Partition wall for the section-by-section delimitation of a pen in a barn for farm animals

Abstract

Partition wall (1) for section-wise delimitation of a pen of a stable for farm animals, wherein the partition (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (x) and a vertical direction (z), characterized by the fact that the partition (1) comprises a cavity (4) bounded by a rear wall (2) and a side wall (3) spaced apart from the rear wall (2) in a lateral direction (y) and has a feed supply section (5) and a feed dispensing section (6) spaced apart from it in a vertical direction (z), wherein a feed flow (7) can be directed through the cavity (4) from the feed supply section (5) to the feed discharge section (7), wherein at least one guide structure (8) with at least two guide elements (9) is arranged in the cavity (4), which guide structure (8) is designed to divide the feed flow (7) entering the feed supply section (5) into at least two, preferably at least three, partial flows (10), such that for each partial flow (10) a feed column (11) offset in the longitudinal direction (x) is formed in the cavity (4), wherein each feed column (11) in the feed dispensing section (6) defines a feeding station (12) for at least one, preferably exactly one, farm animal.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a partition wall for the section-wise delimitation of a bay of a stable for farm animals, wherein the partition wall extends in a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction.

[0002] The longitudinal and vertical directions represent the main directions of extension, with the partition also extending in a lateral direction.

[0003] Longitude, altitude, and latitude form an orthogonal coordinate system. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Farm animals, especially pigs, are generally kept in barns. To divide the animals, particularly pigs, into groups, the barn is usually subdivided into several pens using partitions, dividers, and / or dividing gates. A combination of partitions, dividers, and / or dividing gates is typically used, so that a partition laterally borders a pen to separate the animals in that pen from those in an adjacent pen.

[0005] Feeding farm animals presents a particular challenge in animal husbandry, as many different aspects must be taken into account, as will be shown below using the example of pig farming.

[0006] Especially when keeping pigs in the most animal-friendly way possible and / or in accordance with organic farming principles, the pen is divided into an activity area, a lying area and a dunging area, whereby a separate feeding area may be provided or the feeding area is integrated into the activity area.

[0007] A key aspect of pig farming is ensuring that all pigs in a pen have enough to occupy themselves for as long as possible, as a lack of enrichment can lead to injuries among the pigs (e.g., tail biting). One problem that arises here is that many conventional feeding systems provide a constant supply of food, eliminating the need for the pigs to forage for it.

[0008] Another aspect is the space requirement of conventional feeding systems, as automatic feeders and troughs for wet feeding take up a considerable amount of space. To make matters worse, such elements are not included in the barn floor space calculation according to legal regulations and therefore increase the overall space requirement in order to meet the prescribed barn floor space per animal or to increase the available barn floor space.

[0009] Another problem associated with conventional feeding systems, especially feed troughs, is the often time-consuming and difficult cleaning, as feed can get trapped in corners or protrusions of the feeding systems. Insufficient cleaning can lead to hygiene problems.

[0010] The desirable 1:1 ratio of animals to feeding stations or feeding places can only be achieved with conventional automatic feeders at a very high cost.

[0011] Finally, rationed feeding is difficult to implement with conventional feeding systems, as it is not feasible with automatic feeders for continuous feeding, and with other feeding methods, such as trough feeding, the aforementioned 1:1 ratio of feeding stations to animals cannot be realistically achieved without requiring an exorbitant amount of additional barn space. Furthermore, no feeding systems are known that allow for the use of dry feed for rationed feeding. TASK OF INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, on the one hand, to minimize the space required in the barn for providing feed and, on the other hand, to increase the activity level of the farm animals, especially pigs. At the same time, and preferably while simultaneously reducing the complexity of the system, particularly economical production should be made possible. A further object can be seen in improving the ratio of animals to feeding stations and / or reducing cleaning effort in order to improve hygiene conditions for the animals. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This task is solved by integrating the feed supply into a partition wall to sectionally delimit a pen in a barn for farm animals, whereby the partition wall extends in a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction.According to the invention, the partition wall comprises a cavity bounded by a rear wall and a side wall spaced apart from the rear wall in a lateral direction, and has a feed supply section and a feed dispensing section spaced apart from it in the vertical direction, wherein a feed flow can be directed through the cavity from the feed supply section to the feed dispensing section, wherein at least one guiding structure with at least two guiding elements is arranged in the cavity, which guiding structure is designed to divide the feed flow entering the feed supply section into at least two, preferably at least three, partial flows, so that a feed column offset in the longitudinal direction is formed in the cavity for each partial flow, wherein each feed column in the feed dispensing section defines a feeding station for at least one, preferably exactly one, farm animal.

[0014] While conventional partitions are intended solely for the section-by-section delimitation of a bay and represent only barriers or obstacles, a partition according to the invention can be integrated into a feeding system and functions directly as at least a temporary feed storage and as a feed dispensing system.

[0015] In its operational state, i.e., when the partition is integrated into a feeding system, feed can be supplied to the cavity of the partition via the feed supply section. This feed typically originates from an automated feed distribution system within the barn and is supplied as a feed stream. Preferably, and in particular, the feed stream comprises a dry feed mixture, more specifically a dry feed mixture for pigs. The feed distribution system generally has one or more outlet channels, such as outlet pipes, from which the feed is introduced into the partition as a feed stream.

