Locking system for mobile agricultural structures and method using such a system

Abstract

Locking system for mobile agricultural structure and method using such a system Locking system (100) for mobile agricultural structure (20) capable of moving in a longitudinal direction (X) along a rail (2), configured to be fixed in movement with the mobile agricultural structure (20), and comprising a ratchet (110) including a first longitudinal rim (111) and a second longitudinal rim (112), and capable of pivoting about a first axis of rotation (R1), the locking system (100) including an actuating lever (120) movable between a first position in which it is capable of limiting a rotation of the ratchet (110) in a counterclockwise direction by contact of the second rim (112) against the actuating lever (120) during rotation in the counterclockwise direction,and a second position in which it is able to limit a clockwise rotation of the pawl (110) by contact of the first rim (111) against the actuating lever (120) during clockwise rotation. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Locking system for mobile agricultural structure and method using such a system technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locking system for a mobile agricultural structure, in particular for an agricultural push barrier for a livestock handling corridor, and a locking method using such a system. Previous technique

[0002] In the livestock sector, particularly for cattle and sheep, but not exclusively, the use of mobile structures requiring locking systems is well known. Typically, handling systems forming a passageway for livestock allow farmers to channel animals and move them in a given direction and towards a desired area, for example, a sorting or intervention area. To achieve this, such a handling passageway typically includes side walls forming the passageway and preventing the animals from escaping, and a transverse push barrier relative to the side walls and movable relative to them. The side walls may, for example, include rails along which the respective ends of the transverse barrier can slide.The push gate can be operated by the farmer who, by sliding it along the rails on the side walls, pushes the animals in the desired direction.

[0003] To ensure safe operation for the farmer, for example in the event of a sudden movement of an animal against the gate and in the farmer's direction, it is preferable to install a gate locking system. Such a locking system allows the push gate to be locked at specific points along the rails, particularly in stages, preventing it from moving further along the rails. Typically, a locking system may include an operating handle for moving locking lugs to insert them into holes along the rails, or to remove them from these holes.

[0004] However, existing locking systems are not entirely satisfactory. Some systems, for example, include a return spring that pushes a lug into holes in the rail as the gate moves. In this case, the farmer must hold down an operating handle to keep the lugs in the open position to prevent the gate from locking unnecessarily. Such a system is inconvenient for the farmer, forcing them to push the gate with one hand and hold the handle with the other, thus preventing them from manually reaching the animals on the other side of the barrier if necessary (to push them or move them manually for example).

[0005] Conversely, if the breeder does not hold the handle, the locking occurs automatically at each stage, which forces the breeder to operate the handle at each stage to unlock the barrier and continue pushing, and therefore does not allow continuous use.

[0006] Conversely, other systems require the operation of a handle to insert catches into the holes in the rail. In this case, the farmer must locate the position of the holes along the rails while moving the push gate in order to stop the gate opposite these holes and then operate the handle to insert the catches into the holes when locking the gate is desired. With such an operation, the farmer's attention is diverted from the animals, and sufficient safety is not ensured for the farmer during the pushing operation.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a locking system that improves ease of handling for the farmer and enhances safety in use. Description of the invention

[0008] The present description relates to a locking system for a mobile agricultural structure capable of moving in a longitudinal direction along at least one rail, the locking system being configured to be fixed in movement with the mobile agricultural structure, and comprising at least one ratchet capable of cooperating with orifices distributed along the rail, the ratchet comprising a first longitudinal rim and a second longitudinal rim, and being configured to pivot about a first axis of rotation, the locking system comprising a movable actuating lever between a first position in which it is capable of limiting a rotation of the ratchet in the counterclockwise direction by contact of the second rim against the actuating lever during rotation in the counterclockwise direction,and a second position in which it is able to limit clockwise rotation of the ratchet by contact of the first rim against the actuating lever during clockwise rotation.

[0009] In other words, the actuating lever in the first position allows a movement of the mobile agricultural structure along the rails in a first direction of movement, and a blocking of the movement of said structure in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction, due to the limitation of the rotation of the ratchet in the counterclockwise direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the actuating lever in the second position allows movement of the mobile agricultural structure along the rails in the second direction of movement, and locks the movement of said structure in the first direction of movement due to the limitation of the ratchet's rotation in the clockwise direction.

[0011] It is thus understood that the ratchet can be selectively locked, via the actuating lever, in a first position allowing the mobile agricultural structure to be pushed in one direction (forward), while blocking its movement in the opposite direction (backward), or in a second position allowing the mobile agricultural structure to be pulled backward, while blocking its movement forward.

