Up-and-down assistance device for poultry animals and raising poultry house for poultry having such up-and-down assistance device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lifting aid (10) for poultry animals, in particular chicks, for reaching different feeding layers (104, 104 ') on a feeding poultry house (100), comprising a ramp (12) which forms a tread surface (14, 14') and which can be pivoted back and forth between a first position (P1), which is oriented substantially horizontally, and a second position (P2), which is inclined at an angle (alpha) relative to the first position (P1), wherein in at least the inclined second position (P2), the tread surface (14 ') of the ramp element (12) has a plurality of tread steps (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mounting and dismounting device for poultry, particularly young animals, having a ramp forming a tread surface that can pivot between a substantially horizontally oriented first position and a second position inclined at an angle relative to the first position. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a poultry house having a frame and multiple feeding layers constructed at different heights within the frame. Background Technology

[0002] Upper and lower auxiliary devices are known in the prior art and are commonly used in poultry houses for raising poultry animals, especially laying hens. For rearing in accordance with the species' habits, poultry animals are preferably raised in multi-level poultry houses. Poultry animals, especially young animals such as chicks, can find various feeding and hydration devices on different levels of the poultry house. Furthermore, animals can retreat to resting areas during rest periods. Additionally, the poultry house is usually opened several weeks after chicks enter, allowing them to access scratching areas outside the poultry house. These scratching areas, usually on the floor of the shed, are necessary to allow poultry animals to move around and exercise their scratching instincts.

[0003] However, this rearing method results in the rearing levels in the poultry house being elevated relative to the floor, and the rearing levels being set at particularly different heights. Especially for pups only a few days old, access aids are needed to reach different rearing levels and the scratching area. These access aids allow them to move unimpeded between different rearing levels in the poultry house or from the poultry house to the scratching area and back. To ensure the animals' freedom of movement, access aids are known to be installed in the poultry house, which can be matched to the age of the poultry and its associated requirements, while also allowing for simplified cleaning below the access aids and beside or in front of the poultry house when needed.

[0004] For example, a type of ascending and descending aid for poultry animals is known from DE 20 2020 101 146 U1. This aid has a ramp forming a tread surface, which pivots between a substantially horizontal first position and a second position inclined at an angle α relative to the first position. In the substantially horizontal first position, the ramp forms an intermediate layer in the poultry house from which animals can subsequently enter the entrance area of ​​the poultry house. To clean the area in front of or beside the poultry house, the ramp moves upward at approximately 90° to the second position. Chicks only a few days old require a ramp element, in addition to the ramp itself, to work with it to cross the height difference between two feeding layers. However, even using the inclined tread surface of the ramp element to cross it still presents a challenge for chicks only a few days old. A ladder is also known that extends along an inclined plane and has rungs along with sub-areas open between the rungs, which also presents similar difficulties for chicks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a lifting and lowering auxiliary device for poultry animals, which enables efficient and species-friendly rearing of young animals, especially newly hatched chicks, in poultry houses.

[0006] The present invention achieves its objective in a climbing aid for poultry animals having features according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, the tread surface of the ramp has multiple tread steps in at least one inclined second position.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention proposes that the ramp, in its first position, also serves as an intermediate layer in the poultry house, in which it is oriented substantially horizontally. However, the upper and lower auxiliary devices should be positioned at a height above the shed floor, at a height that does not obstruct cleaning of the shed floor in front of or beside the poultry house. Furthermore, contrary to solutions known in the prior art using pivotable ramps, the ramp, in its second position, provides a walking element extending at an angle relative to the shed floor, which can be used in a simplified manner, particularly for chicks, especially newly hatched chicks. In this second position, the ramp extends at an angle α relative to the horizontal line, particularly the feeding layer or shed floor. In this inclined second position, the ramp forms multiple steps at the tread surface, which can be used significantly more easily by newly hatched chicks to overcome height differences in the poultry house. Thus, chicks only a few days old have already learned to exercise their motor skills. Preferably, the step is formed at an inclined position of the ramp element within the total length of the step surface.

[0008] According to a preferred improvement, the tread surface is composed of a plurality of tread surface elements configured to create a substantially planar tread surface in the horizontal position of the ramp and a stepped tread surface in a second position inclined at an angle α relative to the first position by means of a plurality of tread steps. The ramp according to the invention can thus fulfill beneficial functions in the poultry house in both positions when raising poultry animals. Preferably, the ramp is configured by means of a plurality of individual tread surface elements to form a planar bottom element in the poultry house in its horizontal position. The ramp as a bottom element can then be part of the feeding layer. Preferably, the ramp in its position inclined at an angle α relative to the horizontal position serves as a ramp with a preferably continuous stepped tread surface. With the aid of such a ramp, poultry animals can easily access different feeding layers within the poultry house or, when the poultry house is opened, unimpeded access to scratching areas, such as, for example, the house floor.

