Fastening device for securing a dividing hoop between two stalls in a cattle barn and dividing assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening element (1) for securing a dividing hoop between two adjacent locations in a cattle barn. The fastening element comprises a base plate (2) and a tubular body (3). The tubular body is designed to receive an end portion of the dividing hoop. The tubular body includes a first pair of arms, with a first arm (31) and a second arm diametrically opposed in a horizontal plane (XY). The fastening element includes clamping means adapted to grip the arms to secure the end portion of the dividing hoop when said end portion is inserted into the tubular body. The fastening element also includes retention means adapted to prevent said end portion of the dividing hoop, after its insertion into the tubular body, from recoiling and escaping from the tubular body. Abstract figure: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Fastening device for securing a dividing hoop between two locations in a cattle barn and dividing assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening element for holding a separating arch between two locations in a cattle barn.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a separation assembly comprising two such fixing members and a separation arch mounted on the fixing members.

[0003] In practice, in the jargon of the trade, these partitions are also called "side walls". Each partition arch forms an open loop that follows a path in a vertical plane; the two front ends of the arch are fixed respectively to two fixing members, arranged one above the other, the fixing members being anchored to a fixed structure at the front of the location. The arch does not touch the ground.

[0004] A space for a bovine animal is therefore delimited on the left and right by a separating arch, this space is also called 'stall' in the jargon of the trade.

[0005] The reader may refer to document EP0447822 which discloses this type of separation arch and which deals with the problem which is set out below.

[0006] The bovine animal is often lying down in the space between the two separating hoops. When the animal gets up to leave the space or for another reason, one of its flanks may come into contact with one of the separating hoops.

[0007] It is therefore important that the separation hoop has a certain degree of flexibility, firstly to avoid injuring the animal and secondly to facilitate the animal's movement near or in contact with the separation hoop.

[0008] A flexibility of the separation arch can also facilitate the arrival of the animal inside the location and the exit of the animal.

[0009] We are particularly interested here in the lateral flexibility which allows the separating arch to move apart in a horizontal direction so as to increase the distance which separates it from the other separating arch which delimits the same stable location.

[0010] The solutions presented in document EP0447822 are complex and costly to implement. Furthermore, the lateral return to the reference position of the side panel lacks precision.

[0011] The inventors sought to propose an improved solution regarding the flexibility of the fixing of the separation hoops while meeting the requirements for resistance to forces.

[0012] To this end, a fastening element is proposed for holding a dividing hoop between two adjacent locations in a cattle barn, the fastening element comprising a base plate and a tubular body extending from the base plate with an axis perpendicular to the plane of the base plate, the tubular body being provided to receive within it an end portion of the dividing hoop remarkable in that it is provided in the tubular body with a first pair of arms with a first arm and a second arm, each extending from a root portion to a distal portion in a direction approaching the base plate, and diametrically opposed in a horizontal plane, the fastening element comprising clamping means adapted to bring the first arm closer to the second arm to pinch the end portion of the dividing hoop when said end portion is inserted into the tubular body,the fastening element comprising retention means capable of preventing said end portion of the separating hoop, after its insertion into the tubular body, from retracting and escaping from the tubular body.

[0013] Thanks to these arrangements, the first pair of arms allows a small flexion around the vertical axis and thus allows a lateral movement of the separating arch.

[0014] The end portion of the separating bracket is received inside the tubular body with a small amount of play; this play is eliminated by tightening the two arms. The arms are connected to the tubular body by the root portion, which has a certain degree of flexibility, used to allow lateral movement of the separating bracket.

[0015] The elegance of the proposed solution is noteworthy, where only the ends of the bolts protrude from the main cross-section of the tubular body, while the main cross-section of the separating hoop is close to the inner diameter of the tubular body. In this configuration, there is no projection or aggressive shape likely to present a risk to the safety of humans or animals.

[0016] The base plate is rigidly connected to a supporting structure, for example, solid stringers or robust posts. Thus, the base plate does not allow bending about the vertical axis; it is the tubular body and the pair of arms as proposed that allow this bending about the vertical axis.

