A dairy cow weighing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of dairy cow weighing device, it is related to the field of animal husbandry, including weighing platform and fence assembly, weighing platform includes bearing frame, bearing plate and the weighing machine being set between bearing frame and bearing plate;Fence assembly is set on weighing platform, forms weighing passage;Fence assembly is also provided with cleaning assembly and cleaning switch component, the output end of weighing machine is electrically connected with cleaning switch component, cleaning switch component is connected between power supply and cleaning assembly, with the advantage of improving the convenience and accuracy of dairy cow weighing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal husbandry, and in particular to a weighing device for dairy cows. Background Technology

[0002] The dairy farming industry has experienced rapid development in recent years, transitioning from traditional free-range farming to large-scale operations and continuously evolving towards intensive farming practices. Body weight, as a crucial physiological indicator in intensive farming, is an indispensable component. A dairy cow's weight is related to many aspects of dairy farming, such as setting feed nutrient ratios, adjusting veterinary drug dosages, and determining the cow's mating age and calving time. Accurately obtaining dairy cow body weight parameters plays a significant role in intensive dairy farming, greatly improving cow welfare, farming efficiency, and farm profitability.

[0003] Existing methods for measuring body weight calculate weight parameters by measuring body dimensions such as body length and body slant length of dairy cows. However, this method is complex to operate and has too much error, which cannot meet the needs of precision farming.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a dairy cow weighing device to improve the convenience and accuracy of dairy cow weighing. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a dairy cow weighing device, including a weighing platform and a fence assembly. The weighing platform includes a load-bearing frame, a load-bearing plate, and a weighing device disposed between the load-bearing frame and the load-bearing plate. The fence assembly is disposed on the weighing platform to form a weighing channel. The fence assembly is also provided with a cleaning component and a cleaning switch component. The output terminal of the weighing device is electrically connected to the cleaning switch component, and the cleaning switch component is connected in series between the power supply and the cleaning component.

[0006] Furthermore, the fence assembly includes multiple horizontal railing beams, multiple vertical railing beams, and multiple connecting beams. The multiple vertical railing beams are arranged on both sides of the load-bearing frame, the connecting beams are used to connect two oppositely arranged vertical railing beams, and the horizontal railing beams are used to connect multiple vertical railing beams on the same side.

[0007] Furthermore, the multiple horizontal railing beams, multiple vertical railing beams, and multiple connecting railing beams are connected by bolts.

[0008] Furthermore, the weighing device includes a pressure sensor and a first data processor, wherein the first data processor includes a signal amplification circuit and a filtering circuit, wherein the output terminal of the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the signal amplification circuit, and the output terminal of the signal amplification circuit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the filtering circuit.

[0009] Furthermore, the weighing device also includes an analog-to-digital converter, a microcontroller, and a display screen. The output terminal of the filtering circuit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the analog-to-digital converter, the output terminal of the analog-to-digital converter is electrically connected to the input terminal of the microcontroller, and the output terminal of the microcontroller is electrically connected to the display screen.

[0010] Furthermore, the cow weighing device also includes an ear tag reader mounted on the fence assembly. The ear tag reader is used to obtain cow information from the cow's electronic ear tag, and the output of the ear tag reader is electrically connected to the input of the microcontroller.

[0011] Furthermore, the load-bearing frame is also provided with a first inclined footboard and a second inclined footboard. The first inclined footboard and the second inclined footboard are respectively located at both ends of the load-bearing frame, and the ends of the first inclined footboard and the second inclined footboard away from the load-bearing frame are both inclined downwards.

[0012] Furthermore, the cleaning switch assembly includes a second data processor and a cleaning sensor switch, wherein the output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the second data processor, the output terminal of the second data processor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the cleaning sensor switch, and the cleaning sensor switch is connected in series between the power supply and the cleaning assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the cleaning assembly includes a water tank, a water pump, and multiple nozzles. The water tank is equipped with a water pump, which is connected to a main water pipe. The main water pipe is connected to multiple branch water pipes, and the multiple nozzles are respectively connected to the multiple branch water pipes. The cleaning switch assembly is connected in series between the power supply and the water pump.