[0009] An improved version of the upper and lower auxiliary device proposes a tread surface having multiple tread surface elements movably accommodated at the ramp member, such that each individual tread surface element has a generally horizontally oriented tread step surface independent of the pivoting position of the ramp member. The ramp member, which can pivot back and forth between a first and a second position as needed, particularly has a tread surface that always matches its inclination, thanks to the individual tread surface elements. The tread surface elements constituting the tread surface have a tread step surface or upper side that extends horizontally regardless of the inclination of the ramp member or at any angular position of the ramp member. Thus, even a newly hatched chick can walk on the preferably inclined ramp member in any inclination position. According to the invention, the ramp member in its horizontal position utilizes its multiple tread surface elements to form a nearly continuous tread surface. In this document, the terms "continuous" or "uninterrupted" do not refer to a completely closed design of the tread surface, but rather to a continuous plane without height deviation, or without large gaps in the tread surface that could pose a potential risk of injury to poultry. Preferably, the ramp has multiple rows of individual tread surface elements arranged side-by-side and front-to-back to form the tread surface.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tread surface itself and the tread surface elements constituting the ramp have a grid or plate structure having multiple slits that interrupt the support plane of the tread surface. This ensures that excrement accumulated during the raising of poultry does not remain on the tread surface at the ramp, but is discharged into the manure collection layer below through the open design of the tread surface. Preferably, the outer edges of the tread surface or tread surface elements constituting the grid or plate structure are rounded to prevent the formation of sharp edges at the tread surface elements.

[0011] Preferably, the ramp has a first end with a pivot bearing thereon and a second end opposite the first end, pivotable about the pivot bearing, the second end preferably including a locking mechanism for locking the ramp in its horizontal position. In one possible design, a ramp with a length l ranging from 0.6m to about 1.5m and a width b ranging from 0.15m to 0.3m has a pivot bearing at its first end, the ramp being configured to pivot about the pivot bearing at an angle α of at least 90°. The first end of the ramp is preferably configured to be positionally secured to a receiving portion of the poultry house. In the installed state, the first end of the ramp with its pivot bearing forms a fixing point at the poultry house, about which the ramp can pivot at a predetermined angle α. A locking mechanism is provided at the second end of the ramp, by means of which the ramp can be secured at least in its horizontal position to the poultry house to realize a horizontally extending bottom element at the feeding layer.

[0012] According to a preferred improvement, the tread surface elements at the ramp are movably connected to each other by means of a coupling mechanism extending from a first / first end of the ramp to a second / second end. The coupling mechanism is specifically configured to allow all individual tread surface elements to move relative to each other as the ramp pivots. Preferably, the tread surface elements at the ramp move synchronously via the coupling mechanism as the ramp pivots. The coupling mechanism causes parallel guidance of the tread surface elements, thereby causing the tread step surfaces at the ramp's tread surface elements to preferably be horizontally oriented in each arbitrary pivoting position between a first horizontal position and a second position inclined at an angle relative to the first position, i.e., also in each arbitrarily set intermediate position. By means of the coupling mechanism, as the ramp moves to the second inclined position, the planar, almost closed tread surface in the first horizontal position of the ramp transforms into a stepped tread surface with multiple tread steps. Preferably, the ramp has at least two rows of individual tread surface elements connected to the coupling mechanism in its width direction. In one design, the ramp has at least ten rows, preferably about twenty to thirty rows, of individual tread surface elements connected to the coupling mechanism along its length.

[0013] In a preferred design of the upper and lower auxiliary device, the coupling mechanism has at least two rod elements oriented parallel to each other, each rod element being connected to the other at its end via retaining elements, and wherein each tread surface element is coupled to each of the rod elements via a rotary bearing. The rod elements form the basis for the coupling mechanism of the ramp element according to the invention and thereby achieve parallel guidance for the tread surface elements, which preferably are always oriented parallel to each other regardless of the pivoting position of the ramp element about its first end. Two adjacent ends of the rod elements are connected to each other via retaining elements. The retaining elements are configured such that, in particular, the ends of the rod elements respectively housed in the retaining elements are capable of relative movement relative to each other. All tread surface elements constituting the tread surface of the ramp element are movably coupled to each of the rod elements via rotary bearings. Thus, when the ramp element pivots and the two rod elements move relative to each other in association with it, synchronous movement of the tread surface elements at the ramp element is preferably caused. The coupling mechanism has at least two rod elements defining a first pair of rod elements. Preferably, in another embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a second pair of lever elements disposed parallel and offset from the first pair of lever elements. With the aid of four lever elements, the ramp member has increased torsional stiffness. When two sets of lever elements are used, the ends disposed adjacent to each other are connected to the same retaining element. Preferably, the pivot axis at the first end of the ramp member is generally transverse to the length direction of the ramp member and, in particular, transverse to the extension of the lever elements of the coupling mechanism that extend along the length direction of the ramp member.

