Animal restraining system and method for replacing an endless belt in an animal restraining system

Abstract

An animal restraining system comprising at least one endless belt (11), a floor bed (12a-b) for the respective endless belt and a support structure (16a). The at least one endless belt is rotatable in a longitudinal direction (LD) about at least one roller (13a-b), wherein an animal restraining area is formed on / defined by a respective upper surface of the endless belt. The floor bed is arranged to carry the weight of an animal (one or more) standing on the upper surface of the corresponding endless belt. The support structure is configured to support the floor bed. At least one, or preferably each, floor bed is supported by the support structure only at or near opposite lateral ends of the at least one floor bed. The invention also relates to a method for replacing an endless belt in an animal restraining system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal retention systems, which typically include one or more animal / livestock pens / sheds for restricting the freedom of movement of animals. More specifically, this invention relates to an animal retention system comprising one or more rotatable annular belts on which animals are held. Background Technology

[0002] Animals need to be kept on consistently clean and suitable surfaces. Bedding can be continuously spread on lying areas. Some animals require this material to allow them the opportunity to exhibit instinctive, normal behaviors such as rooting or scratching. Feeding, bedding, and cleaning have traditionally been extremely labor-intensive. As animal production becomes increasingly rationalized, there has been a growing search for ways to fully or partially automate this care.

[0003] The applicant's earlier patents SE508770C2 and SE525995C2 disclose animal crates comprising an annular belt / conveyor defining a support surface for the animal, wherein automated cleaning of the tray is achieved by rotation of the annular belt. This allows animal feces to be removed continuously or intermittently, and bedding to be conveyed forward. As disclosed in SE525995C2, the annular belt runs between two parallel (supporting) beams, a fixed support tray is positioned directly below the conveyor, and a drive mechanism is arranged at two lateral sides of the annular belt.

[0004] As disclosed in SE525995C2, one problem with the prior art animal boxes is that space is required between adjacent animal boxes in order to allow for maintenance of the drive unit and the ring belt (removal of worn ring belts and threading of new belts onto the drive rollers and support plates). Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved animal restraint system that is more space-saving and / or allows for simplified maintenance.

[0006] These and other objectives are achieved by an animal restraint system according to the independent claim of the present invention.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, an animal restraint system is provided, comprising at least one annular belt, base plates for respective annular belts, and support structures. The support structures are configured to support one or more base plates. The at least one annular belt is rotatable about at least one roller in a longitudinal direction, wherein an animal restraint region is formed / defined by the respective upper surface of the annular belt. The base plates are arranged to bear the weight of one or more animals standing on the upper surface of the respective annular belt. At least one, or preferably each, base plate may be supported only at or near the opposing lateral ends of the at least one base plate by the support structures or support beams.

[0008] The base plate can be described as having a lateral width greater than the lateral width of the annular band. Therefore, at least one, or preferably each, of the base plates can be supported by the support structure or support beam only at a lateral position outside the lateral extension range of the lateral width of the annular band.

[0009] In one embodiment, the support structure includes a plurality of support beams. In such embodiments, the support beams are advantageously arranged such that they extend parallel to the longitudinal direction at two lateral sides of each annular band. The support beams are configured to support the base plate (one or more). Each support beam can be described as being spaced apart by a distance greater than the lateral width of the annular band.

[0010] In other embodiments, the support structure may include longitudinal support sections. The support structure, or at least the longitudinal support sections of the support structure, may be formed, for example, by molding / casting and / or by bricks. The support structure may be formed on a tray (or ground) on which the animal restraint system is placed. The longitudinal support sections may be described as elongated, i.e., generally longer in width (viewed longitudinally) than in width (viewed transversely), and thus may correspond in function and shape to the aforementioned support beams. The longitudinal support sections are advantageously arranged such that they extend parallel to the longitudinal direction at two transverse sides of each annular band. The longitudinal support sections are configured to support the base tray (one or more). Each longitudinal support section may be described as being spaced apart by a distance greater than the transverse width of the annular band.

[0011] The support structure or support beam may also be configured to support one or more of the at least one roller. Alternatively, the at least one roller may be supported by the base plate.