[0017] Advantageously, an animal that comes into contact with the separation hoop will not get hurt, because the separation hoop will move back laterally in an elastic manner and return to its resting position after the animal's movement.

[0018] It is noted that it is the tubular body which forms a spring function and that the assembly is devoid of a specific part in the form of a classic spring.

[0019] Under the term "clamping means", several solutions can be considered, including the one that will be detailed below.

[0020] Under the term "means of retention", several solutions can be considered, including the one that will be detailed below.

[0021] It is noted that the cross-section (in the YZ plane) of the first arm and the second arm are arched in order to follow the cylindrical shape of the end portion of the separating arch.

[0022] It is noted that the term "tubular body" covers any body which generally fits into a cylindrical tubular shape, but in which there may be recesses and / or longitudinal slits, as will be seen later.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the clamping means are formed by a first hole arranged in the first arm, a second hole arranged in the second arm and a first bolt which passes through the first and second holes.

[0024] The two arms on either side of the end portion of the separating hoop can thus be tightened to a prescribed torque. This eliminates the insertion play in the transverse Y direction. The transmission of a horizontal force applied to the separating hoop is thus transmitted entirely to the two arms of the first pair of arms in the fastening member; there is no play, and the elasticity provided by the arms is directly utilized.

[0025] The first bolt passes through the distal portions of each of the two arms.

[0026] The first bolt may or may not pass through the end portion of the hoop separation.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the retention means are formed by a third hole, a fourth hole and a second bolt which passes through the third and fourth holes and is configured to also pass through a diametrical orifice provided in the end portion of the separating hoop.

[0028] This makes it possible to form a simple and very effective retention means. Indeed, once the second bolt is inserted into the third hole, then into the diametrical orifice of the separating hoop, and then into the fourth hole, the separating hoop can no longer move backward relative to the tubular body of the fixing member.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first bolt is closer to the base plate than the second bolt. It should be noted that the first bolt may or may not pass through the end of the separating arch.

[0030] Advantageously, the second bolt forms a pivot axis for the lateral movement conferred to the separating arch.

[0031] It is noted that the third hole and the fourth hole can be made directly in the tubular body or in arms as described below.

[0032] Another possibility is that the clamping means and the retention means are achieved by a single bolt as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0033] According to one embodiment, the tubular body comprises a second pair of arms with a third arm and a fourth arm each extending from a portion of the implant to a distal portion in a direction away from the base plate, and diametrically opposed in a vertical plane, the third hole being arranged on the third arm and the fourth hole being arranged on the fourth arm.

[0034] Advantageously, thanks to the second pair of arms, a pinching effect is provided in the vertical direction. This complements the pinching effect in the horizontal direction already mentioned with regard to the first pair of arms.

[0035] This cancels the insertion play in the vertical direction Z.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fastening element further comprises reinforcing ribs. This makes it possible to stiffen the tubular body and to resist the forces borne by the welds between the base plate and the tubular body.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fastening member is made of steel. Steel maintains constant elastic characteristics throughout its service life, even with a large number of stress cycles. This results in well-controlled elasticity over the long term.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a separation assembly for separating two adjacent locations in a cattle barn, the assembly comprising a separation arch formed from a profile with a round external section having a path extending in a vertical plane between a first end portion inserted into a first fixing member as defined previously, and a second end portion inserted into a second fixing member as defined previously, the second fixing member being positioned vertically below the first fixing member.

[0039] This results in a classic cubicle configuration with a completely openwork partition that is both simple and robust, but advantageously, according to the present invention, also provided with lateral flexibility. The partition arch comprises an upper bar, a rear bend that makes a 180° turn, and a lower bar. The arch is formed from an extruded profile and therefore has a constant cross-section along its entire length. The arch does not contact the ground. The arches can optionally be connected to each other by a neck bar, rigidly or semi-rigidly linking the upper bars together.

