Play equipment for animals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toy (2) for animals with an actuating device (4) by which, by actuation, a valve is opened, through which a portion of food is dispensed from a storage container (6) arranged in a plane above the valve to a food dispenser (8) located in a plane below the valve. In order to enable the dispensing of soft feedstuffs without damaging them with the valve, it is proposed to design the valve as a hose valve (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy for animals with an actuating device by which, when actuated, a valve is opened by which a portion of food is dispensed from a storage container arranged in a plane above the valve to a food dispenser located in a plane below the valve.

[0002] Patent application DE 20 2012 008 768 U1 discloses a toy for animals in which a ball is connected to a valve. When an animal plays with the ball, the movement of the ball opens the valve. A fluid, such as a spray, can then flow through the valve into a pipe connected to the valve, which delivers the fluid to the animal's head. This fluid flow caters to the animal's natural exploratory behavior. The cooling effect of the spray is perceived by the animal as a reward.

[0003] A similar toy is known from German patent application DE 20 2019 000 057 U1. In this device, a portion of high-fiber feed is dispensed by actuating a valve. The high-fiber feed is stored in a reservoir located above the valve.

[0004] It is known from the prior art to dispense granular solids or liquids as a reward for animals using toys. It has been found that commercially available animal toys are insufficient to engage the animals intensely enough to prevent them from injuring each other. Therefore, it would be advantageous to dispense particularly attractive snacks with the toy to maximize the animals' engagement. However, it is not possible to dispense soft feed materials, such as soft capsules with a liquid or creamy filling, or live insect larvae, which could be damaged by the activation of the known valves, using the existing valve technology.If the known valve technologies were used for dispensing the soft feed, increasingly crushed feed would accumulate on the shearing edges and pressing surfaces of the valve during use of the toy, which is unhygienic and increasingly impairs the valve function.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to propose a valve technology that also enables the dispensing of soft feedstuffs.

[0006] The problem is solved for a generic gaming device by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0007] The valve is designed as a hose valve in which a hose wall of a hose is formed from an elastic material, wherein the hose wall in a closed position assumes a shape that blocks the dispensing of feed from the storage container, in an open position assumes a shape in which feed is dispensed from the storage container, and a change in shape of the hose wall required to set the open or closed position is effected by means of a fluid that acts on the hose wall from the outside or inside with an overpressure.

[0008] The hose, made of an elastic material, can be made of rubber or another thermoplastic elastic material. The hose returns to its original shape when subjected to atmospheric pressure both inside and outside. Under the influence of an overpressure acting on one side, the hose wall deforms. The material, the thickness of the hose wall, and its elasticity are selected such that the desired deformations of the hose wall occur at the pressures of the fluid acting on the hose wall, which are adjustable for actuating the hose valve, particularly those at which the hose valve is in the open or closed position.

[0009] In its closed position, the hose wall assumes a shape that blocks the dispensing of feed from the hopper. In this closed position, the inner cross-section of the hose wall is smaller than the size of the smallest feed particle (apart from dust particles), preventing any feed from being dispensed from the hopper through the hose valve.

[0010] In its open position, the hose wall assumes a shape with a channel on its inner surface. In this open position, the inner hose wall has a free cross-section large enough to allow feed particles from the hopper to fall through the channel formed in the hose valve and outwards, thus being dispensed. Depending on the cross-sectional area of ​​the hose's interior, a drop of a suitable length for the specific application is formed, through which a portion of feed is dispensed from the hopper. To be effective as a drop for a feed portion, the free cross-section of the hose's interior must be larger than the largest particle that could be contained in a feed portion.With such a large free cross-section, even the largest particle of a feed portion falls through the drop from the storage container into the feed dispenser. Blockages can therefore not occur in the flow of feed through the drop section in the area of ​​the hose valve.

[0011] The shape of the hose wall is changed to precisely adjust the open or closed position using a fluid as an actuating agent. This fluid acts on the hose wall from the outside or inside under pressure to open and close the hose valve. Gases or liquids can be used as the fluid. The pressurized fluid used as the actuating agent for the hose valve has the property of not damaging soft feedstuffs because it acts across the entire surface of the hose wall and the feed particles located in the area of ​​the hose valve, rather than at a single point.

[0012] The hose used in the hose valve should be long enough to match the amount of feed to be dispensed when the valve is opened. The longer the hose, the more feed particles can be retained in the closed position.