[0012] In other words, an animal restraint system, also referred to as an animal / livestock feeding system or device, is provided for restricting the freedom of movement of animals kept in captivity. The system includes at least one annular belt (also referred to as a conveyor belt), a base plate (also referred to as a support plate) for each annular belt, and a support structure. The support structure may include multiple (at least two) support beams (or multiple longitudinal support structural sections). One or more, or each annular belt, is rotatable about at least one roller (e.g., two rollers) in the longitudinal direction. Rollers may also be referred to herein as rollers, i.e., generally cylindrical components. One or more of the rollers may serve as drive rollers, i.e., they are rotatably driven by a drive device to drive the rotational movement of the annular belt. Alternatively, the drive rollers may cooperate with the drive device to drive the rotational movement of the annular belt. The annular belt may be rotated intermittently or continuously by the drive device, which may include a drive cylinder (pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc.) and / or an electric motor. Animal restraint areas may be formed on the upper surface of the annular belt, i.e., they are defined by wall elements or fence elements that restrict animal movement (longitudinal and transverse boundaries). The base plate is positioned directly below the animal restraint area (i.e., at least partially within or through the loop formed by the annular belt) to support the weight of one or more animals standing on the upper surface of the annular belt. Therefore, the annular belt can be described as also being able to rotate around the base plate. Support beams (or longitudinal support structures) may be arranged (parallel to the longitudinal direction) at two lateral sides of each annular belt. At least one, or each base plate, may be supported only at or near the opposite lateral ends of the base plate by the support structure or support beam. Therefore, at least one of the base plates is self-supporting, i.e., there are no other lateral beams or the like between the support beams (or longitudinal support structures) supporting the base plate. The annular belt can be described as extending only around the rollers (one or more) and the base plate (i.e., not around the support structure). At least one of the base plates can be releasably connected to the support beam (or longitudinal support structure), or can be supported by being placed on top of or on the support beam (or longitudinal support structure), thereby allowing convenient removal of the base plate (one or more).

[0013] It should be understood that the lateral direction refers to the lateral direction relative to the annular belt, that is, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] The present invention is based on the understanding that by forming the base plate as an independent element that can be removed from the support structure / support beam, rather than being fixedly attached to the support structure / support beam / forming part of the support structure / support beam as in the prior art, the annular belt can be easily replaced, even when multiple animal restraint areas formed by the corresponding annular belts are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0015] The annular belt can be replaced by first de-tensioning the (old) annular belt, then removing the base plate, for example, by pulling the base plate laterally out of the annular belt. Afterward, a replacement / new annular belt can be placed in place, and the base plate can be slid laterally into the annular belt and positioned by the support beams (or longitudinal support structures). De-tensioning the annular belt can be achieved, for example, by disconnecting one or more of the rollers from their supported locations. In embodiments including adjacent animal restraint areas, the base plate needs to be raised high enough before being pulled out that it is positioned above the upper surface of the adjacent annular belt. This means that the annular belt can be replaced without requiring any lateral space between the support beams (or longitudinal support structures) of adjacent annular belts. The separation of the base plate from the support structure / support beams also forms a modular system, which facilitates installation / assembly and disassembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one roller may be supported by the support beam and the base plate (or the vertical beam / column described below). The at least one roller is advantageously releasably connected to the support beam and the base plate (or the vertical beam / column described below) to allow convenient removal of the at least one roller when the corresponding annular belt is replaced (as described above).

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one of the base plates is formed by at least two longitudinally adjacent base plate segments, which are self-supporting by being supported only by the support structure or support beam at or near their opposing lateral ends. This is advantageous because the base plates formed by the base plate segments are easier to lift / remove from the support structure or support beam, for example, when replacing the annular belt. Furthermore, the base plate segments facilitate installation / assembly and disassembly. One or both base plate segments located at one or more longitudinal ends of the base plate can be arranged to be supported by rollers, i.e., at least one roller is rotatably connected to / supported by the base plate segment. This allows the annular belt to be de-tensioned by lifting / displacing the roller-supported base plate segment.

[0018] In one embodiment, the system includes at least two annular belts, wherein at least one pair of annular belts is arranged adjacent to each other. A common support beam (or longitudinal support structure) among the plurality of support beams (or longitudinal support structures) may be arranged between the pairs of annular belts. The bottom support plate of the at least one pair of annular belts may be supported by the common support beam (or longitudinal support structure) at / near one of the respective lateral ends. The common support beam (or longitudinal support structure) for two adjacent annular belts is advantageous, not only because it reduces material costs, but also because it enables a more space-saving system (only one support beam or longitudinal support structure separates the two adjacent annular belts laterally).

[0019] In one embodiment, the animal restraint system further includes support feet for raising the support beam above the ground surface where the animal restraint system is positioned. The support feet are connected to or form part of the support beam. Raising the support beam above the ground surface is advantageous because it allows for easy cleaning of the ground. Raising the support beam above the ground surface is also advantageous because the support beam can be made of a non-water-resistant material such as wood. The support feet can be formed as part of uprights that are generally vertically arranged and extend (vertically) above the upper surfaces of the support beam and the annular straps (one or more), and wall elements or fence elements are connected to / can be connected to the uprights to form animal restraint boxes (one or more). The support feet or uprights can be provided with height adjustment devices, such as height-adjustable feet. This is advantageous because it allows the support beam to be adjusted to a horizontal position, even if the system is installed on an uneven, non-planar, or irregular ground surface. It should be understood that in this article, a beam refers to an upright, preferably generally vertical, elongated element, which may also be referred to as a column or post.