[0016] The feed stream passes through the feed inlet section to the guide structure, which divides the feed stream into several sub-streams to ensure the most even distribution possible to multiple feeding stations. This allows the feed to be supplied centrally yet still distributed, enabling the simultaneous feeding of multiple farm animals, particularly pigs. Ideally, the ratio of feeding stations to animals is 1:1; however, alternative ratios can be chosen, allowing the animals to share feeding stations, for example, 2:3 (i.e., two feeding stations for three animals), 3:4, 4:5, 5:7, or similar.

[0017] Since the partition wall is essentially vertically oriented during operation, meaning its height is essentially perpendicular, and the feed feed section is typically located in the upper section of the partition wall (in terms of height), the feed flow is conveyed by gravity from the feed feed section, via the guide structure, to the feed discharge section. The feed discharge section, which is vertically offset from the feed feed section, is accordingly located near the ground during operation.

[0018] The at least one guide structure comprises at least two guide elements, which preferably function both as flow dividers and as deflectors to achieve a longitudinal offset between an incoming material flow and an outgoing partial material flow. Although two guide elements are sufficient for basic functionality, a guide structure preferably comprises more than two guide elements.

[0019] To keep the animals occupied with foraging for longer, the entire feed flow is not immediately released through the feed dispensing section. Instead, after being divided into smaller streams by the guide structure, it is stored in the cavity in the form of feed columns, usually cone-shaped and bounded by the back and side walls. Over an extended period, feed, especially dry feed, can then "flow" from the feed column at the feeding station to replace the feed already consumed.

[0020] This allows for the simple creation of feeding stations for multiple animals along the partition wall, which can be evenly supplied with feed without requiring additional barn space. This provides more room for the animals and reduces the overall required area. Feed can be supplied centrally, as the main feed flow is divided by at least one guide structure into several longitudinally offset sub-flows, which in turn define individual feeding stations for multiple animals.

[0021] Thus, an entire longitudinal section of the partition wall can be used for simultaneous feeding.

[0022] In principle, it is conceivable that the guiding structure or its guiding elements divide the feed flow into only two sub-flows. However, it is advantageous if the number of sub-flows is higher, especially if the feed flow is divided into three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or more sub-flows, in order to increase the number of feeding stations that can be supplied via one feed flow.

[0023] Particularly in connection with pig farming, the following additional advantages arise from the partition wall according to the invention: The possibility of feeding dry feed increases the pigs' activity level through foraging. The large number of feeding stations makes it easy to achieve a favorable ratio of feeding stations to pigs. Because the pigs have their feeding station at the partition wall, soiling of the partition wall by feces is reduced, as pigs do not usually defecate where they eat, thus reducing cleaning effort. Compared to a known method of disposing of dry feed in the middle of the pen, feeding at the partition wall also results in significantly reduced feed contamination, as the pigs do not stand in the feed itself, thereby also reducing feed wear.

[0024] Furthermore, the partition can also be used in a feeding system where feeding is rationed, i.e., feeding only takes place at certain times, and dry food can also be rationed.

[0025] As will be described in detail later, a partition wall can comprise several longitudinally offset guide structures.

[0026] Preferably, the separating element is made of wood, such as solid wood or chipboard, and / or plastic, and preferably also includes metal components. Particularly when the metal comes into direct contact with the livestock, stainless steel is preferred.

[0027] The function of the guide elements is described in more detail below. Guide elements can be arranged in parallel or sequentially in the direction of the feed flow. Accordingly, the feed flow can be divided into several feed sub-flows by at least one guide element in a first division level, so that in a second division level, a feed sub-flow is divided into several sub-flows by at least one further guide element. For the sake of simplicity, a distinction is made below between an incoming material flow and divided sub-material flows, whereby the material flow can be either the feed flow or a feed sub-flow, depending on the division level in which the guide element is located. The same applies to the sub-material flows, which correspond to the sub-flows in the last division level and to the respective feed sub-flows in the earlier division levels.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, two guide elements are arranged in a roof-like configuration with respect to a material flow impinging upon them, in order to divide the impinging material flow into two partial material flows. Due to the roof-like arrangement, the two guide elements, in particular a first and a second guide element, form a pair of guide elements that project wedge-shaped into the material flow and can divide the material flow into two partial material flows. In other words, a roof-like arrangement means that the two guide elements form an angle with each other, the apex of which is oriented in the direction of the material flow.

[0029] Preferably, the guide elements are aligned as symmetrically as possible with respect to the material flow to be divided, so that the partial material flows are as equal in size as possible. Particularly preferably, the two guide elements are connected to each other in the apex region or formed as a single piece, so that no gap forms between the guide elements when a division of the incoming material flow into two is desired. If the two guide elements are arranged as symmetrically as possible with respect to the incoming material flow, two essentially equal partial material flows flow off via the guide surfaces of the guide elements.

[0030] To easily generate another partial material flow with a similar structure, a further embodiment provides that the two roof-shaped guide elements are spaced apart such that a central opening forms between them, dividing the incoming material flow into three partial material flows. In other words, the opening is located at the apex of the angle enclosed by the two roof-shaped guide elements. This design allows, particularly with the guide elements being symmetrically aligned with respect to the incoming material flow, the simple generation of three essentially equal partial material flows.However, if the size of the passage opening is varied, different material flows can be set in order to then divide them accordingly in subsequent division levels in order to generate partial flows of as equal a size as possible.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the two roof-shaped guide elements are arranged at an angle of 100° or less. In other words, the angle between the guide elements and a vertical plane is less than 50°. This ensures, particularly for a dry feed flow, that the feed does not accumulate on the guide elements but can flow off continuously. In principle, angle ranges between 30° and 100°, and especially between 40° and 80°, are conceivable.

