Device for providing liquid to poultry

Abstract

Device for providing a liquid to poultry, consisting of a drinking trough (1) which is fixed to a supply line (2) carrying the liquid, wherein: -the supply line (2) has a valve (3) designed for the extraction of liquid with a valve nipple (4) which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of contact, -between the end (7) of the valve nipple (4) and the lower limiting edge (8) of the protective ring (6) extending horizontally around the valve (3) there is a height difference (h) so that the valve nipple (4), viewed in a vertical direction, does not extend beyond the lower limiting edge (8) of the protective ring (6), but ends within the protective ring (6), -the valve (3) is passed through an opening (5) of the drinking trough (1) equipped with the protective ring (6) surrounding the valve nipple (4), characterized in that -a collection tray (10) is formed below the valve (3) at the drinking trough (1), -the drinking trough (1) has a clamp (11) which is detachably fixed to the supply line (2) and -the drinking trough (1) together with the protective ring (6), the clamp (11) and the collection tray (10) is formed as a one-piece plastic molded part.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for providing a liquid for poultry according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] When keeping poultry indoors, it is crucial to adequately meet the animals' fluid requirements. In the simplest case, this fluid can be water. However, it is also possible to administer liquids or liquids containing medicinal components to the poultry using a feeding device. Such devices are primarily used in barns housing numerous animals, which may include chickens, but also ducks, geese, or other poultry.

[0003] From DE 7131073 U, for example, a device for providing liquid to poultry is known, consisting of a drinking trough attached to a supply line carrying the liquid. The supply line has a valve with a valve nipple for dispensing the liquid, the nipple being the valve nipple that moves the valve from a closed to an open position by contact. In this design, the valve passes through an opening in the drinking trough, which is equipped with a protective ring. The animal can actuate the valve nipple with its beak, causing the valve to open and the liquid contained in the supply line to be dispensed. The publication highlights as a problem that the animals can walk under the valve nipple and

[0004] This can lead to the unintentional activation of the valve, causing the liquid to be released without the animal being able to ingest it. Furthermore, the uncontrolled flow of liquid also moistens the animal excrement present in the barn, potentially leading to increased bacterial growth and an unpleasant odor due to the resulting ammonia. Another negative aspect of the uncontrolled leakage is that animal excrement is best used as fertilizer in its dry state. Constant moistening increases the weight of the excrement, negatively impacting transport capacity and significantly reducing the quality of the fertilizer.As a solution to the problems described, DE 7131073 U proposes arranging a protective ring around the valve, consisting of a vertical protective bracket. The protective ring is clamped to the supply line by means of clamping flanges. The solution disclosed in the document describes a bracket-shaped protective ring made of plastic, which tapers conically in the direction away from the valve nipple.

[0005] Such a protective ring only prevents adult animals from walking under the valve nipple. However, it remains possible that adult animals, in particular, could put their heads inside this protective ring and thereby touch the valve nipple with their feathers or comb, causing the unwanted leakage of liquid to continue. This is because the valve nipple is freely accessible within the wide, protruding protective ring. Another negative aspect of this type of protective ring design is that small animals, such as chicks, can sit on the ring and thus touch the valve nipple with their heads, which is then also activated unintentionally.

[0006] FR 2 704 722 A1 describes a device for supplying liquid to poultry, in which a supply line has a valve for dispensing the liquid, with a valve nipple that can be moved from a closed to an open position by contact. There is a height difference between the end of the valve nipple and the lower edge of the protective ring that extends horizontally around the valve, so that, viewed vertically, the valve nipple does not protrude beyond the lower edge of the protective ring, but rather terminates within the protective ring. The valve passes through an opening in the drinking trough, which is equipped with the protective ring surrounding the valve nipple.