[0020] In one embodiment, the system further includes at least one sidewall element parallel to the longitudinal direction and extending laterally on the annular band. In another embodiment, at least one, or each support beam (or longitudinal support structure), is provided with at least one generally vertically oriented sidewall element, which is at least partially vertically positioned above and parallel to the support beam (or longitudinal support structure), thereby forming at least a portion of the sidewall for adjacent animal restraint areas. One or more, or each support beam, may be provided with two or more longitudinally adjacent wall elements, which advantageously have the same dimensions, thus forming a modular system. The wall elements may be supported / attached to the aforementioned uprights / posts. At least one sidewall element may be provided with a feeding trough to improve space efficiency and reduce costs.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one sidewall element forms a common sidewall for two animal restraint areas of adjacent annular belts. In another embodiment, at least one of the common support beams is provided with the at least one sidewall element, thereby forming a common sidewall for the animal restraint areas of adjacent annular belts. This achieves a space-saving and cost-effective system. One or more of the sidewall elements forming the common sidewall are advantageously provided with the aforementioned feeding trough.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one, or each, sidewall element is provided with at least one sealing portion at its bottom, the at least one sealing portion extending along the longitudinal extension of the sidewall element to seal against the upper surface of the annular belt. In other words, the sidewall element is provided with one or more sealing portions at its bottom end, the one or more sealing portions extending parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the sealing portions abutting against the upper surface of the annular belt to seal against the upper surface. The at least one pair of annular belts may be provided with at least one sidewall element, the at least one sidewall element may be provided with two sealing portions arranged parallel to each other at a lateral distance to seal against the upper surfaces of two adjacent annular belts (adjacent to a common support beam or longitudinal support structure (if present)). Such embodiments including sealing portions (one or more) are advantageous because they prevent manure and straw from leaving the annular belt laterally.

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more of the support beams (or longitudinal support structures) are provided with at least one bridging member, which is at least partially vertically positioned above and parallel to the support beam (or longitudinal support structure) to form a bridging area connecting an animal restraint area adjacent to the support beam (or longitudinal support structure) to an adjacent pallet area. One or more shared support beams (or longitudinal support structures) of the at least one pair of annular bands may be provided with the bridging member to form a bridging area connecting the animal restraint areas of the pair of annular bands adjacent to the shared support beam (or longitudinal support structure), thereby forming a larger animal restraint area. Therefore, the bridging member is used to connect an animal restraint area to an adjacent floor area (e.g., a concrete area adjacent to the animal restraint system), or, if the bridging member is provided on a shared support beam (or longitudinal support structure), to connect two animal restraint areas. In a manner corresponding to that described above for the reference wall element, two or more bridging members can be arranged longitudinally adjacent to each other and can be of a modular construction.

[0024] In one embodiment, one or more bridging members are provided with at least one sealing portion at the bottom portion of the sidewall element, the at least one sealing portion extending longitudinally therefrom to seal against at least one upper surface of at least one annular band adjacent to the support beam (or longitudinal support structure). The one or more bridging members may be provided with two sealing portions arranged parallel to each other at a (lateral) distance, thereby sealing against the upper surfaces of two adjacent annular bands (adjacent to a common support beam / longitudinal support structure).

[0025] In one embodiment, the at least one base plate is provided with ridges along two lateral edges, the ridges extending parallel to the longitudinal direction and projecting vertically upward toward the inner surface of the annular band. The ridges may have a generally triangular cross-section, thus forming a "wedge". At least one sealing portion of the aforementioned wall elements (one or more) or bridging members (one or more) is arranged laterally inside the ridges of the adjacent base plates, thereby pressing the annular band against the base plate while the lateral edges / sides of the annular band deflect upward. This is advantageous because the upward deflection or bending of the lateral edges / sides of the annular band prevents liquid from leaving the animal restraint area laterally.

[0026] In one embodiment, the system includes at least one drive unit connected to one or more of the at least one roller to drive the rotation of the annular belt, wherein, viewed longitudinally, the drive unit is arranged in front of the animal restraint area. By arranging the drive unit in front rather than laterally (as in the prior art), less space is required between two adjacent annular belts / animal restraint areas. Furthermore, maintenance of the drive unit is greatly simplified. In embodiments where the animal restraint area is defined or delimited by wall elements or fence elements, the drive unit is arranged outside the wall elements / fence elements at the front of the animal restraint area. The drive unit may include a drive member and a motion transmission member, wherein the drive member is arranged to perform a reciprocating motion, and the motion transmission member is arranged in the motion of the drive member to apply rotational motion to the (drive) roller, thereby applying longitudinal rotation to the annular belt. The drive member may be a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric motor.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one base plate is provided with a heating and / or cooling device. The heating and / or cooling device may be located at a (corresponding) portion of the at least one base plate, i.e., not necessarily across the entire base plate. A heating and / or cooling device can be advantageous because it allows for optimization of the animal's environment (temperature). A heating device can also be advantageous because it can reduce (or even eliminate) the need for heating in the animal restraint facility (e.g., a barn) where the animal restraint system is placed; that is, the heating device provides not only a suitable surface temperature for the animal on the annular belt but also heating for the entire animal restraint facility. In embodiments where at least one base plate is formed by at least two longitudinally adjacent base plate segments, at least one, at least two, or each base plate segment may be provided with a heating and / or cooling device. In embodiments where at least one base plate is formed by at least two longitudinally adjacent base plate segments, at least two base plate segments may be provided with the heating and / or cooling device and are provided with a connecting device configured to interconnect the heating and / or cooling devices of adjacent base plate segments.

