Comfort equipment for the thermal comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a comfort device (1) for the thermal comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure (E) and intended to be installed under a comfort mattress (2) for animals. The comfort device (1) comprises at least one elastic band (1) which includes: - two longitudinal sheets (11, 12), - at least one sealed chamber (13) for containing a first heat transfer fluid and delimited by said longitudinal sheets (11, 12), and - at least one sealed conduit (14) for containing a second heat transfer fluid, at least one straight section (141) of which passes through said at least one sealed chamber (13) between said opposing longitudinal sheets (11, 12) such that said at least one first section (141) is intended to be immersed in said first heat transfer fluid. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Comfort equipment for the thermal comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of comfort equipment, for the thermal comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure. State of the art

[0002] Animal comfort is a determining factor in the performance of a farm.

[0003] This comfort notably influences the health, eating habits, food intake, fertility and longevity of animals.

[0004] For this purpose, commonly, in barns, cattle rest individually in cubicles, still commonly called "free stall", in which they are free to stand up and lie down.

[0005] When performing these movements, the animals are likely to injure themselves. This is particularly the case when the bedding consists of straw covering concrete, which does not protect the animal from the risk of slipping.

[0006] To limit this type of incident and the resulting injuries, it is known to equip the floor of these cubicles with mattresses adapted to improve the sleeping comfort of the animals.

[0007] These comfort mattresses conventionally include at least one elastic band which is capable of undergoing elastic deformation, underlying a top surface on which an animal rests.

[0008] Comfort also includes a “thermal” component.

[0009] Indeed, in the event of intense heat or extreme cold, animals are likely to suffer from a harmful phenomenon known as "heat stress".

[0010] Such heat stress is reflected in particular by behavioral manifestations of defense, a drop in zootechnical performance, a deterioration of reproductive parameters and an increase in pathologies.

[0011] In this context, there is a need for a system aimed at promoting the thermal comfort of the animals present in the livestock enclosure, particularly when they are resting in their cubicles. Presentation of the invention

[0012] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention proposes comfort equipment for the thermal comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure and intended to be placed under a comfort mattress for animals.

[0013] The comfort equipment includes at least one elastic band which is delimited by two longitudinal borders, extending parallel to a longitudinal axis, and by two transverse borders,

[0014] which at least one elastic band comprises:

[0015] - two longitudinal leaves:

[0016] — a longitudinal upper sheet, intended to receive said comfort mattress, and

[0017] — a lower longitudinal sheet, intended to rest on a receiving surface,

[0018] - at least one sealed chamber, intended to contain a first heat transfer fluid and delimited by said longitudinal leaves, and

[0019] - at least one sealed conduit, intended to contain a second heat transfer fluid, of which at least one first straight section passes through said at least one sealed chamber between said opposing longitudinal sheets, parallel to said longitudinal axis, so that said at least one first section is intended to be immersed in said first heat transfer fluid,

[0020] which at least one sealed conduit has at least two open orifices, located at the level of said two transverse borders, to generate a circulation of said second heat transfer fluid within said at least one sealed conduit, between said open orifices.

[0021] In general, the comfort equipment according to the invention is ideally placed under a water comfort mattress, to allow the latter to be cooled or warmed.

[0022] The second heat transfer fluid circulates in said at least one sealed duct provided for this purpose. Said at least one sealed chamber is filled with the first heat transfer fluid which, preferably, is inert, does not circulate and is not changed during the product's service life.

[0023] The second heat transfer fluid cools or heats the first heat transfer fluid that surrounds it.

[0024] The comfort equipment exchanges its thermal energy with the overlying comfort mattress.

[0025] The comfort equipment is advantageously self-contained. A failure of the comfort equipment does not cause a failure of the comfort mattress, which can continue to be used.

[0026] Maintenance and installation are facilitated.

[0027] The comfort equipment is advantageously connected to standard plumbing.

[0028] The comfort equipment can advantageously be installed in an existing stable, already equipped with a comfort mattress. Indeed, since the comfort equipment is self-contained, it can be installed retroactively.