[0040] The common cross-section of the hoop can be a solid section or a hollow tubular section. The composition of the hoop in common cross-section can be hybrid with a core and an outer layer. The outer diameter of the standard section of the hoop can be between 40 mm and 60 mm.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the separating arch is made of extruded synthetic material.

[0042] The separating arch thus presents an advantageous intrinsic flexibility, to complement the flexibility provided by the fixing member.

[0043] According to an alternative embodiment, the separating arch can be made of metal (bent tubular metal profile). This is a well-established and economical solution.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the separation hoop is cantilevered over the first and second fixing members. Therefore, the fixing members generally absorb all the forces exerted on the separation hoop in all directions. The vertical rigidity is very high, while the horizontal rigidity is designed to allow for calculated deflection in the event of a horizontal thrust on the separation hoop.

[0045] The partition arch does not require any direct ground support; the space beneath the partition arch is free for the passage of hand tools or robotic tools. This facilitates the movement of people or operators and tools. Furthermore, there are no traps for soiling the floor, thus simplifying floor cleaning. Access is easy for cleaning the floor and adding new straw or installing mats.

[0046] The height H9 of the mounting bracket at the point where it is inserted into the mounting brackets can be between 75 cm and 120 cm. The length of the bracket along the longitudinal direction can be between 160 cm and 220 cm.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the lower fixing member can be located at least 30 cm from the ground.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first end portion includes a diametrical orifice through which the second bolt passes, and the first bolt forms a stop for a front edge of the end portion of the separating hoop.

[0049] Each bolt serves to tighten a pair of arms onto the hoop section. The first bolt B1 acts as a front insertion stop. The second bolt B2 performs the retention and anti-removal function, and the vertical axis pivot function for lateral movement of the hoop.

[0050] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig. 1] illustrates an elevational view of a loggia configuration, namely a dividing arch fixed by means of two fixing devices on a stable load-bearing structure, the fixing devices conforming to the present invention; - [Fig.2] shows in vertical section an example of a fastening element with a portion of the end of the separating arch received inside the tubular body; - [Fig.3] shows in horizontal section an example of the fixing element of [Fig.2], with the end portion of the separating arch received inside the tubular body; - [Fig.4] shows in perspective view the fixing organ alone; - [Fig. 5] shows a top view of three adjacent locations capable of each receive a bovine of the cow, ox or bull type; - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in top view the angular deflections allowed on the one hand by the elasticity of the fixing member and on the other hand by the intrinsic flexibility of the separating arch; - [Fig.7] shows a cross-sectional view along the section line VII-VII visible in [Fig.2]; - [Fig.8] shows a section view along the section line VIII-VIII visible in [Fig.2]; - [Fig. 9] is analogous to [Fig. 2] and illustrates a second embodiment.

[0051] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a portion of a housing unit, also called a stable, in which bovine animals, for example cows, oxen or young bulls, can rest, in a top view.

[0053] Only one cow V has been represented on the location in the middle of [Fig.5], the two locations E to the right and left are shown empty of animal.

[0054] In order to delimit the different locations, separating elements 9 are provided, which are also called in practice generally side walls, and also in this document "separation arches".

[0055] Here we use an orthogonal spatial frame such that the Z direction is the local vertical, the X direction corresponds to an anteroposterior direction of the animal and anteroposterior direction of the location and the Y direction corresponds to a so-called 'transverse' or 'lateral' direction, i.e. right-left.

[0056] The separating elements 9 are separated from each other by a distance denoted W8. The separating elements 9 extend from the longitudinal members 54 rearward over a distance denoted L9.

[0057] W8 can be from 100 cm to 150 cm, preferably W8 is chosen between 120 cm and 130 cm.

[0058] The stringers 54 are massive and are fixed on robust posts 56.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a separation set identified as 100.

[0060] The separation assembly 100 comprises the separation hoop 9, a first fixing member 1 and a second fixing member 101. The second fixing member 101 is positioned below the first, vertically below the first fixing member.