[0012] Thus, in the case where the mobile agricultural structure is, for example, a push gate for a handling chute, after selecting the position of the operating lever (first or second position), the farmer can continuously push the mobile agricultural structure forward or pull it backward (without having to engage the locking mechanism at each position or release the ratchet at each position) and safely, while keeping both hands free to simultaneously push (or pull) the mobile agricultural structure and interact with the animals on the other side of it. The locking system thus improves the farmer's safety while allowing for practical and efficient use.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the actuating lever is movably fixed to a fixed support of the locking system and is able to move from its first position to its second position by pivoting relative to the fixed support, around a second axis of rotation transverse to the first axis of rotation of the ratchet.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the locking system includes a first wedge means adapted to receive a portion of the actuating lever when the latter is in its first position, and a second wedge means adapted to receive the portion of the actuating lever when the latter is in its second position, the first and second wedge means being adapted to limit a rotation of the actuating lever around the second axis of rotation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fixed support includes a retaining plate fixed to a base of the fixed support, a portion of the actuating lever being housed in a space formed between the retaining plate and the base of the fixed support, the retaining plate being able to limit an upward movement of the portion of the actuating lever.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the actuating lever is able to be positioned in a third position in which it is able to limit a rotation of the ratchet both clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the locking system includes a third wedging means suitable for receiving the portion of the actuating lever when the latter is in its third position, the third wedging means being suitable for limiting a rotation of the actuating lever around the second axis of rotation.

[0018] In some embodiments, the ratchet includes a thinned portion adapted to penetrate at least partially into the orifices of the rail, and an enlarged portion adapted to cooperate with one end of the actuating lever and comprising the first longitudinal rim and the second longitudinal rim.

[0019] In some embodiments, the actuation lever comprises a vertical portion including an actuation handle, and a horizontal portion, one end of which is able to cooperate with the ratchet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the end of the horizontal portion of the actuating lever is a flared end, the width of the flared end being greater than the rest of said horizontal portion.

[0021] The present description also relates to an assembly comprising two parallel rails, a mobile agricultural structure, a gantry carrying the mobile agricultural structure and being movable in translation along the rails in a longitudinal direction, and at least one locking system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the ratchet being fixed in a movable rotational manner relative to said gantry.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the gantry includes a first longitudinal upright cooperating with one of the two rails by being able to translate relative to said rail, the actuating lever being fixed in a movable manner to a fixed support, the fixed support and the ratchet being fixed to said first horizontal upright.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the gantry includes a second longitudinal post parallel to the first longitudinal post and comprising a first, a second and a third wedging means suitable for receiving a portion of the actuating lever when the latter is respectively in its first, second and third position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the mobile agricultural structure is a containment corridor push barrier.

[0025] The present disclosure also relates to a method of locking a mobile agricultural structure using a locking system according to any of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising moving the mobile agricultural structure in a longitudinal direction along at least one rail, and locking the mobile agricultural structure by actuating the actuating lever in its first position so as to allow movement of the mobile agricultural structure along the rail in a first direction of movement and to block its movement in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction, or in its second position so as to allow movement of the mobile agricultural structure along the rail in the second direction of movement and to block its movement in the first direction.

[0026] In some embodiments, the actuation of the actuating lever includes pushing a vertical portion of the actuating lever upwards in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction so as to extract a horizontal portion of the actuating lever from one of a first or second chocking means, then moving the actuating lever in the longitudinal direction towards the other of the first or second chocking means, and then releasing the actuating lever so as to position the horizontal portion of the actuating lever in said other of the first or second chocking means. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples. This description refers to the accompanying figure pages, on which:

[0028] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents an overall perspective view of an assembly according to the present presentation, including a containment corridor;

[0029] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] represents a front view of the whole of the [Fig.1];

[0030] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 represents a close-up perspective view of part of the whole of [Fig.1], including a locking system as described herein;

[0031] [Fig.4] Fig.4 shows in perspective the locking system of Fig.3, from a different perspective;

[0032] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 shows in perspective the locking system with the lever actuation in a first locking position;

[0033] [Fig.6] Fig.6 shows in perspective the locking system with the lever actuation in a second locking position;

[0034] [Fig.7] Fig.7 shows in perspective the locking system with the lever actuation in a third locking position. Description of the implementation methods

[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly 1 according to the invention in an XYZ coordinate system, where X is a longitudinal direction, Y a transverse direction, and Z a vertical direction. Figure 2 is a front view of assembly 1 of Figure 1 in a front view along the longitudinal direction X, and perpendicular to the YZ plane.

[0036] It will be understood that in the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" are defined with respect to the vertical direction Z, the terms "inside" and "outside" and their derivatives are defined with respect to the lateral direction Y, and the terms "front" and "backward" or "upstream" and "downstream" are defined with respect to the longitudinal direction X, the expression "forward" being equivalent to "downstream" and the expression "upstream" being equivalent to "backwards".

[0037] In the example described here, assembly 1 is a containment corridor for containing animals such as cattle and pushing them in a desired direction, and the mobile agricultural structure is a push barrier 20. However, the locking system described below is not limited to this application, and can also be used on other devices.