[0029] In addition, this technical solution allows for a separation of the thermal comfort function and the mechanical comfort function.

[0030] The risk of rupture of said at least one sealed conduit is further reduced, in particular due to the advantageously continuous sealed chamber (unlike prior solutions in which said at least one sealed conduit is pinched locally along its length).

[0031] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:

[0032] - said comfort equipment includes several sealed ducts, for example two or three, which extend parallel, or at least approximately parallel, to each other;

[0033] - the sealed conduits are juxtaposed and independent of each other; the watertight conduits are formed in at least one longitudinal band and are connected by intercalated bands;

[0034] - said longitudinal sheets each include a reinforcing underlayer;

[0035] - said at least one sealed conduit has a resistance ranging from 0.5 to 25 bars, of preferably 6 to 8 bars;

[0036] - said at least one sealed conduit has an outside diameter ranging from 20 to 150 mm, preferably from 60 to 90 mm, and a tubular wall with a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 1 mm;

[0037] - each longitudinal sheet has a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 4 mm, of preferably the upper longitudinal sheet has a thickness of 1 to 1.5 mm, and the lower longitudinal sheet has a thickness of 2.5 to 3 mm;

[0038] - said comfort equipment has a width dimension, measured between the longitudinal borders, ranging from 500 to 1000 mm, and a dimension in length, measured between the transverse borders, ranging from 2 m to 250 m;

[0039] - said comfort equipment is supplied in an endless roll, cut to length as needed.

[0040] The present invention further relates to a system for the comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure, which comfort system comprises:

[0041] - at least one comfort feature, according to the invention,

[0042] - at least one comfort mattress, preferably a water mattress, intended to be reported on said at least one comfort feature,

[0043] - means of circulation, to generate a circulation of said second fluid heat transfer fluid within said at least one sealed duct, between its opening orifices, and possibly

[0044] - control means for regulating the temperature of said second fluid heat transfer fluid.

[0045] Preferably, the width dimension of said at least one comfort mattress is greater than the width dimension of said at least one comfort equipment.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a breeding enclosure equipped with a comfort system according to the invention.

[0047] The present invention also relates to the method for manufacturing comfort equipment according to the invention, which manufacturing method comprises:

[0048] (i) a step of layering sub-layers of elastomeric material comprising two facing surfaces, between which are placed:

[0049] - intermediate means capable of locally preventing the binding of said surfaces opposite said underlayers to form said at least one airtight chamber, and

[0050] - said at least one sealed conduit, at least a first section of which is attached between the said intercalary means,

[0051] then

[0052] (ii) a step of joining the contact surfaces of said superimposed sub-layers, outside the bulk of the interlayer means, so that the interlayer means form said at least one sealed chamber surrounding a first section of said at least one sealed conduit.

[0053] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0054] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0055] [Fig-1] is a general and perspective view of a comfort system according to the invention comprising comfort equipment according to the invention which is covered by a comfort mattress;

[0056] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the comfort system according to [Fig.1], with a cross-section illustrating the comfort equipment which is underlying the comfort mattress;

[0057] [Fig.3] is a partial and enlarged view of [Fig.2], from the side of a transverse border of the comfort system;

[0058] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the parts adapted for manufacturing the comfort equipment according to the invention.

[0059] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0060] The comfort equipment 1, according to the invention, is designed to provide thermal comfort to animals in a livestock enclosure E.

[0061] For this purpose and as further developed, this comfort equipment 1 is intended to be installed under a comfort mattress 2 for animals. Breeding pen

[0062] The comfort equipment 1 according to the invention is intended to equip a breeding enclosure E in which sleeping stalls are provided ([Fig.1]).

[0063] The livestock enclosure E advantageously consists of a stable for raising cattle, in particular dairy cattle or beef cattle.

[0064] The sleeping stalls consist for example of cubicles L, arranged on at least one line.