[0032] Another embodiment of the invention provides that each guide structure has an even number of guide elements, with two guide elements arranged in pairs in a roof-like configuration, the guide structure preferably comprising two, four, six, or eight guide elements. This design enables a particularly simple and efficient guidance and division of the feed flow, since the two previously described arrangements for dividing material flows into two or three can be easily arranged in parallel and / or sequentially in several division planes to achieve a high number of feeding points per guide structure or per feed flow.

[0033] For example, the first level can be divided into two streams, and in the next level, each feed stream can be further divided into three, defining six feeding stations and utilizing six guide elements or three pairs of guide elements. Alternatively, the first level can be divided into three streams, while the material stream passing through the opening is further divided into three streams. The two remaining streams from the first division level and the three streams from the second division level define a total of five feeding stations, utilizing four guide elements or two pairs of guide elements.

[0034] Of course, in all the aforementioned cases it is also conceivable that the individual guide elements have at least one gap through which part of the feed can fall in order to generate additional partial material flows.

[0035] For example, in all the aforementioned cases, simple plate-shaped elements, such as wooden boards, chipboard, plastic boards or metal boards, can be used as guide elements, which are preferably attached to the back wall and the side wall and extend in width over the entire cavity.

[0036] To utilize as many longitudinal sections of the partition wall as possible for feeding, and in particular to define the highest possible number of feeding stations along the entire length of the partition, another design variant provides for several guide structures offset from one another lengthwise. This allows for the division of multiple feed flows into corresponding sub-flows for feeding stations. Since the height of the partition wall is generally limited, it is not practical to arrange an unlimited number of dividing levels in a row. Therefore, it is more economical to provide several guide structures parallel to one another, with each guide structure advantageously supplied by its own feed flow. This can be achieved, for example, by multiple outlet channels, such as outlet pipes, of a feed distribution system.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention relates to the dispensing of feed at the feeding stations as close to the ground as possible, which can be achieved through a corresponding design of the feed dispensing section. At the same time, the design of the feed dispensing section also serves to determine how much feed can exit the partition wall simultaneously during operation, thereby indirectly determining the amount of feed that can be stored in the form of feed columns. A further embodiment of the invention therefore provides that a lower edge of the side wall is offset upwards relative to a lower edge of the rear wall, whereby the feed dispensing section in the area of ​​the side wall forms a dispensing gap, preferably a continuous one.

[0038] The offset of the lower edges of the side and back walls allows feed to exit through the dispensing gap at the feeding stations. The gap height defines how much feed can be dispensed. In operation, the dispensing gap is limited at the bottom by the floor of the barn, so the distance between the partition wall and the floor during operation must also be considered when dimensioning the offset.

[0039] Providing a dispensing slot also significantly simplifies the cleaning of the feeding areas: Since there are no protrusions or corners where feed or dirt can become trapped, the feeding area can be cleaned with minimal effort, for example, by rinsing. If the dispensing slot is continuous, meaning it extends essentially along the entire length of the partition, cleaning is simplified even further.

[0040] The previously described design variant is generally preferred when feeding stations are only provided on one side of the partition, as the dispensing gap is only formed on the side wall side and as little feed as possible should escape at the rear wall. For example, such a design can be used on one side of a pen that is not adjacent to another pen.

[0041] To allow feeding on both sides of the partition, for example, when the partition is positioned directly between two pens, it is theoretically possible to design the feed dispensing section so that feed can be dispensed from both the back and side walls during operation. This could be achieved, for instance, by ensuring the bottom edges are flush and the entire partition is secured in such a way that a gap forms between the partition and the floor. However, this approach has the disadvantage that, firstly, the same feed must be dispensed on both sides because the same feed flows to both sides from the feed stream, and secondly, it is not guaranteed that the same amount of feed is provided for all animals, as theoretically, the entire feed column on one side could be consumed while the animal on the other side goes hungry.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the partition wall is provided with an additional cavity, which is bounded on the side of the rear wall opposite the side wall by another side wall. This additional cavity also contains at least one guide structure with at least two guide elements to define feeding stations on both sides of the partition wall. Because the cavity and the additional cavity form two separate "chambers," all corresponding feeding stations on one side of the partition wall can be supplied by a separate feed flow. For the function and advantages of the guide structure arranged in the additional cavity, please refer to the preceding explanations.

[0043] Another advantage of this design variant is that the total space requirement for feeding in two adjacent bays is only slightly larger than the space that would be required for a conventional partition wall, since only the additional side wall is needed.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additional cavity is defined by the rear wall, with a lower edge of the additional side wall being offset upwards relative to a lower edge of the rear wall, thereby forming a further dispensing slot in the area of ​​the additional side wall. Because the rear wall serves to define both the cavity and the additional cavity, a particularly simple partition design can be achieved and the number of required parts minimized.

[0045] According to an alternative design variant, the additional cavity is bounded by another rear wall, with the lower edge of this additional side wall offset upwards relative to the lower edge of the additional rear wall, thus creating a further dispensing slot for the feed. In contrast to the previously described design variant, the present design variant features a separate additional rear wall for the further cavity, which simplifies modular manufacturing, for example. Typically, the two rear walls abut each other as a double wall, although it is also conceivable to arrange a support structure between them.

