A feed distribution system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a feed distribution system, including a storage bin, a transfer device, and a distribution device. The transfer device receives feed from the storage bin, and the distribution device receives feed from the transfer device. The transfer device includes a feeding mechanism and a weighing mechanism arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The feeding mechanism has a feeding port and is used to transport feed from the storage bin to the feeding port. The weighing mechanism receives feed from the feeding port, weighs it, and unloads it. The distribution device includes a distribution mechanism and a feeding bin. The distribution mechanism receives feed from the weighing mechanism and transfers it to the feeding bin. The technical solution of this utility model aims to improve feeding efficiency and reduce the labor intensity of feeders.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automation technology, and in particular to a feed dispensing system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most small and medium-sized farms still rely on traditional manual methods to distribute feed. Farmers need to manually weigh, transport, and distribute feed based on their experience. This process not only consumes a lot of manpower and resources but is also significantly affected by human factors, making it difficult to guarantee the uniformity and stability of feed distribution.

[0003] Manual feed distribution is a cumbersome and time-consuming process, from weighing to distributing to each feeding point. This is especially true on large-scale farms, where the increased labor intensity makes it prone to delays or omissions. Furthermore, manual operation lacks precise measurement and control methods, making it difficult to dynamically adjust feed intake according to the different growth stages of the flock (e.g., chicks, pullets, and laying hens). This can lead to insufficient or excessive intake in some flocks, affecting growth rate and egg production. In addition, during manual handling and distribution, feed is easily wasted due to spillage, accumulation, or adhesion to container walls. Residual feed may also spoil due to environmental humidity and temperature, fostering mold or harmful microorganisms and increasing feed safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a feed distribution system that aims to improve feeding efficiency and reduce the labor intensity of feeders.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the feed distribution system proposed in this utility model includes a storage bin, a transfer device, and a distribution device; the transfer device is used to receive feed from the storage bin, and the distribution device is used to receive feed from the transfer device.

[0006] The transfer device includes a feeding mechanism and a weighing mechanism arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The feeding mechanism has a feeding port and is used to transport feed from the storage bin to the feeding port. The weighing mechanism is used to receive the feed from the feeding port and weigh and unload it.

[0007] The dispensing device includes a dispensing mechanism and a feeding bin. The dispensing mechanism is used to receive the feed from the weighing mechanism and transfer it to the feeding bin.

[0008] In some embodiments of this utility model, the weighing mechanism includes a material cylinder body, a stirring assembly, and a weighing sensor; the stirring assembly is disposed inside the material cylinder body, and the weighing sensor is disposed inside the material cylinder body for detecting the weight of the feed received;

[0009] The main body of the feed cylinder is provided with a feed inlet and a discharge outlet. The feed inlet is used to receive feed from the feeding mechanism, and the discharge outlet is provided with a discharge outlet assembly, which is used to open and close the discharge outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, the dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing hopper arranged in a through manner and a plurality of first spiral rollers, the dispensing hopper being disposed below the main body of the feed cylinder; the dispensing hopper is used to receive feed from the discharge port;

[0011] One end of each of the first spiral rollers is connected to the distribution bin via a pipe to receive feed from the distribution bin; the other end of each of the first spiral rollers is connected to the corresponding feeding bin via a pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments of this utility model, the feeding mechanism includes a second spiral roller, and the two feeding ends of the second spiral roller are respectively connected to the material cylinder body and the storage bin through pipes.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, both the first spiral roller and the second spiral roller include spiral blades and a rotating shaft, with the spiral blades fixedly sleeved on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, a plurality of cam components are spaced apart on the rotating shaft, and the root of the helical blade is in rolling contact with the cam components. When the rotating shaft rotates, the eccentric profile of the cam components drives the helical blade to periodically oscillate in the radial direction.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the spiral blade includes an equidistant section and a reduced section, the equidistant section being close to the feed end of the spiral blade, and the reduced section being close to the discharge end of the spiral blade.

[0016] The pitch of the helical blades in the equidistant section is the same, and the pitch of the helical blades in the shrinkage section gradually decreases from the feed end toward the feeding section.

[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, the inner surface of the barrel body is provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the stirring assembly includes a stirring shaft and flexible scraper blades distributed around the stirring shaft. The free ends of the flexible scraper blades extend toward the inner wall of the barrel body and maintain elastic contact.