[0014] According to a preferred design of the upper and lower auxiliary device, each rod element is fastened at one end to one of the retaining elements by means of a rotary bearing, and the opposite ends of each rod element are rotatably and translatably received at the respective opposite retaining elements by means of a rotary sliding guide. By means of the connection according to the invention between the rod elements and the retaining elements respectively located at the ends of the ramp element, necessary relative movement of the rod elements relative to each other is caused when the ramp is adjusted, thereby synchronizing the movement of the tread surface elements. Each rod element is configured such that one end is rotatable relative to the retaining element via a rotary bearing, but is fixedly fastened to the retaining element in other positions. The opposite ends of the rod elements are received at another retaining element by means of a rotary sliding guide. Preferably, the rotary sliding guide is configured as a curved track at the respective retaining element. When adjusting the ramp between the first and second positions, the second end of the rod element received in the rotary sliding guide is thus rotatably and slidably received relative to the retaining element.

[0015] According to a preferred improvement of the upper and lower auxiliary device, one of the two rod elements is positioned at the respective opposite ends of the ramp by means of a rotary bearing / a retaining element to which the rotary bearing is fastened. A rotary sliding guide for each of the retaining elements is also provided at the retaining element, which is located at the opposite ends of the ramp, by means of rotary bearings that fix the position of the rod elements but movably connect them to the retaining elements. As the ramp pivots from its first substantially horizontal position to its second inclined position, the rod elements, each fastened to a coupling mechanism of the tread surface elements, are preferably oriented parallel to each other throughout the entire range of motion of the ramp. Here, at least the spacing between the longitudinal axes of the two rod elements and the change in the axial position of the two rod elements relative to each other cause adjusting movements of multiple tread surface elements at the ramp.

[0016] Preferably, the retaining element located at the pivotable end of the ramp member is provided with a foot on the underside of the retaining element. Particularly when the ramp member is transferred from its substantially horizontal first position to its inclined second position, upon reaching its final position in the second position, the ramp member is simply and reliably positioned on the base defining the second position, for example, on the floor of a shed or on one of the feeding layers in a poultry house. The foot here preferably forms the underside of the retaining element and, in particular, a planar support surface. By means of a coupling mechanism, together with at least two rod elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the ramp member that also connect the two retaining elements, the foot moves similarly to a tread surface element during the adjustment movement of the ramp member, such that the support surface at the foot also maintains a persistently horizontal orientation.

[0017] In a preferred design, a retaining element located at the first end of the ramp member constitutes a pivot bearing for the ramp member and / or a retaining element located at the second pivotable end of the ramp member has a handle for operating a locking mechanism located thereon. Preferably, the retaining element at the first end of the ramp member, which itself constitutes a pivot bearing for the ramp member, is fixedly and immovably secured to a particular receiving portion of the poultry house. Similarly, the retaining element located at the second pivotable end of the ramp member maintains the same orientation relative to the retaining element at the first end of the ramp member in every position of the ramp member, even if the positions of the retaining elements relative to each other change. Preferably, the two retaining elements located at the respective ends of the ramp member have a substantially parallel orientation relative to each other. To enable movement of the ramp member away from its first substantially horizontal position, a handle is provided at the second retaining element in the form of a disengagement device for operating the locking mechanism located at the retaining element. This allows for easy release of the locking mechanism, enabling movement of the ramp member from its normally locked first position toward a second inclined position.

[0018] According to a preferred improvement of this upper and lower auxiliary device, the tread surface, preferably each tread element, has a grid structure with a mesh size ranging from about 1.0 cm to about 3 cm, preferably from about 1.8 cm to 2.5 cm. Preferably, regardless of the position of the ramp, the mesh size between two movable tread surface elements remains constant by means of a coupling mechanism connecting these tread surface elements. A grid or plate structure is used to form the standing surface for poultry on the ramp, having multiple through-holes, particularly during poultry rearing, so that excrement does not remain permanently on the tread surface or individual tread surface elements of the ramp. Due to the at least partially permeable nature of the tread surface or tread surface elements, excrement can be collected in a collection layer. Furthermore, by selecting a mesh size of about 1.0 cm to about 3 cm between the parallel and laterally extending plates or rods of the grid structure, a safe standing surface is defined for chicks (e.g., young birds) to prevent foot injuries.

[0019] In one possible design, the mesh size between two movable tread surface elements—preferably each composed of multiple parallel and laterally extending plates or rods—remains constant regardless of the position of the ramp, i.e., not only in a horizontally oriented first position but also in a second position inclined relative to the first position, by means of a coupling mechanism connecting these tread surface elements. This, particularly when the ramp is oriented inclined relative to the horizontal, avoids the possibility that pups could get trapped in gaps between adjacent but height-staggered tread surface elements, potentially leading to injury, in the case of a stepped construction of the associated tread surface. Furthermore, the outer edges of the grid structure preferably have rounded portions to avoid, and preferably prevent, potential cutting injuries to the feet of poultry, especially pups.

[0020] In a second aspect of the invention, there is a climbing aid for poultry, particularly chicks, for reaching different feeding layers in a poultry house, the climbing aid having a ramp forming a tread surface that can pivot back and forth between a first position oriented substantially horizontally and a second position inclined at an angle relative to the first position.