[0046] With regard to the advantages and function of the additional output slot defined by the offset of the further side wall and the rear wall or further rear wall, reference is made to the preceding explanations in connection with the output slot.

[0047] To ensure the stability of the partition wall across its length and height, and to reinforce the structure of the cavity, or potentially the two cavities, so that the distance between the side wall and back wall, or between another side wall and back wall, or between another back wall, remains largely constant, a further design variant provides for the partition wall to include stiffening elements arranged within the cavity and / or within further cavities. Depending on the length of the partition wall, one stiffening element or several stiffening elements distributed along its length may be provided. For example, in the case of a wooden construction, the stiffening elements could be wooden elements such as battens. However, the stiffening elements can also be made of metal or plastic, and various material combinations are, of course, conceivable.

[0048] To prevent the stiffening elements from negatively impacting the function of the guide structure(s), a further embodiment provides that the stiffening elements are oriented essentially parallel to the vertical direction, with the stiffening elements being arranged longitudinally between two guide structures and / or in end sections of the partition. If inclined or horizontal stiffening elements are required, these can be positioned, preferably in the feed feed section, in such a way that neither the feed flow nor the function of the guide structure(s) is disrupted.

[0049] It is particularly advantageous, especially with regard to the function of the dispensing slot(s) and optimized cleaning, if the partition is spaced vertically from the floor surface during operation, i.e., a gap forms between the lowest bottom edge of the partition and the floor surface. This further simplifies cleaning, as feed residues cannot become trapped and the entire partition can be cleaned by simply rinsing or spraying. To enable such a suspension of the partition, another embodiment of the invention provides that the partition has a support structure to allow it to be suspended from support structures via end sections of the partition during operation.

[0050] The supporting structure provides the partition wall with the necessary rigidity and strength to rest solely on the corresponding support structures, such as posts or columns of the barn, preferably without requiring any additional bearing surface on the floor. The supporting structure can be designed, for example, as an internal support structure, where the back or center wall acts as a load-bearing element, or as an external support structure, where the side walls, or both the side and back walls, are reinforced. A lateral support structure is also conceivable, in which, for example, U-profiles are attached to the support structures that form the end sections of the partition wall, and the other elements of the partition wall are attached to these U-profiles.

[0051] To protect the guide elements from abrasion caused by the impacting material flow, a further embodiment provides that the guide structure includes at least two protective plates for the guide elements. Advantageously, the protective plates are provided at least in the first division level, although it is also conceivable that the guide elements in subsequent division levels are also provided with protective plates. Preferably, all guide elements are provided with a protective plate. The protective plates do not need to cover the entire surface of the guide elements; however, the area where the material flow impacts, or possibly the area forming the passage opening, is particularly vulnerable. Protective plates are especially preferred when the guide elements are not made of metal, although even with metallic guide elements, protective plates facilitate maintenance.

[0052] To facilitate the feeding of the feed stream and minimize feed losses, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the feed feed section for connection to an outlet channel of a feed distribution system is designed to be funnel-shaped, at least in part. A funnel-shaped inlet section extending over a longitudinal segment, in which the opening tapers towards the cavity, is also understood to be particularly well-suited to this purpose.

[0053] The invention also relates to a feeding system for farm animals, in particular for pigs, in a barn with several pens, comprising a feed distribution system for supplying feed to several feeding stations with several outlet channels, wherein each outlet channel forms an outlet for a feed stream.

[0054] Feed distribution systems are well-known and generally include one or more feed containers, such as silos. A feed processor, such as a hammer mill, and possibly a feed mixer may also be included, especially if the feed is processed on-site before feeding.

[0055] In any case, the feed distribution system includes conveying equipment such as chutes, chain conveyors, conveyor belts, or shafts, through which the feed can be conveyed towards the feeding stations. Regardless of the specific components of the feed distribution system as a whole, the connection between the feeding system and the feed distribution system is always made via outlet channels, such as outlet pipes, through which the feed then exits as a feed stream. The outlet channels typically form the final section of the conveying equipment.

[0056] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention provides that a partition wall according to the invention, as described in detail above, is provided for the section-wise delimitation of at least one bay, wherein at least one outlet channel opens into the feed supply section of the partition wall. This also allows all the previously mentioned advantages of the partition wall to be achieved.

[0057] In other words, the feeding system defines a partition wall according to the invention in its operating state when the partition wall is installed as intended in a barn and can be supplied with feed through at least one outlet channel. The feed flow exiting the outlet channel during feeding is divided into partial flows by the respective guide structure in order to define a plurality of feeding stations for the livestock, preferably pigs. This results in all the advantages described above, both in terms of the barn's construction with regard to cost-effective manufacturing and in the operation and cleaning of the feeding system. Furthermore, the division of the feed flow(s) by the partition wall occurs entirely without moving parts, making this system extremely low-maintenance.

[0058] To facilitate the cleaning of the feeding system and to create a gap, preferably a continuous one, between the partition wall and a floor surface of the stable, which provides the advantages previously explained in connection with the partition wall, another design variant of the feeding system provides that the partition wall is suspended from support structures via its end sections, so that a gap forms between an underside of the partition wall and a floor surface of the stable.

[0059] The supporting structures could be, for example, posts or beams erected for suspension. It is also conceivable that the supporting structures could be vertical beams or support columns of the barn structure.