[0013] The use of a hose valve is advantageous for dispensing soft feed because no hard closing mechanisms are used to open and close the reservoir, which could shear or crush the soft feed. The hose wall contracts during opening and closing. By combining a hose valve with a fluid as the actuating agent, even soft feed can be dispensed from a reservoir into a feeder without damaging or crushing it. In particular, fly larvae can be dispensed from a reservoir without crushing or killing them. The fly larvae fall from the hose valve alive and unharmed into the feeder, where they are readily eaten as a treat by farm animals such as chickens or pigs.

[0014] During a closing movement, the hose wall can conform to the shape of a feed particle that is still within the hose valve. The particle is then pressed, but not crushed, provided the overpressures generated by the fluid are not too high. High operating pressures are not required in the device according to the invention because the feed particle is held in its current position by the hose wall's tensile forces and also by friction, preventing it from slipping out of the hose valve. The feed particles, when closed, are thus held within the hose valve in a kind of shrink-wrapped form.Since the feed particles dispensed by the hose valve are relatively light, weighing only a few grams or even less than 1 gram each, even slight forces are sufficient to hold these particles in the hose valve by causing the hose wall to be at least partially contracted or compressed. In its closed position, the hose valve thus acts as a kind of retainer for feed particles located within its area. When the hose valve is subsequently opened again, the feed particles that were in the closed position can fall out of the valve and are thereby dispensed into the feed dispenser.

