feed in the hopper 30 is dynamic during the feeding process, a neck clamp 60 can be used to intercept the cow to prevent it from feeding at this stage.

[0073] The structure of the neck clip 60 can also be achieved using existing technology, and will not be elaborated here.

[0074] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a feeding system, including the aforementioned precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow farming and a feeding unit 80. Multiple precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow farming are provided, arranged sequentially. The feeding unit 80 has multiple feed dispensing ends that correspond one-to-one with each precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming, enabling the quantitative dispensing of feed into each precision feeding trough.

[0075] Compared with the prior art, the feeding system provided in this embodiment can ensure quantitative feeding into the hoppers 30 of each precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow breeding through the setting of the feeding unit 80. Multiple precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow breeding can ensure accurate monitoring of the intake of each dairy cow. At the same time, the feeding system, through the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow breeding, can achieve automatic cleaning, saving manpower and resources, and is highly practical.

[0076] In some embodiments, the above-described feeding system may employ, for example... Figure 6 The structure shown. See also Figure 6The feeding system also includes a discharge trough 90, which collects the remaining feed poured out from the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy farming. The discharge trough 90 ensures the collection of discharged washing water and remaining feed for subsequent processing.

[0077] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming, characterized in that, include: A fixed base has a horizontally set platform, and a vertical gantry frame is provided on the top of the platform; Two first weighing supports are provided, and the two first weighing supports are spaced apart on the platform along the width direction of the vertical gantry frame; The hopper is rotatably connected to the two first weighing supports, and the hopper is equipped with an identification module; the hopper is provided with an opening on the side wall of the vertical gantry frame for the cow's head to be inserted. The telescopic structure has one end rotatably connected to the second weighing support set on the vertical gantry frame, and the other end rotatably connected to the hopper; the telescopic structure is used to drive the vertically set hopper to tilt and flip to an open and downward angled position during cleaning; when the hopper is set vertically, the weight of the hopper and the telescopic structure is entirely applied to the two first weighing supports and the second weighing support. Matching controller; Specifically, two first weighing supports are designated as a first support and a second support; the first support and the telescopic structure are located on the same side; the second support is located on the other side of the hopper and is rotatably connected to a hollow rotating shaft mounted on the hopper; a through hole is provided on the side wall of the hollow rotating shaft; an annular cavity is provided in the second support surrounding the hollow rotating shaft; multiple baffles are arranged in a ring around the annular cavity, and each baffle divides the annular cavity into sub-cavities that can communicate with the through hole respectively; The precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming also includes a self-cleaning module. This self-cleaning module corresponds to at least two of the sub-cavities. It is used to rinse and dry the interior of the hopper after it rotates downwards from a vertical position. The self-cleaning module includes a U-shaped fixed pipe, connecting pipes, an air pump, and a water pump. The U-shaped fixed pipe is arranged around the opening and located on the inner wall of the hopper. Several spray nozzles are arranged on the U-shaped fixed pipe. One end of the connecting pipe is connected to the U-shaped fixed pipe, and the other end is connected to the hollow rotating shaft. The air pump is connected to one of the sub-cavities, and the water pump is connected to the other sub-cavity. During the downward rotation of the hopper, the feed first passes through the sub-cavity corresponding to the air pump and then reaches the sub-cavity corresponding to the water pump.

2. The precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical gantry frame includes two spaced columns; the second weighing support is located on one of the columns.

3. The precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall of the hopper where the U-shaped fixed tube is located is designated as the first side wall, and the first side wall has three adjacent side walls; each of the injection ports is respectively positioned facing the three side walls adjacent to the first side wall.

4. The precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical gantry frame is equipped with a neck clamp in the frame opening.

5. A feeding system, characterized in that, include: The precision feeding trough based on scientific dairy cow farming as described in any one of claims 1-4 is provided in multiple forms, with each of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy cow farming arranged in sequence. The feeding unit has multiple feed dispensing ends that correspond one-to-one with each of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy farming, and is used to quantitatively feed each of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy farming.

6. The feeding system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The feeding system also includes a discharge trough, which is used to collect the remaining feed poured out from each of the precision feeding troughs based on scientific dairy farming.

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