[0028] The heating and / or cooling device may include conduits for conducting fluid to heat or cool the at least one base plate. The heated and / or cooled fluid may be supplied, for example, to conduits from heating and / or cooling devices such as solar panels (one or more), geothermal systems (one or more), or air-to-air heat pumps (one or more). In embodiments, the heated and cooled fluid may be supplied by the same heating and / or cooling device; for example, waste heat from a cooling device may be used to supply heated fluid to embodiments requiring both heating and cooling, i.e., embodiments having at least one conduit for heated fluid and at least one conduit for cooled fluid. Alternatively, the heating and / or cooling device may be electrically powered.

[0029] The heating and / or cooling device may be disposed above (at or below) the at least one base plate or base plate segment, thereby facilitating heat transfer to the annular belt. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one base plate or base plate segment may have a heating device disposed at its bottom portion, thereby heating the portion of the annular belt currently located below the base plate to partially dry that portion. This can be advantageous in humid climates where the annular belt requires drying.

[0030] In an embodiment, the at least one base plate may be provided with at least two zones, including at least one heating zone and / or at least one cooling zone and / or at least one passive zone (no heating or cooling). Each zone may be formed by one or more base plate segments or by one or more portions of base plate segments (one or more). Zones are advantageous because they allow the system to accommodate animals of different sizes with different temperature requirements. For example, sows with piglets in the same animal confinement area often have different requirements for optimal health—the sow may need cooling, while the piglets may need heating. This can be achieved by one or more heating zones and one or more cooling zones, which may be formed by corresponding base plate segments.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, an animal restraint system is provided, comprising at least one annular belt, a base plate for a respective annular belt, and a support structure. The support structure is configured to support one or more base plates. The at least one annular belt is rotatable about at least one roller in a longitudinal direction, wherein an animal restraint region is formed on / defined by a respective upper surface of the annular belt. The base plates are arranged to bear the weight of one or more animals standing on the upper surface of the respective annular belt. At least one, or preferably each, base plate may be supported by the support structure or a support beam. All features and advantages of the embodiments described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention can be applied to the corresponding embodiments of the second aspect of the invention.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for replacing an annular band in an animal restraint system according to any of the preceding claims. The method includes: - Release the tension of the annular belt; - Pull the base plate out of the annular belt, for example, in a generally lateral / sideways direction; - Remove the ring band (from the location of the ring band / from the animal restraint system); - A replacement ring belt is provided (the replacement ring belt can be a new ring belt); - Slide the base plate into the new annular belt; and - Place the base plate (along with the annular belt mounted thereon) into the position supported by the support structure / support beam.

[0033] The provisioning step advantageously includes placing the replacement annular belt to its desired / final lateral position (viewed in the lateral direction, between the support beams or longitudinal support structures). In such embodiments, the sliding-in step and the placement step can be performed simultaneously.

[0034] De-tensioning the annular belt can be achieved, for example, by disconnecting one or more of the rollers from where they are supported, or, if the rollers are supported / mounted to a base plate segment, by raising the unsupported longitudinal end of the base plate segment above the longitudinally adjacent base plate segment, thereby displacing the base plate segment and the rollers longitudinally and thus de-tensioning the annular belt.

[0035] In embodiments that include adjacent animal restraint areas / ring bands, the method may further include: prior to withdrawal, raising the base plate high enough that the base plate (and the ring band) are positioned above the upper surface of the adjacent ring band (to allow lateral displacement / withdrawal of the base plate). In such embodiments, placement includes lowering the base plate to a position supported by the support beam (or longitudinal support structure).

[0036] In embodiments where one or more rollers are not supported by the base plate, the rollers (one or more) also need to be pulled out of and slid into the annular belt (and optionally raised / lowered) in a manner corresponding to the base plate.

[0037] In embodiments where the base plate and one or more rollers are arranged longitudinally adjacent to or connected to each other, the base plate and the rollers (one or more) can be simultaneously withdrawn from and slid into the annular belt. Alternatively, one or more rollers can be slid into / installed into the annular belt after the base plate has been slid into / installed into the annular belt.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method includes: tensioning the replacement annular belt after the placement. In embodiments where one or more rollers are connected to / supported by the base plate, the tensioning may be considered part of the sliding-in or placement step.

