Central section for the walkway of a cattle barn

Abstract

A central section 10 for use in a walkway 19 of a cattle barn, wherein the central section 10 is designed as a cast part, in particular a concrete part, with an elongated basic shape. Connection areas 62 are provided on the longitudinal sides for connection with walkway panels 60, and the central section 10 has an opening 20 located at the top when used as intended, which widens downwards into a channel 22, so that liquid flowing through the opening 20 into the channel 22 can be drained via the channel 22, and the central section 10 includes end faces 12 for connection with adjacent central sections.The end faces (12) comprise at least a lower area (30, 31) where the middle parts (10) are in contact with each other during intended use and at least an upper area (40) which is offset back from the lower area (30, 31) by an offset (d), so that a gap of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 12 mm, is formed between the middle parts (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a central part for panels of a walkway or lying areas of a cattle barn, a walkway and / or lying areas with a central part and a method for manufacturing a walkway and / or lying areas of a cattle barn with a central part.

[0002] It is generally known to use concrete elements for constructing the floor of a livestock barn, which are laid on a suitably prepared sub-base. When preparing the sub-base, a (multi-layered) bed of, for example, sand and / or gravel is typically poured, evenly distributed, and compacted to such an extent that subsidence is prevented as much as possible during the planned service life of the livestock barn. The various concrete elements are then usually placed on this completely level sub-base. As disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2004 050 100 B3, walkway slabs can be used. Often, two rows of walkway slabs are arranged side by side to form a walkway. Lying surface slabs can also be arranged on one or both sides of a walkway constructed in this way.For example, in free-range housing, the cattle can move freely across the walkway to the lying areas. This typically leads to the walkway becoming soiled with feces and / or urine. When cleaning the lying areas, feces and / or urine can get onto the walkway panels, which can then be cleaned. A scraper system is known from the prior art for cleaning the walkway panels. The scraper extends across the entire width of the walkway, and a central pull rope is used to move the scraper back and forth along the walkway. At one end of the walkway, there is usually a collection area for urine, feces, and manure, which is filled by moving the scraper to this collection area. To prevent the cattle from injuring themselves on the pull rope, they typically walk in a depression or channel that...which can be formed between the two walkway panels that form the walkway in its width.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for environmental protection measures to prevent the soiling of livestock barns by excrement seeping through the floor. To meet this requirement and to effectively remove larger quantities of excrement, drainage channels could be installed, for example, centrally located lengthwise along the walkway between adjacent walkway panels.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a walkway for a livestock barn that includes a drainage channel arranged between adjacent pairs of walkway panels, wherein the walkway thus formed meets the desired high requirements for impermeability with regard to the penetration of liquids or solids into the subsoil. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A central section comprising a drainage channel for use in a cattle shed walkway can be designed as a cast part, preferably as a concrete part. On a central section according to the invention, connection areas for connecting to walkway panels are provided on the longitudinal sides, and the central section has an opening located at the top when used as intended, which widens towards the interior of the central section so that excrement entering the interior of the central section through the opening can be drained away. Furthermore, the central section according to the invention includes end faces that comprise connection areas for connecting to adjacent central sections.The end faces comprise at least a lower area where the middle parts are in direct contact with each other when used as intended, and at least an upper area which is offset back from the lower area by an offset d, so that a gap (distance) of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 6 mm or at least 12 mm is created in the upper area between the end faces of two such adjacent middle parts.

[0006] The offset d formed in the upper region of the end face of the central part extends, in particular, in the transverse direction of the central part. This design allows adjacent central parts to be easily positioned against each other in the lower region of the contact surfaces, creating a gap of a defined width in the upper region of the end faces of two adjacent central parts, which can be used for sealing. Preferably, the adjacent "further central parts" are central parts according to the invention, but this is not strictly necessary. The adjacent central parts can also be central parts that do not have recessed upper regions on their end faces. Preferably, the central parts according to the invention have an offset (a recessed upper region) on both end faces, each with a width equal to half the desired distance.In forming the walkway, intermediate parts according to the invention and further intermediate parts without offset at the end faces can be used alternately.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, a lower region and a recessed upper region are provided on each of the two end faces of the central part, and the sum of the offsets d of these regions between two adjacent central parts corresponds to a gap 2d, wherein, in particular, the offset d of the upper region can be the same on each end face of the central part. For the lower region, it is sufficient if it is shaped such that it includes one or more projecting regions. These can be formed by screw heads, as described, for example, in one embodiment below.

[0008] Furthermore, a lower and a recessed upper area can be provided on only one of the end faces of the middle section of two adjacent middle sections, wherein the offset d of the upper recessed area of ​​one middle section then forms the gap of thickness d to be sealed. The other end face then specifically does not have an upper recessed area. In this embodiment, care must be taken to ensure the orientation of the middle sections when laying them, so that a gap d is present at each connection point between two middle sections.

