Pet feeder
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024003203
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-05
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-10
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to an automatic animal feed machine capable of automatically dispensing animal feed.BACKGROUNDSeveral automatic feeding systems are known, which are designed to release feeding rations in a time-controlled manner. Some of these systems include timer-controlled drop racks or drop doors. Many of these systems aim to reduce the time required to ensure feed supply, for example the time required to distribute the feed rations, the time required to travel to and from the place of feed distribution, and to ensure constant availability of feed throughout the day, as well as to promote natural feeding behaviour and a healthier animal posture.US 2004 / 0216681 A1 describes an animal feed machine comprising pivotable trays in a housing which are released from bottom to top in response to an activation signal from a controller sent to solenoid devices holding the trays. The control system uses a timer to send activation signals to the solenoid devices and command the release of feed from particular shelves.US10398128 B2 describes an animal feed machine with falling trays controlled in a sequenced manner controlled by a sequencing circuit which sends an electric current to individual motorized locks holding the trays. The use of a switch connected to an electrical interlock control system is also described. The switch acts as a reset switch for the sequencer and indicates the status of the shelves.US 2005 / 0213266 A1 describes a further animal feed machine which comprises a plurality of racks. This apparatus includes a timer and a logic count / sequencing circuit which controls the latch solenoids and allows each of the trays to fall.US6405674 B1 describes an animal feeding machine having pivotable trays which pivot downwardly at time intervals by retracting a lever activated by an upwardly rotating release mechanism on a vertical spindle rotated by an electric motor.Known multiple shelf feeding machines are either electronically simple, but limited with respect to arbitrary loading and management of the feeding machines, or electronically complicated, since they are designed with multi-channel sequencers, each channel controlling a drop shelf of the feeding machine. Even if the latter version of each drop shelf can individually control from the multi-channel sequencer, arbitrary loading and management of the feeder machines can be complicated depending on the interface presented to the user.From the foregoing it can be seen that there is an improvement potential and the invention aims to solve or at least alleviate the stated and other problems.SUMMARYAn object of the present invention is to provide an improved automatic animal feed machine.The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Additional features and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the described technologies. The features and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the described technologies will become more apparent from the following description and appended claims, or will be apparent from the application of the disclosed concepts.Specifically, an automatic animal feed machine according to a first aspect of the invention comprises:a storage unit having a feed discharge opening including at least two feed storage compartments,a first pivotable tray pivotable between first and second positions, wherein the first pivotable tray is arranged in the first position to block the opening of the first feed storage compartment. In the second position, the pivotable tray does not block the opening from the first compartment, allowing communication of the first compartment through the feed dispensing opening,a second pivotable tray is also pivotable between first and second positions, the second pivotable tray being arranged in the first position to block the opening of the second feed storage compartment. In the second position, the second pivotable tray does not block the opening in the second compartment, allowing communication between the second compartment and the first compartment,a first electrically controlled release mechanism disposed on the first tray for temporarily fixing the first tray in the first position. A second electrically controlled release mechanism is disposed on the second tray to temporarily fix the second tray in the first position,a first electrical switch disposed on the first tray, the first electrical switch connected to the first electrically controlled release mechanism by a control line when the tray is in the first position. Once the tray is in the second position, the first electrical switch connects the control line to the second electrically controlled release mechanism.An advantage of the arrangement of the electrically controlled release mechanisms and the first electrical switch that changes a signal path of the control line is that the release of pivotable trays can be controlled with simple electronics, e.g. by using a single control channel to control the pivoting of the at least two trays. An additional advantage is that the interaction with the feeder becomes intuitive by the user. For example, if a person wishes to reload emptied feed storage shelves before all the shelves are emptied, the user simply needs to return the shelf to the first position and reload the feed storage shelf. Automatically, the replenished compartment will again become part of the feed dispensing program without the user having to do more than replenish the compartment. Therefore, the feeder allows arbitrary loading of the feeder storage compartments using a simple electronic device, thus allowing intuitive user interaction.In some embodiments, the control line is arranged to transmit a trigger signal from a controller.In further embodiments, the first electrical switch includes an input terminal connected to the control line, a first output terminal connected to the first electrically controlled release mechanism when the first compartment is in the first position, and a second output terminal connected