[0039] The features of the above embodiments can be combined in any practically feasible manner to form an embodiment having a combination of these features. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The aspects of the invention discussed above, as well as other aspects, will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a A side view schematic diagram of a prior art animal restraint system is shown; Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a A top view of the animal restraint system in the diagram; Figure 2a A side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A top view of the animal restraint system in the diagram; Figure 3a An exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a A (non-decomposed) perspective view of the implementation method in the diagram; Figure 4 A partial side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view (taken along a transverse / vertical plane) is shown, representing a portion of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view (taken along a transverse / vertical plane) is shown, representing a portion of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view (taken along a transverse / vertical plane) is shown, representing a portion of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention. Figure 8 A side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 9a A base plate segment of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown, the base plate segment being provided with heating and / or cooling conduits; and Figure 9b A base plate segment of another embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown, the base plate segment being provided with an electric heating device. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1a A side view schematic diagram of a prior art animal restraint system is shown. Figure 1b It shows Figure 1aA top view schematic diagram of an animal restraint system. The system includes an annular belt 1 and a base plate 2, the base plate 2 being arranged in / through the annular belt to support the weight of one or more animals standing on the upper surface of the annular belt. The base plate includes two longitudinal beams 2a-2b and transverse beams 2d-2g fixedly attached to the beams 2a-2b, the beams supporting an upper surface 2h located below the annular belt. Therefore, the base plate forms a unit. Figure 1a As can be seen, rollers 3a-3b are rotatably connected to and supported by the longitudinal beams 2a-2b of the base plate. At least one of the rollers is driven by a drive device (not shown here) to rotate the annular belt. The base plate (and therefore the rollers and the annular belt) is supported by vertical column / leg-like members 4a-4d. The annular belt 1 is rotatable around the rollers 3a, 3b, wherein an animal restraint region is formed on the upper surface 1a of the annular belt 1. The animal restraint region is defined by wall elements 5a-5d.

[0042] Figure 2a A side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A top view of an animal restraint system. The animal restraint system includes at least one annular belt 11, base plates 12a-12b for the annular belt, and support beams 16a-16b. The annular belt is rotatable about rollers 13a and 13b in the longitudinal direction LD. An animal restraint area is formed on the upper surface 11a of the annular belt 11. The base plates 12a-12b are arranged to support the weight of one or more animals standing on the upper surface 11a of the annular belt. The support beams 16a-16b are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction on either lateral side of the annular belt 11. The rollers 13a-13b are rotatably connected to and supported by vertical posts 14a-14d. The vertical posts 14a-14d also support the support beams 16a-16b and serve as support feet to raise the support beams above the ground surface where the animal restraint system is located.

[0043] The animal confinement area is in conjunction with Figures 1a-1b The corresponding method is limited by the wall element (see...) Figure 2a The wall element 15a in the middle, but please note that for clarity, in Figure 2b(Wall elements omitted). The support beam is configured to support the base plate by resting its respective lateral ends on the support beam 16a-16b via the base plate segments 12a and 12b. Therefore, the base plate segments are supported only by the support beam and can thus be described as self-supporting and therefore removable. This is consistent with... Figures 1a-1b This contrasts sharply with existing technology systems, where the base plate is fixed and forms an integral part of the structure. This means that replacing the annular belt requires mounting the (new) belt from the lateral side onto the base plate and the roller, thus requiring... Figures 1a-1b The image shows the lateral space between two adjacent systems.

[0044] Figure 3a An exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a A (non-exploded) perspective view of an embodiment of the animal restraint system. The animal restraint system includes three parallel and adjacent annular belts forming three animal boxes 20a-20c. Reference numerals are provided only for animal box 20c, but it should be understood that animal boxes 20a and 20b are provided with corresponding components. Bottom plates 22a-22d and support beams (only one support beam 26 is visible in the figure) are provided for the annular belt 21. The annular belt 21 is rotatable about rollers 23a and 23b in the longitudinal direction LD. An animal restraint area is formed on the upper surface 21a of the annular belt 21. The bottom plates 22a-22d are arranged to support the weight of one or more animals standing on the upper surface 21a of the annular belt. The support beams are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction on any lateral side of the annular belt 21. Vertical posts 24a-24f support the support beams 16a-16b and serve as support feet to raise the support beams above the ground surface where the animal restraint system is arranged. The support beam located on the left side of the annular belt 21 (in) Figures 3a-3b (Not visible in the middle) forms a common support beam for boxes 20b and 20c, supporting not only the bottom support plate segments 22a-22d of box 20c, but also the corresponding bottom support plate segments of adjacent boxes 20b. The rollers 23a-23b are rotatably connected to and supported by vertical columns 24a, 24d, 24c, and 24f.

[0045] The animal confinement area formed on the upper surface 21a of belt 21 is defined by wall elements 25a′, 25a″, 25b′, 25b″, 25c, and 25d. As shown in the figure, each of the sidewall elements is formed by two longitudinally adjacent wall element portions 25a′, 25a″ and 25b′, 25b″. The wall elements are supported / attached to the aforementioned vertically arranged columns 24a-24f. The sidewall elements are provided with feeding trough portions (e.g., 28). The sidewalls 25b′ and 25b″ form common sidewalls for boxes 20b and 20c, and the sidewalls 25b′ and 25b″ are arranged above and parallel to the common support beam.