[0065] The L cubicles constitute a compromise between comfortable sleeping for the bovine, respect for the standing / lying movement, a comfortable standing position and a minimum of soiling in the cubicle.

[0066] Each L-shaped compartment, conventional in itself, is delimited by:

[0067] - two lateral separations Ll, ​​for example tubular structures,

[0068] - a rear threshold of L2 cubicle, extending along an access corridor,

[0069] - a limit before L3, advantageously comprising a high bar at the withers, a lower stop (or forward limiter) and a knee joint, forming the bottom of compartment L, and

[0070] - a floor L4, for example a concrete slab. Comfort equipment

[0071] According to the invention, the comfort equipment 1 comprises at least one elastic band 1 (designated by the same reference mark 1 for the sake of simplicity).

[0072] Said at least one elastic band 1, preferably rectangular in shape, is delimited by:

[0073] - two longitudinal borders, extending parallel to a longitudinal axis 1', And

[0074] - two transverse borders 1b, extending perpendicularly to this same axis longitudinal 1'.

[0075] In practice, the longitudinal borders la are intended to extend parallel to the rear threshold L2 and the front limit L3 of the line of cubicles L. The transverse borders 1b are intended to be located at the level of the lateral separations L1 of the two cubicles L at the end of the line.

[0076] In general, said comfort equipment 1 advantageously comprises the following dimensions:

[0077] - a width dimension, measured between the longitudinal edges, ranging from 500 to 1 000 mm, and

[0078] - a dimension in length, measured between the transverse edges 1b, ranging from 2 m to 250 m.

[0079] Said at least one elastic band 1 comprises two longitudinal sheets 11, 12:

[0080] - an upper longitudinal sheet 11, intended to receive the comfort mattress 2, And

[0081] — a lower longitudinal sheet 12, intended to rest on a surface of reception, in this case the L4 floor.

[0082] These two longitudinal leaves 11, 12 are advantageously hermetically assembled along the two longitudinal edges la.

[0083] Each longitudinal sheet 11,12 is made of at least one material capable of undergoing elastic deformation, also called an "elastic material", chosen from:

[0084] - elastomeric materials, namely for example natural rubber, the "Synthetic natural" rubber (or synthetic polyisoprene), polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene, or

[0085] - plastic materials or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), namely by Examples include PVB (polyvinyl butyral), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) / SBR (styrene butadiene), PP (polypropylene) / EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPU (polyurethane TPE).

[0086] Each longitudinal sheet 11,12 is advantageously made in one piece, either single-material (in a single material), or multi-material (with at least two superimposed sub-layers made of different materials).

[0087] Each longitudinal sheet 11,12 may also contain at least one reinforcing underlayer (not shown), chosen for example from textile fibers, metal fibers or any other product providing stability and / or resistance to elongation.

[0088] These reinforcing underlayers consist, for example, of a textile reinforcement, advantageously made of a material chosen from nylon, cotton, polyester, polyamide or any other reinforcing textile.

[0089] In addition, each longitudinal sheet 11,12 advantageously has a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 4 mm.

[0090] Preferably, the upper longitudinal sheet 11 has a lower thickness compared to the lower longitudinal sheet 12.

[0091] Preferably, the upper longitudinal sheet 11 has a thickness of 1 to 1.5 mm; and the lower longitudinal sheet 12 has a thickness of 2.5 to 3 mm.

[0092] Said at least one elastic band 1 further comprises:

[0093] - at least one sealed chamber 13, intended to contain a first heat transfer fluid and delimited by the said longitudinal leaves 11, 12, and

[0094] - at least one sealed conduit 14, intended to contain a second heat transfer fluid, of which at least a first straight section 141 crosses said at least one sealed chamber 13 between said opposite longitudinal sheets 11, 12, parallel to the longitudinal axis 1', so that said at least a first section 141 is intended to be immersed in said first heat transfer fluid.