to the second electrically controlled release mechanism when the first compartment is in the second position. The advantage of this switch arrangement is that it allows the use of relatively simple control electronics, for example the use of a sequence regulator with only one channel. This advantage is also supported by some embodiments in which the second output terminal of the first switch is connected to the second electrically controlled release mechanism via a second electrical switch on the second tray.In some embodiments, the storage unit includes X a number of feed storage compartments, where X may be any number from 2 to 20, and the automatic animal feed machine further includes pivotable compartments, each pivotable between a first and a second position. Each pivotable tray in the first position is arranged to block an opening between two adjacent trays, each pivotable tray in the second position releases the blocking of the opening between two adjacent trays and enables communication between the two adjacent trays. Electrically controlled release mechanisms are mounted on each pivotable tray to releasably secure each pivotable tray. Electrical switches are disposed on each pivotable tray, each electrical switch connecting a signal line from an electrical switch on a pivotable tray closer to the feed dispensing opening to the electrically controlled release mechanism of the corresponding pivotable tray when the corresponding pivotable tray is in the first position, and each electrical switch connecting the signal line from an electrical switch on a pivotable tray positioned closer to the feed dispensing opening to the electrically actuated release mechanism of a pivotable tray positioned further from the feed dispensing opening when the pivotable tray is in the second position. The advantages discussed above will become even more apparent in embodiments with additional feed storage compartments. Another advantage of the invention is that it is easily scalable. The number of the shelves can even be increased without the need to replace the control unit, for example a timer or a sequence controller, when the number of shelves is increased.In some implementations, the electrical switch disposed on a pivoting tray number X connects a signal line from an electrical switch on the pivoting tray number X- 1 to the electrically controlled release mechanism of the pivoting tray number X when the pivoting tray number X is in the first position, and wherein the electrical switch disposed on a pivoting tray number X connects a signal line from an electrical switch on a pivoting tray number X- 1 to a port on the animal feed machine to connect the signal line to a second animal feed machine. An advantage of this implementation is the further scalability, in which the number of successive feed releases is increased without the system having to be reset or reset. This function allows a second feeder to continue the feeding process when the last deposit of a first feeder has released the feed stored therein.In some embodiments, the animal feed machine further comprises a parallel control signal output port connected to the control line for connecting the control line to a second animal feed machine. The advantage here is that the same timing signal can be used for the simultaneous and parallel control of several animal feeding machines, for example for feeding machines intended to feed different individuals according to the same feeding plan.In some implementations, each electrical switch is mounted in the machine such that the switch switches between the first output terminal and the second output terminal when the corresponding bin is pivoted to the second position. The electrical switch could be a microswitch.According to some embodiments, the animal feed machine further comprises a braking device disposed between each pivotable shelf and the wall of the machine to slow movement of the shelf from the first position to the second position upon release. An advantage of this arrangement of the braking device is that the switching operation of the signal to the next release mechanism is not completed until after the currently controlled tray release signal has been completed, and thus the next release mechanism is prevented from being also triggered by the same release signal. The braking device could be a gas pressure spring.According to a further aspect of the invention, an animal feed dispenser system comprises an animal feed machine as described above and a control unit configured to send an activation signal according to a predetermined time schedule to the control line of at least one animal feed machine. The control unit could be a digital sequence controller. The transmitted activation signal could comprise an electrical pulse of less than one and a half seconds duration.Further scope of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Therefore, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific component parts of the described apparatus or the steps of the described methods, as such apparatuses and methods may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements, unless the context clearly dictates the opposite. For example, the reference refers to "one sensor" or "the sensor" refers to multiple sensors and the like. Moreover, the word "comprise" does not exclude other elements or steps.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn order to define the manner in which the above-described embodiments are practiced, as well as other advantages and features of the disclosure, a more detailed description is provided below, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings are only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The examples are described and illustrated with additional specificity and detail accuracy using the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a feed machine according to some embodiments of the invention opened for loading and with all pivotable trays in the first position, FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the feeding machine from FIG. 1, in which two pivotable trays are in the first position and a third pivotable tray is in the second position, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the pivotable tray control circuit according to some embodiments of the invention, FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the microswitch in the neutral state, i.e. when the tray is in the first position. FIG. 5 illustrates two automatic feeders in a possible environment connected in series according to some embodiments of the invention; and Figure 6 shows two automatic feeders in a possible environment connected in parallel according to some embodiments of the invention.Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the different drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSpecific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the inventive concept. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and application of the methods disclosed herein. The embodiments set forth herein are provided by way of example in order to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the inventive concept. The claims are to be construed to include all equivalents of the present inventive concept that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, various embodiments may be combined.The invention relates to an automatic feeding machine for animals, mainly horses, aimed at improving feeding efficiency and comfort and enabling feeding at regular intervals. For example, hay or silage is provided to the animal at timed intervals and in separate portions.The automatic feeder, also referred to as a feeder, is designed for versatile applications in both indoor and outdoor applications and provides flexibility for various environments. In addition, it can be used in the non-power supply area by integrating a solar cell battery as a power source. This function enables the feeder to operate seamlessly at locations where no electrical connection is available, increasing its operational flexibility and adaptability to various environments.Referring now to Figure 1, which shows a feeder 10 having an open door 12, three feeder storage compartments 14a-c are visible inside the feeder 10. The feeder 10 may include any number of feeder storage compartments 14a-c. In some embodiments, the feed storage compartment 14a-c is configured to hold about 150 liters of straw per compartment, hay or silage. However, the size of the feed storage compartment 14a-c may vary depending on the type of animal to be fed and / or the amount of feed required. The feed is filled into the closed compartments 14a-c through the opened door 12. Each compartment has a pivotable shelf 20 a- cthat is pivotable from a first position (also referred to as a closed position) to a second position (also referred to as an open position). Each tray 20a-c is pivotally mounted to a wall 22 of the feeder 10. All trays 20a-c in Fig. 1 are in the first position, i.e. the closed position. A closed compartment is to be understood as a compartment 14 a- cin which the shelf 20 a- cof this compartment is in the first position. A feed discharge port 16 is provided with a slider 18 and is located at the lower part of the automatic feeder 10. The opening 16 may optionally be provided with rods and / or a box so that the feed remains in the feed area and can only be removed from the animals in small amounts. The frame of the automatic feeder 10 is compact and the door 12, outer walls 22 and a watertight roof 24 form a housing providing protection against rain, dust or dirt ingress. Each compartment 14 a- cis equipped with a microswitch sensor 26 a- cthat is activated when the tray 20 a- cof the compartment 14 a- cis pivoted into the second position and comes into contact with the switch sensor 26 a- c. A digital sequence controller 28 enables the release of the lowermost closed tray at a predetermined time by sending an enable signal over a control line, not shown in FIG. 1, to electrically controlled latches 30a-c, each holding a tray 20a-c in the closed position and releasing the corresponding tray 20a-c upon receipt of the enable signal. The digital sequence controller 28 can be arranged on the automatic feeding device 10 or in a separate control room or control cabinet.Each tray 20a-c also has a gas spring 32a-c disposed between the tray 20a-c and the wall 22 of the feeder to reduce speed as a corresponding tray 20a-c is released and pivoted to the open position. This results in a smooth transition between the closed and open positions of the shelf 20a-c and gives the electrical signal sufficient time before the microswitch 26a-c is activated by the pivoted shelf 20a-c. The gas spring 32 a- cmay be substantially any type of damper. The damper may operate in any direction, not only in the direction of expansion, but alternatively in the direction of compression, e.g., a reverse gas spring, a tension gas spring, or a compression gas spring.The control system of the feeding machine 10 can be connected to the power supply network. Optionally, however, power may be provided from a solar cell battery 34 combined with solar cells 36 to enable operation in non-grid areas or other power lines. An electrical connector 38 for serially connecting subsequent automatic feeders is disposed on the automatic feeder 10, and an electrical connector 40 for parallel connecting other automatic feeders is also mounted on the automatic feeder 10. Two external electrical connections enable serial or parallel connections of subsequent automatic feeding machines, which is explained in more detail below.In Fig. 2 the animal feed machine of Fig. 1 is shown wherein a tray 20a has been pivoted to the second position and has contact with the switch sensor 26a while the gas spring 32a is extended. In a scenario in which the tray containing the tray 20a is released and pivoted to this position, the feed that would have been in the feed storage compartment 14a falls within the area of the feed dispensing opening 16.FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the internal mechanisms and electrical connections of the automatic feeding machine according to some embodiments of the invention. The feeder is operable by a single channel digital sequencer 28 equipped with a pulse mode, i.e. the digital sequencer 28 sends a pulse of predetermined time