Ventilation system for livestock barns

Abstract

To provide a ventilation system for livestock barns that includes a highly visible abnormality notification means when multiple blowers fail to receive control signals related to rotational operation. [Solution] The livestock barn ventilation system 1 comprises a plurality of blowers 10 arranged at predetermined intervals within the livestock barn, and a control unit 20 that transmits control signals related to the normal rotation operation of the plurality of blowers 10 to the plurality of blowers 10 and controls the normal rotation operation of the plurality of blowers 10. If each of the plurality of blowers 10 has not received a control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 and the period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, it switches from the normal rotation operation of the normal operation to the abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation. The abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation is one of the following: reverse rotation operation in which the rotation direction of the blower is reversed, forward and reverse rotation operation in which the rotation direction of the blower is changed over time between the forward and reverse directions, or intermittent operation in which the blower is driven intermittently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation device for livestock houses.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a ventilation device for livestock houses that includes a plurality of blowers installed in a livestock house and transmits a control signal for driving and controlling the blowers from a controller. Also, generally, as an abnormality notification means for notifying an abnormality in receiving the control signal when the blower does not receive a control signal related to the rotational operation, an abnormality notification means using an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lamp provided on the blower is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The blowers included in the ventilation device for livestock houses are generally installed above livestock houses with high ceiling heights. The inventors have found that there is room for improvement in the visibility of the abnormality notification means for notifying an abnormality in receiving the control signal when a plurality of blowers included in the ventilation device for livestock houses do not receive a control signal related to the rotational operation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a ventilation device for livestock houses provided with an abnormality notification means with high visibility when a plurality of blowers do not receive a control signal related to the rotational operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The livestock barn ventilation system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of blowers arranged at predetermined intervals within the livestock barn, and a control unit that transmits control signals to the plurality of blowers regarding the normal rotation operation of the plurality of blowers and controls the normal rotation operation of the plurality of blowers. If each of the plurality of blowers has not received a control signal transmitted from the control unit and the period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, it switches from the normal rotation operation of the normal operation to the abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation. The abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation is one of the following: a reverse rotation operation in which the rotation direction of the blower is reversed, a forward and reverse rotation operation in which the rotation direction of the blower is changed over time between the forward and reverse directions, or an intermittent operation in which the blower is driven intermittently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a ventilation system for livestock barns that includes a highly visible abnormality notification means when multiple blowers fail to receive control signals related to rotational operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a ventilation device for livestock barns according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the control unit included in the livestock barn ventilation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the abnormal rotation operation during the abnormal notification operation of the main blower according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of wiring disconnection 1 and an example of abnormal rotation operation of a livestock barn ventilation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing an example of wiring disconnection 2 and an example of abnormal rotational operation of a livestock barn ventilation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of wiring disconnection 3 and an example of abnormal rotational operation of a livestock barn ventilation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view showing an example of wiring breakage and abnormal rotational operation of a livestock barn ventilation device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view showing an example of wiring breakage and abnormal rotational operation of a livestock barn ventilation device according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the xyz coordinates shown in the diagrams are for convenience in explaining the positional relationships of the components. Unless otherwise specified, the positive z-axis direction is vertically upward. Also, the xy-plane is the horizontal plane and is consistent across all drawings.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the livestock barn ventilation device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The livestock barn ventilation device 1 is a device for blowing air or ventilating the livestock barn. When the livestock barn ventilation device 1 is used for blowing air inside the livestock barn, the rise in temperature inside the livestock barn is suppressed, providing heat stress countermeasures for the livestock raised inside the barn through the blowing of air, keeping the bedding straw and sawdust placed inside the livestock barn dry, and reducing the concentration of environmentally harmful gases that may be generated inside the livestock barn. Environmentally harmful gases include carbon dioxide, ammonia generated from livestock manure, methane, and nitrous oxide. When the livestock barn ventilation device 1 is used for ventilation, the concentration of environmentally harmful gases and dust that may be generated inside the livestock barn is reduced, the rise in temperature inside the livestock barn is suppressed, condensation in winter is prevented, and humidity is reduced.

[0011] The livestock shed ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of blowers 10, a control unit 20, and wiring 21. The livestock shed ventilation system 1 may further include a power line 30.