[0061] As can be seen in [Fig.1], at least one upper spar 54 and one lower spar 55 are provided.

[0062] The separating element between two locations is presented as a separating arch.

[0063] The partition arch 9 generally comprises an upper bar, a rear bend that curves from 145° to 180° (depending on various geometric configurations of the side panel), and a lower bar. As will be seen, the lower and upper bars are not necessarily straight.

[0064] The separating arch 9 extends between a first end portion identified as 91 (at the end of the upper bar) and a second end portion 92 (at the end of the lower bar).

[0065] In other words, the separating arch 9 forms an elongated U with the arms of the U generally horizontal, but not necessarily straight.

[0066] The separating arch 9 is obtained by extrusion. The resulting extruded profile has a constant cross-section throughout its path.

[0067] As illustrated, the separating arch 9 is formed from a profile with a round outer section. Another cross-sectional shape is not excluded.

[0068] The diameter D9 of the current section of the hoop is between 40 mm and 60 mm, without these values ​​being limiting.

[0069] If the profile is hollow metal, the material thickness can be between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0070] The height H9 of the side panel can be between 75 cm and 120 cm.

[0071] The length L9 of the side panel can be between 160 cm and 220 cm.

[0072] A first fastening element, denoted 1, which will be described in detail later, is fixed on the upper longitudinal member 54, for example by a flange or a bracket. The first fixing member 1 receives the first end portion 91 of the separating arch.

[0073] A second fastening member noted 101, similar or identical to the first, is fixed to the lower longitudinal member 55 and receives the second end portion 92 of the separating arch 9.

[0074] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the separating arch 9 comprises an upper bar, a rear bend that makes a 180° turn, and a lower bar. The arch is obtained from an extruded profile and therefore has a constant cross-section throughout its length.

[0075] The hoop does not contact the floor. This makes floor cleaning very easy. A hand tool or a robot can move around in this area.

[0076] The hoops can optionally be connected to each other by a neck bar, connecting the upper bars together in a rigid or semi-rigid manner.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the separating arch 9 is made of extruded synthetic material.

[0078] For example, the separating arch can be made from polypropylene or PVC.

[0079] As can be seen in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the fastening member 1 comprises a base plate 2 and a tubular body 3. The tubular body 3 extends from the base plate. The tubular body 3 can be welded to the base plate, or the two elements can be formed as a single piece.

[0080] The fastener 1 is preferably made of steel. The fastener 1 may be galvanized or, more generally, protected against the effects of corrosion.

[0081] The base plate 2 is a thick plate, with an indicative thickness of between 8 mm and 12 mm. All forces exerted by the animals on the separating elements 9 are transmitted through this base plate, which can also be called a slab or plinth. In the operating configuration, the base plate 2 extends in a YZ plane. In the illustrated example, the base plate 2 is square, but it could be rectangular or even take on other shapes.

[0082] The dimensions L2 and W2 are typically between 10 cm and 16 cm, these values ​​not being limiting.

[0083] The base plate 2 is rigidly fixed, via a bolted clamping plate or a complete bolted bracket, either to the post 56 or to the stringer 54 depending on various configurations. A plurality of holes, marked 12, are provided in the base plate for this purpose to receive threaded rods or fixing bolts. The clamping plate and the base plate sandwich the post or the stringer.

[0084] The tubular body 3 has an axis XI perpendicular to the YZ plane of the base plate. The tubular body 3 extends over a length L3. In one example, L3 may be between 10 cm and 20 cm.

[0085] The tubular body 3 comprises a first complete ring 36 adjacent to the base plate 2 and a second complete ring 37 in the vicinity of the circular free edge 41. Opposite the base plate 2.

[0086] Between the first and second complete rings 36, 37, there are provided connecting cylindrical portions 40 which link the first and second complete rings 36, 37

[0087] In addition, cutouts 65,75 are provided in order to form two pairs of arms as described below.

[0088] The entity referred to as a tubular body here covers any body that generally fits into a cylindrical tubular shape. There may be recesses and / or longitudinal slots, as described later.