[0095] The thermal regulation of the upper longitudinal sheet 11 is achieved by the first heat transfer fluid filling said at least one sealed chamber 13, itself regulated by the second heat transfer fluid circulating in said at least one sealed conduit 14 (and in particular its first section 141) which is immersed in this first heat transfer fluid.

[0096] Said at least one elastic band 1 advantageously comprises a single sealed chamber 13, extending over its entire length (between the two transverse edges 1b).

[0097] Said at least one sealed chamber 13 has, seen from above, a rectangular contour which corresponds, at least approximately, to the longitudinal borders la and the transverse borders 1b.

[0098] The first heat transfer fluid, intended to fill said at least one sealed chamber 13, is advantageously chosen from water, a gas (air in particular), a gel.

[0099] Said at least one sealed chamber 13 is advantageously associated with an opening orifice (not shown) for its access, in particular for its filling and / or emptying, for example an orifice equipped with a valve.

[0100] The valve is connected in a sealed manner with the opening orifice, for example via a metal crimp (also called a "through-wall valve").

[0101] The first heat transfer fluid filling said at least sealed chamber 13 is fixed / static, that is to say without circulation phenomenon between two orifices (unlike the second heat transfer fluid filling said at least one sealed conduit 14).

[0102] When said at least one sealed chamber 13 is filled, the upper longitudinal sheet 11 advantageously has a cross-section (along a plane parallel to the transverse edges 1b) which has a generally convex curved shape.

[0103] Preferably, when said at least one sealed chamber 13 is filled, the final thickness of said at least one elastic band 1 (here at the level of its arrow) is advantageously between 10 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 10 and 100 mm.

[0104] Furthermore, said at least one sealed conduit 14 advantageously consists of a tubular element made of a deformable elastic material, for example rubber or other.

[0105] This elastic deformable material can be chosen to order, independently of the material forming said at least one elastic band 1.

[0106] In general, the first section 141 is advantageously free with respect to the opposite faces of the two longitudinal sheets 11, 12.

[0107] Generally, said at least one sealed conduit 14 has at least two open orifices 145, to generate a circulation of the second heat transfer fluid within said at least one sealed conduit 14, between these open orifices 145.

[0108] The second heat transfer fluid is advantageously chosen from among liquids, for example water or a water / glycol mixture.

[0109] In particular, said at least one sealed conduit 14 is terminated by two open orifices 145 which are each provided at the level of one of the transverse edges 1b of the elastic band 1.

[0110] These open orifices 145 allow a fluidic connection with complementary means described later.

[0111] Where applicable, the sealed conduits 14 are advantageously fluid-independent of each other. In this case, drilling through one of the sealed conduits 14 does not cause the entire set of sealed conduits 14 to drain.

[0112] Each of the sealed conduits 14 therefore has two open orifices 145 of its own, for the circulation of the second heat transfer fluid.

[0113] The opening orifices 145 are advantageously obtained by cutting the elastic band 1 to length, along a cutting line oriented perpendicular to the transverse borders 1b.

[0114] The transverse edges 1b of said at least one elastic band 1 are advantageously made airtight by pinching.

[0115] The sealed conduits 14 are advantageously held in place using bulkhead fittings.

[0116] The comfort equipment 1 advantageously comprises several sealed conduits 14, for example two or three, which extend parallel, or at least approximately parallel, to each other.

[0117] Generally, the sealed conduits 14 are juxtaposed and independent of each other. Alternatively, and not shown, the sealed conduits 14 are formed in at least one longitudinal band and are connected by intercalary bands.

[0118] In general terms, said at least one sealed conduit 14 advantageously has a resistance ranging from 0.5 to 25 bars, preferably from 6 to 8 bars.

[0119] Preferably, said at least one sealed conduit 14 comprises:

[0120] - an outside diameter ranging from 20 to 150 mm, preferably from 60 to 90 mm, and

[0121] - a tubular wall having a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0122] Generally speaking, said comfort equipment 1 is presented in an endless roll, cut to length as needed.