[0038] The assembly 1 comprises two parallel side walls 3 extending in the longitudinal direction X, forming between them the containment corridor. At the top of each side wall 3 is a rail 2 extending in the longitudinal direction X along the side wall 3. It is therefore understood that the rails 2 are arranged vertically, for example at a height of approximately 2 meters, so as to overhang the side walls 3. Each rail 2 has, on its upper face, a plurality of openings 22 distributed at regular intervals along the rail 2 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0039] The rails 2 and the side walls 3 constitute the fixed parts of assembly 1, the side walls 3 being further fixed to the ground. Assembly 1 further comprises a gantry 10, movable in translation along the rails 2 in the longitudinal direction X. The gantry 10 supports the barrier 20, which also moves in the longitudinal direction X in conjunction with the gantry 10, and which, when closed, allows the livestock to be pushed in a desired direction, for example forward, by a user, in particular a farmer, located on the other side of the barrier 20 and pushing on it manually.

[0040] Typically, the gantry 10 comprises a plurality of longitudinal horizontal posts 11, 12, 13, two transverse horizontal posts 14, and two vertical posts 15. More specifically, a first longitudinal post 11, extending in the longitudinal direction X, is disposed at each outer end of the gantry 10 in the transverse direction Y. Each first longitudinal post 11 is configured to cooperate with a rail 2 by a sliding contact, for example via a roller (not shown) carried by the first longitudinal post 11 and rolling along an inner lateral face of the rail 2.

[0041] A second longitudinal member 12 is arranged parallel to each first longitudinal member 11, inward relative to it, and extending parallel to it. A third longitudinal member 13 may also be arranged between the two second longitudinal members 12, substantially at the center of the frame 10 in the transverse direction Y, in order to further improve the mechanical strength of the frame 10. Typically, reinforcing bars 16 may be fixed between the third longitudinal member 13 and the vertical members 15. However, these Structural elements of the gantry 10 and of the assembly 1 not being the subject of the invention, they will not be detailed further.

[0042] It should be noted, however, that the transverse uprights 14 each extend in the transverse direction Y between the first two longitudinal uprights 11, parallel to each other, and allow the longitudinal uprights 11, 12, 13 to be maintained.

[0043] Furthermore, the vertical posts 15 each extend vertically in the vertical direction Z, from a first longitudinal post 11 towards the ground, but without touching the ground, in order to allow the movement of the gantry 10. The barrier 20 extends between the two vertical posts 15, one lateral end of said barrier 20 being movably fixed relative to one of the two vertical posts 15, so as to be able to pivot relative to it to move from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. The opposite lateral end of the barrier 20 is removably fixed to the other of the two vertical posts 15 in the closed position, illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2].

[0044] Thus, all the elements of the gantry 10, including the uprights 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and the barrier 20, can move together along the rails 2 in the longitudinal direction X, in a first direction S1 of movement or in a second direction S2 of movement. By convention, in the remainder of this description, the first direction S1 of movement is considered to be a "forward" direction, and the second direction S2 of movement is considered to be a "backward" direction.

[0045] The assembly 1 also includes at least one locking system 100, in this example two locking systems 100 arranged each at the two lateral ends of the gantry 10. The locking systems 100 are fixed to the gantry 10 and therefore move together with it during forward or backward movement.

[0046] Figures 3 and 4 show detailed perspective views of one of the locking systems 100, from different angles. In [Fig.3], the locking system 100 is observed from inside assembly 1, i.e. from inside the containment corridor, towards the outside, and in [Fig.4], the locking system 100 is observed from outside assembly 1, towards the inside.

[0047] Each locking system 100 comprises a ratchet 110 fixed to the first longitudinal upright 11, on an outer lateral face thereof, and movable relative to it. More specifically, the ratchet 110 is rotationally movable relative to the first longitudinal upright 11, and can pivot about a first axis of rotation RI, which is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and parallel to the transverse direction Y.

[0048] A stirrup 117 can be fixed to the first longitudinal upright 11 so as to maintain the ratchet 110 in position, the ratchet 110 then being positioned between the first longitudinal upright 11 and the stirrup 117, which allows to limit a displacement of the ratchet 110 in the transverse direction Y.

[0049] The ratchet comprises a thinned portion 113, and an enlarged portion 114 which is wider than the thinned portion 113, the width being defined in the longitudinal direction X. The thinned portion 113 is dimensioned so as to be able to penetrate into the orifices 22 of the rail 2, when the ratchet 110 is opposite one of the orifices 22 during the movement of the gantry 10, corresponding to the configuration shown in [Fig.4].