duration. The digital sequence controller 28 may be operated from either the conventional power grid or from a solar cell battery 34 connected to solar cells 36 for solar charging. In some embodiments of the invention, the pulse time in the digital sequence controller 28 is preset to one and a half seconds.With the digital sequence controller 28 in pulse mode, users have the ability to set various desired enable times for the pulses being transmitted, and thus enable a drop at each pulse. At the specified time, the digital sequencer 28 sends a 1.5 second pulse and transmits a signal over a control line 60 to the electrical interlock system 62.The electrical latch system 62 includes electrically controlled latches 30 a- c, e.g., solenoids and microswitches 26 a- c. Each microswitch 26, see Figure 4, is arranged to switch an input terminal C, common, between the output terminal NC, normally closed, and the output terminal NO, normally open, when the switch is subjected to an external force, for example in the present invention, when the tray is pivoted to the second position and thereby interacts with the microswitch 26. Thus, the diagram of the switch in Figure 4 shows a switch in neutral, i.e. when no pressure is applied or the tray is in the first position.Referring again to Figure 3, control line 60 from digital sequence controller 28 is connected to input terminal C of switch 26a located at lowermost shelf 20a. The output terminal NC of the switch 26a is connected to the electronic latch 30a, and the output terminal NO of the switch 26a is connected to the input terminal C of the switch 26b disposed next shelf 20b as counted from below. The output terminal NC of the switch 26b is connected to the electronic latch 30b, and the output terminal NO of the switch 26b is connected to the input terminal C of the switch 26c disposed on the next tray 20c, the uppermost one in Fig. 3. The output terminal NC of the switch 26c is connected to the electronic latch 30c and the output terminal NO of the switch 26c is connected to the electrical connection point 38 which is adapted to connect subsequent automatic feeders in series with the current automatic feeder, i.e. when the last tray 20c in the automatic feeder 10 is pivoted to the second position, the control signal for releasing a tray is passed through the electrical latch system 62 of the current automatic feeder 10 to be connected to the control line of another automatic feeder where the next release signal releases the first tray of that automatic feeder.Thus, when all of the trays 20a-c in the feeder 10 are in the first position, indicating that the feeder is fully loaded with animal feed, the electrical latch 30a connected to the lowermost tray 20a and the lowermost feed storage compartment 14a is triggered to release the tray 20a in response to the pulse signal sent over the control line 60, and gravity causes the tray 20a to pivot from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the tray interacts with the switch 26a so that the control line 60 is connected to the next switch 26b waiting for the next time signal. Then, when the next timing signal or pulse is sent, the next tray is released and swings to the second position, delivering feed through the feed delivery port 16.Each compartment is therefore equipped with a microswitch sensor 26a-c for detecting its locked or released condition, i.e. the first or second position of the corresponding tray 20a-c. When a tray 20a-c of a tray 14a-c falls, it physically contacts the switch sensor 26a-c, thereby switching the microswitch from normally closed (NC) to normally open (NO). This allows the next electrical signal to pass through the microswitch from common (C) to normally open (NO).One or more inverted gas springs or dampers 32a-c are incorporated in each compartment to slow the swing and ensure that it takes longer than the control pulse, e.g., 1.5 seconds, for the swing of the tray to reach the microswitch 26a-c. This allows the electrical signal to be switched from the release of the tray before the pivoting tray reaches the corresponding switch and switches the control line signal to the next switch and the next electrical latch.The sensors also serve as a protection measure for the electrical lock by preventing the electrical activation from lasting too long, which could damage the solenoid. This may occur when the compartment contacts the microswitch sensor and interrupts the signal flow by disconnecting the connection between common (C) and normally closed (NC). This protective measure effectively prevents the solenoid from burning in the event of an incorrectly set pulse interval which exceeds one and a half seconds.It should be appreciated that users have the flexibility to use the automatic feeding machine in various configurations. It can be used as a stand-alone feeder 10 or in series by connecting the port 38 to a subsequent feeder. A plurality of automatic feeders 10 can also be connected in parallel by using the connector 40 in the automatic feeder. Port 40 is connected directly to control line 60 and therefore simply passes on the control signal once it is sent.By implementing the electrical latch system 62 that connects switches 26 a- c, e.g., microswitches, and latches 30 a- c, as described above, the trays 20 a- cand / or the trays 14 a- cmay be replenished before all trays are emptied without the user having to reset the controller or make other settings on the system. A tray 20a-c is re-accommodated in the sequence simply by raising the tray to the first position to be loaded. Then, the switch 26a-c is switched back to send the next signal arriving at the switch to the corresponding electrical latch 30a-c. As a result, the resetting and reloading of the automatic feeding device 10 becomes intuitive and simple thanks to these functions. Moreover, the system can be operated with a single timer channel, which can be advantageous from an economic point of view and / or from a complexity perspective.In Figures 5 and 6, the versatile operating capabilities of the system are illustrated.FIG. 5 shows the sequential use in which two or more automatic animal feeders are connected to one another in series by connecting the connection 38 of one automatic feeder 72 to the control line 60 of the other automatic feeder 74. In this configuration, the active feeder top shelf sensor 20c controls the lowermost latch of the next automatic feeder. This sequential arrangement is particularly useful in situations where the owner must ensure continuous feeding over a prolonged period of time, e.g., during its absence at the weekend.Figure 6 demonstrates the parallel use in which two or more automatic feeders can operate simultaneously. To enable operation, a cable may be connected to the parallel port 40 of one feeder 72 and connected to the control line 60 of another feeder 74. This causes the respective compartments in both machines to open simultaneously, allowing for the simultaneous feeding of several animals, each animal being operated by its own automatic feeder 72, 74.