[0009] Preferably, the offset d is formed continuously across the width of the middle section transversely to the length of the middle section, so that a sealant can be introduced into the formed gap during the formation of the walkway in order to achieve a liquid-tight seal from the top of the walkway to the substrate.

[0010] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the gap to be sealed extends vertically in the transverse direction of the central section below the drainage channel, between the channel and the substrate, so that a sealant can be introduced into the gap during the formation of the walkway to ensure a watertight seal between the channel and the substrate. In its intended use, this gap (to be sealed) thus runs horizontally in the transverse direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the central section.

[0011] Furthermore, the gap (distance) between two adjacent central parts can be at least 12 mm and / or at most 30 mm. Particularly preferably, the distance 2d is between 12 mm and 20 mm if both adjacent central parts have an upper area set back by an offset d.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the transition from the upper to the lower area is not formed as a right-angled step, but rather flattened outwards with an angle of inclination (α) of 20° to 70°, and preferably with an angle of inclination (α) of 45° ± 15°. This creates a wedge-shaped gap between two end faces of adjacent central parts, which can improve the sealing effect in the case of certain dimensional and / or positional deviations of the components.

[0013] A typical cattle barn walkway comprises several central sections and several walkway panels. The central sections are arranged in a row along their end faces, and the walkway panels extend to both sides of the row of central sections, with the end faces of the central sections sealed with a sealant in the area of ​​the gaps formed between them.

[0014] The walkway panels can each be connected to a central section at least at one connection point, preferably by bolting. These connection points are preferably spaced apart from each other at the axial ends of the central sections. Preferably, all walkway panels are each attached to one of the central sections at at least one point.

[0015] In a method for constructing the walkway of a cattle barn, central sections and walkway panels are laid on a prepared substrate and preferably at least partially connected to one another, preferably mechanically. Gaps are provided at the adjacent end faces of the central sections and preferably also at the end faces of the walkway panels. After the central sections have been arranged in a row, these gaps are filled with a sealant, thus creating a completely sealed walkway. The connection between the walkway panels and between the walkway panels and the central sections can preferably be achieved by bolting. Preferably, both the gaps between the laid central sections and the spaces between the laid walkway panels are filled with a sealant.Sealing material can be applied to the outer edges, i.e., at the beginning and end of a walkway in its longitudinal direction, or at the ends of the walkway slabs facing away from the central sections. Alternatively, cast concrete, for example, can be used to create a seal.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, convexities or concavities, or corresponding projections or recesses, are formed between the walkway panels relative to each other and / or between the walkway panels relative to the central sections and / or between the central sections relative to each other. These interlock to position the respective parts in a horizontal direction relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, positioning means, for example, fastening means, are provided according to the invention for fastening the parts. The walkway panels and / or central sections can each be connected to one another, preferably screwed, via fastening elements such as fastening brackets.

[0017] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a central section, Fig. 2 the detail of the front face of the middle part according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a view of a walkway with the central section, Fig. 4 a cross-section through the walkway, Fig. 5 a detailed view of a central part of another embodiment and Fig. 6 the assembly situation of the embodiment according to Fig. 5.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a central section 10, as used according to the invention in the middle of a walkway 19 of a cattle barn. For better illustration of the details, its front end is shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows an enlarged illustration. According to the invention, the cattle barn is constructed such that several central sections 10 are arranged one behind the other. To the left and right of this row, walkway panels 60 are arranged, and lying surface panels 70 can be arranged, for example, on one or both sides, in the transverse direction of the walkway. These elements together form the floor of the cattle barn. The cattle reach their lying surfaces via the walkway 19 formed by the walkway panels and the central sections arranged between them, the lying surfaces being made of lying surface panels 70 (see Figure 2). Fig. 4) are formed. The excrement on the walkway 19, usually a mixture of manure and slurry, can be removed along the walkway 19 using a scraper (not shown). The scraper extends across the entire or part of the walkway's transverse direction and is usually driven by a cable. The cable is typically located in a channel 22 that extends centrally through the middle sections 10. The scraper is usually mechanically connected to the cable by means of a connecting element that extends from the cable through the opening 20 to the scraper. Furthermore, the surface of the walkway is typically designed to allow the excrement to enter the opening 20 and from there into the channel 22.