[0014] Further, the second data processor includes a first voltage comparator, a second voltage comparator, and an XOR gate. The output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input of the first voltage comparator. The inverting input of the first voltage comparator receives a first reference voltage. The output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input of the second voltage comparator. The inverting input of the second voltage comparator receives a second reference voltage, wherein the second reference voltage is greater than the first reference voltage. The output terminal of the first voltage comparator is electrically connected to one input terminal of the XOR gate, and the output terminal of the second voltage comparator is electrically connected to the other input terminal of the XOR gate. The cleaning sensor switch includes a transistor and a solenoid valve. The output terminal of the XOR gate is electrically connected to the base of the transistor. The transistor is connected in series between the power supply and the solenoid valve. The normally open contact of the solenoid valve is connected in series between the power supply and the water pump.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the dairy cow weighing device provided by this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] A cow weighing device can be installed on the milking passage that cows must pass through, eliminating the need for additional space on dairy farms. Compared to traditional manual measurement methods, this significantly improves cow weighing efficiency, reduces stress on cows, and provides more accurate measurements of cow weight parameters, effectively reducing the workload of dairy farms in monitoring cow weight. Attached Figure Description

[0017] This specification will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting; in these embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same structures, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dairy cow weighing device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0019] Figure 2 These are structural schematic diagrams of the load-bearing frame shown in some embodiments of this specification;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a dairy cow weighing device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a cleaning switch assembly according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0022] In the diagram, 1. Weighing platform; 11. Load-bearing frame; 12. Load-bearing plate; 13. Weighing device; 14. First inclined step; 15. Second inclined step; 2. Fence assembly; 21. Fence crossbeam; 22. Fence vertical beam; 23. Fence connecting beam; 3. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments in this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. Unless obvious from the context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a dairy cow weighing device according to some embodiments of this specification, such as... Figure 1As shown, a dairy cow weighing device may include a weighing platform 1 and a fence assembly 2. The weighing platform 1 includes a load-bearing frame 11, a load-bearing plate 12, and a weighing device 13 disposed between the load-bearing frame 11 and the load-bearing plate 12. The fence assembly 2 is disposed on the weighing platform 1 to form a weighing channel.

[0025] In existing technology, dairy farms typically have a milking corridor from the barn to the milking parlor, allowing only one-way passage for cows. Cows are scheduled to enter the milking parlor through this corridor at three times a day—morning, noon, and evening—for milking, and then return to the barn afterward. A new cow weighing device can be installed at a specific section of this corridor for milking, thus avoiding taking up space in the farm and causing stress to the cows.

[0026] As a preferred option, the load-bearing plate 12 is reinforced with ribs to increase its strength to ensure that the cows can pass through the weighing channel without causing huge deformation or plastic deformation, thus avoiding affecting the accuracy of the collected signals.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the fence assembly 2 includes multiple horizontal railing beams 21, multiple vertical railing beams 22, and multiple connecting beams 23. The multiple vertical railing beams 22 are arranged on both sides of the load-bearing frame 11, the connecting beams 23 are used to connect two oppositely arranged vertical railing beams 22, and the horizontal railing beams 21 are used to connect multiple vertical railing beams 22 on the same side, so that the multiple horizontal railing beams 21, the multiple vertical railing beams 22, and the multiple connecting beams 23 form a whole, improving stability.

[0028] Preferably, multiple horizontal railing beams 21, multiple vertical railing beams 22, and multiple connecting railing beams 23 are provided with through holes. The multiple horizontal railing beams 21, multiple vertical railing beams 22, and multiple connecting railing beams 23 are connected by bolts and through holes, so that the multiple horizontal railing beams 21, multiple vertical railing beams 22, and multiple connecting railing beams 23 are detachably connected, which facilitates the installation of the dairy cow weighing device. At the same time, when a beam is damaged, it is easy to replace the damaged part of the beam.