[0046] The system also includes a drive unit arranged along the longitudinal direction LD on the front side of the animal restraint area (outside the wall element). In the animal box 20c, the drive unit 27 is arranged on the transverse side of the annular belt 21 and connected to a roller 23a to rotate the roller 23a, thereby rotating the belt 21 along the longitudinal direction LD. The drive unit includes a pneumatic cylinder arranged to perform reciprocating motion, and a motion transmission member is arranged to apply rotational motion to the roller 23a. Figure 4 The detailed description of the drive unit in the text also applies to Figures 3a-3b The drive unit in the middle.

[0047] Figure 4 A partial side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown, in which a more detailed view of the drive device 37 is provided. The drive device includes a pneumatic cylinder 38, which is attached at its upper end to a vertical post 34 and at its other end to an arm 39, which is mounted to a drive roller 33 via a journal 39a.

[0048] The drive mechanism operates in a manner similar to that in the applicant's earlier patent SE525995C2, the main difference being that the cylinder is arranged upwards (instead of horizontally as in SE525995C2), meaning it can be mounted at the front of the animal restraint area, such as... Figures 3a-3bAs shown in the diagram, the drive mechanism operates as follows: When the pneumatic cylinder retracts / releases pressure, the upper end of the arm 39, as shown in the diagram, is pulled to the right / upward, causing the arm to initially rotate clockwise around the journal 39a. During this initial rotation, the rod 39a, which is abutting the annular belt 31, is released from its contact with the belt. This initial rotation stops shortly thereafter as the arm 39 has rotated to abut against the support member 39b. As the pneumatic cylinder continues to pull the upper end of the arm 39 to the right / upward, the connection of the arm via the journal 39a and the support member 39b to the drive roller 33 means that the drive roller rotates clockwise. In this connection, the friction between the drive roller 33 and the belt 31 is insufficient to transmit motion to the belt 31, so the belt remains stationary at this stage.

[0049] When compressed air is supplied to cylinder 38, it pushes the upper end of arm 39 downwards / to the left in the figure. Initially, arm 39 will rotate counterclockwise around journal 39a and move away from abutment with bearing member 39b. Shortly thereafter, rod 39c has rotated to abutment with belt 33 and prevents further rotation around journal 39a. The continued downward / leftward displacement of the upper end of arm 39 means that arm 39, via journal 39a and the abutment of rod 39c with belt 1, causes drive roller 33 to rotate counterclockwise. Rod 39c will be pressed against belt 31 with a large force, so that belt is pressed between rod 39c and roller 33. Therefore, as drive roller 33 rotates at this stage, belt will also rotate in the conveying direction (longitudinal direction LD). Thus, the annular belt will rotate intermittently. The rotational movement is relatively limited, typically less than 30 degrees.

[0050] Figure 4 The diagram shows the drive mechanism with the pneumatic cylinder in its fully retracted position, i.e., after the aforementioned rotation has occurred.

[0051] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view (taken along a transverse / vertical plane) is shown of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention. The system is similar to... Figures 3a-3b The system includes a common support beam 46 and a common sidewall element 45 with a feeding trough, the common support beam 46 supporting the bottom support plates 42a and 42b of adjacent annular belts 41a and 41b. Figure 5Further details are provided: the sidewall element 45 has sealing portions 45a and 45b at its bottom portion, the sealing portions extending along the longitudinal extension of the sidewall element to seal against the upper surfaces of the annular bands 41a and 41b. Furthermore, the base plates 42a and 42b have ridges 42a' and 42b' along their two lateral edges, the ridges extending parallel to the longitudinal direction and projecting vertically upward toward the inner surfaces of the corresponding annular bands 41a and 41b. The ridges have a generally triangular cross-section, thus forming a "wedge". The sealing portions 45a and 45b of the wall element are arranged laterally inside the ridges, causing the lateral edges / side portions 41a' and 41b' of the annular bands to deflect upward.

[0052] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view (taken along a transverse / vertical plane) is shown, representing a portion of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the invention. This embodiment corresponds to... Figure 5 In the implementation described above, the wall element 45 is replaced by a bridging member 55, which is arranged above and parallel to the support beam (and optionally connected / attached to the support beam), thereby forming a bridging region that connects the animal restraint areas of adjacent annular bands to form a larger animal restraint area. The sealing elements 55a and 55b of the bridging member are as described above. Figure 5 The same method is used to cooperate with the ridge.

[0053] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view (taken along a transverse / vertical plane) is shown, representing a portion of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the invention. This embodiment corresponds to... Figure 6 The implementation in this case differs in that the bridging member 65 connects the animal restraint area of ​​the annular band 61 to the adjacent surface 610. The sealing element 65a of the bridging member is as described above. Figure 5 The same manner is used in cooperation with the ridge of the base plate 62.

[0054] It should be noted that Figures 5-7 Only a portion of the base plate (one or more) and the annular belt is shown. It should be understood that the base plate (one or more) is designed to work with... Figures 3a-3b The corresponding method is supported by a support beam at its opposite ends.