[0060] If the partition wall is designed to have a dispensing slot and / or a further dispensing slot, according to a further embodiment of the invention, a distance between the lower edge of the side wall and a floor surface of the stable and / or a distance between the lower edge of the further side wall and the floor surface of the stable is between 2 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm, in particular 3 + / - 0.5 cm.

[0061] This adjustment of the distance in relation to the floor area of ​​the barn enables optimized feed dispensing. Since the corresponding dispensing gap is limited vertically by the floor area, it is precisely defined how much feed flows from the feed columns to the feeding stations and subsequently trickles down as the animals consume the feed.

[0062] Setting this specific distance range has proven particularly advantageous in the dry feeding of pigs. Of course, it is conceivable that different distance ranges could be chosen for feed compositions with different properties or for feeds intended for other animal species.

[0063] If the partition is designed for feeding from both sides, meaning it has a cavity and a further cavity, another design variant provides that the cavity and the further cavity are connected to different outlet channels. This allows, on the one hand, different feedstuffs to be fed on the opposite sides of the partition, preferably at staggered times. On the other hand, it also generally allows for staggered feeding of the same feedstuff in the two adjacent pens. Both can be advantageous, for example, if the livestock in the adjacent pens have different feed requirements. Both conditions can be set, for example, by blocking one outlet channel and leaving the other open.However, it is advantageous if the barrier is located as close as possible to a main conveying line, especially at the end section of the respective outlet channel facing the main conveying line, so that no feed material accumulates in the closed outlet channel itself.

[0064] In order to optimize the number of feeding points along the longitudinal extension of the partition and also to achieve the aforementioned advantages, a further embodiment of the invention provides that several guide structures are arranged in the cavity and / or in the further cavity, which guide structures are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein each guide structure is assigned an outlet of an outlet channel.

[0065] This ensures that each feed stream exiting the corresponding outlet encounters a guide structure and is divided by it into the number of partial streams determined by the design of the guide structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0066] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the inventive concept, but in no way to restrict or even exhaustively represent it.

[0067] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a partition wall according to the invention along line DD in Fig. 5; Fig. 2 a section of a first embodiment of the partition wall according to line AA in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a section of a second embodiment of the partition wall according to line AA in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a section of the first embodiment of the partition wall according to line BB in Fig. 1; Fig. 4a Detailed representation E from Fig. 4; Fig. 5 a section of the first embodiment of the partition wall along line CC in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a section of the second embodiment of the partition wall along line CC in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of two design options for a guiding structure along line DD in Fig. 5; Fig. 7a Detailed representation F from Fig. 7; Fig. 8 a schematic side view of a feeding system with a partition according to the invention in an operating state; Fig. 9 a schematic top view of a stable with several bays, wherein partition walls according to the invention are provided as part of a feeding system in the operating state. WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a partition wall 1 according to the invention, which functions as part of a feeding system. The partition wall 1 extends in a longitudinal direction x and a vertical direction z as its principal directions of extension. In the operating state, a partition wall 1 is generally used to at least partially delimit a pen in a barn for livestock (cf. Figure 1). Fig. 9).

[0069] In the following, two embodiments of the partition wall 1 will be discussed, namely the partition wall 1 designed for one-sided feeding (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5) with a cavity 4 and the partition 1 designed for feeding from both sides (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 6), which has both the cavity 4 and another cavity 4'.

[0070] Before discussing these two embodiments, the basic functionality will be discussed using the cavity 4 and a guide structure 8 arranged therein.

[0071] The partition wall 1 comprises the cavity 4 bounded by a side wall 3 and a rear wall 2, wherein the side wall 3 is spaced away from the rear wall 2 in a lateral direction y (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) A guide structure 8, comprising two guide elements 9, is arranged in this cavity 4. In both embodiments, the guide structure 8 consists of exactly two guide elements 8, the number of which can be selected according to the requirements profile, as explained below.

[0072] The partition wall 1 further comprises a feed supply section 5, which is arranged in the upper area of ​​the partition wall 1 in the height direction z in the illustrations, and a feed discharge section 6, which is formed in the lower area of ​​the partition wall 1 in the height direction z.

[0073] A feed stream 7 (marked as a straight arrow in the figures) can be supplied to the partition 1 via the feed supply section 5, while feed can exit the partition 1 via the feed dispensing section 6 at several feeding points 12 near a floor surface 16 (see Fig. 2 to 4a). Both the feed supply section 5 and the feed dispensing section 6 communicate with the cavity 4, so that feed from the feed stream 7 can pass through the cavity 4 feed supply section 5 to the feed dispensing section 6, or is conductive.

[0074] In order to distribute the feed from the feed stream 7, in particular as evenly as possible, to the several feeding stations 12, the guide structure 8 is designed such that the feed stream 7 entering the feed supply section 5 is divided into at least two partial streams 10 (marked as straight arrows in the figures), so that for each partial stream 10 a feed column 11 offset in the longitudinal direction x is formed in the cavity 4, wherein each feed column 11 defines a feeding station 12 for at least one, preferably exactly one, farm animal in the feed dispensing section 6.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide structure 8 is designed to generate three partial flows 10, so that three feeding stations 12 can subsequently be supplied from one feed flow 7. For this purpose, the two guide elements 9 are arranged in a roof-like shape in relation to the feed flow 7 impinging upon them.