[0050] The enlarged portion 114 constitutes the upper part of the ratchet 110 and defines two longitudinal projections of the ratchet 110, namely a first longitudinal rim 111 and a second longitudinal rim 112. In this example, the first rim 111 is a portion of the ratchet 110 projecting rearward in the longitudinal direction, and the second rim 112 is a portion of the ratchet 110 projecting in the opposite direction, forward in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] The locking system 100 further comprises an actuating lever 120, movably fixed to the gantry 10. The actuating lever 120 comprises a vertical portion 121 extending in the vertical direction Z, and a horizontal portion 122 extending substantially along the transverse direction Y, but which may have a positive or negative angle with respect to it depending on the position of the lever 120.

[0052] The vertical portion 121 and the horizontal portion 122 are substantially perpendicular to each other and are connected via an angled joint 125. The vertical portion 121 further includes, at one lower end, a gripping handle 124, enabling a farmer to actuate the lever 120 in the manner described below. The vertical portion 121 thus extends upward from the handle 124 to the angled joint 125.

[0053] The vertical portion 121 is therefore directed downwards, which allows a breeder to operate the actuation lever 120 via the handle 124, and thus act on the locking system 100 which would otherwise be difficult to access because it is placed high up.

[0054] The horizontal portion 122 extends outwards from its angled joint 125 to an outer end 123 which is able to cooperate with the enlarged portion 114 of the ratchet 110. The horizontal portion 122 is fixed to the first longitudinal upright 11 by means of a fixed support 130. More precisely, the horizontal portion 122 is movably fixed to the fixed support 130, which is itself fixed immovably to the first longitudinal upright 11.

[0055] The fixed support 130 comprises a base 131 fixed, for example by welding or screwing, to the first longitudinal upright 11. The base 131 has the shape of a plate extending from its fixing point(s) to the first longitudinal upright 11 to an outer edge 131b, towards the inside of the assembly 1 to an inner edge 131a which may be cantilevered from the first longitudinal upright 11.

[0056] The horizontal portion 122 is fixed to the base 131 via a pivot joint preferably located near the cantilevered inner edge 131a of the base 131. This increases the angular range of motion of the end 123 when the lever 120 is actuated. Similarly, the fixed support 130, in particular the base 131, is preferably flared from the inside out to allow such an angular range of motion. In other words, the inner edge 131a of the base 131 is narrower (in the longitudinal direction X) than the outer edge 131b fixed to the first upright 11.

[0057] The horizontal portion 122 can thus pivot relative to the base 131 and therefore to the fixed support 130, around a second axis of rotation R2 which is adjacent to the inner edge 131a, the outer end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 then moving substantially along the outer edge 131b during the rotation of the horizontal portion 122. The second axis of rotation R2 is preferably parallel to the vertical direction Z and perpendicular to the XY plane. In other words, the second axis of rotation R2 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation RL

[0058] This arrangement, in particular the fact that the axes RI and R2 are perpendicular to each other, allows a breeder to easily act on the locking system 100, via the actuation lever 120, although the system and in particular the ratchet 110 is located high up and is difficult for the breeder to access directly.

[0059] The fixed support 130 further includes a retaining plate 132, typically a plate of equivalent shape to the base 131, and being fixed to said base 131 above it, by means of spacers 133. The spacers 133 are arranged between the base 131 and the retaining plate 132 so as to leave sufficient space between them, to allow the passage and movement of the horizontal portion 122, and in particular of the outer end 123.

[0060] The retaining plate 132 improves the stability of the horizontal portion 122, the end of which 123 is confined between the base 131 and the retaining plate 132. In particular, it limits upward movement of the end 123 that could be caused by elastic deformations of the horizontal portion 122, and thus improves the locking of the ratchet 110 in either direction of rotation, depending on the position of the lever 120, as will be described in more detail below. The retaining plate 132 therefore improves the effectiveness of the locking system 100.

[0061] Furthermore, the actuating lever 120 is suitable for being arranged in different positions, in this example three distinct positions, by moving from one to the other of positions by rotation around the second axis of rotation R2. More precisely, the actuating lever 120 can be arranged in a first position, a second position and a third position shown respectively in figures 5, 6 and 7. It should be noted that in these figures, the retaining plate 132 and the stirrup 117 are shown in transparency in order to better visualize the position and movement of the moving parts, in particular the end 123 of the lever 120 and the ratchet 110.

[0062] The first position of the actuating lever 120 ([Fig. 5]) allows movement of the gantry 10 and the barrier 20 along the rails 2 in the first direction SI forward, and blocks this movement in the second direction S2 backward. Furthermore, the second position of the actuating lever 120 ([Fig. 6]) allows movement of the gantry 10 and the barrier 20 along the rails 2 in the second direction S2 backward, and blocks this movement in the first direction SI forward. Finally, the third position of the actuating lever 120 ([Fig. 7]) blocks movement of the gantry 10 and the barrier 20 along the rails 2 in both the first direction SI forward and the second direction S2 backward.