[0055] Figure 8 A side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown. This embodiment is similar to... Figures 2a-2bOne embodiment includes at least one annular belt 71, bottom support plates 72a-72b for the annular belt, and rollers rotatably connected to and supported by vertical posts 74a-74b. Figures 2a-2b The implementation differs from the one described above, which includes a long longitudinal support structure (e.g., 76a) formed as a structure directly cast / brick-built on the ground (instead of...). Figure 2a (Support beams 16a-16b in the middle). The longitudinal support structure may be part of a common cast / brick support structure, or it may be a separate cast / brick element.

[0056] An elongated longitudinal support structure (e.g., 76a) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction at two lateral sides of the annular belt 71. The elongated longitudinal support structure is supported by bottom support plate segments 12a and 12b, whose respective lateral ends rest on the elongated longitudinal support structure. Figures 2a-2b In the corresponding manner, the bottom support plate segment is supported only by the long longitudinal support structure. Figure 8 The top view of the implementation method in the figure is actually the same as Figure 2b Same (wherein the longitudinal support structure is elongated, having the same...) Figure 2b (The width corresponding to the support beam in the middle).

[0057] Figure 8 The embodiment also includes a scraper 711 made of a flexible material, which is configured to scrape material (e.g., animal feces) from the surface of the annular belt 71 as the annular belt 71 rotates in the direction LD. The scraper (and the annular belt) may be of the type described in the applicant's previous patent application WO2018052358 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Figure 1- Figure 7 The implementation of the method may also advantageously include such a scraper.

[0058] exist Figures 3a-3b In variations of the implementation, the support beam (e.g., 26) may be composed of components such as Figure 8 The longitudinal support structure shown is a replacement for the support structure.

[0059] Figure 9aA base plate segment 82 according to an embodiment of an animal restraint system according to the invention is shown, the base plate segment being provided with a plurality of parallel heating and / or cooling conduits (e.g., 83). Each conduit 83 has flanges (e.g., 83′) formed at its two lateral ends to allow the conduits of adjacent base plate segments to be fluidly interconnected. The base plate segment is advantageously cast, for example cast from a plastic material, wherein the conduits are formed during casting. Alternatively, the base plate segment may be formed as a sandwich structure, wherein the conduits are formed between an upper base plate portion and a lower base plate portion. Alternatively, the conduits may be formed from hoses and / or pipes (if the base plate segment is made of, for example, wood). A source of cooling or heating fluid (which may be part of the system) may be connected to the conduits to cool or heat the base plate segment.

[0060] Figure 9b A base plate segment 92 according to another embodiment of the animal restraint system according to the present invention is shown, the base plate segment being provided with an electric heating device in the form of a heating cable 93, the electric heating device being located near the upper surface of the base plate segment (which may also be referred to as a heating pad for conventional tray heating). The heating cable is provided with electrical connections 93′, 93″ at its two lateral ends to electrically interconnect the heating cables of adjacent base plate segments.

[0061] Figures 9a-9b The base plate segment (or its features) shown can be used / applied to Figure 1- Figure 8 In any of the embodiments shown.

[0062] The base plate segment and support beam in the above embodiments can be made of any suitable material, such as wood, metal, or plastic. Annular straps suitable for animal restraint are known from the applicant's prior patents, and suitable materials include HDPE.

[0063] It should be understood that the term “vertical” used above should be interpreted as upward relative to the ground surface where the animal restraint system is placed, for example, substantially vertical.

[0064] The above description and accompanying drawings should be considered as non-limiting examples of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that several changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, if the base plate is formed of base plate segments, the number of segments can be varied. Furthermore, different types of drive devices, such as electric motors, can be used.

Claims

1. An animal restraint system, the animal restraint system comprising: - At least one annular band (11; 21) ； 31； 41a-41b), the at least one annular belt is capable of rotating about at least one roller (13a-13b; 23a-23b; 33) in the longitudinal direction (LD), wherein an animal restraint area is formed on the upper surface (21a) of the annular belt; - A base plate (12a-12b; 22a-22b; 42a-42b) for each annular belt, the base plate being arranged to support the weight of an animal standing on the upper surface of the annular belt; - Support structure (16a-16b; 26; 46), said support structure being configured to support the base plate. In this case, at least one of the base plates is supported by the support structure only at the opposite lateral ends of the at least one base plate.

2. The animal restraint system according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure includes a plurality of support beams (16a-16b; 26; 46) arranged such that the support beams extend parallel to the longitudinal direction at two lateral sides of each annular band (11; 21; 31; 41a-41b), the support beams being configured to support the base plates (12a-12b; 22a-22b; 42a-42b), wherein at least one of the base plates is supported by the support beams only at opposite lateral ends of the at least one base plate.

3. The animal restraint system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the base plates (12a-12b; 22a-22b; 42a-42b) is formed by at least two longitudinally adjacent base plate segments, which are supported only at opposite lateral ends of the base plate segments.

4. The animal restraint system according to claim 2 or claim 3, which is dependent on claim 2, wherein, The system includes at least two annular belts (41a-41b), wherein at least one pair of annular belts are arranged adjacent to each other, and a common support beam (46) of the plurality of support beams is located between the pair of annular belts, wherein the bottom support plate (42a-42b) of the at least one pair of annular belts is supported by the common support beam.