[0076] The two guide elements 9 form a pair consisting of a first guide element 9a and a second guide element 9b. The roof-shaped arrangement is achieved by the first guide element 9a and the second guide element 9b forming an angle α with each other, the (imaginary) apex of which projects into the feed flow 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is approximately 80°, although angles ranging from a few degrees, preferably about 30°, up to about 100° are generally conceivable. The two guide elements 9a and 9b are arranged essentially symmetrically with respect to the feed flow 7.

[0077] Via the two guide elements 9a,9b, a partial flow 10 can flow off to the left and right via guide surfaces of the guide elements 9a,9b in the direction of the feed dispensing section 6, so that two partial flows 10 can be generated by the roof-shaped arrangement.

[0078] In order to generate a third partial flow 10, the first guiding element 9a and the second guiding element 9b are spaced apart from each other in such a way that a central passage opening 9c is located between the guiding elements 9a,9 (cf. Fig. 7a) trains.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiments, the guide elements 9 are each designed in a plate-like form, whereby it would generally be sufficient for the guide elements 9 to have a guide surface on the side facing the material flow.

[0080] During the feeding of the partition wall 1 with feed, a feed column 11 forms in the cavity 4 between the guide structure 8 and the floor surface 16 in the area of ​​the feed dispensing section 6 for each partial flow 10. Even after the feed flow has ended, feed can still flow out of this feed column 11 from the cavity 4, generally to replace feed consumed by the animals in the feeding troughs 32. In principle, a feed column 11 can extend vertically to just below the lowest guide element 9 of the guide structure 8.

[0081] In Fig. The partition 1 has two parallel guide structures 8, i.e., arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction x, which each divide the feed flow 7 impinging on it into three partial flows 10. In this way, feeding stations 12 can be defined over the largest possible longitudinal sections of the partition 1, so that a correspondingly large number of animals can be fed simultaneously.

[0082] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 4 shows sections at different positions of the partition 1, in which the previously described structure is also evident. In particular, the design of the feed inlet section 5 and the feed outlet section 6 can be seen.

[0083] The feed feed section 5 is funnel-shaped, specifically in the form of an angled inlet structure. This serves to minimize filling losses when the feed stream 7 flows from an outlet channel 15 into the partition 1 during filling.

[0084] As mentioned at the outset, the feed dispensing section 6 is arranged in the operating state of the partition 1 in the vertical direction z within the area of ​​a floor surface 16. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments, the feed dispensing section 6 is designed as a dispensing slot, as will be shown below. Fig. 4a is explained using an example.

[0085] Fig. Figure 4a shows an enlarged detail view of the feed dispensing section 6, which is designed as a dispensing slot. To create the dispensing slot in the side wall 3, a lower edge 3a of the side wall 3 is offset upwards in the height direction z relative to a lower edge 2a of the rear wall 2. In other words, in the operating state, the distance between the base surface 16 and the lower edge 3a of the side wall 3 is greater than the distance between the base surface 16 and the lower edge 2a of the rear wall 2. This allows feed to flow outwards from the feed column 11 "stored" in the cavity 4 through the dispensing slot in the form of a small cone, creating a corresponding feeding station 12. If feed is consumed, it can flow from the feed column 11 even if the feed flow 7 has already been interrupted.

[0086] Trials have shown that a dispensing gap height of 3 ± 0.5 cm is particularly advantageous when feeding dry feed to pigs. The height of the dispensing gap corresponds to the distance between the base surface 16 and the lower edge 2a of the side wall 2.

[0087] However, depending on the nature of the feed, gap heights of 2 cm to 5 cm are generally advantageous for pig feeding.

[0088] As shown, a small gap is formed between the lower edge 2a of the back wall 2 and the floor surface 16, but this gap is so small that no significant amount of feed escapes from it.

[0089] In Fig. Figure 5 clearly shows the variant of the partition 1 for one-sided feeding. Due to the feed dispensing section 6 in the side wall 2, which is designed as a dispensing slot, a feeding point 12, assignable to a partial flow 10, is formed only on this side of the partition 1.

[0090] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the second embodiment of the partition wall 1 mentioned at the beginning, which is designed for feeding from both sides.

[0091] In this embodiment, the partition 1 has a further cavity 4', which is bounded by a further side wall 3'. The further side wall 3' is spaced apart in the lateral direction y from the rear wall 2 and the side wall 3. In the present embodiment, the rear wall 2 forms a central wall of the partition 1, since the rear wall 2 bounds both the cavity 4 and the further cavity 4'.

[0092] To define feeding points 12 on the second side of the partition 1, a guide structure 8 is also arranged in the further cavity 4', which functions analogously to the one in cavity 4. In the illustrated embodiments, the guide structure 8 arranged in the further cavity 4' is also designed to divide an incoming feed flow 7 into three partial flows 10 in order to define three feeding points 12 accordingly.

[0093] In the second embodiment, two guide structures 8 are also arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction x, so that in the illustrations six feeding points 12 are created on both sides of the partition wall 1 from each of the two feed streams 7.

[0094] Furthermore, both the feed supply section 5 associated with the further cavity 4' and the feed dispensing section 6 are designed as previously explained with reference to the first embodiment. In particular, the feed dispensing section 6 is formed in the area of ​​the further side wall 3' in the form of a further dispensing slot.

[0095] In a variant of the second embodiment (not shown), the further cavity 4' can also be bounded by a further rear wall 2', wherein the further rear wall 2' preferably contacts or abuts the rear wall 2. This allows, for example, a modular construction.