[0012] Multiple blowers 10 are devices that provide ventilation. When the livestock barn ventilation system 1 is used for ventilation inside a livestock barn, the multiple blowers 10 are arranged inside the livestock barn at predetermined intervals. The multiple blowers 10 are also arranged at a predetermined height from the ground inside the livestock barn. More specifically, the multiple blowers 10 may be arranged at a height of, for example, 3m to 4m from the ground. In order to arrange the multiple blowers 10 at a predetermined height, each blower may be suspended from the ceiling of the livestock barn, or fixed to the walls, beams, or columns inside the livestock barn. When suspending the multiple blowers 10, they may be suspended using multiple chains, for example, by four chains. The direction of ventilation from the multiple blowers 10 may be directed towards the livestock inside the barn (towards the ground), or towards the walls of the livestock barn, and the ventilation angle can be changed as appropriate in any direction.

[0013] When the livestock barn ventilation system 1 is used for ventilation, the multiple blowers 10 are arranged on the walls of the livestock barn so that air is exchanged between the outside and inside of the barn. Adjacent blowers 10 may be placed next to each other. For example, when adjacent blowers are placed next to each other, they may be placed so that the airflow direction is in one direction, or they may be placed so that the airflow direction is in opposite directions. In addition, the multiple blowers 10 may be placed both above and below the walls that make up the livestock barn. That is, the multiple blowers 10 may be arranged in a grid pattern along the walls of the livestock barn. Furthermore, the multiple blowers 10 may be placed both inside the livestock barn and on the walls of the livestock barn and used for both airflow and ventilation purposes.

[0014] The following explanation will use the case where the livestock barn ventilation device 1 is used for ventilation inside a livestock barn as an example. The plurality of blowers 10 includes a main blower 11 and at least one or more sub - blowers 12. In other words, the plurality of blowers 10 is composed of a plurality of blowers totaling two or more. Each of the main blower 11 and the sub - blowers 12 includes a receiving part (not shown) capable of receiving a control signal transmitted from a control unit 20 described later. When each of the main blower 11 and the sub - blowers 12 receives a control signal, it performs a normal rotation operation of normal operation based on the control signal. Details of the "normal rotation operation" of normal operation will be described later.

[0015] In this specification, the control unit 20 side (negative x - axis side) described later is referred to as the "upstream side", and the other end side (positive x - axis side) is referred to as the "downstream side". In this embodiment, an example in which the main blower 11 is arranged on the most upstream side (negative x - axis side) and the sub - blowers 12 are arranged on the downstream side (positive x - axis side) of the main blower 11 will be described.

[0016] Note that the outer shape of the main blower 11 and the outer shape of the sub - blower 12 may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the main blower 11 and the outer shape of the sub - blower 12 are the same, but in FIG. 1, the outer shape of the main blower 11 is shown by a double circle, and the outer shape of the sub - blower 12 is shown by a single circle. This is for the convenience of easily distinguishing the main blower 11 and the sub - blower 12 on the drawing, and does not indicate that the outer shapes of the main blower 11 and the sub - blower 12 are different.

[0017] The main blower 11 and the sub - blowers 12 are arranged in the livestock house with a predetermined interval. In FIG. 1, for the sake of explanation, an example of being arranged with a predetermined interval along the x - axis direction is shown. More specifically, the "predetermined interval" in this specification is, for example, 5 m, but it can be appropriately changed to any interval according to the size of the livestock house. Also, when the main blower 11 and two sub - blowers 12 are provided, the arrangement of each blower may be arranged on the same line along the x - axis direction in a plan view as shown in FIG. 1, or may be arranged at the positions of the vertices of a triangle in a plan view.

[0018] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the main blower 11 is arranged on the most upstream side among the plurality of blowers 10, that is, on the side closest to the control unit 20 described later. In the case where the main blower 11 is arranged at a position that is not the most upstream side among the plurality of blowers 10, it will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 as Embodiment 2.

[0019] The main blower 11 is a blower connected to the temperature sensor S described later among the plurality of blowers 10. In other words, among the plurality of blowers 10, the blower to which the temperature sensor S is connected becomes the main blower 11. The main blower 11 includes a motor 11a and a plurality of blades 11b. The motor 11a is a power source for rotating the plurality of blades 11b. The motor 11a may be either an inverter motor or a DC (alternating current) motor. The plurality of blades 11b are arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the motor 11a. In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of blades 11b include three blades, but the number of blades can be appropriately changed.