[0021] This invention solves its underlying task through a climbing aid for poultry animals with features characteristic of embodiments of the invention. Specifically, it proposes that the climbing aid is configured to switch between a first operating state I and a second operating state II, wherein the ramp's tread surface has multiple steps in the first operating state I at an inclined second position; and wherein the ramp's tread surface has a flat tread surface in the second operating state II at an inclined second position. Therefore, in a second aspect, the invention proposes that the ramp be configured such that in its inclined second position, i.e., in the first operating state, it can form a stepped tread surface with multiple steps, while in the second operating state, it can form a flat tread surface. Especially for day-old chicks, climbing a ramp with a inclined but flat tread surface may be easier than climbing a stepped tread surface with steps (the spacing of which is too large in the early stages of rearing). With the corresponding design of the invention, the climbing aid and its ramp, which can both pivot and switch between two operating states, can be used more flexibly and diversely.

[0022] According to a preferred improvement of the second aspect, the upper and lower auxiliary device is configured according to the preferred improvement or embodiment described for the upper and lower auxiliary device according to the first aspect. Preferably, in addition to the pivot bearing / the pivot bearing configured at the first end of the ramp member, preferably at the retaining element of the ramp member, another pivot bearing is configured, by means of which the retaining element defining the first end of the ramp member is pivotally connected to the retaining device. More preferably, the pivot bearing is provided with a locking mechanism for locking and releasing the second pivot bearing. The upper and lower auxiliary device according to the second aspect also utilizes the features and related advantages described for the first aspect, such as: the step surfaces of each tread surface element are horizontally oriented regardless of the pivot position of the ramp member; the coupling mechanism movably connects each tread surface element to each other; or a locking mechanism is provided at the second end of the ramp member for adjusting the ramp member; and the tread surface is designed as a grid or plate structure.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, at the first end of the ramp member, in addition to the retaining element disposed thereon, a retaining device is provided, wherein the retaining element defining the first end of the ramp member is movably hinged to the retaining device via another pivot bearing. By means of pivoting the ramp member about the pivot bearing that movably couples the retaining element and the ramp member to each other (this is preferably only feasible in the first operating state), a stepped tread surface is formed or multiple tread steps are formed on the tread surface of the ramp member as the ramp member is placed in the inclined position. By means of pivoting the ramp member about the pivot bearing that couples the retaining device and the retaining element to each other (this is preferably only feasible in the second operating state), as the ramp member is placed in the inclined second position, the tread surface of the ramp member will maintain its planar configuration. The pivot bearing connecting the retaining element and the ramp member to each other, and the pivot bearing connecting the retaining device and the retaining element, have pivot axes that are oriented parallel to each other and have a substantially horizontal orientation when the upper and lower auxiliary device according to the invention is in operation in a poultry house. In the installed state, the retaining device preferably forms a fixed trampling area on the poultry house.

[0024] In a preferred design, another pivot bearing connecting the retaining device and the retaining element is equipped with a locking mechanism for locking and releasing the second pivot bearing. This locking mechanism can lock or release the movement of the ramp member relative to the other pivot bearing. Preferably, the locking mechanism can lock or release the movement of the retaining element relative to the retaining device. Preferably, the locking mechanism has a locking pin, which can block or allow relative movement between the retaining device and the retaining element. In an alternative design, the locking mechanism includes a locking member that can be deliberately inserted into and removed from the pivot path of the retaining element, the locking member impeding relative movement between the retaining device and the retaining element in its inserted position. If the locking member is in its locked position between the retaining device and the retaining element, relative movement between the retaining device and the retaining element is impeded, thus the ramp member is in operating state I—a ramp member with a stepped tread surface—. If the locking component is removed from its locked position between the retaining device and the retaining element, the relative movement between the retaining device and the retaining element is released, thereby putting the ramp into operating state II - a ramp with a flat tread surface -.

[0025] Such a locking mechanism is unnecessary on the pivot bearing between the retaining element and the ramp, because the coupling mechanism that movably connects the tread surface elements on the ramp to each other is rather restrictive. As long as both pivot bearings can rotate, when an adjusting force is applied to the ramp, only the retaining device and retaining element perform relative movement to each other via the other pivot bearing. This coupling mechanism has a self-locking function, which is preferably overcome only when the pivot bearing connecting the retaining device and retaining element is obstructed, and only then is a stepped tread surface or multiple tread steps formed on the tread surface by the pivot ramp. However, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, regardless of the position of the ramp (extending horizontally or tilting towards it), the tread surface can be selectively switched between its planar configuration and stepped configuration—i.e., with multiple tread steps.

[0026] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a poultry house for raising poultry, having a frame and a plurality of feeding layers at different heights formed at the frame.

[0027] This invention also solves the problems inherent in the vertical support device according to the invention by providing at least one vertical support device according to one of the preferred embodiments described above in the poultry house. With this poultry house arrangement according to the invention, the rearing of poultry animals, especially chicks, is simplified from the outset. With the vertical support device according to the invention, even chicks as young as one day old can move safely and without problems between different rearing levels in the poultry house. Thus, from day one, the physical structure of the poultry animals is strengthened and promoted through exercise, thereby improving the overall welfare of the poultry animals raised in this poultry house according to the invention.