[0063] To this end, the second longitudinal upright 12 preferably carries a wedge 140 for holding the lever 120 in one or the other of its positions. More specifically, the wedge 140 may be a metal ruler comprising notches, typically three notches, forming respectively a first housing 141 constituting a first wedge, a second housing 142 constituting a second wedge, and a third housing 143 constituting a third wedge, each suitable for receiving the horizontal portion 122 of the actuating lever 120.

[0064] When the actuating lever 120 is in its first position, the horizontal portion 122 is disposed in the first housing 141. When the actuating lever 120 is in its second position, the horizontal portion 122 is disposed in the second housing 142. When the actuating lever 120 is in its third position, the horizontal portion 122 is disposed in the third housing 143.

[0065] The housings 141, 142, 143 allow the lever 120 to be kept in its first, second or third position respectively, by limiting, or even preventing, a rotational movement of the horizontal portion 122 around the second axis of rotation R2, in particular during a movement of the gantry 10.

[0066] Thus, during a movement of the gantry 10, the horizontal portion 122 is held both by the retaining plate 132 at its outer end 123, limiting an upward movement of the latter, and by the housings 141, 142, 143 at its opposite end adjacent to the angled portion 125, limiting its rotation around the second axis rotation R2. This further improves the holding of the horizontal portion 122 and therefore the locking of the ratchet 110, and consequently the effectiveness of the locking system 100.

[0067] It will be noted that a width of the housings 141, 142, 143, in the longitudinal direction X, is substantially equal to but slightly greater than the width of the horizontal portion 122, so as to allow the latter to be positioned in said housings, while limiting the possibility of a rotation of the horizontal portion 122 around the second axis of rotation R2 when said horizontal portion 122 is disposed in one of the housings 141, 142, 143.

[0068] The position of the actuating lever can be located by indicators formed on a panel 150. These indicators are machined portions of the panel 150, representing arrows oriented in the direction of movement allowed by the given position of the lever 120.

[0069] More specifically, an arrow oriented in the first direction SI, i.e. forward, is formed vertically from the first housing 141, indicating that when the lever 120 is in the first position, the gantry 10 can move forward in the first direction SI, but not in the second direction S2.

[0070] Similarly, an arrow oriented in the second direction S2, i.e. towards the rear, is formed vertically from the second housing 142, indicating that when the lever 120 is in the second position, the gantry 10 can move backwards in the second direction S2, but not in the first direction SI.

[0071] Furthermore, a geometry representing a closed padlock is formed vertically from the third housing 143, indicating that when the lever 120 is in the third position, the gantry 10 cannot move forward in the first direction SI, nor backward in the second direction S2, the locking system 100 being locked in both directions of movement.

[0072] Thus, when the actuating lever 120 is in its first position ([Fig.5]), the inner end of the horizontal portion 122, adjacent to the angled portion 125, is disposed in the first housing 141, and the outer end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 is offset forward, so as to be vertically above the second longitudinal rim 112 of the ratchet 110, the first longitudinal rim 111 conversely not being covered by the outer end 123.

[0073] Consequently, during a rotational movement of the ratchet 110 in a first direction of rotation, here clockwise (SH), the first edge 111 of the enlarged portion 114 is free to pivot forward without the ratchet 110 becoming blocked. Conversely, during a rotational movement of the ratchet 110 in a second direction of rotation, here clockwise (SIH), the second edge 112 of the enlarged portion 114 comes into contact with the end 123 of the lever 120. and is therefore blocked by said end 123 during its backward tilting movement, which thus blocks the ratchet 110 in its counterclockwise rotation movement SIH.

[0074] Similarly, when the actuating lever 120 is in its second position ( [Fig.6]), the inner end of the horizontal portion 122, adjacent to the angled portion 125, is disposed in the second housing 142, and the outer end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 is offset towards the rear, so as to be vertically above the first longitudinal rim 111 of the ratchet 110, the second longitudinal rim 112 not being covered by the outer end 123.

[0075] Consequently, during a rotational movement of the ratchet 110 in the second direction of rotation, i.e., the counterclockwise direction SIH, the second edge 112 of the enlarged portion 114 is free to pivot backward without the ratchet 110 becoming blocked. Conversely, during a rotational movement of the ratchet 110 in the clockwise direction SH, the first edge 111 of the enlarged portion 114 comes into contact with the end 123 of the lever 120 and is therefore blocked by said end 123 during its forward pivoting movement, thus blocking the ratchet 110 in its clockwise rotational movement SH.

[0076] Finally, when the actuating lever 120 is in its third position ([Fig.7]), the inner end of the horizontal portion 122, adjacent to the angled portion 125, is disposed in the third housing 143, and the outer end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 is centered with respect to the fixed support 130, so as to be both vertically above, at least in part, the first rim 111 and the second longitudinal rim 112.