[0020] The main blower 11 is an axial flow fan in which the plurality of blades 11b rotate as the motor 11a rotates and generate wind in the rotational axis direction. The motor 11a is configured to be rotatable in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions (both forward and reverse directions).

[0021] The temperature sensor S is a sensor connected to the main blower 11 and acquires temperature information inside the livestock house. The temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor S is transmitted by the main blower 11 to the control unit 20 described later. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor S is used, but any sensor capable of grasping the state inside the livestock house may be used, and the information acquired and the information transmitted to the control unit 20 are not limited to temperature information. For example, as an alternative to the temperature sensor S, a humidity sensor that acquires humidity information inside the livestock house, an environmental load gas concentration sensor that acquires the concentration of environmental load gases such as carbon dioxide inside the livestock house, a wind speed sensor that acquires the wind speed inside and outside the livestock house, etc. may be used, or each sensor may be used in combination. That's good. Note that the temperature sensor S may be connected to the control unit 20 instead of the main fan 11. If the temperature sensor S is connected to the control unit 20, the main fan 11 and the auxiliary fan 12 are not distinguished, and they all operate as the auxiliary fan 12, as described later.

[0022] The auxiliary blower 12 is one of the multiple blowers 10, excluding the main blower 11. As an example, as shown in Figure 1, we will describe the case where multiple auxiliary blowers 12 (four units) are provided. That is, we will describe the case where multiple auxiliary blowers 12 are provided (hereinafter, multiple auxiliary blowers 12 will simply be referred to as auxiliary blowers 12). The auxiliary blowers 12 include a first auxiliary blower 13, a second auxiliary blower 14, a third auxiliary blower 15, and a fourth auxiliary blower 16 (hereinafter, also referred to as the first auxiliary blower 13 to the fourth auxiliary blower 16). As shown in Figure 1, the multiple blowers 10 are arranged in the order of main blower 11, first auxiliary blower 13, second auxiliary blower 14, third auxiliary blower 15, and fourth auxiliary blower 16, from upstream to downstream. Furthermore, since the configurations of the first auxiliary blowers 13 to the fourth auxiliary blowers 16 that constitute the auxiliary blower 12 are similar, the details of each configuration will be explained using the first auxiliary blower 13 as a representative example.

[0023] The first auxiliary blower 13 comprises a motor 13a and a plurality of blades 13b. The motor 13a, like the motor 11a in the main blower 11, is a power source for rotating the plurality of blades 11b. The motor 13a may be either an inverter motor or a DC (alternating current) motor. The plurality of blades 13b are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the motor 13a. In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of blades 13b comprises three blades.

[0024] The first auxiliary fan 13 is an axial flow fan in which multiple blades 13b rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 13a, generating airflow in the direction of the rotation axis. The motor 13a is configured to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions (both forward and reverse directions).

[0025] Similar to the first auxiliary blower 13, the second auxiliary blower 14 is equipped with a motor 14a and multiple blades 14b, the third auxiliary blower 15 is equipped with a motor 15a and multiple blades 15b, and the fourth auxiliary blower 16 is equipped with a motor 16a and multiple blades 16b.

[0026] The control unit 20 is located on the upstream side (negative x-axis side), which is one end of the multiple blowers 10. In this embodiment, it is located on the upstream side (negative x-axis side) of the main blower 11. The control unit 20 transmits control signals to the multiple blowers 10 regarding the normal rotation operation of the multiple blowers 10 during normal operation, thereby controlling the normal rotation operation of the multiple blowers 10 during normal operation. The control signals are determined, for example, based on temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S. In other words, the control unit 20 receives temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S, the control unit 20 converts the temperature information into a control signal, and transmits it to the multiple blowers 10. When the multiple blowers 10 receive the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20, they perform the normal rotation operation of normal operation based on the control signal. Details of the control unit 20's reception of temperature information, conversion of temperature information into a control signal, and transmission of control signals to the multiple blowers 10 will be described later with reference to Figure 2.