[0015] The toy according to the invention makes it possible to provide animals with a small snack in the form of live insect larvae. Suitable insect larvae include, for example, the larvae of the black soldier fly. After a portion of food is dispensed, the animal is occupied with finding and eating the insect larvae. The animal is rewarded for engaging with the toy by the release of the food particles. If the food particles are not dispensed with every use of the toy, but only on average, for example, every tenth or twentieth use, the animal is encouraged to engage with the toy for a longer period. This prevents animals in a barn from injuring each other under the stress of overcrowding. In the process, valuable animal protein is ingested, thus supporting a healthy animal diet.This play device combines enrichment, reward, and feeding for the animals. The insect larvae are handled gently and dispensed safely. The dosage is freely adjustable via the length of the hose, the free cross-section of the hose when open, and the opening time of the hose valve; for example, it can be set to approximately 4-6 larvae. The feed can be dispensed into a feeding trough or onto the barn floor. Any number of these play devices can be installed in a barn. With a sufficiently large reservoir, the intervals between refills can be extended.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ambient air surrounding the play equipment is used as the fluid. This air is pressurized by a compressor and supplied to the hose valve via a connection. Using ambient air as the fluid minimizes the operating and maintenance costs of the play equipment.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hose wall, in its open position, defines a channel with a free cross-section large enough to allow feed particles from the hopper to fall through the channel formed in the hose valve. The falling path has an at least approximately vertical orientation, so that the channel acts as a fall path for feed particles. Due to the vertical orientation of the channel, the feed particles can fall out of the hose valve under the influence of gravity. This allows for feed dispensing without additional mechanical conveying elements.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hose is arranged in an interior space of a pressure vessel. The hose valve is in the open position with a free cross-section of the interior space of the hose when no overpressure is applied, and is closed when a sufficiently large overpressure acts on the hose wall from the outside. The pressure vessel has at least one connection to a fluid line through which a fluid can flow from the outside into an intermediate space between the side wall of the pressure vessel and the outer surface of the hose wall, and can flow out of the intermediate space in the pressure vessel to the outside. The sizes of the intermediate space and the free cross-section of the interior space of the hose depend on the pressure of the fluid in the intermediate space acting on the hose wall.In this design, the hose can be compressed by increasing the fluid pressure to such an extent that no more feed particles can escape from the hopper to the dispensing point, causing the hose valve to close the hopper. When the fluid pressure is released, the hose wall returns to its original shape. To close the hose valve, the fluid pressure in the space between the hose and the hopper is increased above atmospheric pressure. This higher pressure causes the hose walls to expand inwards, reducing the free cross-section of the hose. The fluid pressure in the space between the hose and the hopper can be increased to such a degree that the free cross-section of the hose becomes smaller than the particle size of the feed dispensed from the hopper.When the free cross-section of the hose has decreased to the point where no more feed can fall through the drop, the hose valve is closed. If the hopper contains no liquid, it is not necessary to seal the hose valve tightly to stop the feed from being dispensed. Even slight fluid pressures can be sufficient to close the hose valve enough to prevent feed from falling through. Therefore, the hose valve can be opened and closed by varying the fluid pressure and the flexibility and shape of the hose wall.The dimensions of the space between the hose and the free cross-section of the hose's interior depend on the pressure differential between the pressure of the fluid in the space acting on the hose wall, the pressure inside the hose (which can be atmospheric pressure), and the elasticity of the hose wall. The elasticity of the hose material allows it to change shape depending on the pressure of the fluid in the space. Through the connection to the fluid line, a pressurized fluid can flow from the outside into the space between the side wall of the pressure vessel and the outer surface of the hose wall, and later flow out of this space within the pressure vessel. The direction of fluid flow can be controlled by a suitable control valve.Depending on the type of fluid used, a pressure accumulator, compressor, or pump can be connected to the fluid line as a pressure source to pressurize the fluid, which is then directed into the intermediate space. The pressure generated by the accumulator, compressor, or pump is transmitted through the fluid line and the fluid within it into the intermediate space. When the hose valve needs to be opened again, a control valve can be actuated, allowing the fluid to flow out of the intermediate space. It is possible for the control valve to simultaneously close the fluid line to the pressure source when adjusted. External pressure supply is easy to implement and allows for relatively precise dosing of even small quantities of feed.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hose valve is in the closed position without the influence of overpressure. The hose valve is in the open position when overpressure acts on the hose wall inside the hose, creating a free cross-section in the hose's interior. The hose and / or the reservoir have at least one connection to a fluid line through which a fluid can flow into and out of the hose and / or reservoir from the outside. The size of the free cross-section of the hose's interior depends on the pressure of the fluid acting on the hose wall. When the hose valve is closed, when atmospheric pressure acts on it from the outside, compressed ambient air can be drawn into the hose's interior to open the valve and released back out to close it.The hose valve opens by increasing the pressure inside the hose for the duration of the valve's opening. The fluid supply connection can be located, for example, on the side of the hose. Increased pressure can also be generated internally on the hose wall from the reservoir if the hose valve is not pressure-tight and the reservoir itself can be sealed at least approximately pressure-tight, for example, with a pressure-tight screw-on lid. When fluid is introduced through the connection into the hose's interior or into the reservoir, and the air pressure there is thereby increased, the hose inflates, and the interior expands into a channel through which feed particles can be dispensed.If only small amounts of feed need to be dispensed, it may suffice to generate a brief pressure pulse with the fluid, which also opens the hose valve only briefly. During the time the hose valve is open, the overpressure dissipates through the valve, and any feed particles trapped inside are expelled from the hose by the pressure pulse. As the pressure in the hose decreases, it shrinks back to its original shape, eventually returning to the closed position. As long as the hose valve remains open, additional feed particles from the feed hopper can slide into the area of ​​the hose valve, where they are then dispensed during the next pumping pulse. The advantage of this design is that it is not necessary to keep the space between the hose and the feed hopper under constant pressure if the hose valve is to remain closed.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the play equipment has an electronic control unit connected to a sensor. When the actuating device is activated, the sensor transmits a signal to the control unit. The control unit is connected to a control valve, which regulates the flow of fluid to the hose valve and / or the reduction of overpressure at the hose valve. The control unit is programmed to actuate the control valve when a sensor signal is transmitted via the actuating device. The electronic transmission of the signal via the actuating device eliminates the need for maintenance-intensive mechanical transmission components. This is a significant technical advantage, especially under the dirty environmental conditions found in a stable and given the animals' tendency to chew on components.By operating the control valve electronically, the corresponding mechanical components can be eliminated. The electronic control also allows for the integration of programmed time intervals into the valve operation. For example, the control system can be programmed so that a new portion of feed is dispensed no sooner than 120 seconds after the previous portion, keeping the animals occupied and preventing the feed hopper from emptying too quickly. The control system also allows for precise control of the time intervals during which the hose valve is open or closed.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, a second valve is connected to the hose valve in the feed direction, and a metering chamber is formed between the hose valve and the second valve. A portion of feed that has passed through the hose valve is temporarily stored in this chamber. The metering chamber allows the quantity of feed particles that constitute a feed portion to be limited. This is particularly advantageous when the formation of a feed portion can take a considerable amount of time, as the feed particles may need to move from the storage container through the hose valve, and the feed portion is to be dispensed in a single burst. The second valve can also be advantageous if the hose valve is not intended to be permanently closed under pressure or if it is defective.Here, the second valve ensures that, when the hose valve is open, food is not unintentionally dispensed from the storage container.