[0077] Consequently, during a rotational movement of the ratchet 110 in either direction of rotation, i.e. clockwise SH and counterclockwise SIH, the first rim 111 and the second rim 112 of the enlarged portion 114 come into contact with the end 123 of the lever 120 and are therefore blocked by said end 123 during their rocking movement forward or backward, which thus blocks the ratchet 110 in its rotational movement in both directions of rotation, clockwise SH and counterclockwise SIH.

[0078] In this regard, it should be noted that, preferably, the end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 is flared outwards so as to cover a larger surface area of ​​the enlarged portion 114 of the pawl 110. The end 123 may, in particular, have an axial amplitude in the longitudinal direction X that is substantially equal to the width of the enlarged portion 114 in that same direction. This improves the locking of the pawl 110, the thinned portion 113 of which is inserted into an opening 22 in the rail 2, and thus improves the effectiveness of the locking system 100 in both directions of movement S1, S2.

[0079] A method for locking an agricultural barrier 20, using a locking system 100 described above, will then be described in the remainder of the description.

[0080] Consider an initial situation in which the actuating lever 120 is in its first position ([Fig. 5]). In this configuration, the gantry 10, and therefore the barrier 20, moves forward along the rails 2 in the first direction SI. During this movement, one end of the thinned portion 113 of the pawl 110 slides along the rail 2, the pawl 110 then being tilted forward in the clockwise direction SH.

[0081] When, during movement in the first direction SI, the pawl 110 is vertically aligned with an opening 22 in the rail 2, the thinned portion 113 falls into the opening 22, penetrating it. At this point, the gantry 10 can nevertheless continue its movement in the first direction SI. Indeed, the front edge 22a of the opening 22, acting as a stop for the thinned portion 113, will cause the pawl 110 to pivot forward by means of a lever effect, rotating around the first axis of rotation RI in a clockwise direction SH. Such a pivoting is possible because the first edge 111 of the enlarged portion 114 of the pawl 110 is not blocked by the end 123 of the lever 120 in its first position, as described previously. The thinned portion 113 can then exit the orifice 22 and the gantry 10 can thus continue its movement in the same way in the first direction SI until the next orifice 22, and so on.

[0082] On the other hand, from the position in which the thinned portion 113 is inserted into the orifice 22, the gantry 10 cannot begin to move in the second direction S2. Indeed, the rear edge 22b of the orifice 22, which acts as a stop for the thinned portion 113, will tend to tilt the pawl 110 backwards by lever action through rotation around the first axis of rotation RI in the counterclockwise direction SIH. However, such tilting is hindered by the fact that the second edge 112 of the enlarged portion 114 of the pawl 110 is blocked by the end 123 of the lever 120 in its first position, as described previously.

[0083] More specifically, during the rotation of the ratchet 110 in the counterclockwise direction SIH, the second rim 112 of the enlarged portion 114 of the ratchet 110 comes into contact and butts against the end 123 of the lever which is above, preventing the ratchet 110 from continuing its rotational movement in the SIH direction.

[0084] It should be noted that, in the absence of the retaining plate 132 described above, a sufficiently large force exerted on the gantry 10 in the second direction S2, so as to force the rotation of the pawl 110 in the SIH direction, could cause an upward displacement of the end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 of the lever 120 by elastic deformation. It is therefore clear that the retaining plate 132 helps to limit this risk.

[0085] The thinned portion 113 being blocked by the rear rim 22b of the orifice 22, and the second rim 112 being blocked by the end 123, preventing the rotation of the ratchet 110 in the counterclockwise direction SIH, it is difficult or even possible to extract the thinned portion 113 from the orifice 22 by pulling the barrier 20 backwards, which thus prevents a translation of the gantry 10 in the second direction S2.

[0086] It should be noted, however, that when the ratchet 110 is not inserted into an orifice 22, as shown in [Fig. 5], movement of the gantry 10 and the barrier 20 in the second direction S2 remains possible until the ratchet 110 is vertically above the next orifice 22. In this case, the thinned portion 113 falls into said orifice 22, which causes the barrier 20 to lock in the second direction S2, by the mechanism described above. It is therefore preferable to provide a high number and density of orifices 22 along the rails 2, for example, at a maximum of every 30 cm, preferably at a maximum of every 20 cm, so as to limit the travel of the barrier 20.

[0087] Furthermore, from the position in which the thinned portion 113 is inserted into the orifice 22, it is possible to modify the position of the actuating lever 120, by moving it from the first position ([Fig.5]) to the second position ([Fig.6]).

[0088] To do this, the actuation of the lever 120 includes pushing the vertical portion 121 of the actuation lever 120 upwards, by means of the handle 124, so as to extract the horizontal portion 122 from the first housing 141 by elastic deformation, then pushing the actuation lever 120 forwards in the longitudinal direction X so as to rotate the horizontal portion 122 around the second axis of rotation R2, until the horizontal portion 122 is positioned opposite the second housing 142, and finally releasing the lever 120 so as to position the horizontal portion 122 in said second housing 142.