[0027] In the normal operation of the multiple blowers 10, "normal rotational operation" refers to forward rotation, which is clockwise rotation, as shown by the thick black arrows in Figure 1. More specifically, "normal rotational operation" refers to forward rotation, in which the multiple blades 11b, 13b~16b of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blowers 12 that make up the multiple blowers 10 are rotated clockwise in conjunction with the rotation of the motors 11a, 13a~16b.

[0028] Wiring 21 is a communication line that electrically connects multiple blowers 10 in series. In other words, wiring 21 is a communication line that electrically connects the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12 in series.

[0029] The wiring 21 consists of multiple wirings 21a to 21e. Wiring 21a electrically connects the control unit 20 and the main blower 11. Wiring 21b electrically connects the main blower 11 and the first auxiliary blower 13. Wiring 21c electrically connects the first auxiliary blower 13 and the second auxiliary blower 14. Wiring 21d electrically connects the second auxiliary blower 14 and the third auxiliary blower 15. Wiring 21e electrically connects the third auxiliary blower 15 and the fourth auxiliary blower 16.

[0030] The power line 30 is a separate wire from the wiring 21, used to supply power to multiple blowers 10. One end of the power line 30 (negative x-axis side) is connected to a power source (not shown), and the other end (positive x-axis side) is connected to the motors 11a, 13a to 16a of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blowers 12, respectively. Power is supplied from the power line 30 to the motors 11a, 13a to 16a of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blowers 12 to drive each motor. If the power line 30 is not provided, the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blowers 12 may each be equipped with a battery power source such as a battery.

[0031] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 20 included in the livestock barn ventilation device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The control unit 20 comprises a receiving unit 20a, a storage unit 20b, a calculation unit 20c, and a transmitting unit 20d.

[0032] The receiving unit 20a receives temperature information inside the barn, which has been transmitted from the main blower 11 and acquired by the temperature sensor S, via the wiring 21a.

[0033] The memory unit 20b stores the temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S, as well as the correspondence between the temperature information inside the barn and the rotational speeds of the motors 11a, 13a to 16a of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12, respectively. The memory unit 20b is composed of a non-volatile storage device. The non-volatile storage device is, for example, flash memory or a hard disk drive.

[0034] The calculation unit 20c calculates a control signal based on the temperature information. In other words, the temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S is converted into a control signal in the calculation unit 20c. In this embodiment, the "control signal" refers to a signal for controlling the rotational speed of the motors 11a, 13a to 16a, each of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12. More specifically, the calculation unit 20c calculates the rotational speed of the motors 11a, 13a to 16a, each of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12 (more precisely, the number of rotations per unit time, or rotational speed) based on the temperature information inside the barn received by the receiving unit 20a and the correspondence between the temperature information and the rotational speed of the motors that has been previously stored in the storage unit 20b.

[0035] The transmitting unit 20d transmits the motor rotation speed calculated (determined) by the calculation unit 20c based on temperature information inside the livestock barn as a control signal to the blower located on the upstream side of the multiple blowers 10. The control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 20d is transmitted sequentially from the blower located on the upstream side (one end) to the blower located on the downstream side (the other end) of the multiple blowers 10.

[0036] In this embodiment, since the main blower 11 is located at the upstream end, the control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 20d is transmitted to the main blower 11 via the wiring 21a. The control signal received by the main blower 11 is then transmitted (transmitted) from the main blower 11 to the first auxiliary blower 13, the second auxiliary blower 14, the third auxiliary blower 15, and the fourth auxiliary blower 16 via the wiring 21 in that order.

[0037] As described above, the main blower 11 is capable of bidirectional communication, transmitting temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S to the control unit 20 and receiving control signals transmitted from the control unit 20. On the other hand, the auxiliary blower 12 receives control signals transmitted from the upstream blower via the wiring 21. Although the signal is transmitted to the downstream side, no transmission occurs from the auxiliary blower 12 to the control unit 20, thus enabling one-way communication.

[0038] For example, if the temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor S is between 10°C and 30°C, the rotational speed of the motors 11a, 13a to 16a calculated by the calculation unit 20c is between 120 rpm and 800 rpm. Based on the temperature information inside the barn, the rotational speed of the motors 11a, 13a to 16a of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blowers 12 is changed by the transmitted control signal, thereby changing the airflow volume of the multiple blowers 10.