[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the distribution hopper is further provided with a demand sensor and an emptying sensor. The emptying sensor is located at the bottom of the distribution hopper, and the demand sensor is located in the middle section of the distribution hopper.

[0019] In this invention, the storage silo serves as a feed storage unit, providing a foundation for continuous feeding. The feeding and weighing mechanisms in the transfer device sequentially complete the conveying and quantitative control of the feed. The distribution device then precisely distributes the quantitatively measured feed to each feeding silo. This hierarchical structure allows each functional unit to operate independently while also cooperating with each other. For example, the feeding mechanism can adjust its conveying speed according to the load status of the weighing mechanism, avoiding the disconnect between the "feeding-weighing-distribution" process in traditional manual operations. By transforming complex manual processes into automated equipment operation, the involvement of livestock farmers is significantly reduced. For instance, there is no need for manual handling of feed bags or manual pouring, and the tedious process of manually recording feed amounts is also avoided, improving operational convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the feed distribution system of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the weighing mechanism of the feed distribution system of this utility model.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0024] 100. Storage bin; 200. Transfer device; 210. Feeding mechanism; 220. Weighing mechanism; 221. Material cylinder body; 222. Mixing assembly; 300. Distribution device; 310. Distribution mechanism; 311. Distribution bin; 312. First spiral drum; 320. Feeding bin; 400. Demand sensor; 500. Emptying sensor;

[0025] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, the user should consider such a combination of technical solutions to be non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0029] See appendix Figure 1-2 This utility model proposes a feed distribution system, including a storage bin 100, a transfer device 200 and a distribution device 300; the transfer device 200 is used to receive feed from the storage bin 100 and the distribution device 300 is used to receive feed from the transfer device 200.

[0030] The transfer device 200 includes a feeding mechanism 210 and a weighing mechanism 220 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The feeding mechanism 210 has a feeding port and is used to convey feed from the storage bin 100 to the feeding port. The weighing mechanism 220 is used to receive the feed from the feeding port and weigh and unload it.

[0031] The dispensing device 300 includes a dispensing mechanism 310 and a feeding bin 320. The dispensing mechanism 310 is used to receive feed from the weighing mechanism 220 and transfer it to the feeding bin 320.

[0032] Based on the above technical features, the storage bin 100 serves as a feed storage unit, providing a foundation for continuous feeding; the feeding mechanism 210 and weighing mechanism 220 in the transfer device 200 sequentially complete the conveying and quantitative control of the feed; the distribution device 300 accurately distributes the quantitative feed to each feeding bin 320. This hierarchical structure allows each functional unit to operate independently while cooperating with each other. For example, the feeding mechanism 210 can adjust the conveying speed according to the load status of the weighing mechanism 220, avoiding the disconnect between the "feeding-weighing-distribution" links in traditional manual operation; by transforming complex manual processes into automated equipment operation, the involvement of farmers is significantly reduced, such as eliminating the need for manual handling of feed bags and manual pouring, as well as avoiding the tedious process of manually recording feed amounts, thus improving operational convenience.

[0033] The weighing mechanism 220 includes a main body 221 of feed cylinder, a stirring component 222, and a weighing sensor. The stirring component 222 is disposed inside the main body 221 of feed cylinder, and the weighing sensor is disposed inside the main body 221 of feed cylinder to detect the weight of the feed received. The rotational movement of the stirring component 222 inside the main body 221 of feed cylinder can effectively break up the accumulation and bridging of feed particles (such as powder agglomeration and granular material stratification), so that the feed is evenly distributed in the feed cylinder, avoiding uneven force on the weighing sensor due to local accumulation, thereby ensuring that the weighing result truly reflects the actual weight of the feed. The weighing sensor is directly disposed inside the main body 221 of feed cylinder (such as the bottom load-bearing structure), which can capture changes in feed weight in real time, reduce residual errors of feed in the transmission path, and improve weighing accuracy.

[0034] The feed cylinder body 221 is equipped with a feed inlet and a discharge outlet. The feed inlet receives feed from the feeding mechanism 210, and the discharge outlet is equipped with a discharge port assembly for opening and closing the discharge outlet. The discharge port assembly (such as a pneumatic valve or electric gate) is linked to the weighing sensor signal. When the weighing reaches the preset value, the feed inlet is automatically closed and the discharge port is opened, realizing a closed-loop control of "quantitative weighing - precise discharge" to avoid over- or under-discharge due to reaction delays during manual operation. The stirring component 222 operates continuously during the discharge stage, which can push the feed to flow towards the discharge port, reducing the adhesion residue on the inner wall of the feed cylinder. It has a significant cleaning effect, especially for feed containing oil or moisture (such as chicken feed with added molasses).