[0089] It is understood that in the example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, in which assembly 1 includes two locking systems 100 on either side, laterally, of assembly 1, the breeder must perform this action on the two actuating levers 120.

[0090] By this action, the outer end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 pivots backwards so as to position itself above the first rim 111 of the ratchet 110, and thus release the second rim 112, making it possible to move the gantry 10 backwards in the second direction S2, and preventing a movement of the gantry 10 forwards in the first direction SI.

[0091] Indeed, the rear edge 22b of the orifice 22, forming a stop for the thinned portion 113, will cause the ratchet 110 to tilt backwards by means of a lever effect, through rotation around the first axis of rotation RI in the counterclockwise direction SIH. Such a tilt is possible because the second edge 112 of the enlarged portion 114 of the ratchet 110 is not blocked by the end 123 of the lever 120 in its second position, as described previously. The thinned portion 113 can then exit the orifice 22 and the gantry 10 can thus continue its movement in the second direction S2 until the next orifice 22, and so on.

[0092] On the other hand, from the position in which the thinned portion 113 is inserted into the orifice 22, the gantry 10 cannot begin to move in the first direction SI. Indeed, the front edge 22a of the orifice 22, which acts as a stop for the thinned portion 113, will tend to tilt the pawl 110 forward by lever action through rotation around the first axis of rotation RI in the clockwise direction SH. However, such tilting is hindered by the fact that the first edge 111 of the enlarged portion 114 of the pawl 110 is blocked by the end 123 of the lever 120 in its second position, as described previously.

[0093] More specifically, during the rotation of the ratchet 110 in the clockwise direction SH, the first rim 111 of the enlarged portion 114 of the ratchet 110 comes into contact and butts against the end 123 of the lever which is above, preventing the ratchet 110 from continuing its rotational movement in the direction SH.

[0094] Since the thinned portion 113 is blocked by the front rim 22a of the orifice 22, and the first rim 111 is blocked by the end 123, preventing the ratchet 110 from rotating clockwise SH, it is difficult, if not possible, to extract the thinned portion 113 from the orifice 22 by pushing the barrier 20 forward, thus preventing translation of the gantry 10 in the first direction SL

[0095] It should be noted, however, as before, that when the ratchet 110 is not inserted into an orifice 22, as shown in [Fig. 6], movement of the gantry 10 and the barrier 20 in the first direction SI remains possible until the ratchet 110 is vertically above the next orifice 22. In this case, the thinned portion 113 falls into said orifice 22, which causes the barrier 20 to lock in the first direction SI, by the mechanism described above.

[0096] Finally, from the position in which the thinned portion 113 is inserted into the orifice 22, it is possible to change the position of the actuating lever 120, moving it from the first position ([Fig. 5]) or the second position ([Fig. 6]) to the third position ([Fig. 7]). It should be noted that the third position is also the one shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0097] To do this, in the manner described above, the lever 120 is actuated by pushing the vertical portion 121 upwards by means of the handle 124, so as to extract the horizontal portion 122 from the first or second housing 141, 142 by elastic deformation, then by pushing or pulling the actuating lever 120 so as to rotate the horizontal portion 122 around the second axis of rotation R2, until the horizontal portion 122 is positioned opposite the third housing 143, and finally by releasing the lever 120 so as to position the portion horizontal 122 in said third dwelling 143.

[0098] By this action, the outer end 123 of the horizontal portion 122 pivots so as to position itself centrally with respect to the fixed support 130, above both the first rim 111 and the second rim 112 of the ratchet 110, thus preventing a movement of the gantry 10 both forward in the first direction SI, and backward in the second direction S2, by the locking mechanisms described above.

[0099] By means of the locking system 100 and the method which follows from it, described above, it is possible to easily select the locking direction of the barrier 20, by a single action on the actuating lever 120, allowing continuous locking and use.

[0100] Indeed, when the lever 120 is in its first position, the farmer can move the barrier 20 forward by pushing it in the first direction SI, without worrying about locking the barrier 20 at each step to prevent unwanted movement of it in the opposite direction S2, such locking in the direction S2 being automatic at each step, i.e. at each orifice 22. It is also not necessary to unlock the ratchet 110 at each step to be able to continue moving the barrier 20 in the direction SI (as would be the case for example with a return spring system pushing a lug in each orifice 22 during the movement), which allows continuous movement.

[0101] Similarly, a simple action on the lever 120 allows the locking direction of the barrier 20 to be reversed. Indeed, when the lever 120 is in its second position, the farmer can move the barrier 20 backwards by pulling it in the second direction S2, without worrying about locking the barrier 20 in stages to prevent unwanted movement of it in the opposite direction SI, such a locking in stages being automatic at each orifice 22.