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments of the invention are not limited solely to the cases described above, but may vary within the limits of the appended claims. Accordingly, the design and functionality of the feeder 10 may vary from the configurations described above.For example, it is noteworthy that the refill door 12 need not be limited to the frontal orientation as previously illustrated. Instead, it may be arranged on the side or even from above, which increases the flexibility in the design of the feeding machine and its adaptability to different operational scenarios. Such modifications remain within the scope of the claims of the invention and within the scope of competence of those skilled in the relevant art.Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the open and closeable compartments 14a-c are not necessarily limited to three or four as shown in the figures. There may be as many compartments as there may be room in the volume of the automatic feeding machine. In some embodiments, the number of the compartments 14 a- cmay be between 2 and 20.Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the solution is also suitable for feeding machines which differ from the square construction as illustrated in the drawing.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the solution according to the invention is also applicable to feeding animals other than horses.In some embodiments, the arrangement allows precise timing and sequencing of the feeding compartments and provides the unique ability to reset the system prior to complete emptying of all compartments. This allows convenient refilling at any time of day. It is to be emphasized in particular that the digital sequence controller always activates the release of the lowermost closed compartment. The integration of microswitch sensors with the electrical latch system strategicly connected to a latch allows the automatic release of the proper shelf when indicated by the sequence controller. This increases flexibility and versatility in the feeding process, increases operational efficiency and allows adjustment of feeding schedules.A noteworthy aspect of some embodiments of the invention is that the shelves are not dependent on individual channels or specific schedules of the digital sequencer. Instead, the digital sequence controller initiates the release of the lowermost closed compartment each time. This means that the single channel digital sequence controller is capable of controlling multiple shelves, thereby simplifying the apparatus and reducing costs. For example, only a single cable with two lines is required to connect the control unit to the automated feeding machine. This optimized approach is less expensive than using a multi-channel sequence controller that would require a separate two-line cable for each channel. Design optimization not only increases the efficiency and flexibility of the system, but also allows significant cost savings in implementation.Since the number of compartments is not linked to the number of channels of a sequencer, different numbers of compartments can be set as required by the owner. The only limitation on the number of compartments is the size of the housing that receives the compartments and the required size of each individual compartment.Moreover, in some embodiments, the invention provides versatile uses that allow both stand-alone use and parallel or serial connections to other automated feeders of the same type. In a parallel configuration, multiple automatic feeders may be connected to each other to allow simultaneous feeding. The invention enables sequential feedings over a longer period of time by cascade-connecting the automatic feeding machines. This flexibility in use provides flexibility to accommodate different feeding scenarios to meet different needs and preferences. By supporting stand-alone, parallel and serial connections, the invention increases convenience and offers users several options for effective and customized feeding solutions.Further, the adaptive replenishment function works smoothly even when a plurality of automatic feeders are connected to each other, which is a considerable advantage. This advantage extends beyond individual users who seek flexibility in their feeding schedules, since there is no need to always replenish at the same time of day. This is particularly advantageous in situations where the feeding machines serve a plurality of animals belonging to different owners and each having different feeding habits, as is often the case in penning rooms. The ability of the invention to allow independent replenishment of each feeder in the associated system helps to meet the specific feeding requirements and schedules of the individual animals. This ensures the provision of optimum nutrients and improves the efficiency of the feeding process as a whole.The various embodiments described above are illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The principles set forth herein may be applied, for example, to any automated animal feed machine. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate various modifications and adaptations of the present invention without having to follow the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedUS 2004 / 0216681 A1
[0003] US 10398128 B2
[0004] US 2005 / 0213266 A1
[0005] US 6405674 B1