[0039] The livestock barn ventilation system 1 can change the airflow rate of multiple blowers 10 based on temperature information inside the barn, thus enabling heat stress countermeasures for livestock raised inside the barn through ventilation. For example, when the temperature inside the barn is high (20°C to 30°C), the rotation speed of the motors 11a, 13a to 16a, each of the main blower 11 and auxiliary blowers 12 can be increased to a high speed (300 rpm to 800 rpm), thereby increasing the airflow rate of the multiple blowers 10 and suppressing the rise in temperature inside the barn. Furthermore, it can keep the bedding straw and sawdust placed inside the barn dry, reducing the concentration of environmentally harmful gases that may be generated inside the barn.

[0040] On the other hand, when the temperature inside the barn is low (10°C to 20°C), the rotation speed of the motors 11a, 13a to 16a, each of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12 can be reduced to a low speed (120 rpm to 300 rpm). This reduces the amount of air blown by the multiple blowers 10, suppressing the temperature drop inside the barn, keeping the bedding straw and sawdust inside the barn dry, and reducing the concentration of environmentally harmful gases that may be generated inside the barn.

[0041] Here, each of the multiple blowers 10, namely the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12, switches from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation if it has not received the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 and the period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer. In other words, "abnormal" means that the multiple blowers 10 are unable to receive the control signal and are unable to perform normal rotation operation in normal operation. Furthermore, "abnormal notification operation" is when the multiple blowers 10 are unable to receive the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 for performing normal rotation operation in normal operation, and in order to notify the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 that it is unable to perform normal rotation operation in normal operation, it performs abnormal rotation operation, which is a rotation operation different from normal rotation operation. In other words, in this embodiment, the abnormal rotation operation of the multiple blowers 10 in abnormal notification operation is performed as an abnormal notification means.

[0042] In multiple blowers 10, the reason why the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 is not received is, for example, a break in the wiring 21. However, even if a break occurs in the wiring 21, the multiple blowers 10 are connected to a power line 30 which is provided separately from the wiring 21, so power is supplied to the multiple blowers 10 continuously. Therefore, even if the wiring 21 is broken, the motors 11a, 13a to 16a can rotate, and the multiple blowers 10 can perform abnormal rotation operation for abnormal notification operation. Furthermore, depending on the location of the break in the wiring 21, some of the multiple blowers 10 can continue normal rotation operation for normal operation.

[0043] Furthermore, in addition to a break in the wiring 21, other reasons why the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 may not be received by multiple blowers 10 include distortion in the control signal, or a decrease in the strength of the control signal making it unreceivable as a control signal.

[0044] In the case of multiple blowers 10, the "predetermined time" in "when the time for which the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 has not been received continues for a predetermined time or longer" is preferably a short time that does not hinder the airflow or ventilation inside the livestock barn. More specifically, the "predetermined time" is, for example, 1 to 5 minutes. That is, as an example, when the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 has not been received by multiple blowers 10 If no signal is received for 1 to 5 minutes, the system switches from normal rotation operation to abnormal rotation operation under abnormal notification. In this way, by defining the period of time during which the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 is not received as "a predetermined time," it is possible to exclude cases where multiple blowers 10 are unable to receive the control signal due to momentary noise other than the control signal occurring in the wiring 21.

[0045] Another example is when the main blower 11 transmits temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S to the control unit 20, but the control unit 20 is unable to receive the temperature information inside the barn due to a break in the wiring 21 connecting the main blower 11 and the control unit 20. In this case, the control unit 20 cannot calculate a control signal based on the temperature information inside the barn, and therefore cannot transmit the control signal to the multiple blowers 10. Since the multiple blowers 10 cannot receive the control signal, they switch from normal rotation operation in normal operation mode to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation mode.

[0046] More specifically, if the time between the main blower 11 transmitting the temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S to the control unit 20 and the multiple blowers 10 receiving control signals from the control unit 20 continues for a predetermined period of time or longer, the system switches from normal rotation operation in normal operation mode to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification mode. The "predetermined period of time" is, for example, 1 to 5 minutes. In this way, by defining the period during which the control signals transmitted from the control unit 20 have not been received by the multiple blowers 10 as "a predetermined period of time," it is possible to exclude cases where the multiple blowers 10 were unable to receive the control signals due to momentary noise other than the control signals occurring in the wiring 21.