[0029] The height of the guardrail beam 22 is similar to the height of the milking passage. For example, if the milking passage is 2 meters high, the guardrail beam 22 is 1.9 meters high. The width of the weighing passage is similar to the width of the milking passage. For example, if the milking passage is 0.8 meters wide, the weighing passage is 0.78 meters wide, reducing the likelihood that cows will be reluctant to pass through.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the load-bearing frame 11 is also provided with a first inclined footboard 14 and a second inclined footboard 15. The first inclined footboard 14 and the second inclined footboard 15 are respectively located at both ends of the load-bearing frame 11, and the ends of the first inclined footboard 14 and the second inclined footboard 15 away from the load-bearing frame 11 are both inclined downwards. The arrangement of the first inclined footboard 14 and the second inclined footboard 15 facilitates the entry and exit of dairy cows from the weighing channel.

[0031] Preferably, anti-slip pads are provided on the load-bearing plate 12, the first inclined footboard 14 and the second inclined footboard 15 to prevent the cows from slipping while walking.

[0032] In some embodiments, the weighing device 13 includes a pressure sensor and a first data processor, wherein the first data processor includes a signal amplification circuit and a filtering circuit, wherein the output terminal of the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the signal amplification circuit, and the output terminal of the signal amplification circuit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the filtering circuit.

[0033] Specifically, the pressure sensor is one of the core components of the weighing device 13, responsible for converting the pressure generated by the cow standing on it into an electrical signal. This conversion is based on the strain gauge principle or a similar mechanism; when the sensor is subjected to external pressure, its internal resistance changes, generating an electrical signal proportional to the pressure magnitude. The pressure sensor outputs an electrical signal representing the pressure value generated by the cow's weight. However, because this signal is very weak, direct use for data processing may lead to errors; therefore, amplification and filtering are necessary. The main function of the signal amplification circuit is to amplify the electrical signal output by the pressure sensor to increase the signal amplitude and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. This amplified signal is then more easily processed by subsequent circuits, reducing errors caused by the weak signal. The output of the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the input of the signal amplification circuit. When the pressure sensor outputs an electrical signal, this signal is sent to the signal amplification circuit for amplification. The main function of the filtering circuit is to remove noise components from the signal, retaining the valid weighing signal. Since the working environment of the weighing device 13 may contain various interference sources (such as electromagnetic interference, mechanical vibration, etc.), these interference sources may generate noise signals, affecting the accuracy of the weighing results. Therefore, the filtering circuit can remove these noise signals, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the weighing system. The output of the signal amplification circuit is electrically connected to the input of the filtering circuit. The amplified signal is then sent to the filtering circuit for filtering to remove noise components and retain the effective weighing signal, which will not occupy the remaining space in the cattle farm, nor will it cause stress to the dairy cows.

[0034] Preferably, the pressure sensor is the KELI SQB-500 stainless steel model, which has good corrosion resistance in complex pasture environments such as cow dung, rainwater, or other liquids. The pressure sensor and the first data processor can utilize electronic components with good anti-interference capabilities and a wide range of applicable working environments to adapt to the working conditions in dairy farms.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a dairy cow weighing device according to some embodiments of this specification, such as... Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the weighing device 13 further includes an analog-to-digital converter, a microcontroller, and a display screen 3. The output terminal of the filter circuit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the analog-to-digital converter, the output terminal of the analog-to-digital converter is electrically connected to the input terminal of the microcontroller, and the output terminal of the microcontroller is electrically connected to the display screen 3.

[0036] Specifically, the main function of the analog-to-digital converter is to convert the continuous analog signal output from the filter circuit into a discrete digital signal for subsequent processing by the microcontroller. Display screen 3 serves as the interface between the weighing device 13 and the user, displaying the weighing results and other relevant information. Through display screen 3, the user can intuitively see the cow's weight data.