[0123] This roll embodiment has the advantage of allowing simple and quick installation of the comfort equipment 1 in the livestock enclosure E, by unrolling it along a line of cubicles L and then by cutting it to the desired length of this line. Comfort system

[0124] The present invention further relates to a comfort system for the comfort of animals in a breeding enclosure E.

[0125] This comfort system includes:

[0126] - at least one comfort device 1, according to the invention,

[0127] - at least one comfort mattress 2, preferably a water mattress, intended to be reported on said at least one comfort equipment 1,

[0128] - means of circulation 5, to generate a circulation of said second fluid heat transfer fluid within said at least one sealed conduit 14, between its open orifices 145, and possibly

[0129] - control means 6, for regulating the temperature of said second fluid heat transfer fluid.

[0130] Said at least one comfort mattress 2 is advantageously continuous.

[0131] Said at least one comfort mattress 2 covers:

[0132] - comfort equipment 1, and

[0133] - the floor L4 of the aligned L cubicles, advantageously on either side of said comfort equipment 1.

[0134] The comfort mattress 2 advantageously has a general rectangular shape which is delimited by two pairs of edges, namely:

[0135] - two longitudinal edges 22, namely a rear longitudinal edge 22 intended for extending along the rear threshold L2 of the equipped stalls L, and a front longitudinal edge 23 intended to extend along the front limit L3 of the line of stalls L, and

[0136] - two transverse edges 24, intended to be located at the level of the lateral separations L1 of the two L cubicles at the end of the line.

[0137] The comfort mattress 2 still has two opposite sides:

[0138] - an upper face 25, capable of undergoing elastic deformation and forming the areas 21 reception areas on which the animals are intended to rely, and

[0139] - a lower face 26, intended to rest on the floor L4 of the cubicles L and on Comfort equipment 1.

[0140] This comfort mattress 2 advantageously comprises several support zones 21 which are juxtaposed along the length of said comfort mattress 2 ([Fig. 1]). Alternatively, and not shown, each compartment L can contain its own comfort mattress 2, which then defines a single support zone 21.

[0141] Each of the reception areas 21 of the comfort mattress 2 is intended to accommodate an animal here.

[0142] Each reception area 21 thus corresponds to the floor area L4 of a cubicle L, and is delimited laterally by two aforementioned lateral partitions L1.

[0143] Each of the reception areas 21 then has a general rectangular shape which is delimited by different borders ([Fig.1]):

[0144] - two transverse edges 211, each located directly above a separation lateral L1 of compartment L,

[0145] - a rear edge 212, adjoining the rear threshold L2 of the compartment L (forming a part of the rear longitudinal edge 22 of the comfort mattress 2), and

[0146] - a front edge 213, adjoining the front limit L3 of the compartment L (forming a part of the front longitudinal edge 23 of the comfort mattress 2).

[0147] Said at least one comfort mattress 2 preferably consists of a water mattress.

[0148] Said at least one comfort mattress 2 then comprises at least one cavity watertight 27, at the level of a reception area 21, which is delimited by two longitudinal sheets:

[0149] - an upper longitudinal sheet 271, intended to form the upper face 25 of the comfort mattress 2, and

[0150] - a lower longitudinal sheet 272, intended to form a lower face 26 of the comfort mattress 2.

[0151] Said at least one sealed cavity 27 is intended to be filled with a third heat transfer fluid.

[0152] The third heat transfer fluid is advantageously chosen from water, a gas (air in particular), a gel.

[0153] Preferably, the width dimension of said at least one comfort mattress 2 is greater than the width dimension of said at least one comfort equipment 1.

[0154] For example, the width dimension of said at least one comfort mattress 2 is from / to 1200 to 2200 mm.

[0155] The underside 26 of the comfort mattress 2 is then intended to cover:

[0156] - comfort equipment 1, and

[0157] - the reception surface L4, on either side of the comfort equipment 1.

[0158] The comfort mattress 2 is then intended to overlap the comfort equipment 1.