[0089] The tubular body receives within itself the end portion 91 of the separating arch 9.

[0090] The tubular body 3 comprises a first arm 31 and a second arm 32, which together form a first pair of arms. The first and second arms are diametrically opposed. In the operating configuration, the first and second arms are diametrically opposed in the horizontal plane.

[0091] The cross-section of the first arm and the second arm are arched in order to fit the cylindrical shape of the end portion of the separating arch.

[0092] Each arm 31,32 of the first pair extends from a portion of the implant 61 (attached to the tubular body), to a distal portion 62 (part capable of flexing relative to the tubular body).

[0093] A first hole Tl is provided arranged in the first arm. More precisely, the first hole Tl can be arranged in the distal portion of the first arm 31 near the free end.

[0094] A second hole T2 is provided, arranged in the second arm. More specifically, the first hole T2 can be arranged in the distal portion of the second arm 32 near the free end.

[0095] A first bolt B1 is provided which passes through the first and second holes (T1,T2). This forms clamping means suitable for bringing the first arm closer to the second arm in order to pinch the end portion 91 of the separating hoop, once inserted into the tubular body.

[0096] In the example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the first bolt B1 does not pass through the end portion 91 of the separating hoop. The first bolt B1 acts as a stop for the front edge 94 of the end portion of the separating hoop.

[0097] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 9], the first bolt B1 may be provided to pass through the end portion 91 of the separating hoop. In this configuration, the first bolt B1 also serves as a retention means to prevent the hoop from being removed after assembly.

[0098] In the example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the retention means are formed by a third hole T3, a fourth hole T4, and a second bolt B2 that passes through the third and fourth holes T3,T4. The second bolt B2 is configured to also pass through a diametral orifice 90 provided in the end portion 91 of the separating hoop.

[0099] The second bolt B2 forms a pivot axis in the context of a lateral movement of the separating arch.

[0100] The axis Al of the first bolt is horizontal in the nominal operating position. The axis A2 of the second bolt is vertical in the nominal operating position.

[0101] The tubular body 3 comprises a third arm 33 and a fourth arm 34. The third and fourth arms are diametrically opposed, the diameter along A2 in question being generally perpendicular to the diameter along Al along which the arms of the first pair of arms generally extend.

[0102] Each arm 33,34 of the second pair extends from a portion of the implant 71 (attached to the tubular body), to a distal portion 72 (part capable of flexing relative to the tubular body).

[0103] It is noted that the arms of the second pair of arms are generally directed in the opposite direction to the arms of the first pair of arms, with regard to the anteroposterior direction X. The arms 33,34 of the second pair of arms extend towards X+ while the arms 31,32 of the first pair of arms extend towards X-, i.e. towards base 2.

[0104] It is noted that, in the illustrated example, the bolts Bl, B2 pass diametrically through the tubular body 3.

[0105] Alternatively, the diametrical orifices could be threaded. Then, instead of a through bolt, two shorter screws screwed into the internal threads of the orifices can tighten the arms.

[0106] Furthermore, each fixing member may include ribs 5. The ribs 5 make it possible to stiffen the tubular body 3 and to take up the forces supported by the welds between the base plate 2 and the tubular body 3. Each reinforcing rib 5 acts as a buttress.

[0107] In the illustrated example, visible in [Fig.7], there are four reinforcing ribs, regularly distributed around the circumference of the tubular body.

[0108] Each reinforcing rib 5 extends from a foot 51 fixed to the base plate to a top 52.

[0109] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the separating arch can flex in the horizontal plane XY. The angle deflection al corresponds to the deflection provided by the flexibility of the first pair of arms 31, 32 of the fixing members.

[0110] The angle deflection a2 corresponds to the intrinsic bending of the separating arch.

[0111] The total travel a3 (along direction X3) corresponds to the total travel available for an effort from a cow that leans on the end of the separating arch.