[0019] To prevent excrement, such as liquid manure, from seeping down into the ground via the connection between two central parts 10, the connection area is sealed with a sealing material 50 (see also Fig. 4) sealed. The sealing material can be a viscous mass that either dries or hardens. To achieve a good sealing effect, the offset d, forming a gap (distance) between two central parts, has a certain width and height into which the sealing material can be introduced, for example, lubricated or injected. Depending on whether both central parts or only one of the central parts has an offset in the upper area, the connection area has a width of "d" or "2d". In a preferred embodiment, both axial ends of the adjacent central parts 10 are designed identically, so that the thickness of the gap between the two central parts is "2d". Thus, in Fig. Figure 2 shows an offset between a lower region 40 and an upper region 30 of the end face 12 of depth "d". During assembly, the middle sections 10 are placed together without gaps, so that the lower regions 30 of adjacent middle sections 10 are directly butted against each other. In a subsequent step, the sealing material 50 can be pressed or lubricated into the resulting gap of thickness 2d. In an alternative embodiment, one end of a middle section can have such an offset of width d, and the end of the second adjacent middle section has no offset between a lower and upper region.In another alternative embodiment, different central parts can be used, wherein one central part has an offset of depth d at both ends, and the next, adjacent central part has no offset at its end face, with the two different central parts arranged alternately. The only important point here is that lower regions are formed on the central parts, which define the distance between the central parts. In these lower regions, the central parts preferably lie directly against each other across their entire width (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the central part). Above this lower region, as described above, a gap of constant width (in the longitudinal direction of the central part) is formed, which is filled with the sealing material 50.In a preferred embodiment, the gap formed by the offset at one end of a central section can have an outward slope with an angle of inclination α of 45°, so that after the sealing material is introduced, the sealing material has a V-shaped form with a significantly smaller gap at the bottom between the central sections. This improves the sealing effect. In other preferred embodiments, no angle of inclination can be provided, so that α = 0°.

[0020] Fig. Figure 3 shows the stable floor during construction. It shows that several center sections 10 are arranged one behind the other. The center sections 10 preferably have the same length. The walkway panels 60 are arranged offset from the length of the center sections. The center sections 10 are connected to the walkway panels 60 at fastening points 62. These fastening points can include fastening brackets 64, each of which is screwed to one center section 10 and one walkway panel 60. The construction of a walkway is described below using the following example: Fig. 3 and Fig. As described in section 4, the subsoil 80 is first excavated and leveled. Coarse gravel 82 is then applied to this lower leveled layer. A depression is provided in this gravel layer where the center sections 10 are to be positioned. This depression is lined with a layer of finer gravel 84. The center sections 10 are then laid on this layer. For play-free installation, it can be advantageous to bolt the center sections together. For this purpose, the center sections have bolt holes 65 at their axial ends. A positioning plate 66 can be used to position the center sections of two adjacent center sections in their axial and vertical alignment. The positioning plates 66 shown are subsequently removed, as they impede free movement of the gate. Fig. Figure 3 shows, from the perspective of the assembly sequence, the current end of the production of a walkway 19 (i.e., the laying of the panels has begun at the other end). Once two center sections 10 have been laid and optionally screwed together, the adjacent walkway panels 60 are laid and screwed to the fastening brackets 64. The screwing ensures that the parts cannot subsequently shift. This is important because a seal 50 is preferably also provided between the walkway panels 60, between the walkway panels and center sections, and between the center sections 10 in the transverse direction. At the in Fig. In the three areas shown at the front, two more walkway panels of half length will be laid.

[0021] A seal 50 according to the invention is in Fig. Figure 4 shows that, in addition to the above, it can also be formed at the outer edges, i.e., at the beginning and end of a walkway in its longitudinal direction, or at the ends of the walkway panels facing away from the central sections, across the entire width of the walkway 19. For this purpose, lower areas 67 and upper areas 68 are provided on the walkway panels 60, which are preferably designed such that a gap of the same thickness d is created, which is bounded at the bottom by butt-jointed panels. A corresponding arrangement can be provided laterally on the outside with areas 67' and 68'. If the adjacent lying surface panels 70 do not have a corresponding offset, the offset of areas 67' and 68' preferably has a thickness d. The transitions from the walkway panels 60 to the central sections 10 are also sealed accordingly. The positioning panel shown is subsequently removed, as already described.The cuboid-shaped hole shown could injure the livestock. Therefore, it is closed with two blocks approximately half the size, leaving only the wider open slot 20. Alternatively, the adjacent center sections 10 could be connected with two corresponding parts during installation. This prevents the center sections 10 from sagging or shifting relative to each other, reducing the mechanical stress on the seal 50 and thus improving its long-term sealing effect.

[0022] Fig. Figure 5 shows that in one embodiment, the lower region of a central part according to the invention need not be formed as a projecting area on an end face of a central part 30, designed as an offset. It is also possible that the central part 30 has, in a lower region at both axial ends or end faces, for example, a projection formed by spacers 31, such as screws, of a width corresponding to the desired offset thickness d. During assembly, the central parts 30 are arranged one another in such a way that the outer surface of the spacer(s) is / are flush with the adjacent central part 30, as shown in Figure 5. Fig.Figure 6 shows that the spacers form a multi-point offset. During assembly, a sealing material 32, for example, an optionally elastic sealing tape, can be placed or applied to this offset so that the sealing material rests on the formed projection. Preferably, several spacers 31, for example, screws, can be used. The sealing material 32 can be used as a liquid seal. Subsequently, the area above the sealing tape 32 is filled with a curable sealing material 50.