[0159] In this context, said at least one comfort equipment 1 is advantageously located in the middle of the width of the aligned cubicles L, equidistant from the rear threshold L2 and the front limit L3.

[0160] In other words, said at least one comfort equipment 1 is located in the middle of the width of said at least one comfort mattress 2 (their longitudinal axes 1' and 2' extend advantageously coaxially).

[0161] Said at least one comfort device 1 is thus advantageously positioned between the animal's front and hind legs. Such an arrangement is specifically designed to avoid any protrusion on the animal's legs that could impair its balance.

[0162] Furthermore and in general, the comfort system 1 includes the circulation means 5 to generate the circulation of the second heat transfer fluid, also called "circulation means" ([Fig.l]).

[0163] These circulation means 5 ensure a distribution and parallel circulation of the second heat transfer fluid, along the sealed conduits 5.

[0164] These means of transport 5 include for this purpose:

[0165] - upstream fluid connection means, for fluid supply, which are connected in parallel to the opening 145 of said at least one sealed conduit 14 located at the level of a first transverse edge 1b of the elastic band 1, and

[0166] - downstream fluid connection means, for collecting the fluid at the outlet, which are connected in parallel to the opening 145 of said at least one sealed conduit 14 located at the level of a second transverse border 1b of the elastic band 1.

[0167] Preferably, the upstream / downstream fluid connection means each include here in particular a clarinet-type device, in order to ensure the parallel circulation of the heat transfer fluid within each of the sealed conduits 14.

[0168] The connection of a clarinet with the adjoining open orifices 145 is advantageously achieved by means of conventional mechanical sealing means.

[0169] These upstream / downstream fluid connection means can be fluidically connected for the recirculation or recycling of this heat transfer fluid.

[0170] The circulation means 5 further include a pump, to cause the flow of the second heat transfer fluid.

[0171] The upstream fluid connection means are advantageously equipped with pressure regulating means and / or flow regulating means.

[0172] Thus, the pressure within the sealed conduits 5 is advantageously set at a value ranging from 0.5 to 25 bar, preferably from 6 to 8 bar.

[0173] The upstream fluid connection means are further advantageously equipped with means for regulating the flow within each of the sealed conduits 14.

[0174] The control means 6, for regulating the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, equip the circulation means 5, advantageously at the level of the upstream fluid connection means.

[0175] These regulation means 6 are chosen from means suitable for heating and / or cooling the second heat transfer fluid.

[0176] For example, these means of regulation 6 consist of a reversible heat pump with temperature measurement.

[0177] The means of regulation 6 advantageously include:

[0178] - means for measuring the temperature of this second heat transfer fluid, by for example, a temperature probe, and

[0179] - possibly means for displaying the measured temperature.

[0180] These regulation means 6 are optional, particularly in the case where the second heat transfer fluid initially has the desired temperature (for example, a source of fresh water for cooling the comfort mattress 2).

[0181] The comfort system 1 further advantageously includes control means 8 for controlling the operation of the regulation means 6 and the circulation means 5.

[0182] These control means 8 are chosen, for example, from:

[0183] - manual control means,

[0184] - programmer-type control means (for operation according to predefined cycles), and

[0185] - automatic control means, advantageously in particular a computer program executed by a computer.

[0186] These control means 18 are then advantageously also connected with means for measuring the temperature within the rearing enclosure E. Functioning

[0187] First, said at least one comfort equipment 1 is placed on the floor L4, then covered by said at least one comfort mattress 2.

[0188] In particular, said at least one comfort equipment 1 is adjusted to the width of the cubicles L, at a suitable distance from the rear threshold L2 and the front limit L3.

[0189] The comfort mattress 2 is also adjusted longitudinally so that each reception area 21 is positioned within a compartment L.

[0190] Said at least one sealed chamber 13 of the comfort equipment 1, and where applicable said at least one sealed cavity 27 of said at least one comfort mattress 2, are then filled with the heat transfer fluids.

[0191] More generally, the pressure in the first heat transfer fluid can be adjusted in real time according to atmospheric pressure.