[0022] In particular, a second valve in combination with a hose valve is useful when the hose is located inside a pressure vessel, the hose valve is in the open position with a free cross-section of the hose's interior without the influence of overpressure, and is closed when a sufficiently large overpressure acts on the hose wall from the outside, the pressure vessel has at least one connection to a fluid line through which a fluid can flow from the outside into a space between the side wall of the pressure vessel and the outer surface of the hose wall and flow out of the space in the pressure vessel, and the sizes of the space and the free cross-section of the hose's interior depend on the pressure of the fluid in the space acting on the hose wall, and when live insect larvae are to be dispensed as reward and food.Insect larvae don't simply trickle out of the reservoir; they mostly move through the hose valve on their own, which takes some time. Therefore, it's advisable to leave the hose valve open for an extended period after dispensing a portion of feed through the second valve. This allows the insect larvae time to move through the valve, enabling a number of larvae to accumulate behind it as a new feed portion. In such a case, it's not detrimental if the hose valve remains open for a longer period. It's then unnecessary to keep the hose valve constantly pressurized to keep the reservoir closed.The hose valve can remain permanently open; it is only necessary to close it during a period when the second valve is open to prevent a large number of insect larvae from slipping through the hose valve when the second valve opens. If, during this period, the insect larvae located near the hose valve are held in place, they cannot be injured or crushed by the edges of the valve plug when the second valve closes.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, a second valve is a conical or frustoconical plug that closes the metering chamber at its lower end in the closed position and is movable to its open position by an actuator in an at least approximately vertical direction. During an at least approximately vertical downward opening movement, feed particles located in the metering chamber can easily and completely fall out. Due to the conical or frustoconical shape, the feed particles slide downwards along the plug and are not caught by it. The conical or frustoconical shape also causes the feed portion to fan outwards as it falls out of the metering chamber, so that it lands at a greater distance from one another at the feed dispenser.The play effect of the food portion is enhanced because the animal then has to search longer for individual food particles in order to eat them. If insect larvae are dispensed using the toy, it is advantageous if the stopper is conical and has a slope angle greater than 30° on its circumference. This creates a significant gradient across the cone's surface. Such a slope angle ensures that the insect larvae that accumulate in front of the second valve cannot adhere to the stopper but instead slide over the cone due to gravity, thus being reliably dispensed.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuator for the second valve is designed as an air cylinder. Compressed air, which is also supplied as the fluid for adjusting the hose valve in the play equipment, can be used for the pneumatic drive. This eliminates the need for a separate, expensive drive for the actuator.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hose valve and the second valve can be actuated independently by a control unit. This independent control of the two valves makes it possible to dispense precise portions of feed particles, even with soft feedstuffs such as live insect larvae. For example, it may be advantageous to open the two valves alternately. The hose valve is closed when the second valve is open to dispense the feed portion present in the dispensing chamber, and the hose valve is only open when the second valve is closed to prevent an unintentionally excessive amount of feed from entering the dispensing chamber through the hose valve. The second valve can, for example, be open for a period of less than 10 seconds to dispense a single feed portion. During this time, the hose valve is closed.Once the second valve closes, the hose valve can be opened for a longer period to allow feed particles to pass from the storage container into the dispensing chamber. The hose valve can remain open at set intervals, or it can be closed only immediately before the second valve opens again.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, a 5 / 2-way valve is used as the control valve. With a 5 / 2-way valve, the hose valve and the second valve can be actuated by the control system in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the overpressure of the fluid for actuating the hose valve is less than 1 bar above atmospheric pressure.

[0028] Due to the low pressure at which the hose valve is operated, the risk of the feed particles, especially insect larvae, being damaged or crushed by the pressure exerted by the fluid is reduced. Components of the play equipment that are temporarily or permanently exposed to the fluid's overpressure can be designed more simply and cost-effectively. To ensure that no excessive pressure is present at the hose valve, a pressure relief valve can be installed on the pressure line leading to the connection.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, a light source is arranged on the actuating device. The light source can, for example, be an LED and illuminate for a specific time interval each time an animal activates the device. This light signal makes it easier for a person to monitor whether the animals are playing with the toy. The light generated by the light source also stimulates the animals' play instinct.

