Automatic animal feeding device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic animal feeding device, and relates to the technical field of feeding devices.The automatic animal feeding device comprises a feeding cage, one side of the feeding cage is provided with a cutting opening, and a feeding bin is rotationally arranged in the cutting opening; the water feeding assembly is installed in the feeding cage and used for automatically changing water and marking the water drinking amount; the output end of the feeding assembly is communicated with the feeding bin, and the feeding assembly is used for automatically supplying feed; the camera is installed in the feeding cage and used for monitoring the activity condition of the animals; the controller is installed on the feeding cage, and the controller is connected with the camera, the water feeding assembly and the food feeding assembly through electric signals and used for controlling the water drinking amount / eating amount of the water feeding assembly / food feeding assembly. The system has the effects of automatically feeding food and drinking water for the animals in the feeding cage, effectively records the drinking / eating habits of the animals in the feeding cage, monitors the interaction of the animals in real time, and collects the data to facilitate the statistical analysis of feeding personnel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of feeding devices, and in particular to an automatic animal feeding device. Background Art

[0002] In modern feeding technologies, the application of automated and intelligent devices is becoming increasingly widespread, and the automatic animal feeding device is one of the key technologies among them. It can not only meet the daily feeding needs of large animals, such as pigs, sheep, dogs, rabbits and other large animals, but also automatically feed at regular times and in fixed amounts.

[0003] After the experimental animals undergo surgery, they need to be observed. This work requires a large amount of manpower and time for observation and statistical analysis, which brings great inconvenience to experimental animal workers. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In order to improve the problem that it takes a large amount of manpower and time to monitor and obtain the data of the drinking water and diet of the animals in the feeding cage, this application provides an automatic animal feeding device.

[0005] An automatic animal feeding device provided by this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] An automatic animal feeding device, comprising: a feeding cage, a cutting opening is provided on one side of the feeding cage, and a feeding bin is rotatably arranged in the cutting opening; a water feeding assembly, installed in the feeding cage, for automatically changing water and marking the water intake; a feeding assembly, its output end is communicated with the feeding bin, for automatically supplying feed; a camera, installed in the feeding cage, for monitoring the activities of the animals; a controller, installed on the feeding cage, the controller is respectively electrically connected to the camera, the water feeding assembly and the feeding assembly, for controlling the water intake / feed intake of the water feeding assembly / feeding assembly.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solutions, the experimental animals after surgery are placed in the feeding cage for observation. The water feeding assembly feeds water to the animals within the set time segments, records the water consumed by the animals in multiple time periods, and can perform automatic water treatment within the preset time period. The feeding assembly records the diet of the animals within the predetermined time, realizes automatic feed supplementation, and then determines the condition of the animals after surgery based on the diet and water intake of the animals within the predetermined time. At the same time, the camera in the feeding cage can observe the activity images of the animals at different time periods, and the data and images collected from multiple groups of experimental animals can be effectively analyzed and observed.

[0008] Optionally, the water-feeding assembly includes a water feeder, a first valve connected to the input end of the water feeder, a second valve connected to the output end of the water feeder, and a float. The height of the input end of the water feeder is higher than that of the output end. The float is slidably arranged in a movable groove penetrating through the inner side wall of the water feeder. Scale lines are evenly marked at intervals on the inner side wall of the water feeder on one side of the movable groove.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, a height difference is generated between the input end and the output end of the water feeder, which helps drain water in the water feeder. The float is located in the movable groove, and the position of the float on the scale line is judged by the water level in the water feeder. After a predetermined period of time, the float is at different positions on the scale line, so as to learn the water intake of the animal within the predetermined time.

[0010] Optionally, the feeding assembly includes a storage bin, a control valve, a feeding pipe, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is installed in the feeding cage and abuts against the feeding bin. The storage bin is installed on the feeding cage. The ends of the feeding pipe are respectively connected to the output end of the storage bin and the input end of the feeding bin. The control valve is installed at one end of the feeding pipe close to the storage bin.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, by putting feed into the feeding bin, the diet content of the animal gradually decreases within a predetermined time. The pressure sensor transmits different signals to the controller according to the change in the feed quality of the storage bin it bears. When the feed in the feeding bin is insufficient or empty, the controller issues an instruction to the control valve, and the feed is transmitted from the storage bin to the feeding bin through the feeding pipe.