[0006]
Claims
The animal feed machine (10) comprises: a storage unit having a feed dispensing opening (16) including at least two feed storage compartments (14a-b); a first pivotable tray (20a) pivotable between a first and a second position, wherein the first pivotable tray (20a) is arranged in the first position to block the opening of the first feed storage compartment (14a). In the second position, the pivotable shelf (20a) does not block the opening of the first shelf (14a) to allow communication of the first shelf through the feed dispensing opening (16), a second pivotable shelf (20b) is also pivotable between first and second positions, the second pivotable shelf (20b) being arranged in the first position to block the opening of the second feed storage shelf (14b). In the second position, the second pivotable tray (20b) does not block the opening in the second tray (14b), allowing communication between the second tray and the first tray (14a), a first electrically controlled release mechanism (30a) disposed on the first tray (20a) to temporarily fix the first tray (20a) in the first position. A second electrically controlled release mechanism (30b) is arranged on the second tray (20b) for temporarily fixing the second tray (20b) in the first position, and a first electrical switch (26a) arranged on the first tray (20a), wherein the first electrical switch (26a) is connected to the first electrically controlled release mechanism (30a) by a control line (60) when the tray (20a) is in the first position. Once the tray (20a) is in the second position, the first electrical switch (26a) connects the control line (60) to the second electrically controlled release mechanism (30b). The first electrical switch (26a) comprises an input terminal (C) connected to the control line (60), a first output terminal (NC) connected to the first electrically controlled release mechanism (30a) when the first tray (20a) is in the first position, and a second output terminal (NO) connected to the second electrically controlled release mechanism (30b) when the first tray is in the second position.The animal feed machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control line (60) is arranged to transmit a trigger signal from a control unit (28).The animal feed machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second output terminal (NO) of the first electrical switch (26a) is connected to the second electrically controlled release mechanism (30b) via a second electrical switch (26b) disposed on the second tray (20b).The animal feed machine (10) of any of claims 1-3, wherein the storage unit comprises X feed storage compartments (14a-c), wherein X is a number between 2 and 20, and the animal feed machine (10) further comprises: pivotable trays (20a-c), each pivotable between a first and second position, wherein each pivotable tray (20a-c) is arranged in the first position to block an opening between two adjacent compartments. In the second position, each pivotable tray (20a-c) is slid to no longer block the opening between the adjacent trays, allowing communication between the two adjacent trays, electrically controlled release mechanisms (30a-c) disposed on each pivotable tray (20a-c) to releasably fix each respective pivotable tray, electrical switches (26a-c) disposed on each pivotable tray (20a-c), each electrical switch (26a-c) connecting a signal line from an electrical switch (26a-c) located closer to the feed dispensing openings (16) to the electrically actuated release mechanism (30a-c) of the respective pivotable tray when the respective pivotable tray is in the first position. Further, each electric switch (26a-c) connects the signal line from an electric switch (26a-c) on a pivotable tray (20a-c) positioned closer to the feed dispensing opening (16) to the electrically controlled release mechanism (30a-c) of a pivotable tray further from the feed dispensing opening (16) when the pivotable tray (20a-c) is in the second position.The animal feed machine (10) of claim 4, wherein the electrical switch (26a-c) disposed on the pivotable tray number X connects a signal line from the electrical switch on the pivotable tray number X-1 to the electrically controlled release mechanism (30a-c) of the pivotable tray number X when the pivotable tray number X is in the first position. Further, the electric switch (26a-c) disposed on the pivotable tray number X connects a signal line from the electric switch (26a-c) on the pivotable tray number X-1 to a terminal (38, 40) attached to the animal feed machine to connect the signal line to a second animal feed machine.The animal feed machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a parallel control signal output port (40) connected to the control line (60) for connecting the control line to a second animal feed machine (74).The animal feed machine (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each electric switch (26a-c) is mounted in the storage unit such that the switch switches between the first output terminal and the second output terminal when the corresponding tray (20a-c) has been pivoted to the second position.The animal feed machine (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a braking device (32a-c) disposed between each pivotable tray (20a-c) and the storage unit to slow movement of the tray (20a-c) from the first to the second position upon release.The animal feed machine (10) according to claim 8, wherein the braking device (32a-c) is a gas compression spring.The animal feed machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch (26a-c) is a microswitch.An animal feed dispensing system comprising an animal feed machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a control unit (28) configured such that an activation signal can be sent according to a predetermined schedule to the control line (60) of at least one animal feed machine (10).The animal feed delivery system of claim 11, wherein the control unit (28) is a digital sequence controller.The animal feed dispensing system according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the transmitted activation signal comprises an electrical pulse that lasts shorter than one and a half second.