[0096] In another embodiment (not shown), one or more stiffening elements can be provided in cavity 4 and / or in the further cavity 4'. These serve to stiffen the side wall 3 relative to the rear wall 2, or the further side wall 3' relative to the rear wall 2 or the further rear wall 2'. Preferably, the stiffening elements are arranged vertically. The stiffening elements can be arranged in the longitudinal direction x between two guide structures 8 and / or in end sections 13 of the partition wall 1.

[0097] However, it is also conceivable that the stiffening elements are arranged obliquely or horizontally, as long as they do not impede the feed flow. For example, the stiffening elements can be arranged in the upper region of cavity 4 or further cavity 4' and be interrupted in the area of ​​the feed flow inlet 7.

[0098] Finally, the guide elements 9 can also be provided with a protective plate to protect the respective guide surfaces and, if present, the passage openings 9c from erosion or abrasion.

[0099] In Fig. Figure 7 shows two modified designs of the guide structure side by side as examples to show that the number of feeding points 12 can be easily adjusted by appropriate design of the guide structure 8, which divides the feed flow 7 into the desired number of partial flows 10.

[0100] In the variant shown on the left, the guide structure 8 is designed to divide the feed flow 7 into two partial flows 10. As with the previously described three-part division, the two guide elements 9 are arranged in a roof shape and are designed as a pair consisting of a first and second guide element 9a, 9b. However, unlike the three-part division, the two guide elements 9a, 9b are closed at the apex, so that only one partial flow 10 is diverted to the left and one to the right.

[0101] In the variant shown on the right, the guide structure 8 is designed to divide the feed flow 7 into five sub-flows 10. The guide structure comprises four guide elements 9, each arranged in pairs consisting of a first and second guide element 9a, 9b.

[0102] In Fig. Figure 7a shows the detailed design of the guide structure 8. In a first division level, the feed flow 7 is divided into three parts by a first pair of guide elements 9a, 9b, which are arranged in a roof shape and form a passage opening 9c, as described previously. A partial flow 10 is already separated laterally via each of the two guide elements 9a, 9b.

[0103] In the direction of flow, behind the first pair of guide elements 9a,9b, a second pair of roof-shaped guide elements 9a,9b is positioned in the second division plane, onto which the partial feed flow passing through the passage opening 9c of the first pair of guide elements 9a,9b impinges.

[0104] This second pair of roof-shaped guide elements 9a, 9b also forms a passage opening 9c, so that a division into three parts also occurs on the second division level. Accordingly, the feed flow 7 is divided into five partial flows 10 by means of the guide structure 8.

[0105] To divide the feed flow into the partial flows 10 as equally as possible, the passage openings 9c in the two division levels are of different sizes. In particular, the dimension of the passage opening 9c in the longitudinal direction x between the first guide element 9a and the second guide element 9b is larger in the first division level than in the second division level. Thus, a material flow that is larger than a partial flow 10, preferably about three times as large as a partial flow 10, passes through the passage opening 9c of the first level and is then divided as equally as possible in the second division level.

[0106] It goes without saying that by appropriately combining double and triple divisions in different division levels, any number of partial flows 10 can be generated and thus feed feeding stations 12. If the paired guide elements 9a, 9b are used, then nine partial flows 10 can be generated in two division levels with four pairs of guide elements 9a, 9b.

[0107] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 now shows a complete feeding system, with the partitions 1 used to partially delimit pens in a barn and thus in their operational state. In addition to the feeding partitions 1, conventional partitions 17 are also provided for sectioning the pens, specifically where feeding is not intended to take place.

[0108] In this operating state, the partition walls 1 can be supplied with feed by means of a feed distribution system of the barn, which can be introduced via outlet channels 15 into the respective feed supply sections 5 in the form of the feed flow 7.

[0109] The end sections 13 of the partition walls 1 are (see Fig. 8) attached to support structures 14, so that the partition walls 1 are “suspended” in the operating state, i.e., they do not have to support themselves on the floor surface 1. For this purpose, the partition wall 1 can, for example, include a supporting structure (not shown), which can be designed as an internal, external, or lateral supporting structure.

[0110] In Fig.Figure 9 concludes with an exemplary section of the construction of a barn with two pens, in which partitions 1 are used according to both embodiments. It goes without saying that this system can be extended to include any number of pens. The longitudinal extent of the partitions 1, or the number of partitions arranged side by side, can also be easily adapted to the number of livestock to be fed. For the sake of clarity, only one feeding station 12 per side of each partition 1 is indicated with a reference symbol.

[0111] The partition wall 1, located in the center of the barn and dividing a pen section by section on both sides, is designed for feeding from both sides. Accordingly, this partition wall 1 has a cavity 4 in which two guide structures 8 are arranged offset in the longitudinal direction x, and a further cavity 4' in which two guide structures 8 are also arranged offset in the longitudinal direction x. Each guide structure 8 is arranged to correspond to an outlet channel 15 and thus divide the feed flow 7 exiting the outlet channel 15 during filling into partial flows 10. In the illustrated example, the guide structures 8 are designed to divide the flow into three sections, creating six feeding stations 12 on each side of the partition wall 1, preferably for six farm animals.