[0007] In contrast, DE 20 2014 008 421 U1 discloses a device for supplying liquid to poultry, in which a drinking trough is fixed to a supply line on which a valve is provided that can be opened or closed by an actuating rod. The freely suspended actuating rod must be moved laterally by the poultry for this purpose. Below the valve is a collection tray, which is integrally molded onto two opposing brackets, the ends of which are designed as clamps that, in turn, enable the device to be attached to the supply line. The document further states that the collection tray, the brackets, and the clamps can be formed as a single-piece molded plastic part.

[0008] German patent DE 17 82 083 A further discloses a very complex device for providing liquid to poultry, featuring a hood with a drinking trough around its outer circumference. This trough is supplied with fresh water from a reservoir, controlled by a float located in a trough. When the water level in the trough falls below the set level, an inlet valve opens and water is added from a supply line. The drinking trough is connected to the trough via an open channel, ensuring a constant level of fresh water within the trough.

[0009] Finally, CH 598 747 A5 relates solely to a valve that can be used for a device supplying liquid to poultry. In the solution disclosed in the publication, a valve nipple for actuating the valve terminates at the lower edge of a sleeve surrounding the valve nipple. The end of the sleeve is equipped with an angled opening, so that the valve nipple partially protrudes from the sleeve, which also results in the previously described disadvantages of unintentional valve actuation in this solution.

[0010] Furthermore, devices for supplying liquid to poultry are generally known and available on the market, featuring a drip tray below the valve nipple to collect any dripping or overflowing liquid. While this solution offers some advantages, it has been observed that a problem arises, particularly when raising chicks, because the chicks bathe in the drip tray, causing significant splashing of the liquid, resulting in the same or even a more pronounced effect as previously described.

[0011] Often, the animals drink the liquid directly from the collection tray. In doing so, they can also touch the valve nipple with their combs, causing the liquid to run down their combs and onto the ground, the manure belt, or into the manure pit. Furthermore, poultry tend to roost on perches, which are frequently located close to the drinkers. Consequently, it occasionally happens that the birds' tail feathers come into contact with the valve nipples, causing the collection trays to overflow.

[0012] The perches are usually located directly above the drinking troughs. The birds perched on these perches learn to drink the water "headfirst." This means they hold their heads under the perches and try to drink directly from the valve nipples. Due to the anatomical structure of their beaks, this results in uncontrolled water flowing out when they raise their heads. Furthermore, the birds often peck at the valve nipples from the side. This causes some of the water to splash out sideways and beside the existing collection trays. It has been observed that this can be prevented if the valve nipple can only be operated from below.

[0013] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for supplying liquid to poultry, which has a simple design, effectively prevents unwanted splashing of the liquid used to supply the poultry and ensures an adequate supply of liquid to the poultry.

[0014] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the following dependent claims.

[0015] A device for providing liquid to poultry, comprising a drinking trough fixed to a supply line carrying the liquid, wherein the supply line has a valve designed for dispensing the liquid with a valve nipple which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by contact, and wherein the valve is guided through an opening of the drinking trough equipped with a protective ring surrounding the valve nipple, wherein there is a height difference between the end of the valve nipple and the lower boundary edge of the protective ring extending horizontally around the valve, such that the valve nipple, viewed in a vertical direction, does not project beyond the lower boundary edge of the protective ring, but ends within the protective ring, was further developed according to the invention in such a way as tothat a drip tray is formed below the valve on the drinking trough and the drinking trough has a clamp that is detachably fixed to the supply line, wherein the drinking trough together with the protective ring, the clamp and the drip tray is formed as a one-piece plastic molded part.