[0102] The farmer can therefore push the barrier 22 forward, or pull it backward safely, while having both hands free to both push (or pull) the barrier 120 and act on the animals on the other side of the barrier 20. The locking system 100 thus improves the farmer's safety, while allowing practical and efficient use.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0104] It is also evident that all the characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

Demands

1. Locking system (100) for a mobile agricultural structure (20) capable of moving in a longitudinal direction (X) along at least one rail (2), the locking system (100) being configured to be fixed in movement with the mobile agricultural structure (20), and comprising at least one ratchet (110) capable of cooperating with orifices (22) distributed along the rail (2), the ratchet (110) comprising a first longitudinal rim (111) and a second longitudinal rim (112), and being configured to pivot about a first axis of rotation (RI), the locking system (100) comprising an actuating lever (120) movable between a first position in which it is capable of limiting a rotation of the ratchet (110) in a counterclockwise direction (SIH) by contact of the second rim (112) against the actuating lever (120) during rotation in the counterclockwise direction (SIH),and a second position in which it is able to limit a clockwise rotation of the ratchet (110) (SH) by contact of the first rim (111) against the actuating lever (120) during clockwise rotation (SH).

2. Locking system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating lever (120) is movably fixed to a fixed support (130) of the locking system and is able to move from its first position to its second position by pivoting relative to the fixed support (130), around a second axis of rotation (R2) transverse to the first axis of rotation (RI) of the ratchet (110).

3. Locking system (100) according to claim 2, comprising a first clamping means (141) adapted to receive a portion of the actuating lever (120) when the latter is in its first position, and a second clamping means (142) adapted to receive the portion of the actuating lever (120) when the latter is in its second position, the first and second clamping means (141, 142) being adapted to limit a rotation of the actuating lever (120) around the second axis of rotation (R2).

4. A locking system (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fixed support (130) comprises a retaining plate (132) fixed to a base (131) of the fixed support (130), a portion of the actuating lever (120) being housed in a space formed between the retaining plate (132) and the base (131) of the fixed support (130), the retaining plate (132) being capable of limiting upward movement of the portion of the lever actuation (120).

5. Locking system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating lever (120) is able to be positioned in a third position in which it is able to limit a rotation of the ratchet (110) both clockwise (SH) and counterclockwise (SIH).

6. Locking system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratchet (110) comprises a thinned portion (113) adapted to penetrate at least partially into the orifices (22) of the rail (2), and an enlarged portion (114) adapted to cooperate with an end (123) of the actuating lever (120) and comprising the first longitudinal rim (111) and the second longitudinal rim (112).

7. Locking system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating lever (120) comprises a vertical portion (121) comprising an actuating handle (124), and a horizontal portion (122) of which an end (123) is able to cooperate with the ratchet (110).

8. Locking system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the end (123) of the horizontal portion (122) of the actuating lever (120) is a flared end, a width of the flared end (123) being greater than the rest of said horizontal portion (122).

9. Assembly (1) comprising two parallel rails (2), a mobile agricultural structure (20), a gantry (10) supporting the mobile agricultural structure (20) and being movable in translation along the rails (2) in a longitudinal direction (X), and at least one locking system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the ratchet (110) being fixed in a movable rotational manner relative to said gantry (10).

10. Assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the gantry (10) comprises a first longitudinal post (11) cooperating with one of the two rails (2) by being able to translate relative to said rail (2), the actuating lever (120) being movably fixed to a fixed support (130), the fixed support (130) and the ratchet (110) being fixed to said first horizontal post (11).

11. Assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the gantry (10) comprises a second longitudinal post (12) parallel to the first longitudinal upright (11) and comprising a first, a second and a third shimming means (141, 142, 143) capable of receiving a portion of the actuating lever (120) when the latter is respectively in its first, second and third position.

12. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the mobile agricultural structure (20) is a containment corridor push barrier.

13. A method of locking a mobile agricultural structure (20) using a locking system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising moving the mobile agricultural structure (20) in a longitudinal direction (X) along at least one rail (2), and locking the mobile agricultural structure (20) by actuating the actuating lever (120) in its first position so as to allow movement of the mobile agricultural structure (20) along the rail (2) in a first direction (SI) of movement and to block its movement in a second direction (S2) of movement opposite to the first direction (SI), or in its second position so as to allow movement of the mobile agricultural structure (20) along the rail (2) in the second direction (S2) of movement and to block its movement in the first direction (SI).

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the actuation of the actuating lever (120) comprises pushing a vertical portion (121) of the actuating lever (120) upwards in a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) so as to extract a horizontal portion (122) of the actuating lever (120) from one of a first or second chocking means (141, 142), then moving the actuating lever (120) in the longitudinal direction (X) towards the other of the first or second chocking means (141, 142), then releasing the actuating lever (120) so as to position the horizontal portion (122) of the actuating lever (120) in said other of the first or second chocking means (141, 142).

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