[0012] Optionally, the flipping part of the feeding bin is connected to the feeding cage through a locking part or a fastening part.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the bottom of the feeding bin is rotationally matched with the feeding cage through a rotating shaft, and the flipping part of the feeding bin is locked by means of a lock or a buckle, reducing the occurrence of the feeding bin moving in the cutting opening.

[0014] Optionally, a partition for separating two areas is further installed in the middle of the feeding bin, and the partition is integrally formed with the feeding bin.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the two areas separated by the partition facilitate two animals in the feeding cage to eat separately.

[0016] Optionally, the diameter of the movable groove is larger than the cross-sectional area of the float.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the float can move freely in the movable groove along with the height of the water level in the water feeder.

[0018] Optionally, a cage door is further opened on the side of the feeding cage, and the cage door is lock-fastened with the feeding cage.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, a snap-lock type locking cage is used, which is more convenient for managing the feeding cage.

[0020] Optionally, a plurality of feet are fixedly installed at the bottom of the feeding cage.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the feet create a height difference between the feeding cage and the ground, improving the ventilation and heat dissipation effect.

[0022] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0023] 1. The breeding personnel record the water level difference in the water feeder at intervals. Through multiple groups of data in multiple time periods, the water intake of animals in different feeding cages is recorded, so as to learn about the water intake status of animals in each feeding cage. The valves 1 and 2 control the draining and conveying of the water source in the water feeder, realizing automatic replacement of the water source in the water feeder;

[0024] 2. Different masses of feed are placed in the feed bin. When different forces are exerted on the pressure sensor by the feed bin, the pressure sensor outputs different signals to the controller at the same time. When the controller receives different signals from the pressure sensor, it can record the time taken for a certain amount of feed in the feed bin to be consumed, and automatically replenish it through the feeding component;

[0025] 3. The controller, the feeding component, the feeding component and the camera monitor the real-time activity status of the animals in the feeding cage, reducing the monitoring and observation of the feeding cage by a large number of personnel, obtaining a large amount of data statistics, analysis and comparison, and at the same time being able to record the daily feeding / drinking status of the animals. When abnormal fluctuations occur, the breeding personnel can be reminded in time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the feeding cage of the present application in a closed state.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feed bin of the present application in an open state.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a partial schematic diagram inside the feeding cage of the present application.

[0030] Figure 4 It is the present applicationFigure 3 Enlarged view in the A direction.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the water-feeding assembly of the present application.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1, feeding cage; 2, feeding bin; 3, water-feeding assembly; 4, feeding assembly; 5, camera; 6, controller; 31, water feeder; 32, valve 1; 33, valve 2; 34, float; 35, movable groove; 36, scale line; 41, storage bin; 42, control valve; 43, feeding pipe; 44, pressure sensor; 7, cage door; 8, support leg. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] The following will further describe the present application in detail Figures 1-5 in conjunction with the attached drawings.

[0034] The embodiments of the present application disclose an automatic animal feeding device.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1 , it includes: a feeding cage 1, a water-feeding assembly 3, a feeding assembly 4, a camera 5 and a controller 6; the camera 5 is installed inside the feeding cage 1 and is used to monitor the activities of animals; the activities of animals during eating, drinking and moving inside the feeding cage 1 can be recorded and monitored, and data of animals that interfere with drinking water and eating feed can be appropriately screened out, and the camera 5 inside each feeding cage 1 can accurately capture the dynamic situation of animals.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1 as shown, the controller 6 is installed on the feeding cage 1, and the controller 6 is respectively electrically connected to the camera 5, the water-feeding assembly 3 and the feeding assembly 4, and is used to control the drinking amount / feeding amount of the water-feeding assembly 3 / feeding assembly 4.

[0037] The feeding cage 1 has a cutting opening on one side, and a feeding bin 2 is rotatably arranged inside the cutting opening; the flipping part of the feeding bin 2 and the feeding cage 1 are connected by a locking member or a plugging member. By releasing the restriction of the locking members on both sides of the feeding bin 2, the feeding bin 2 can be flipped to a position of 90° - 110°, which is convenient for the breeding personnel to regularly clean the feeding bin 2 and flush the breeding environment inside the feeding cage 1; when the feeding bin 2 is used to hold feed or feeding food, it is locked by a plugging member to reduce the situation that the feeding bin 2 is overturned by animals in the holding state.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2 as shown, the partition board and the feeding bin 2 are integrally formed, and a partition board for separating two areas is also installed in the middle of the feeding bin 2. The partition board inside the feeding bin 2 is convenient for two or more animals placed in the same feeding cage 1 to eat, and avoids the situation of disturbing each other during eating.