[0016] The invention is particularly evident in the fact that the protective ring is designed and arranged such that the animals can only access the valve nipple from below, i.e., from the ground, to drink the liquid, and can no longer accidentally bump the valve nipple with their feathers or comb. For this purpose, the protective ring preferably extends vertically, i.e., along the length of the valve, to below the end of the valve nipple, so that the valve nipple ends within the protective ring, which surrounds the valve nipple in a horizontal plane. The invention ensures that, despite the protection provided by the protective ring, the valve nipple remains accessible from all sides, and the animals can walk underneath it without accidentally operating the valve nipple.To prevent unintentional activation of the liquid dispensing mechanism at the valve nipple by an animal, the inner dimensions of the protective ring play a crucial role. Specifically, the inner dimensions are kept as small as possible, surrounding the valve nipple with minimal clearance. This prevents liquid waste and effectively reduces splashing. Furthermore, the animals themselves and their excrement in the barn remain dry, resulting in reduced bacterial growth and improved animal health. Additionally, the excrement can be used as a dry fertilizer. Another advantage of the invention is that the protective ring is integrally formed with the drinking trough.With regard to a one-piece design of the drinking trough and the protective ring, manufacturing them as a single plastic molded part is recommended.

[0017] It cannot be completely ruled out that, when the animals drink the liquid, some drops may be missed and fall to the ground. To prevent excess liquid from reaching the floor of the stall and causing the aforementioned problems, the invention also incorporates a drip tray below the valve on the drinking trough. The drip tray is integrally formed with the drinking trough, so that the drinking trough and the drip tray, for example, form a single molded plastic part.

[0018] As previously mentioned, the fact that the drinker, along with the protective ring, clamp, and drip tray, is manufactured as a single, molded plastic part represents a significant improvement over existing solutions. This considerably reduces manufacturing effort and the resulting production costs. Consequently, assembly of the drinker is no longer required, saving both material and weight. The weight reduction is a crucial advantage, as numerous drinkers are typically arranged along a supply line in poultry houses. With the reduced weight of the drinkers, it is possible to design the supply lines and their fixings to be lighter, thus saving material.

[0019] Besides the fact that the protective ring can consist of several segments arranged in the circumferential direction of the valve, a particularly advantageous embodiment is that the protective ring is designed as a closed ring that completely encircles the valve. While the first-mentioned design of the protective ring results in a weight saving, the closed protective ring that completely encircles the valve nipple offers improved stability.

[0020] A further suggestion according to the invention is that the protective ring has a conical inner diameter with a diameter that increases towards the outlet side. Tests have shown that with such a protective ring, the animals have improved access to the valve nipple in order to ingest liquid.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the protective ring is fixed to the drinking trough by being formed on at least one of the trough's supports. Each support forms the transition between the drinking trough and the protective ring. The more stable this connection is, the less the protective ring tends to move on its own, for example, when an animal bumps into it.

[0022] Accordingly, it is also possible that the protective ring is connected to the drinking trough via several bridges that are formed along the circumference of the protective ring.

[0023] Extensive testing has also shown that a preferred distance between the drip tray and the end of the valve nipple is at least 45 mm. Such a distance is advantageous, for example, when keeping chickens. Of course, the distance between the drip tray and the valve nipple can also be greater, for example 50 mm or more, depending on the type of poultry kept in the barn. If the distance between the end of the valve nipple and the drip tray is too small, activation of the valve nipple becomes difficult or impossible. Ultimately, the distance must therefore be empirically adjusted to the specific livestock kept in the barn.

[0024] A further advantageous feature of the invention is that the drinking trough has a clamp which is detachably fixed to the supply line. As already described in connection with the discussion of the prior art, the clamp is arranged around the supply line. The clamp consists of two clamp halves that can be positively coupled to each other, which grip the supply line and can be locked together.

[0025] A further development measure according to the invention is that the locking is effected by means of a locking lug on one half of the clamp, which engages in a corresponding groove of the other half of the clamp, so that an elastic snap connection is created.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the clamp halves can be locked together in stages, meaning that the clamp halves can be adjusted to the dimensions of the supply line during their fixation. Thus, the drinking device according to the invention for providing liquid to poultry is flexibly usable for supply lines of different dimensions and can be connected to supply lines of different dimensions and therefore also retrofitted.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, a wear-resistant polyethylene, such as HDPE, is preferably used as the plastic. This material exhibits high chemical resistance, which is particularly important given the contamination with urine and feces found in poultry houses. Furthermore, such polyethylene has high impact strength and abrasion resistance, which is very advantageous with regard to the risk of pecking by poultry. Another advantageous property is its high resistance to UV radiation and ozone pollution. The material also ensures that the impact strength and abrasion resistance properties are maintained throughout its entire service life. Naturally, the wear-resistant polyethylene used can also contain additives that further improve its impact strength and abrasion resistance.As an example, an additive should be mentioned here that also has an anti-microbiological effect (according to ISO 22196:2011) and reduces the formation and number of bacteria, viruses and germs through the use of silver ions.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiment does not represent a limitation to the depicted variant, but merely serves to illustrate a principle of the invention.