[0112] The two side partitions 1 are each designed in an analogous manner for one-sided feeding, so that twelve feeding stations 12 are created per bay in the section shown. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 partition wall 2 Back panel 2a Lower edge of the back wall 3 side wall 3a Lower edge of the side wall 4 cavities 5 Feed feeding section 6 Feed Dispensing Section 7 Feed flow 8. Guidance structure 9 Guide element 9a first guiding element 9b second guiding element 9c Passage opening 10 partial current 11 Feed column 12 Feeding station 13 Frontal section 14 Support structure 15 Outlet channel 16 floor area 17 more partition walls 3' further side wall 4' further cavity x Longitude y Latitude direction z altitude direction α angle

Claims

[1] Partition wall (1) for the section-by-section delimitation of a pen of a stable for farm animals, wherein the partition (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (x) and a vertical direction (z), characterized by , that the partition (1) comprises a cavity (4) bounded by a rear wall (2) and a side wall (3) spaced apart from the rear wall (2) in a lateral direction (y) and has a feed supply section (5) and a feed dispensing section (6) spaced apart from it in a vertical direction (z), wherein a feed flow (7) can be directed through the cavity (4) from the feed supply section (5) to the feed discharge section (7), wherein at least one guide structure (8) with at least two guide elements (9) is arranged in the cavity (4), which guide structure (8) is designed to divide the feed flow (7) entering the feed supply section (5) into at least two, preferably at least three, partial flows (10), such that for each partial flow (10) a feed column (11) offset in the longitudinal direction (x) is formed in the cavity (4), wherein each feed column (11) in the feed dispensing section (6) defines a feeding station (12) for at least one, preferably exactly one, farm animal. [2] Partition (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that two guide elements (9,9a,9b) are arranged in a roof-like manner with respect to a material flow impinging on the guide elements (9,9a,9b) in order to divide an impinging material flow into two partial material flows. [3] Partition (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the two roof-shaped guide elements (9a,9b) are spaced apart from each other in such a way that a central passage opening (9c) is formed between the guide elements (9a,9b) in order to divide the incident material flow into three partial material flows. [4] Partition (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized by , that the two roof-shaped guide elements (9,9a,9b) enclose an angle (α) of 100° or less with each other. [5] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that each guide structure (8) has an even number of guide elements (9) and that two guide elements (9a,9b) are arranged in pairs in a roof-like manner, wherein the guide structure (8) preferably comprises two, four, six or eight guide elements (9). [6] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that several guide structures (8) are provided offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (x) in order to divide several feed flows (7) into corresponding sub-flows (10) for feeding stations (12). [7] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a lower edge (3a) of the side wall (3) is offset upwards in the height direction (z) relative to a lower edge (2a) of the rear wall (2), whereby the feed dispensing section (6) is formed in the area of ​​the side wall (3) in the form of a dispensing gap. [8] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the partition (1) has a further cavity (4'), which further cavity (4') is bounded on one side of the rear wall (2) opposite the side wall (3) by a further side wall (3'), wherein at least one guide structure (8) with at least two guide elements (9) is also arranged in the further cavity (4') in order to define feeding places (12) on both sides of the partition (1). [9] Partition (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the further cavity (4') is limited by the rear wall (2), wherein a lower edge (3a') of the further side wall (3') is offset upwards in the height direction (z) relative to a lower edge (2a) of the rear wall (2), whereby the feed dispensing section (6) in the area of ​​the further side wall (3') is formed in the form of a further dispensing slot. [10] Partition (1) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the further cavity (4') is bounded by a further rear wall, wherein a lower edge (3a') of the further side wall (3') is offset upwards in the height direction (z) relative to a lower edge of the further rear wall, thereby forming the feed dispensing section (6) in the form of a further dispensing slot. [11] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the partition (1) comprises stiffening elements arranged in the cavity (4) and / or in the further cavity (4'). [12] Partition (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the stiffening elements are essentially aligned parallel to the vertical direction (z), wherein the stiffening elements are arranged in the longitudinal direction (x) between two guide structures (8) and / or in end sections (13) of the partition wall (1). [13] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that the partition (1) has a supporting structure to enable the partition (1) to be suspended in an operating state via end sections (13) of the partition (1) on support structures (14). [14] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the guide structure (8) includes at least two protective plates to protect the guide elements (9). [15] Partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the feed supply section (5) is designed in a funnel shape, at least in sections, for connection to an outlet channel (15) of a feed distribution system. [16] Feeding system for farm animals in a barn with several pens, comprising a feed distribution system for supplying feed to several feeding points (12) with several outlet channels (15), wherein each outlet channel (15) forms an outlet for a feed stream (7), characterized by , that a partition wall (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 is provided for the section-wise delimitation of at least one bay, wherein at least one outlet channel (15) opens into the feed supply section (5) of the partition (1). [17] Feeding system according to claim 16, characterized by , that the partition wall (1) is suspended via its end sections (13) on support structures (14), so that a gap is formed between an underside of the partition wall (1) and a floor surface (16) of the stable. [18] Feeding system according to one of claims 16 to 17, characterized by , that the partition wall (1) is designed according to claim 7, 9 or 10, wherein a distance between the lower edge (3a) of the side wall (3) and a floor surface (16) of the stable and / or a distance between the lower edge (3a') of the further side wall (3') and the floor surface (16) of the stable is between 2 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm, in particular 3 + / - 0.5 cm. [19] Feeding system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized by , that the partition (1) is designed according to claim 8, wherein the cavity (4) and the further cavity (4') are connected to different outlet channels (15). [20] Feeding system according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized by , that several guide structures (8) are arranged in the cavity (4) and / or in the further cavity (4'), which guide structures (8) are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction (x), wherein each guide structure (8) is assigned an outlet of an outlet channel (15).

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