[0030] The embodiments of the invention described above can be combined in part or in full with the subject matter of the main claim and with each other, provided that there are no technically compelling obstacles to this.

[0031] Further modifications and embodiments of the invention will result from the following description and drawings.

[0032] The invention will be described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show: Fig. 1: A side view of a gaming device in standby mode, Fig. 2: a detailed view of section A in Fig. 1 in standby mode, and Fig. 3: the one in section A in Fig. 1. Detailed view shown with hose valve activated.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a toy 2 for animals with an actuating device 4 in its resting state. When the actuating device 4 is activated, the toy 2 dispenses a portion of food from a reservoir 6 located in a plane above the valve to a feed dispenser 8 located in a plane below the valve. A hose valve 12 is used to dispense the food portion.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of section A in Fig. 1 in the resting state. A portion of feed is dispensed from the storage container 6 through the channel 10, which is located in the hose valve 12. The channel 10 is laterally bounded by the hose walls 16 of the hose 14. In Fig. Figure 2 shows the hose valve 12 in an open position 18. In the open position 18, the hose walls 16 enclose the channel 10 at such a distance that a free cross-section 20, indicated by a double arrow, is formed. This free cross-section is large enough for feed particles from the feed hopper 6 to fall through the channel 10 formed in the hose valve 12. Inside the interior 22 of the hose 14, a fall path 24, indicated by another double arrow, is formed along its length. This fall path has an at least approximately vertical orientation, so that the channel 10 acts as a fall path 24 for feed particles.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the hose valve 12 is in the open position 18 without any overpressure acting on the hose walls 16, in which the free cross-section 20 of the interior 22 of the hose 14 is established. The hose valve 12 is closed when a sufficiently large overpressure acts on the hose wall 16 from the outside. The hose 14 is in an interior of a Fig. 3 identifiable pressure vessel 26 arranged. The pressure vessel 26 has at least one connection 28 to a [missing information], which for the sake of graphical simplification is shown only in [missing information]. Fig. Figure 3 shows a fluid line 30 through which a fluid can flow from the outside into a space 32 between the side wall of the pressure vessel 26 and the outer surface of the hose wall 16, and can flow out again from the space 32 in the pressure vessel 26 to the outside. The dimensions of the space 32 and the free cross-section 20 of the interior 22 of the hose 14 depend on the pressure of the fluid in the space 32 acting on the hose wall 16. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the pressure prevailing in the space 32 is sufficient to press the hose walls 16 of the hose 14 inwards to such an extent that the hose valve 12 is in its closed position 50. To achieve the closed position of the hose valve 12, an overpressure of less than 1 bar above atmospheric pressure is sufficient to actuate the hose valve 12.

[0036] The gaming device 2 has an electronic control unit 34, which is connected to a sensor 36. When the actuating device 4 is pressed, the sensor 36 transmits a sensor signal to the control unit 34. The control unit 34 is connected to a control valve 38, which controls the flow of fluid to the hose valve 12 and / or the reduction of overpressure at the hose valve 12. The control unit 34 is programmed to actuate the control valve 38 when a sensor signal is transmitted via the actuating device 4. In this embodiment, a 5 / 2-way valve is used as the control valve 38.

[0037] In the Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, but also the Fig. 2 and Fig.Figure 3 shows that a second valve 40 is connected to the hose valve 12 in the conveying direction of the feed, at a distance from the hose valve 12. A metering chamber 42 is formed between the hose valve 12 and the second valve 40, in which a portion of feed that has passed through the hose valve 12 is temporarily stored. In the exemplary embodiment, the second valve 40 is a conical or frustoconical plug 44, which closes the metering chamber 42 at its lower end in the closed position 50 and which is movable to its open position 18 in an at least approximately vertical direction by an actuator 46. The actuator 46 for the second valve 40 is designed as an air cylinder.

[0038] The hose valve 12 and the second valve 40 can be actuated independently of each other by the control unit 34. Actuation can be effected, in particular, by controlling the control valve 38, which is switched to a corresponding switching position for each actuation. The control valve 38 can be designed as an electronically controlled switching valve.

[0039] A light source 48 is arranged on the actuating device 4.