[0023] The sealant can be a viscous, flowable compound based on oil (bitumen) and / or hot bitumen. A casting compound, such as polyurethane, can also be used. Curing substances (e.g., two-component sealants) can be employed. Typically, after curing, the sealant exhibits high elasticity or plasticity, ensuring that the sealing effect is maintained even with some movement of the adjacent elements relative to each other. Applying a primer to the base material of the elements can enhance adhesion. Alternatively, a sealing cord can be used, which is elastically clamped into the joint and, in particular, additionally covered with a sealant.

[0024] The thickness of the sealing material 50 in the vertical direction should typically be at least 10 mm and preferably up to 50 mm. In particular, the thickness can be between 20 and 30 mm. Reference symbol: 10 Middle section 12 Front 19 Walkway 20 Opening Channel 22 30 lower range 31 spacers, especially screws 32 Sealing material 40 upper range 50 Seal, sealing material 60 Walkway plate 62 Connection area 64 mounting brackets 65 screw hole 66 Positioning plate 67 lower area 68 upper area 70 lying surface plate 80 Underground 82 coarse gravel 84 fine gravel α Angle of inclination d offset QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2004 050 100 B3

[0002]

Claims

[1] Central section (10) for a walkway (19) of a cattle barn, wherein the central section (10) is designed as a cast part, preferably as a concrete part, with an elongated basic shape and connection areas (62) are provided on the longitudinal sides for connection with walkway panels (60), and the central section (10) has an opening (20) located at the top when used as intended, which widens towards the interior to form a channel (22), so that excrement entering the channel (22) through the opening (20) can be drained via the channel (22) and the central section (10) comprises end faces (12) for connection with adjacent central sections, characterized by, that the end faces (12) comprise at least a lower area (30, 31) where the middle parts (10) are in contact with each other when used as intended, and comprise at least an upper area (40) which is set back from the lower area (30, 31) by an offset (d), so that a gap of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 12 mm, is formed between the middle parts (10). [2] Middle part according to claim 1, characterized by , that on each of the two end faces (12) of the central part (10) a lower (30, 31) and a recessed upper area (40) are provided and the sum of the offsets (d) of the upper areas between two adjacent central parts corresponds to a distance (2d), wherein in particular the offset (d) on each of the end faces (12) of the central part (10) is the same. [3] Middle part (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that on only one of the end faces (12) of the middle part (10) a lower (30) and a recessed upper area (40) is provided and the offset (d) of the upper areas between two adjacent middle parts corresponds to the gap. [4] Middle part (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the offset (d) extends continuously across the width of the central part (10) transversely to the length of the central part (10), so that during the formation of the walkway a sealing material (50) can be introduced into the sealing gap (d) to achieve a liquid-tight seal from the top of the walkway to the substrate. [5] Middle part (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the offset (d) between the channel (22) and the substrate (80) is such that a sealing material (50) can be introduced into the space when forming the walkway to seal the channel (22) against the substrate (80). [6] Middle part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the thickness of the gap is at least 12 mm and / or at most 30 mm and is particularly preferably between 12 mm and 20 mm. [7] Middle part according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transition from the upper area to the lower area is flattened outwards with an opening angle (α) of 20° to 70°, preferably of 45° + / -15°. [8] Walkway (19) of a cattle barn comprising a plurality of central parts (10) of claims 1 to 7 and a plurality of walkway panels (60), wherein the central parts (10) are arranged in a row along their end faces (12) and the walkway panels (60) extend to both sides of the row, and the end faces (12) are sealed to each other with a sealing material (50). [9] Walkway (19) of a cattle barn according to claim 8, characterized by, that the walkway panels (60) are each connected to a central part (10) at least at one connection area (62), in particular screwed, and that these fastening areas (62) are spaced apart from the axial ends of the central parts (10). [10] Method for constructing the walkway (19) of a cattle barn with a channel (22), wherein central parts (10) as defined by one of claims 1 to 7 and walkway panels (60) are laid on a prepared substrate (82, 84) and at least partially mechanically connected to each other, and all structurally provided connection areas between adjacent end faces (12) of the central parts (10), between adjacent walkway panels (60) and between central parts and walkway panels (60) are filled with a sealing material (50), so that a completely sealed walkway (19) is produced. [11] Walkway according to claim 8 or 9 or method according to claim 10, characterized bythat the walkway panels and / or central parts are or will be connected to each other by means of fastening elements, preferably fastening brackets, in particular by screws.

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