[0039] Referring toFigure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in Figure 4 , the water feeding assembly 3 is installed in the feeding cage 1 and is used for automatically changing water and marking the water intake; the water feeding assembly 3 includes a water feeder 31, a valve 32 connected to the input end of the water feeder 31, a valve 33 connected to the output end of the water feeder 31, and a float 34. The height of the input end of the water feeder 31 is higher than the output end of the water feeder 31. The float 34 is slidably arranged in the movable groove 35 penetrating through the inner side wall of the water feeder 31. The caliber of the movable groove 35 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the float 34. The shape of the float 34 can be spherical, square or triangular pyramid. For example, the spherical float 34 floats on the water surface and moves along the height direction of the water feeder 31, and the float 34 is not easily separated from the movable groove 35. Scale lines 36 are evenly marked at intervals on the inner side wall of the water feeder 31 on one side of the movable groove 35. The float 34 and the scale lines 36 are provided on each side of the inner side wall of the water feeder 31, which is convenient for the breeding personnel to observe the water level in the inner water feeder 31 at different angles.

[0040] The breeding personnel divide the time into multiple segments, such as 7:00 - 9:00, 9:00 - 11:00, 11:00 - 13:00, 13:00 - 15:00, 15:00 - 17:00. After the water in the water feeders 31 of the animals in multiple feeding cages 1 is automatically emptied through the valve 33, the valve 32 automatically replenishes the drinking water in the water feeder 31, and at the same time records the water level in each feeding cage 1. The drinking water level in the water feeder 31 of each animal is recorded every two hours, and the water intake of the animals within each time period is obtained every two hours. In the case where the inner wall of the water feeder 31 is relatively dirty, the controller 6 is manually operated to automatically drain the drinking water in the water feeder 31 through the valve 33, and the corresponding water level of drinking water is injected by the valve 32, which is convenient for detecting the data of the water intake of the animals in multiple feeding cages 1.

[0041] The top and bottom of the feeding cage 1 are also equipped with pipes for transporting drinking water (the pipes are relatively conventional and are not shown in the drawings). When the drinking water is transmitted to the input end of the water feeder 31 through an external water supply source, the opening and closing are controlled by the valve 32 to realize the injection of water into the water feeder 31. The water level in the water feeder 31 can be known through the scale position of the float 34 in the movable groove 35, and the water in the water feeder 31 is discharged through the valve 33. The valve 32 and the valve 33 work independently, and both the valve 32 and the valve 33 are electrically connected to the controller 6.

[0042] See Figure 3As shown, the feeding component 4 has its output end connected to the feeding bin 2 and is used for automatically replenishing feed. The feeding component 4 includes a storage bin 41, a control valve 42, a feeding pipe 43, and a pressure sensor 44. The pressure sensor 44 is installed inside the feeding cage 1 and abuts against the feeding bin 2. The storage bin 41 is installed on the feeding cage 1. The ends of the feeding pipe 43 are respectively connected to the output end of the storage bin 41 and the input end of the feeding bin 2. The control valve 42 is installed at one end of the feeding pipe 43 close to the storage bin 41.

[0043] When the feeding bin 2 is empty of grain and abuts against the pressure sensor 44, the signal transmitted by the pressure sensor 44 to the controller 6 is A. When the feeding bin 2 contains feed or feeding food, the signal transmitted by the pressure sensor 44 to the controller 6 is B. When the signal received by the controller 6 is close to or less than A, the control valve 42 is under the instruction of the controller 6, and the control valve 42 will open to convey feed from the storage bin 41 through the feeding pipe 43 to the feeding bin 2. When the controller 6 receives a signal close to or greater than B, the controller 6 will automatically close, thus realizing the automatic replenishment of feed in the feeding bin 2. When choosing two methods to count the food intake data of postoperative animals, Example 1: Select multiple groups of experimental animals and record them at multiple time periods. The time period is divided into four segments: 8:00 - 12:00, 12:00 - 16:00, 16:00 - 20:00, and 20:00 - 24:00. The feed is supplemented to a certain quantity in each time period. Manually collect and weigh the remaining feed quality after the animals eat in each time period. Finally, compare the obtained food intake data with the daily food intake, and combined with the activities of the animals under the camera 5, the state of the animals can be clearly understood. Example 2: The controller 6 controls the control valve 42. The same quantity of feed is placed in the feeding bin 2, and the feed quantity in the feeding bin 2 is supplemented at intervals of time by the pressure sensor 44. Thus, the time when the animals eat the feed in a day and the number of times of feed supplementation in a day can be obtained from the controller 6. At the same time, combined with the activity status of the camera 5, compare the changes in the food intake of postoperative animals and normal animals.