[0192] The first heat transfer fluid thus envelops (advantageously over 360°) the sealed conduits 14, and in particular its first sections 141.

[0193] This feature provides a maximum heat exchange surface between, on the one hand, the first heat transfer fluid contained in the sealed chamber 13 and, on the other hand, the second heat transfer fluid contained in the sealed ducts 14.

[0194] Furthermore, the filling with a third heat transfer fluid, in said at least one sealed cavity 27, is advantageously adjusted to a filling lower than the nominal value so that its lower face 26 fits the comfort equipment 1.

[0195] In order to prevent potential thermal stress, the control means 8 can automatically control the regulation means 6 and the circulation means 5, advantageously taking into account the ambient temperature within the breeding enclosure E acquired by the measuring means.

[0196] In the presence of unfavorable ambient thermal conditions, the control means 8 then generate:

[0197] - a circulation of the second heat transfer fluid in said at least one sealed conduit 14 of the comfort equipment 1 via the means of circulation 5, and

[0198] - temperature regulation of the second heat transfer fluid by means of means of regulation 6,

[0199] so as to adjust the temperature of the first heat transfer fluid contained in said at least one sealed chamber 13 of the comfort equipment 1.

[0200] In parallel, this first heat transfer fluid adjusts the temperature of the comfort mattress 2, if necessary via its third heat transfer fluid.

[0201] Where applicable, the circulation of the second heat transfer fluid in the sealed conduits 14 takes place here in parallel: the flow of the second heat transfer fluid is divided in order to pass simultaneously through these sealed conduits 14.

[0202] This circulation of the second heat transfer fluid advantageously takes place in the same direction within the sealed conduits 14 juxtaposed: the fluid thus travels from the opening orifices 145 located at the level of a first transverse border 1b to the opening orifices 145 located at the level of a second transverse border 1b.

[0203] In this case, heat exchange is generated at the level of the first sections 141 of the sealed ducts 14 passing through a sealed chamber 13 between, on the one hand, the first heat transfer fluid contained in this sealed chamber 13 and, on the other hand, the second heat transfer fluid contained in the sealed ducts 14.

[0204] In cooling mode, the second heat transfer fluid can be naturally cold (for example, a water source at a temperature between 1°C and 15°C) or it can be cooled by the control means 6. The comfort system 1 according to the invention thus makes it possible to directly reduce the temperature of the animal within its cubicle L.

[0205] Thus, in operating configuration, the comfort system according to the invention makes it possible to cool the upper face 25 of the comfort mattress 2 which cools the animals' fur and which limits the increase in their body temperature.

[0206] Conversely, in heating mode, the second heat transfer fluid is heated. The comfort system according to the invention makes it possible to provide heat directly to the animal within its stall L.

[0207] When the risk of heat stress is eliminated, the control means 8 automatically control the shutdown of the circulation means 7 and the regulation means 6. Manufacturing of the elastic band

[0208] The elastic band 1 according to the invention can be manufactured by assembling a set of superimposed sub-layers, to form a monobloc type assembly.

[0209] The assembly technology can be chosen, for example, from vulcanization, bonding, welding.

[0210] For example, the manufacturing process includes:

[0211] (i) a step of layering sub-layers 15 of elastomeric material comprising two facing surfaces 151, between which are placed:

[0212] - intercalary means 16 capable of locally preventing the consolidation of said surfaces 151 opposite said sub-layers 15 to form said at least one sealed chamber 13, and

[0213] - said at least one sealed conduit 14 of which at least a first section 141 is reported between the said intercalary means 16,

[0214] then

[0215] (ii) a step of joining the surfaces 151 in contact of said superimposed sub-layers 15, outside the bulk of the intercalated means 16, so that the intercalated means 16 form said at least one sealed chamber 13 surrounding a first section 141 of said at least one sealed conduit 14.

[0216] The intercalating means 16 advantageously consist of any means avoiding the bonding between the surfaces 151 opposite the sub-layers 15 to be assembled.