[0028] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to the application of a vertical support device according to one embodiment of the preferred embodiment described above, which serves as a bottom element of a feeding layer in a substantially horizontal first position in a poultry house and as a ramp connecting multiple feeding layers to each other in a second position inclined at an angle relative to the first position. It is feasible with the design according to the invention that the vertical support device for poultry animals according to the invention, by virtue of its pivotally oriented ramp, is not only used to overcome height differences within the poultry house, but also, in cases where it is desired to separate different feeding surfaces in the poultry house from each other, simply by pivoting the ramp from its second inclined position to the first substantially horizontally oriented position, it becomes a bottom element for the horizontal extension of a single feeding layer. Here, the ramp constructed according to the invention defines a substantially planar tread surface in its first horizontally oriented position and a stepped or planar tread surface with multiple tread steps in the second inclined position.

[0029] The preferred embodiments or improvements described regarding the upper and lower auxiliary device according to the invention are also preferred embodiments of the poultry house according to the invention and of the application of such upper and lower auxiliary device according to the invention. The preferred embodiments or improvements describing the upper and lower auxiliary device itself, with regard to the application of the poultry house or upper and lower auxiliary device according to the invention, are also preferred embodiments of the upper and lower auxiliary device. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on preferred embodiments. Herein lies:

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of the vertical auxiliary device for poultry according to the invention in a first substantially horizontal position is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of the upper and lower auxiliary devices in a second position tilted at an angle relative to the first position is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 The front view of the upper and lower auxiliary device in the first position is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 The front view of the upper and lower auxiliary device in the second position is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A front view of the upper and lower auxiliary device according to the invention in the second position is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 The invention is shown having the following characteristics. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a poultry house with upper and lower auxiliary devices, and

[0037] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 Front view of the poultry house;

[0038] Figure 8 A perspective view of the upper and lower auxiliary device according to another embodiment of the present invention in a first position is shown;

[0039] Figure 9 The diagram shows the second position and the second operating state, which are tilted at an angle relative to the first position. Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the upper and lower auxiliary devices; and

[0040] Figure 10 The second position and the second operating state are shown according to Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the upper and lower auxiliary devices. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 A loading / unloading aid 10 for poultry, particularly chicks, is shown. The loading / unloading aid 10 includes a ramp 12 that forms a tread surface 14 for the poultry to pass over. Furthermore, the ramp 12 allows the poultry to... Figure 1 The basically horizontally oriented first position P1 shown moves to a second position P2 that is inclined at an angle α relative to the first position. In particular, the ramp 12 is configured to pivot back and forth between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0042] As from Figure 1As can also be seen, the tread surface 12 is composed of a plurality of tread surface elements 16, 16', which are configured to create a substantially planar tread surface 14 in the horizontal position P1 of the ramp 12. The planar tread surface 14 is formed almost continuously in the horizontal position P1 of the ramp 12, even when a plurality of slits 18 are provided in the tread surface 14 or in the tread surface elements 16, 16' themselves, through which excrement produced in domesticated poultry can move through the tread surface 14.

[0043] Figure 2 The diagram shows the vertical support device 10 according to the invention, together with its ramp 12, in a second position P2 inclined at an angle α relative to the first position P1. Here, it can be seen that the tread surface 14 of the ramp 12 forms multiple tread steps 20 for poultry to traverse the ramp 12 in the inclined second position P2. In particular, the tread surface elements 16, 16' constituting the tread surface 14 are configured to create a stepped tread surface 14' in the second position P2 by means of the multiple tread steps 20.

[0044] As from Figure 1 and 2 It can also be deduced that the ramp member 12 has a first end 24 and a second end 26 disposed opposite to the first end 24. A pivot bearing 28 is formed at the first end 24, and the second end 26 is pivotable about the pivot bearing. A locking mechanism 30 is provided at the second end 26, by means of which the ramp member 12 is... Figure 1 In the horizontal position P1 shown, it is locked at the receiving portion 32 of the fixed surface element 34 of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10.

[0045] In one design, the tread surface elements 16, 16' are movably connected to each other by means of a coupling mechanism 36 extending from a first end to a second end of the ramp 12. The coupling mechanism 36 is preferably configured to move all the tread surface elements 16, 16' relative to each other as the ramp 12 pivots. In particular, all the tread surface elements 16, 16' move synchronously with each other as the ramp 12 moves between the first and second positions P1, P2.

[0046] Such external influence Figure 2 As can be seen, the coupling mechanism 36 has at least two rod elements 38, 38' oriented parallel to each other, which are connected to each other at their ends via retaining elements 40, 40'. (See from...) Figures 2 to 5It can be deduced that each tread surface element 16, 16' is coupled to each of the said rod elements 38, 38' via a rotary bearing 42, 42'. During the pivoting of the ramp 12 and the accompanying movement of the rod elements 40, 40' about the pivot bearing 28 at the first end 24, the relative movement of the tread surface elements 16, 16' with respect to the rod elements and the tread surface elements 16, 16' relative to each other is achieved via the rotary bearings 42, 42'. The tread surface elements 16, 16' at the tread surface 14 are movably received at the ramp 12, particularly by means of the coupling mechanism 36, such that each individual tread surface element 16, 16' is as if... Figures 3 to 5 As can also be seen, the step surface 44 has a generally horizontal orientation and is independent of the pivot position of the ramp 12.