[0047] Of the multiple blowers 10, the main blower 11 or auxiliary blower 12 that switches to abnormal rotation operation is determined by the location of the break in the wiring 21. Details of the abnormal rotation operation will be explained in the following paragraphs using Figure 3, and examples of breaks in the wiring 21 and examples of abnormal rotation operation will be described later using Figures 4 to 6.

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the abnormal rotation operation of the main blower 11 during abnormal notification operation according to Embodiment 1. For explanatory purposes, Figure 3 shows only the main blower 11 shown in Figure 1, and other components are omitted from the illustration. In Figure 3, the main blower 11 is described as a representative of the multiple blowers 10, but the auxiliary blower 12 also performs the same abnormal rotation operation during abnormal notification operation. There are mainly three types of "abnormal rotation operation" in the abnormal notification operation of multiple blowers 10: "reverse rotation operation" shown in Figure 3(a), "forward and reverse rotation operation" shown in Figure 3(b), or "intermittent operation" shown in Figure 3(c). In Figure 3, the direction of rotation is indicated by the thick black arrows.

[0049] The reverse rotation operation shown in Figure 3(a) is an operation in which the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 rotate in the opposite direction to the normal rotation operation (clockwise rotation) in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 11a. In other words, in the reverse rotation operation, the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 rotate counterclockwise.

[0050] To further improve the visibility of abnormal rotation, in addition to reverse rotation, the motor may also be operated at a significantly reduced rotation speed compared to normal rotation. Generally, the rotation speed of the motor 11a is determined by the number of poles of the motor and the frequency of the power supply (50Hz or 60Hz). For example, if the rotation speed in normal rotation is set to 100%, the reverse rotation may be performed at 15% of the rotation speed in normal rotation so that the user of the livestock shed ventilation system 1 can visually confirm that abnormal rotation is occurring. The rotation speed for reverse rotation is not limited to this, and any rotation speed that allows the user of the livestock shed ventilation system 1 to visually confirm that the rotation of the main blower 11 is in reverse rotation, which is different from the rotation speed in normal rotation, is acceptable.

[0051] The forward and reverse rotation operation shown in Figure 3(b) is an operation in which the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 change direction over time in the forward and reverse directions in accordance with the rotation of the motor 11a. In other words, in the forward and reverse rotation operation, the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 rotate clockwise (forward rotation). The motor rotates in both forward and counterclockwise directions (reverse rotation). In the forward and reverse rotation operation, the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 rotate in the reverse direction for a predetermined time, then switch to forward rotation, rotate in the forward direction for a predetermined time, and then switch back to reverse rotation, repeating this process.

[0052] The rotation time in reverse rotation and the rotation time in forward rotation may be the same, but to further improve the visibility of abnormal rotational operation, the rotation time in reverse rotation and the rotation time in forward rotation may be set to be different. For example, the rotation time in reverse rotation may be set to be longer than the rotation time in forward rotation. More specifically, for example, in both forward and reverse rotation operation, the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 may rotate in reverse for 10 seconds, then rotate in the forward direction for 5 seconds, and then switch back to reverse rotation for 10 seconds, repeating this operation. Furthermore, in addition to both forward and reverse rotation operation, similar to the reverse rotation operation described above, the rotation speed may be reduced compared to normal rotation operation.

[0053] In addition, in the forward and reverse rotation operation, the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 may rotate counterclockwise for a predetermined number of times, then switch to clockwise rotation for a predetermined number of times, and then switch back to counterclockwise rotation, repeating this operation. In other words, in the forward and reverse rotation operation, the number of rotations in the reverse direction and the number of rotations in the forward direction may be predetermined, and the system may switch between reverse and forward rotation accordingly. In the explanation of Figure 3(b), the forward and reverse rotation operation was described in the order of counterclockwise, clockwise, and counterclockwise, but naturally, the rotation may also be repeated in the order of clockwise, counterclockwise, and clockwise.