[0037] Preferably, the first data processor, analog-to-digital converter, microcontroller and display screen 3 can be integrated into one unit, making operation simpler and improving reliability.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, an ear tag reader is also included on the fence assembly 2. The ear tag reader is used to obtain cow information from the electronic ear tags of the cows. The output of the ear tag reader is electrically connected to the input of the microcontroller.

[0039] Specifically, when a cow passes through fence assembly 2 equipped with an ear tag reader, the ear tag reader transmits a radio frequency signal via its antenna. The chip inside the electronic ear tag worn on the cow's ear responds to this signal and transmits a feedback signal. After receiving the feedback signal, the ear tag reader decodes it and transmits the decoded cow identification information to the microcontroller.

[0040] The fence assembly 2 is also equipped with a cleaning assembly and a cleaning switch assembly. The output end of the weighing device 13 is electrically connected to the cleaning switch assembly, and the cleaning switch assembly is connected in series between the power supply and the cleaning assembly.

[0041] Specifically, since cow hooves may have some pasture, manure and other foreign matter stuck to them, these can easily remain on the weighing platform 1 after the cows are weighed. When weighing large quantities of cows, this can accumulate and cause significant data errors in the weighing of dairy cows. Therefore, a cleaning component and a cleaning switch component are set up to automatically clean the weighing platform 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cleaning switch assembly includes a second data processor and a cleaning sensor switch, wherein the output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the second data processor, the output terminal of the second data processor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the cleaning sensor switch, and the cleaning sensor switch is connected in series between the power supply and the cleaning assembly.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly includes a water tank, a water pump, and multiple nozzles. The water tank is equipped with a water pump, which is connected to a main water pipe. The main water pipe is connected to multiple branch water pipes, and the multiple nozzles are respectively connected to the multiple branch water pipes. A cleaning switch assembly is connected in series between the power supply and the water pump.

[0044] Specifically, the cleaning assembly mainly consists of a water tank, a water pump, and multiple nozzles. The water tank stores the cleaning water, while the water pump draws water from the tank, pressurizes it, and delivers it to each nozzle through a main water pipe and multiple branch pipes. The nozzles are evenly distributed around or above the weighing platform 1, enabling comprehensive cleaning of the platform. When the cleaning assembly is activated, the water pump operates, and water is sprayed from the nozzles, washing away dirt and foreign objects from the weighing platform 1.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a cleaning switch assembly shown in some embodiments of this specification, such as... Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the second data processor includes a first voltage comparator U1, a second voltage comparator U2, and an XOR gate U3. The output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input of the first voltage comparator U1, and a first reference voltage is input to the inverting input of the first voltage comparator U1. The output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input of the second voltage comparator U2, and a second reference voltage is input to the inverting input of the second voltage comparator U2, wherein the second reference voltage is greater than the first reference voltage. The output terminal of the first voltage comparator U1 is electrically connected to one input terminal of the XOR gate, and the output terminal of the second voltage comparator U2 is electrically connected to the other input terminal of the XOR gate U3. The cleaning induction switch includes a transistor Q1 and a solenoid valve K, wherein the output terminal of the XOR gate U3 is electrically connected to the base of the transistor Q1, the transistor Q1 is connected in series between the power supply and the solenoid valve K, and the normally open contact of the solenoid valve K is connected in series between the power supply and the water pump.

[0046] Specifically, the filtering circuit of the first data processor outputs a voltage signal to the first voltage comparator U1 and the second voltage comparator U2, and compares it with the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage. If the output voltage signal of the filtering circuit of the first data processor is greater than the first reference voltage, but less than the second reference voltage, it indicates that a certain amount of dirt remains on the weighing platform 1, rather than the cows being weighed, and a cleaning process needs to be initiated. The output signals of the first voltage comparator U1 and the second voltage comparator U2 are received. When the output voltage signal of the filtering circuit of the first data processor is greater than the first reference voltage, but less than the second reference voltage, the first voltage comparator U1 outputs a high level and the second voltage comparator U2 outputs a low level, and the XOR gate U3 outputs a high level.