[0047] Retaining elements 40, 40' are disposed at opposite ends of the ramp 12, wherein a retaining element 40 is provided at a first end 24 of the ramp 12, the retaining element constituting a pivot bearing 28 for the ramp 12 in the currently shown embodiment. The pivot bearing 28 has a pivot axis X1, which is substantially horizontal and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the ramp 12 in the installed state of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10 at the poultry house 100. Another retaining element 40' is disposed particularly at a pivotable second end 26 of the ramp 12, at which a locking mechanism 30 for locking the ramp 12 and a handle 46 cooperating with the locking mechanism 30 for operating the locking mechanism 30 are provided.

[0048] At each of the retaining elements 40, 40', one of the rod elements 38, 38' is rotatably secured by a rotary bearing 48. Furthermore, at each retaining element 40, 40', the end of a corresponding additional rod element 38, 38' is rotatably and translationally accommodated at the retaining element 40, 40' by means of a rotary sliding guide 50. Thus, the rod element 38 is connected at one end via the rotary bearing 48 to the retaining element 40 at the first end 24 of the ramp 12 and at its opposite end via the rotary sliding guide 50 to the retaining element 40' at the second end 26 of the ramp 12.

[0049] The rod element 38' is connected at one end to a retaining element 40' at the second end 26 of the ramp 12 via a rotary bearing 48, and at the opposite end to a retaining element 40 at the first end 24 of the ramp 12 via a rotary sliding guide 50. The two rod elements 38, 38' are thus fastened at one end to one of the retaining elements 40, 40' by means of a rotary bearing 48, the retaining element being located at the respective opposite ends 24, 26 of the ramp 12.

[0050] Such external influence Figure 2 and 4 It is found that a support leg 52 protruding from the lower side of the retaining element 40' is provided at the retaining element 40', and the support leg is located at the pivotable second end 26 of the ramp member 12. (As seen from...) Figures 2 to 5 As further explained, the retaining element 40 at the first end 24 of the ramp 12 constitutes a fixed point for fixed-position reception, and the retaining element 40' at the second end 26 of the ramp 12 is configured to be movable relative to the fixed point. The retaining elements 40, 40' at the opposite ends 24, 26 of the ramp 12 have a fixed, substantially parallel orientation relative to each other, independent of the position of the ramp 12, thereby achieving, in conjunction with the coupling mechanism 36, a preferred horizontal orientation of the tread surface 44 at each of the tread surface elements 16, 16' in all pivot positions of the ramp 12.

[0051] Figure 6 and 7 The illustration shows a poultry house 100 for raising poultry animals according to the invention, which has a frame 102 and a plurality of feeding layers 104, 104' formed at different heights on the frame 102. With the aid of a vertical movement device 10 according to the invention, which has a plurality of steps 20 formed at the stepping surface 14' of the ramp 12 in an inclined position P2, poultry animals can move safely and particularly easily between the different feeding layers 104, 104'. With the aid of the vertical movement device 10 according to the invention, as... Figure 7 As shown, poultry animals can also walk from the lower feeding layer 104 to the scratching area 106 in front of the poultry house 100.

[0052] Each of the vertical support devices 10 according to the invention, together with its ramp 12, can be relatively easily mounted at the horizontally extending support 108 of the frame 102, the ramp 12 in the currently shown embodiment cooperating with a surface element 34 that can be coupled to a pivotable second end 26 of the ramp 12. The vertical support devices 10 according to the invention fulfill a dual function in the poultry house 100. On one hand, in its inclined second position P2, the vertical support device 10 serves as a ramp for poultry animals, allowing them to move between different feeding layers 104, 104', and in a first substantially horizontal position P1, it serves as a bottom element 112 separating the different feeding layers 104, 104' of the poultry house 100 from each other. In one embodiment, the poultry house 100 according to the invention has one or more vertical support devices 10' for poultry animals as described below.

[0053] Figure 8An alternative design for a loading / unloading aid 10' for poultry, particularly chicks, is shown. The loading / unloading aid 10' includes a ramp 12 that forms a tread surface 14 for the poultry as it passes over the ramp 12. Furthermore, the ramp can be accessed from... Figure 8 The basically horizontally oriented first position P1 moves to a second position P2 tilted at an angle α relative to the first position, see [reference]. Figure 9 The ramp component 12 is configured to pivot back and forth between a first position P1 and a second position P2.

[0054] The ramp 12 of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10' also has a plurality of tread surface elements 14, which are configured to create a substantially planar tread surface 14 in the horizontal position P1 of the ramp 12. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the stepping surface 14 on the ramp 12 of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10' is configured to form a stepped stepping surface 14' in the inclined second position P2, that is, a stepping surface 14' with multiple stepping steps 20.

[0055] Upper and lower auxiliary devices 10' and Figures 1 to 5 The implementation of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10 shown is almost the same. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the above description of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10 and the poultry house 100 for the design of the tread surface elements 16 and 16', the coupling mechanism 36 connecting the tread surface elements 16 and 16', and the locking mechanism 30 that fixes the ramp 12 to the first horizontal position P1.