[0035] Furthermore, the distribution mechanism 310 includes a distribution hopper 311 and a plurality of first spiral rollers 312 arranged in a through manner. The distribution hopper 311 is located below the feed cylinder body 221. The distribution hopper 311 is used to receive feed from the discharge port. One end of the plurality of first spiral rollers 312 is connected to the distribution hopper 311 through a pipe and is used to receive feed from the distribution hopper 311. The other end of the plurality of first spiral rollers 312 is connected to the corresponding feeding hopper 320 through a pipe. The plurality of first spiral rollers 312 are arranged in parallel and are all connected to the distribution hopper 311, which can simultaneously deliver feed from a single source to multiple feeding hoppers 320 (such as different chicken houses or different pens in the same house). Compared with the traditional single-channel distribution mode that requires sequential feeding, the efficiency is significantly improved, especially suitable for scenarios where the breeding area is dispersed. Each first spiral roller 312 can be independently controlled to start / stop or rotate (e.g., via frequency converter), thereby enabling differentiated feeding in different feeding bins 320 (e.g., small, frequent meals for chicks, and timed, quantitative feeding for laying hens), meeting the nutritional needs of chickens at different growth stages.

[0036] In this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 210 includes a second spiral roller. The two feeding ends of the second spiral roller are connected to the main body of the material cylinder 221 and the storage bin 100 respectively through pipes. The second spiral roller is sealed to the inlet of the storage bin 100 and the weighing mechanism 220 through pipes, forming a fully enclosed conveying path, which effectively blocks the intrusion of external dust, insects and microorganisms, and is especially suitable for feed with high hygiene requirements. The continuous rotation and pushing method of the spiral blades avoids feed spillage caused by belt deviation and slippage in traditional belt conveying, reducing feed waste and lowering environmental cleaning costs.

[0037] Specifically, both the first spiral roller 312 and the second spiral roller include spiral blades and a rotating shaft. The spiral blades are fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft, and the rotation of the rotating shaft drives the spiral blades to transport the feed.

[0038] The rotating shaft is fitted with several cam components at intervals. The root of the helical blades rolls in contact with the cam components. When the cam components rotate on the rotating shaft, the eccentric profile of the cam components drives the helical blades to periodically oscillate in the radial direction. The eccentric profile of the cam components periodically pushes the root of the helical blades, causing the blades to oscillate in the radial direction. This generates a mechanical impact on the clumps of feed (such as damp powder) during the conveying process, destroying the clump structure and preventing pipe blockage. The oscillating blade edges can reduce the amount of feed residue that adheres (such as oily feed sticking to the wall), reducing the risk of feed spoilage caused by residue. This is especially suitable for feed conveying in high humidity environments.

[0039] Furthermore, the spiral blades include equidistant sections and reducing sections. The equidistant sections are close to the feed end of the spiral blades, and the reducing sections are close to the discharge end of the spiral blades. The spiral blades in the equidistant sections have the same pitch, while the pitch of the spiral blades in the reducing sections gradually decreases from the feed end toward the feed section. The uniform pitch design of the equidistant sections allows the spiral blades to form a constant material gripping force near the feed inlet, avoiding feeding instability caused by sudden pitch changes, which is especially suitable for powders or mixed feeds with poor flowability. The pitch of the reducing sections gradually decreases from the feed end toward the discharge end, so that the material is subjected to gradually increasing axial extrusion force during the conveying process, which can quickly discharge the material from the end of the drum and reduce the amount of residue.

[0040] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the feed cylinder body 221 is provided with multiple protrusions. The stirring assembly 222 includes a stirring shaft and flexible scraper blades distributed around the stirring shaft. The free ends of the flexible scraper blades extend toward the inner wall of the feed cylinder body 221 and maintain elastic contact. When rotating, a multi-directional stirring flow field is formed, which can fully mix the feed particles in the feed cylinder and avoid stratification caused by static placement (such as separation of granular feed and trace element powder), ensuring that the weighed feed composition is uniform. The protrusions can prevent the feed from forming a continuous adhesion layer on the wall surface. Combined with the oscillation of the scraper blades, a dual cleaning effect of "scraping-disturbance" is achieved.