5. The animal restraint system according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 4 which are dependent on claim 2, further comprising support feet (14a-14d; 24a-24f) for raising the support beam (16a-16b; 26) above the ground surface on which the animal restraint system is disposed, the support feet being connected to the support beam or forming part of the support beam.

6. The animal restraint system according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 5 dependent on claim 2, wherein, At least one support beam (16a-16b; 26; 46) is provided with at least one sidewall element (15a; 25a′-25a″; 45), which is at least partially arranged above and parallel to the support beam to form at least a portion of the sidewall for adjacent animal restraint areas.

7. The animal restraint system according to claim 6, which is dependent on claim 4, wherein, The common support beam (46) is provided with at least one sidewall element (45) to form a common sidewall for the animal restraint area of ​​the adjacent annular bands (41a-41b).

8. The animal restraint system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, At least one sidewall element (25a′-25a″) is provided with a feeding trough (28).

9. The animal restraint system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, At least one sidewall element (45) has at least one sealing portion (45a-45b) at the bottom portion of the sidewall element, the at least one sealing portion extending along the longitudinal extension of the sidewall element to seal against the upper surface of the annular strip (41a-41b).

10. The animal restraint system according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 9 dependent on claim 2, wherein, One or more of the support beams are provided with at least one bridging member (55), the at least one bridging member being arranged at least partially above and parallel to the support beam to form a bridging area connecting the animal restraint area adjacent to the support beam with the adjacent pallet area.

11. The animal restraint system according to claim 9, which is dependent on claim 4, wherein, One or more common support beams of the at least one pair of annular belts are provided with the bridging member (55) to form a bridging area connecting the animal restraint area of ​​the pair of annular belts adjacent to the common support beam.

12. The animal restraint system according to claim 11, wherein, One or more bridging members (55) are provided with at least one sealing portion (55a-55b) at the bottom portion of the bridging member, the at least one sealing portion extending along the longitudinal extension of the bridging member to seal against at least one upper surface of at least one annular strip adjacent to the support beam.

13. The animal restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one base plate (42a-42b) is provided with ridges (42a′-42b′) along its two transverse edges, extending parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the ridges protrude upward toward the inner surface of the annular band (41a-41b).

14. The animal restraint system according to claim 13, which is dependent on claim 9 or 12, wherein, The at least one sealing portion (45a-45b) is arranged laterally on the inside of the ridge portion of the adjacent base plate.

15. The animal restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive device (27; 37) connected to one or more of the at least one roller (23a; 33) to drive rotation of the annular belt (21; 31), wherein, Viewed along the longitudinal direction (LD), the drive device is arranged in front of the animal restraint area.

16. The animal restraint system according to claim 15, wherein, The drive device (37) includes a drive member (38) and a motion transmission member (39), wherein the drive member is arranged to perform a reciprocating motion, and the motion transmission member is arranged in the motion of the drive member to apply a rotational motion to the roller (33), thereby applying an intermittent rotation to the annular belt (31) along the longitudinal direction.

17. The animal restraint system according to claim 1 or claim 3, which is dependent on claim 1, wherein, The support structure includes a plurality of elongated longitudinal support structure portions (76a) arranged such that the longitudinal support structure portions extend parallel to the longitudinal direction at two lateral sides of each annular band (71), the longitudinal support structure portions (76a) being configured to support the base plate, wherein at least one of the base plates is supported by the support beam only at opposite lateral ends of the at least one base plate.

18. The animal restraint system according to claim 17, wherein, The support structure is formed at least in part by casting and / or by bricks.

19. The animal restraint system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The system includes at least two annular belts, wherein at least one pair of the annular belts are arranged adjacent to each other, and a common support structure is provided between the pairs of annular belts, wherein the bottom support plate of the at least one pair of annular belts is supported by the common support structure.

20. The animal restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, One or more of the at least one base plate (82; 92) are provided with heating and / or cooling devices (83; 93).

21. The animal restraint system according to claim 20, which is dependent on claim 3, wherein, One or more of the base plate segments are provided with the heating and / or cooling device (83; 93) with connecting means (83'; 93'), the connecting means being configured to interconnect the heating and / or cooling devices of adjacent base plate segments (82; 92).

22. The animal restraint system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The one or more base plates are provided with at least two areas, the at least two areas including at least one heating area provided with a heating device and / or at least one cooling area provided with a cooling device.

23. The animal restraint system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The heating and / or cooling device includes a conduit (83) for conducting fluid to heat or cool the at least one base plate.

24. The animal restraint system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The heating and / or cooling device (93) is electrically powered.

25. A method for replacing an annular band in an animal restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: - Release the tension of the annular belt; - Pull the bottom support plate and the at least one roller out of the annular belt; - Remove the annular strip; - Replacement ring belts are provided; - Slide the base plate and the at least one roller into the replacement annular belt; as well as - Place the base plate in the position supported by the support structure.

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