[0029] Identical or similar components are always designated with the same reference numerals. To illustrate the functionality according to the invention, the figures show only highly simplified schematic representations, omitting components that are not essential to the invention. However, this does not mean that such components are not present in a solution according to the invention.

[0030] It shows: Fig. 1: A device for supplying liquid to poultry in a side view, Fig. 2: the device according to Fig. 1, however without supply line and in a view corresponding to arrow II from Fig. 1, Fig. 3: the device for providing a liquid for poultry in accordance with Fig. 1 in a view corresponding to arrow II from Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional view with a supply line and Fig. 4: the enlarged section IV from Fig. 3.

[0031] The presentation of Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a device for providing liquid to poultry. The device includes, as a component according to the invention, a drinking trough 1, which is attached to a supply line 2 and thus, in the illustrated embodiment, is suspended below this supply line 2. To fix the drinking trough 1 to the supply line 2, the drinking trough has a clamp 11, which consists of two corresponding clamp halves 12 and 13. The clamp halves 12 and 13 are pivotable about a film hinge 14, so that they can be placed around the supply line 2 and fixed to each other above the supply line 2. A valve 3 is also inserted into the supply line 2, through which the liquid for the poultry can be drawn from the supply line 2.For this purpose, the valve 3 has a valve nipple 4 in its lower vertical section, which changes from its original closed position to an open position upon contact, allowing the liquid available in the supply line 2 to be dispensed via the valve 3. Below the supply line 2, the drinking trough 1 has a rib 9 on which a protective ring 6 is formed. This protective ring surrounds the valve nipple 4 of the valve 3 in a horizontal plane. There is a height difference h between the end of the valve nipple 4 and the lower boundary edge 8 of the protective ring 6, such that, viewed vertically, the valve nipple 4 terminates within the protective ring 6. As a result, the lower boundary edge 8 of the protective ring 6 runs below the end of the valve nipple 4 or coincides with the end 7 of the valve nipple 4.In other words, the valve nipple 4 does not protrude beyond the lower limiting edge 8 of the protective ring 6. For mechanical and visual protection, the valve 3 is also partially enclosed within a ring collar 20 of the drinking trough 1. Furthermore, a drip tray 10 is arranged below and at a distance from the protective ring 6 on a bracket 15 of the drinking trough 1 to collect any dripping liquid.

[0032] From the Fig. 2. The device is then used again according to... Fig. 1, however, the supply line 2 is not included in this representation, but only the drinking trough 1 as a separate component, in a view corresponding to arrow II. Fig. 1. It is evident from this that the drinking trough 1 is manufactured as a single-piece plastic molded part, which represents a significant simplification of production. Furthermore, apart from the connection to the supply line 2, all assembly work is eliminated. Moreover, it follows from the Fig. Figure 2 further details of the invention are shown, for example, that the protective ring 6 is integrally formed on the drinking trough 1 via a bridge 9 above the bracket 15. The illustration of the clamp 11, which is also visible, shows that it has two corresponding clamp halves 12 and 13, each connected to a base of the clamp 11 via a film hinge 14, so that the clamp halves 12 and 13 can be pivoted around these film hinges 14 and are thus movable back and forth between the open position and a closed position shown. This allows the clamp 11 to be placed around the supply line 2 and fixed to it, so that the drinking trough 1 is suspended below the supply line 2.