[0047] When the XOR gate U3 outputs a high level, transistor Q1 conducts, solenoid valve K is energized and closes its normally open contact, thereby connecting the power supply and the water pump and starting the cleaning assembly. When the XOR gate U3 outputs a low level, transistor Q1 is cut off, solenoid valve is de-energized and opens its normally open contact, cutting off the power supply and the water pump and stopping the cleaning assembly.

[0048] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described herein. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and should be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to those explicitly introduced and described herein.

Claims

1. A dairy cow weighing device, characterized in that, It includes a weighing platform and a fence assembly, wherein the weighing platform includes a load-bearing frame, a load-bearing plate, and a weighing device disposed between the load-bearing frame and the load-bearing plate; The fence assembly is installed on the weighing platform to form a weighing channel; The fence assembly is also equipped with a cleaning assembly and a cleaning switch assembly. The output terminal of the weighing device is electrically connected to the cleaning switch assembly, and the cleaning switch assembly is connected in series between the power supply and the cleaning assembly.

2. The dairy cow weighing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fence assembly includes multiple horizontal railing beams, multiple vertical railing beams, and multiple connecting beams. The multiple vertical railing beams are arranged on both sides of the load-bearing frame, the connecting beams are used to connect two oppositely arranged vertical railing beams, and the horizontal railing beams are used to connect multiple vertical railing beams on the same side.

3. A dairy cow weighing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple horizontal railing beams, multiple vertical railing beams, and multiple connecting beams of the railing are connected by bolts.

4. A dairy cow weighing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing device includes a pressure sensor and a first data processor, wherein the first data processor includes a signal amplification circuit and a filtering circuit, wherein the output terminal of the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the signal amplification circuit, and the output terminal of the signal amplification circuit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the filtering circuit.

5. A dairy cow weighing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The weighing device also includes an analog-to-digital converter, a microcontroller, and a display screen. The output terminal of the filter circuit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the analog-to-digital converter, the output terminal of the analog-to-digital converter is electrically connected to the input terminal of the microcontroller, and the output terminal of the microcontroller is electrically connected to the display screen.

6. A dairy cow weighing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an ear tag reader mounted on the fence assembly, the ear tag reader being used to obtain cow information from the cow's electronic ear tag, the output of the ear tag reader being electrically connected to the input of the microcontroller.

7. A dairy cow weighing device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The load-bearing frame is also provided with a first inclined footboard and a second inclined footboard. The first inclined footboard and the second inclined footboard are respectively located at both ends of the load-bearing frame, and the ends of the first inclined footboard and the second inclined footboard away from the load-bearing frame are both inclined downwards.

8. A dairy cow weighing device according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The cleaning switch assembly includes a second data processor and a cleaning sensor switch, wherein the output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the second data processor, the output terminal of the second data processor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the cleaning sensor switch, and the cleaning sensor switch is connected in series between the power supply and the cleaning assembly.

9. A dairy cow weighing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cleaning assembly includes a water tank, a water pump, and multiple nozzles. The water tank is equipped with a water pump, which is connected to a main water pipe. The main water pipe is connected to multiple branch water pipes, and the multiple nozzles are respectively connected to the multiple branch water pipes. The cleaning switch assembly is connected in series between the power supply and the water pump.

10. A dairy cow weighing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second data processor includes a first voltage comparator, a second voltage comparator, and an XOR gate. The output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input of the first voltage comparator. The inverting input of the first voltage comparator receives a first reference voltage. The output terminal of the first data processor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input of the second voltage comparator. The inverting input of the second voltage comparator receives a second reference voltage, wherein the second reference voltage is greater than the first reference voltage. The output terminal of the first voltage comparator is electrically connected to one input terminal of the XOR gate, and the output terminal of the second voltage comparator is electrically connected to the other input terminal of the XOR gate. The cleaning sensor switch includes a transistor and a solenoid valve. The output terminal of the XOR gate is electrically connected to the base of the transistor. The transistor is connected in series between the power supply and the solenoid valve. The normally open contact of the solenoid valve is connected in series between the power supply and the water pump.

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