[0056] Furthermore, the upper and lower auxiliary device 10' is configured, for example, in the second position P2 of the inclined orientation of the ramp 12, to... Figure 9 The first operating state I shown and Figure 10 The system switches back and forth between the second operating state II shown. In the first operating state I, as the ramp 12 pivots, the tread surface of the ramp 12 forms a stepped tread surface 14' with multiple tread steps 20 in the inclined second position P2. Figure 10 In the second operating state II shown, the tread surface of the ramp 12 forms a planar tread surface 14 at the second inclined position P2.

[0057] The formation of these two operating states I and II is achieved, in particular, by means of a retaining device 54 additionally provided at the first end 24 of the ramp 12 and a pivot bearing 56 connecting the retaining device 54 to the retaining element 40 at the first end 24 of the ramp 12. The pivot bearing 56 is provided on one or more cantilever 62 extending from the retaining element 40. Figure 10On the upper and lower auxiliary device 10', and having a pivot axis X2, which is parallel to the pivot axis X1 of the pivot bearing 28 that connects the retaining element 40 to the ramp 12. In one embodiment, in the installed state of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10', the retaining device 54 is part of a fixed tread surface section on the poultry house 100.

[0058] In order to enable the upper and lower auxiliary devices 10' or ramp components 12 to be in Figure 9 The first operating state I shown has its stepped tread surface 14' and Figure 10 The device switches back and forth between the second operating state II, which has a planar tread surface 14, and a locking mechanism 58 is provided to the pivot bearing 56 that connects the retaining device 54 and the retaining element 40 to each other. With the help of the locking mechanism 58, the movement of the pivot bearing 56, especially the relative movement between the retaining device 54 and the retaining element 40, can be locked or released.

[0059] In the present Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 58 has a locking member 60 that can be inserted into and removed from the movement area between the retaining device 54 and the retaining element 40, and can move relative to the retaining device 54 along a locking or unlocking movement (arrow 66). In the released position (FIG. 10), the tread surface 14 is normally held in a planar configuration as the ramp member 12 pivots. When the locking member 60 unlocks, regardless of the position of the ramp member (horizontal or inclined orientation), the self-locking of the coupling mechanism 36 can be overcome by targeted force guidance, and the tread surface 14 is transformed from its planar orientation into a tread surface 14' with multiple tread steps 20. Figure 9 In the middle, the locking component 60—although details are not shown—is positioned in its locked position between the retaining device 54 and the retaining element 40. Thus, as the ramp 12 pivots, a tread surface 14' with multiple tread steps 20 is formed.

[0060] In a design not shown in detail, the locking mechanism 58 may also have a locking pin that locks or prevents the movement of the retaining element 40 relative to the retaining device 54 from the horizontal orientation of the ramp 12 by being inserted into a receptacle defined by the retaining device 54 and the retaining element 40.

[0061] Figure 10The ramp 12 of the upper and lower auxiliary device 10' in the inclined second position P2 is shown. When the locking mechanism 58 is unlocked or released, the retaining element 40 can move relative to the retaining device 54, i.e., the upper and lower auxiliary device 10' is in the second operating state II, and the ramp 12 has a flat tread surface 14 in the inclined second position P2. Instead of forming a pivot bearing 56 and pivot axis X2 on the cantilever 62 of the retaining element 40, a hole 64 formed between the rotary bearing 48 and the rotary sliding guide 50 can also be used as the pivot axis X2 to achieve relative movement between the retaining element 40 and the retaining device 54.

[0062] Similar or identical components are given the same reference numerals.

[0063] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0064] 10, 10' upper and lower auxiliary devices

[0065] 12 ramp parts

[0066] 14, 14' tread depth

[0067] 16, 16' tread surface element

[0068] 18 cracks

[0069] 20 steps

[0070] 24 First end

[0071] 26 Second end

[0072] 28 pivot bearings

[0073] 30 Locking Mechanisms

[0074] 32 Reception Sections

[0075] 34-sided components

[0076] 36 coupling mechanisms

[0077] 38, 38' rod element

[0078] 40, 40' holding element

[0079] 42, 42' Rotary Bearing

[0080] 44 Stepping on the steps

[0081] 46 handles

[0082] 48 Rotary Bearing

[0083] 50 Rotary Sliding Guide Device

[0084] 52 legs

[0085] 54 Holding device

[0086] 56 Pivot bearings

[0087] 58 Locking mechanisms

[0088] 60 Locking components

[0089] 62 cantilever

[0090] 64 holes

[0091] 66 Lock or unlock movement

[0092] 100 poultry houses

[0093] 102 Frame

[0094] 104, 104' Feeding Layer

[0095] 106 Grabber Zone

[0096] 108 pillars

[0097] 110 slope

[0098] 112 Bottom Components

[0099] α angle

[0100] G grid structure

[0101] MW mesh width

[0102] X1, X2 pivot axes

[0103] P1 First Position

[0104] P2 Second Position

Claims

1. An auxiliary device (10) for accessing different feeding layers (104, 104') of a poultry house (100), having a ramp (12) forming a tread surface (14, 14'), the ramp being pivotable between a first position (P1) oriented substantially horizontally and a second position (P2) inclined at an angle (α) relative to the first position (P1), wherein in at least the inclined second position (P2), the tread surface (14') of the ramp (12) has a plurality of tread steps (20).