[0033] In the Fig. 3 is the device for providing a liquid for poultry according to Fig. 1 in a view corresponding to arrow II from Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view. The illustration shows that the clamp halves 12 and 13 are placed around the supply line 2 and positively coupled to each other above the supply line 2. The clamp 11 is thus closed and supports the drinking trough 1, which is suspended below the supply line 2 in this manner. As previously described, the valve 3 is inserted into the supply line 2. For this purpose, the valve 3 is held in a valve sleeve 16, the external thread 17 of which is screwed into a corresponding internal thread of the supply line 2. The resulting valve assembly passes through an opening 5 of the drinking trough 1 and projects vertically out of the supply line 2 through the ring collar 20 of the drinking trough 1, so that the valve nipple 4 of the valve 3 points towards the collection tray 10 formed on the bracket 15 located below the valve 3.Corresponding to the valve nipple 4, the previously described protective ring 6 is formed on the bridge 9 of the drinking trough 1; that is, it is integrally molded and completely encloses the valve nipple 4 in a horizontal arrangement. The special feature here is that the lower end 7 of the valve nipple 4 terminates within the protective ring 6, so that there is a height difference h between the end 7 of the valve nipple 4 and the lower boundary edge 8 of the protective ring 6.

[0034] In the Fig. 4 is finally the enlarged section IV from Fig.Figure 3 shows how the clamp halves 12 and 13 interlock to fix the clamp 11 to the supply line 2. Clamp half 13 has a groove 18 into which a corresponding locking lug 19 of clamp half 12 engages when closed. For simplified assembly, clamp halves 12 and 13 have a certain degree of elasticity, which is why it is also advantageous if the entire drinking trough 1 consists of a single-piece molded plastic part. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 potion 2 Supply line 3 valve 4 valve nipples 5 Opening 6 Protective ring 7 End (of the valve nipple) 8 Boundary edge 9 Bridge 10 drip trays 11 bracket 12 half of a bracket 13 Half of a bracket 14 film hinge 15 hangers 16 Valve sleeve 17 external threads 18 Nut 19 Rastnase 20 ring bundle h altitude difference

Claims

[1] Device for providing a liquid to poultry, comprising a drinking trough (1) which is fixed to a supply line (2) carrying the liquid, wherein: -the supply line (2) has a valve (3) designed for the extraction of liquid with a valve nipple (4) which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of contact, -between the end (7) of the valve nipple (4) and the lower limiting edge (8) of the protective ring (6) extending horizontally around the valve (3) there is a height difference (h) so that the valve nipple (4), viewed in a vertical direction, does not extend beyond the lower limiting edge (8) of the protective ring (6), but ends within the protective ring (6), -the valve (3) is passed through an opening (5) of the drinking trough (1) equipped with the protective ring (6) surrounding the valve nipple (4), characterized by , that -a collection tray (10) is formed below the valve (3) at the drinking trough (1), -the drinking trough (1) has a clamp (11) which is detachably fixed to the supply line (2) and -the drinking trough (1) together with the protective ring (6), the clamp (11) and the collection tray (10) is formed as a one-piece plastic molded part. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the protective ring (6) is designed as a self-contained ring that completely surrounds the valve (3). [3] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the protective ring (6) has a conical inner diameter with a diameter that increases towards the exit side. [4] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the protective ring (6) is formed on at least one bridge (9) of the drinking trough (1). [5] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the protective ring (6) is connected to the drinking trough (1) via several bridges which are formed along the circumference of the protective ring (6). [6] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the distance between the collection tray (10) and the end (7) of the valve nipple (4) is at least 45 mm. [7] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the clamp (11) is arranged around the supply line (2) and consists of two clamp halves (12, 13) that can be positively coupled to each other, which encompass the supply line (2) and can be locked together. [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the clamp halves (12, 13) can be locked together stepwise. [9] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by, that the drinking trough (1) is made of wear-resistant polyethylene (PE-HD). [10] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the drinking trough (1) is made of a wear-resistant polyethylene (PE-HD) containing silver ions as an anti-microbiological additive.

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