[0041] Furthermore, the distribution hopper 311 is also equipped with a demand sensor 400 and an emptying sensor 500. The emptying sensor 500 is located at the bottom of the distribution hopper 311, and the demand sensor 400 is located in the middle section of the distribution hopper 311. The emptying sensor 500 (such as a contact microswitch or photoelectric sensor) is located at the bottom of the hopper. When it detects that the feed in the hopper has been emptied, it sends a signal to the control system to shut down the feeding mechanism 210 and the weighing mechanism 220 to prevent energy waste from idling and to prevent air from being sucked back into the conveying pipe. The demand sensor 400 (such as a microwave sensor or ultrasonic sensor) is located in the middle section of the distribution hopper 311 to detect the feed level in real time. When it detects that the feed level is lower than the set threshold, it automatically sends a signal to the control system to trigger the feeding mechanism 210 to start and replenish the feed, thus preventing the feeding hopper 320 from running out of feed.

[0042] When the demand sensor 400 continuously detects that the feed level does not drop (e.g., due to pipeline blockage causing distribution stagnation), or the emptying sensor 500 does not detect a change in feed level for a long time (e.g., feed caking and accumulating), the system can determine that it is an abnormal state and issue an alarm, prompting farmers to troubleshoot the fault in time and avoid prolonged feed shortages affecting the health of the flock. The dual-sensor linkage control allows the system to start the feeding and weighing process only when needed, avoiding the energy consumption of "idling" in the traditional continuous operation mode.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A feed dispensing system, characterized in that, It includes a storage silo, a transfer device, and a distribution device; the transfer device is used to receive feed from the storage silo, and the distribution device is used to receive feed from the transfer device. The transfer device includes a feeding mechanism and a weighing mechanism arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The feeding mechanism has a feeding port and is used to transport feed from the storage bin to the feeding port. The weighing mechanism is used to receive the feed from the feeding port and weigh and unload it. The dispensing device includes a dispensing mechanism and a feeding bin. The dispensing mechanism is used to receive the feed from the weighing mechanism and transfer it to the feeding bin.

2. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing mechanism includes a material cylinder body, a stirring assembly, and a weighing sensor; the stirring assembly is disposed inside the material cylinder body, and the weighing sensor is disposed inside the material cylinder body for detecting the weight of the feed received; The main body of the feed cylinder is provided with a feed inlet and a discharge outlet. The feed inlet is used to receive feed from the feeding mechanism, and the discharge outlet is provided with a discharge outlet assembly, which is used to open and close the discharge outlet.

3. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The distribution mechanism includes a distribution bin that runs through the entire structure and a plurality of first spiral rollers. The distribution bin is located below the main body of the feed cylinder. The distribution bin is used to receive feed from the discharge port. One end of each of the first spiral rollers is connected to the distribution bin via a pipe to receive feed from the distribution bin; the other end of each of the first spiral rollers is connected to the corresponding feeding bin via a pipe.

4. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes a second spiral roller, and the two feeding ends of the second spiral roller are connected to the main body of the material cylinder and the storage bin respectively through pipes.

5. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first spiral roller and the second spiral roller include spiral blades and a rotating shaft, with the spiral blades fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft.

6. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A number of cam components are spaced apart on the rotating shaft. The root of the helical blade is in rolling contact with the cam components. When the rotating shaft rotates, the eccentric profile of the cam components drives the helical blade to make periodic elastic oscillations in the radial direction.

7. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The spiral blade includes an equidistant section and a shrinkage section. The equidistant section is close to the feed end of the spiral blade, and the shrinkage section is close to the discharge end of the spiral blade. The pitch of the helical blades in the equidistant section is the same, and the pitch of the helical blades in the shrinkage section gradually decreases from the feed end toward the feeding section.

8. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner surface of the barrel body has multiple protrusions. The stirring assembly includes a stirring shaft and flexible scraper blades distributed around the stirring shaft. The free ends of the flexible scraper blades extend toward the inner wall of the barrel body and maintain elastic contact.

9. The feed dispensing system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The distribution hopper is also equipped with a demand sensor and an emptying sensor. The emptying sensor is located at the bottom of the distribution hopper, and the demand sensor is located in the middle section of the distribution hopper.

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