[0054] The intermittent operation shown in Figure 3(c) is an operation in which the multiple blades 11b of the main blower 11 are rotated intermittently in conjunction with the intermittent drive of the motor 11a. In this specification, "intermittent operation" means that the motor 11a does not rotate 360 ​​degrees continuously, but rather repeats a predetermined period of operation and a predetermined period of stopping during one rotation (360-degree rotation). More specifically, for example, the motor 11a rotates 60 degrees per second, stops for 1 second, and then repeats the operation of rotating 60 degrees per second again. In conjunction with the operation of the motor 11a, the multiple blades 11b also rotate 60 degrees per second, stop for 1 second, and then repeat the operation of rotating 60 degrees per second again. In Figure 3(c), the intermittent operation is shown as counterclockwise rotation (reverse rotation, indicated by a thick black arrow), but it may also be clockwise rotation (forward rotation).

[0055] The abnormal rotation operation described above will continue until the user of the livestock shed ventilation device 1 confirms the abnormal rotation operation. The abnormal rotation operation will be stopped when the user of the livestock shed ventilation device 1 visually confirms the abnormal operation due to the abnormal rotation operation and stops the livestock shed ventilation device 1.

[0056] Next, examples of wiring breaks and abnormal rotational movements will be explained using Figures 4 to 6. Depending on the location of the wiring break in 21, the multiple blowers 10 will perform either normal rotational movement or abnormal rotational movement. Therefore, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can visually identify the location of the wiring break in 21 by checking the rotational movement of the multiple blowers 10. The abnormal rotational movement described below may be any of the above-mentioned reverse rotational movement, forward and reverse rotational movement, or intermittent movement, but Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the case where reverse rotational movement is performed as an example of abnormal rotational movement.

[0057] Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of wiring breakage 1 and an example of abnormal rotational operation of the livestock barn ventilation device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Each component is the same as in Figure 1. Wiring breakage example 1 is when the main blower 11 is located on the upstream side (negative x-axis side) of the multiple blowers 10, i.e., the position closest to the control unit 20, and a break occurs in the wiring 21a located between the control unit 20 and the main blower 11.

[0058] If the wiring 21a is disconnected, the receiving unit 20a (see Figure 2) of the control unit 20 cannot receive the temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S transmitted from the main blower 11. In other words, if the wiring 21a is disconnected, even if the main blower 11 transmits temperature information, the control unit 20 cannot receive that temperature information. Therefore, the calculation unit 20c of the control unit 20 cannot calculate a control signal based on the temperature information inside the barn, and the transmission unit 20d does not transmit a control signal to the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12.

[0059] In other words, due to the disconnection of wiring 21a, the control unit 20 does not transmit a control signal, and the main blower 11 has not received the control signal. Since this period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, the system switches from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation (for example, reverse rotation operation, shown by the thick black arrow). In other words, when wiring 21a is disconnected, at least the main blower 11, which is adjacent to the downstream side of the disconnected wiring 21a, performs abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation.

[0060] Furthermore, if the wiring 21a is disconnected, as shown in Figure 4, all of the blowers 10 located downstream of the disconnected wiring 21a, namely the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12, may perform abnormal rotation operation for abnormal notification. In Figure 4, the blowers 10 performing abnormal rotation operation are enclosed by a dashed line.

[0061] Therefore, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can visually identify that there is a break in the wiring 21a connecting the control unit 20 and the main blower 11 by confirming that all of the blowers 10 are performing abnormal rotational operation for abnormal notification.

[0062] Furthermore, if the wiring 21a is disconnected and temperature information is transmitted from the main blower 11 to the control unit 20, but the main blower 11, which is adjacent to the downstream side of the disconnected wiring 21a, does not receive the control signal, the main blower 11 may transmit a signal to the auxiliary blower 12 indicating that "the control signal has not been received," and the auxiliary blower 12 may continue normal operation. In other words, when the wiring 21a is disconnected, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can visually identify that a disconnection has occurred in the wiring 21a connecting the control unit 20 and the main blower 11 by confirming that only the main blower 11 is performing abnormal rotation operation for abnormal notification operation, while the auxiliary blower 12 continues normal operation.

[0063] Figure 5 is a front view showing an example of wiring breakage 2 and an example of abnormal rotational operation of the livestock barn ventilation device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Each component is the same as in Figure 1. Wiring breakage example 2 occurs when the main blower 11 is located at the upstream end of the multiple blowers 10, i.e., the position closest to the control unit 20, and a break occurs in the wiring 21b located between the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12 (first auxiliary blower 13).