[0217] In the case of vulcanization, the intercalating means 16 consist, for example, of strips or tubes which are advantageously made of a material selected from:

[0218] - a fire-resistant film containing a retardant, for example made of polypropylene, in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,

[0219] - a layer of silicone,

[0220] - a layer of a vulcanized elastomeric material, for example a pipe made by examples include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), natural rubber (NR), or ethylene-propylene-diene monomer.

[0221] These interlayer means 16 are in particular arranged between two elastomeric sublayers 15 to be assembled with each other.

[0222] In this case, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the layering step comprises a superposition of two pairs of sublayers 15 made of elastomeric material. Two sublayers of intercalated means 16 are placed between two of said sublayers 15 made of elastomeric material to form at least one sealed chamber 13.

[0223] At least one sealed conduit 14 is also reported so that at least one first section 141 is disposed between the intercalated means 16.

[0224] Said at least one watertight conduit 14 consists, for example, of pipes made of rubber material. Said at least one watertight conduit 14 is distributed according to the desired positioning in the elastic band 1.

[0225] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

1. Demands System for the comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure (E), which comfort system comprises at least one comfort device (1), which comfort device, for the thermal comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure (E) and intended to be installed under a comfort mattress (2) for animals, comprises at least one elastic band (1) which is delimited by two longitudinal borders (la), extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (1'), and by two transverse borders (1b), of which at least one elastic band (1) comprises: - two longitudinal leaves (11, 12): — a longitudinal upper sheet (11), intended to receive said comfort mattress (2), and — a lower longitudinal sheet (12), intended to rest on a receiving surface (L4), - at least one sealed chamber (13), intended to contain a first heat transfer fluid and delimited by said longitudinal sheets (11, 12), and - at least one sealed conduit (14), intended to contain a second heat transfer fluid, of which at least a first straight section (141) passes through said at least one sealed chamber (13) between said opposite longitudinal sheets (11, 12), parallel to said longitudinal axis (1'), so that said at least one first section (141) is intended to be immersed in said first heat transfer fluid, which at least one sealed conduit (14) has at least two opening orifices (145), located at said two transverse edges (1b), to generate a circulation of said second heat transfer fluid within said at least one sealed conduit (14), between said opening orifices (145), which comfort system also includes: - said at least one comfort mattress (2), preferably a water mattress, intended to be placed on said at least one comfort equipment (1), - means of circulation (5), to generate circulation of said second heat transfer fluid within said at least one sealed duct (14), between its opening orifices (145), and possibly - means of regulation (6), to regulate the temperature of said second heat transfer fluid.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said comfort equipment (1) comprises several sealed conduits (14), for example two or three, which extend parallel, or at least approximately parallel, to each other.

3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the sealed conduits (14) are: - juxtaposed and independent of each other, or - in at least one longitudinal band and are connected by intercalated bands.

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said longitudinal sheets (11, 12) each comprise a reinforcing underlayer.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one sealed conduit (14) has a resistance from 0.5 to 25 bars, preferably from 6 to 8 bars.

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one sealed conduit (14) comprises: - an outside diameter of 20 to 150 mm, preferably of 60 to 90 mm, and - a tubular wall having a thickness of 0.2 to 3 mm, preferably of 0.5 to 1 mm.

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each longitudinal sheet (11, 12) has a thickness of 0.5 to 4 mm, preferably the upper longitudinal sheet (11) has a thickness of 1 to 1.5 mm, and the lower longitudinal sheet (12) has a thickness of 2.5 to 3 mm.

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said comfort equipment (1) comprises: - a width dimension, measured between the longitudinal edges (la), ranging from 500 to 1000 mm, and - a length dimension, measured between the transverse edges, ranging from 2 m to 250 m.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said comfort equipment (1) is in endless roll form, cut to length as required.

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the width dimension of said at least one comfort mattress (2) is greater than the width dimension of said at least one comfort equipment (1).

11. Breeding enclosure (E) equipped with a comfort system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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