[0040] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. A person skilled in the art can adapt the embodiment to another application in a manner that appears suitable to them, insofar as this appears expedient for technical purposes. Reference symbol list 2 Play equipment 4 Actuating device 6 storage containers 8 Feeding 10-channel 12 hose valve 14 hoses 16 hose wall 18 Disclosure 20 Cross section 22 Interior of the hose 24 meters of drop 26 pressure vessels 28 connection 30 Fluid line 32 space 34 Control 36 Sensor 38 Control valve 40 second valve 42 Dosing room 44 plugs 46 Actuator 48 light bulbs 50 Closed position 52 Compressor 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 20 2012 008 768 U1

[0002] OF 20 2019 000 057 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Play equipment (2) for animals with an actuating device (4) by which, when actuated, a valve to a channel (10) is opened through which a portion of food is dispensed from a storage container (6) located in a plane above the valve to a feed dispenser (8) located in a plane below the valve, characterized by, that the valve is designed as a hose valve (12) in which a hose wall (16) of a hose (14) is formed from an elastic material, wherein the hose wall (16) in a closed position (50) assumes a shape which blocks the dispensing of feed from the storage container (6), in an open position (18) assumes a shape in which feed is dispensed from the storage container (6), and a change in shape of the hose wall (16) required to set the open or closed position (18, 50) is effected by means of a fluid which acts on the hose wall (16) from the outside or inside with an overpressure. [2] Gaming device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the fluid used is the ambient air surrounding the gaming device (2), which is pressurized by a compressor (52) and supplied to the hose valve (12) via a connection (28). [3] Gaming device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the hose wall (16) in the open position (18) defines a channel (10) with a free cross-section (20) which is large enough to allow feed particles of the feed stored in the reservoir (6) to fall through the channel (10) formed in the hose valve (12), and the fall distance (24) has an at least approximately vertical orientation, so that the channel (10) is a fall distance (24) for feed particles. [4] Gaming device (2) according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized by, that the hose (14) is arranged in an interior of a pressure vessel (26), the hose valve (12) is in the open position (18) with a free cross-section (20) of the interior (22) of the hose (14) without the influence of an overpressure and is closed when a sufficiently large overpressure acts on the hose wall (16) from the outside, the pressure vessel (26) has at least one connection (28) to a fluid line (30) through which a fluid can flow from the outside into an intermediate space (32) between the side wall of the pressure vessel (26) and the outer surface of the hose wall (16) and flow out of the intermediate space (32) in the pressure vessel (26) to the outside, and the sizes of the intermediate space (32) and the free cross-section (20) of the interior (22) of the hose (14) depend on the pressure of the fluid in the intermediate space (32) that acts on the hose wall (16). [5] Gaming device (2) according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized by , that the hose valve (12) is in the closed position (50) without the influence of an overpressure, the hose valve (12) is in the open position (18) when an overpressure acts on the hose wall (16) inside the hose (14), which creates a free cross-section (20) of the interior (22) of the hose (14), the hose (14) and / or the reservoir (6) have at least one connection (28) to a fluid line (30) through which a fluid can flow from the outside into the hose (14) and / or the reservoir (6) and flow outwards, and the size of the free cross-section (20) of the interior (22) of the hose (14) depends on the pressure of the fluid acting on the hose wall (16). [6] Gaming device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the gaming device (2) has an electronic control unit (34) which is connected to a sensor (36) which transmits a sensor signal to the control unit (34) when the actuating device (4) is actuated, the control unit (34) is connected to a control valve (38) via which the supply of a fluid to the hose valve (12) and / or the reduction of an overpressure at the hose valve (12) can be adjusted, and the control unit (34) is programmed to actuate the control valve (38) when a sensor signal is transmitted via the actuating device (4). [7] Gaming device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the direction of feed delivery a second valve (40) is connected to the hose valve (12), and a metering chamber (42) is formed between the hose valve (12) and the second valve (40) in which a portion of feed that has passed through the hose valve (12) is temporarily stored. [8] Gaming device (2) according to claim 7, characterized by , that as a second valve (40) a conical or frustoconical plug (44) is used which closes the metering chamber (42) at its lower end in the closed position (50) and which is movable by an actuator (46) in an at least approximately vertical direction into its open position (18). [9] Gaming device (2) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the actuator (46) for the second valve (40) is designed as an air cylinder. [10] Gaming device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the hose valve (12) and the second valve (40) can be operated separately from each other by the control unit (34). [11] Gaming device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, characterized by , that a 5 / 2-way valve is used as the control valve (38). [12] Gaming device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the overpressure for actuating the hose valve (12) is less than 1 bar above atmospheric pressure. [13] Gaming device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a light source (48) is arranged on the actuating device (4).

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