2. The upper and lower auxiliary device (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The tread surface (14, 14') is composed of a plurality of tread surface elements (16, 16'), which are configured to produce a substantially planar tread surface (14, 14') in the horizontal position (P1) of the ramp (12) and a stepped tread surface (14, 14') in the second position (P2) by means of a plurality of tread steps (20).

3. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The tread surface (14, 14') has a plurality of tread surface elements (16, 16') which are movably accommodated at the ramp (12) such that each individual tread surface element (16, 16') has a generally horizontally oriented tread step surface (44) independent of the pivot position (P1, P2) of the ramp (12).

4. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The ramp (12) has a first end (24) which forms a pivot bearing (28) and a second end (26) which is pivotally disposed opposite to the first end (24) and pivotable about the pivot bearing (28). The second end preferably has a locking mechanism (30) for locking the ramp (12) in its horizontal position (P1).

5. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Its features are, The tread surface elements (16, 16') are movably connected to each other by means of a coupling mechanism (36) extending from a first end of the ramp (12) toward a second end (24, 26), the coupling mechanism being configured to move all the tread surface elements (16, 16') relative to each other, preferably synchronously, as the ramp (12) pivots.

6. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to claim 5. Its features are, The coupling mechanism (36) has at least two rod elements (38, 38') oriented parallel to each other, the rod elements being connected to each other at their ends via retaining elements (40, 40'), and wherein each pedal element (16, 16') is coupled to each of the rod elements (38, 38') via a rotary bearing (42, 42').

7. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to claim 6. Its features are, Each rod element (38, 38') is fastened at one end to one of the retaining elements (40, 40') by means of a rotary bearing (48), and the opposite end of each rod element (38, 38') is rotatably and translationally accommodated in the corresponding opposite retaining element (40, 40') by means of a rotary sliding guide (60).

8. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to claim 6 or 7. Its features are, The retaining element (40, 40') of one of the two rod elements (38, 38') is provided at the corresponding opposite ends (24, 26) of the ramp (12) by means of the rotary bearing (48) / said rotary bearing (48).

9. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 8. Its features are, A retaining element (40') provided at the pivotable end (26) of the ramp (12) is provided with a foot (52) provided on the lower side of the retaining element (40').

10. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 9. Its features are, The retaining element (40) provided at the first end of the ramp (12) constitutes a pivot bearing (28) for the ramp (12) and / or the retaining element (40, 40') provided at the pivotable second end (26) of the ramp (12) has a handle (46) for operating a locking mechanism (30) provided thereon.

11. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The tread surface (14, 14'), preferably each tread surface element (16, 16'), has a grid structure (G) with a mesh size (MW) in the range of about 1.0 cm to about 3.0 cm, preferably about 1.8 cm to 2.5 cm. Preferably, regardless of the position (P1, P2) of the ramp (12), the mesh size (MW) between the two movable tread surface elements (16, 16') remains unchanged by means of the coupling mechanism (36) connecting the tread surface elements (16, 16').

12. A vertical support device (10') for poultry animals, particularly chicks, for reaching different rearing levels (104, 104') on a poultry house (100), said vertical support device having: The ramp (12) constituting the tread surface (14, 14') is pivotable between a first position (P1) that is substantially horizontally oriented and a second position (P2) that is inclined at an angle (α) relative to the first position (P1). in, The upper and lower auxiliary device (10') is also configured to switch back and forth between a first operating state (I) and a second operating state (II). In the first operating state (I), the tread surface (14, 14') of the ramp (12) has multiple tread steps (20) in the inclined second position (P2), and In the second operating state (II), the tread surface (14, 14') of the ramp (12) has a planar tread surface (14) in the inclined second position (P2).

13. The upper and lower auxiliary device (10') according to claim 12. Its features are, The upper and lower auxiliary devices (10') are constructed according to any one of claims 2 to 11. Preferably, in addition to the pivot bearing (28) formed at the first end (24) of the ramp member (12), particularly at the retaining element (40), another pivot bearing (56) is formed, by means of which the retaining element (40) defining the first end (24) of the ramp member (12) is pivotally connected to the retaining device (54), and Preferably, the pivot bearing (56) is equipped with a locking mechanism (58) for locking and releasing the second pivot bearing (56).

14. A poultry house (100) for raising poultry animals, comprising: A frame (102) and multiple feeding layers (104, 104') at different heights are formed at the frame (102), and At least one upper and lower auxiliary device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or according to any one of claims 12 or 13.

15. An application of an upper and lower auxiliary device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upper and lower auxiliary device is used as a bottom element (112) of a feeding layer (104) in a substantially horizontal first position (P1) or as a ramp (110) connecting a plurality of feeding layers (104, 104') to each other in a second position (P2) inclined at an angle (α) relative to the first position (P1).

Images