[0112] The material thickness of the tubular body as well as the shape of the cutouts 65,75 delimiting each arm of the first pair of arms defines a desired stiffness for the first stroke of travel.

[0113] Thanks to the cancellation of the play required for assembly and the flexural stiffness of the metal tubular body which is very linear, a lateral return to the reference position of the side panel is obtained with good precision.

[0114] The stiffness characteristics remain constant over the long term; there is no aging effect on the materials.

[0115] It is noted that the assembly of the separation unit is relatively simple. Similarly, disassembling the separation unit is a simple operation. Damaged parts can therefore be easily replaced if necessary, or the parts can be reused elsewhere.

[0116] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the tubular body has an inner diameter denoted DI and an outer diameter denoted D2. The diameter D9 of the end portion 91 of the separating arch is slightly smaller than the inner diameter D1; this clearance may be, for example, between 1 mm and 3 mm. This clearance, necessary for easy insertion into the tubular body, must be eliminated by pinching the pairs of arms.

[0117] As seen in [Fig.3], a covering 96 can be provided for the separating arch, with a total outside diameter which can be on the order of the outside diameter D2.

[0118] Regarding the self-weight of the separating arch, in the order of 10 to 20 kg, it generates a small compression on the lower fixing member and a small compression on the upper fixing member.

[0119] It is noted, however, that the forces resulting from pressure from a bovine on the separating hoop 9 generate much greater forces at the level of the fastening elements.

Claims

Demands

1. A fastening element (1) for holding a separating hoop (9) between two adjacent locations (E) of a cattle barn, the fastening element comprising a base plate (2) and a tubular body (3) extending from the base plate with an axis (X) perpendicular to the YZ plane of the base plate, the tubular body being provided to receive within it an end portion (91) of the separating hoop, characterized in that the tubular body is provided with a first pair of arms having a first arm (31) and a second arm (32), each extending from a root portion (61) to a distal portion (62) in a direction (X-) approaching the base plate, and diametrically opposed in a horizontal plane XY,the fastening element comprising clamping means adapted to bring the first arm closer to the second arm in order to pinch the end portion (91) of the separating hoop when said end portion is inserted into the tubular body, the fastening element comprising retention means adapted to prevent said end portion of the separating hoop, after its insertion into the tubular body, from recoiling and escaping from the tubular body.

2. Fastening member according to claim 1, wherein the clamping means are formed by a first hole (T1) arranged in the first arm, a second hole (T2) arranged in the second arm and a first bolt (B1) which passes through the first and second holes (T1,T2).

3. A fastening member according to claim 2, wherein the retention means are formed by a third hole (T3), a fourth hole (T4) and a second bolt (B2) which passes through the third and fourth holes (T3,T4) and is configured to further pass through a diametral orifice (90) provided in the end portion (91) of the separating hoop.

4. A fastening member according to claim 3, wherein the tubular body comprises a second pair of arms with a third arm (33) and a fourth arm (34), each extending from a root portion (71) to a distal portion (72) along a direction (X+) away from the base plate, and diametrically opposite in a vertical plane, the third hole (T3), being arranged on the third arm and a fourth hole (T4) being arranged on the fourth arm.

5. Fastening member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising reinforcing ribs (5).

6. Fastening member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, made of steel.

7. Separation assembly (100) for separating two adjacent locations (E) of a cattle shed, the assembly comprising a separation hoop (9) formed from a profile of round external section having a path extending in a vertical plane between a first end portion (91) inserted into a first fixing member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a second end portion (92) inserted into a second fixing member (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the second fixing member (101) being positioned vertically below the first fixing member (1).

8. Separation assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein the separation hoop is made of extruded synthetic material.

9. Separation assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the separation hoop (9) is mounted cantilevered on the first and second fixing members (1,101).

10. Separation assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the fastening member (1) being in accordance with claim 4, in which the first end portion (91) comprises a diametrical orifice (90) through which the second bolt (B2) passes, in which the first bolt (B1) forms a stop for a front edge (94) of the end portion (91) of the separation hoop (9).