[0044] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a cage door 7 is also opened on the side of the feeding cage 1, and the cage door 7 is in locking cooperation with the feeding cage 1. A number of feet 8 are also fixedly installed at the bottom of the feeding cage 1. The feet 8 at the bottom of the feeding cage 1 keep the feeding cage 1 at a certain height from the ground, which helps with heat dissipation and environmental ventilation inside the feeding cage 1.

[0045] The implementation principle of an animal automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of the present application is as follows: Normal animals and postoperative animals are respectively placed in the feeding cages 1 for different experiments. The water intake / food intake of the animals in the feeding cages 1 is recorded through the water feeding component 3 / the food feeding component 4. The activities of the animals in the feeding cages 1 are observed in combination with the camera 5, which facilitates subsequent comparison and analysis by the breeding personnel, so as to learn the feeding desires of the animals in different feeding cages 1. When the replenishment times of the feeding component are too many or too few, the controller 6 directly gives feedback to remind the breeding personnel that the animals have abnormal fluctuations.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terms "first", "second", "third" and similar terms used in the specification and claims of this application do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. The terms such as "a" or "one" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but indicate that there is at least one. The terms such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the elements or objects appearing before "including" or "comprising" cover the elements or objects listed after "including" or "comprising" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right" are only used to indicate the relative position relationship. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative position relationship may also change accordingly.

[0047] The above are all the preferred embodiments of this application, and the protection scope of this application is not limited accordingly. Therefore, all equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape and principle of this application shall be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic animal feeding device, characterized in that: include: A feeding cage (1), wherein a cutting opening is provided on one side of the feeding cage (1), and a feeding bin (2) is rotatably arranged in the cutting opening; A water feeding component (3) is installed in the feeding cage (1) and is used for automatically changing water and marking the amount of water consumed; A feeding component (4), the output end of which is connected to the feeding bin (2) and is used for automatically replenishing feed; A camera (5) is installed in the feeding cage (1) and is used to monitor the activities of the animals; A controller (6) is installed on the feeding cage (1). The controller (6) is respectively connected to the camera (5), the water feeding component (3) and the feeding component (4) through electrical signals, and is used to control the amount of water consumed / the amount of food consumed by the water feeding component (3) / the feeding component (4).

2. The automatic animal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water feeding assembly (3) comprises a water feeder (31), a valve 1 (32) connected to the input end of the water feeder (31), a valve 2 (33) connected to the output end of the water feeder (31), and a float (34); the input end of the water feeder (31) is higher than the output end of the water feeder (31); the float (34) is slidably arranged in a movable groove (35) extending through the inner wall of the water feeder (31); and scale lines (36) are evenly spaced on the inner wall of the water feeder (31) located on one side of the movable groove (35).

3. The automatic animal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding assembly (4) comprises a storage bin (41), a control valve (42), a feeding pipe (43) and a pressure sensor (44); the pressure sensor (44) is installed in a feeding cage (1) and abuts against the feeding bin (2); the storage bin (41) is installed on the feeding cage (1); the ends of the feeding pipe (43) are respectively connected to the output end of the storage bin (41) and the input end of the feeding bin (2); and the control valve (42) is installed at one end of the feeding pipe (43) close to the storage bin (41).

4. The automatic animal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turning part of the feeding bin (2) and the feeding cage (1) are connected via a locking piece or a plug-in piece.

5. The automatic animal feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A partition plate for separating two areas is also installed in the middle of the feeding bin (2), and the partition plate and the feeding bin (2) are integrally formed.

6. The automatic animal feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the movable groove (35) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the float (34).

7. The automatic animal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the feeding cage (1) is also provided with a cage door (7), and the cage door (7) and the feeding cage (1) are locked and matched.

8. The automatic animal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of supporting legs (8) are also fixedly mounted on the bottom of the feeding cage (1).

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