[0064] The receiving unit 20a (see Figure 2) of the control unit 20 receives temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S transmitted from the main blower 11 via the wiring 21a. In the calculation unit 20c of the control unit 20, the temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S is converted into a control signal. The control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 20d of the control unit 20 is transmitted to the main blower 11 via the wiring 21a. Therefore, the main blower 11, having received the control signal, performs normal rotational operation during normal operation.

[0065] However, because the wiring 21b is broken, the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 is not transmitted to the auxiliary blower 12, which is located downstream (negative x-axis side) of the main blower 11. In other words, due to the break in the wiring 21b, the auxiliary blower 12 has not received the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20, and since this period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, normal operation is not possible. The system switches from normal rotation to abnormal rotation operation (for example, reverse rotation operation, indicated by a thick black arrow) as an abnormal notification operation. In other words, if wiring 21b is disconnected, at least the first auxiliary blower 13, which is adjacent to the downstream side of the disconnected wiring 21b, will perform the abnormal rotation operation as an abnormal notification operation.

[0066] Furthermore, if the wiring 21b is disconnected, as shown in Figure 5, all of the multiple blowers 10 located downstream of the disconnected wiring 21b, i.e., the auxiliary blowers 12, may perform abnormal rotation operation as an abnormal notification operation. In Figure 5, the main blower 11, which is performing normal rotation operation, is enclosed by a dashed line, and the multiple blowers 10 (auxiliary blowers 12) that are performing abnormal rotation operation are enclosed by a double dashed line.

[0067] Therefore, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can visually identify a break in the wiring 21b connecting the main fan 11 and the auxiliary fan 12 by confirming that the main fan 11 is performing normal rotational operation and the auxiliary fan 12 is performing abnormal rotational operation in abnormal notification operation.

[0068] Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of wiring breakage 3 and an example of abnormal rotational operation of the livestock barn ventilation device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Each component is the same as in Figure 1. Wiring breakage example 3 occurs when the main blower 11 is located at the upstream end of the multiple blowers 10, i.e., the position closest to the control unit 20, and a break occurs in the wiring 21c located between the first auxiliary blower 13 and the second auxiliary blower 14.

[0069] The receiving unit 20a (see Figure 2) of the control unit 20 receives temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S transmitted from the main blower 11 via wiring 21a. In the calculation unit 20c of the control unit 20, the temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S is converted into a control signal. The control signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 20d of the control unit 20 is transmitted to the main blower 11 via wiring 21a. The control signal transmitted to the main blower 11 is transmitted to the first auxiliary blower 13 via wiring 21b. Therefore, the main blower 11 and the first auxiliary blower 13 perform normal rotational operation during normal operation.

[0070] However, because the wiring 21c is broken, the control signals transmitted from the control unit 20 are not transmitted to the second auxiliary blower 14, third auxiliary blower 15, and fourth auxiliary blower 16, which are located downstream (negative x-axis side) of the first auxiliary blower 13. In other words, due to the break in the wiring 21c, the second auxiliary blower 14, third auxiliary blower 15, and fourth auxiliary blower 16 have not received the control signals transmitted from the control unit 20, and since this period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, they switch from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation (for example, reverse rotation operation, shown by the thick black arrow). In other words, when the wiring 21c is broken, at least the second auxiliary blower 14, which is adjacent to the downstream side of the broken wiring 21c, performs abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation.

[0071] Furthermore, if the wiring 21c is disconnected, as shown in Figure 6, the second auxiliary blower 14, the third auxiliary blower 15, and the fourth auxiliary blower 16, all located downstream of the disconnected wiring 21c, may perform abnormal rotation operation for abnormal notification. In Figure 6, the main blower 11 and the first auxiliary blower 13, which are performing normal rotation operation, are enclosed by a dashed line, while the second auxiliary blower 14, the third auxiliary blower 15, and the fourth auxiliary blower 16, which are performing abnormal rotation operation, are enclosed by a double-dash line.

[0072] Therefore, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can visually identify that there is a break in the wiring 21c connecting the first auxiliary blower 13 and the second auxiliary blower 14 by confirming that the main blower 11 and the first auxiliary blower 13 are performing normal rotational operation under normal operation conditions, while the second auxiliary blower 14, the third auxiliary blower 15, and the fourth auxiliary blower 16 are performing abnormal rotational operation under abnormal notification conditions.

[0073] As described above, the following effects can be enjoyed with the livestock barn ventilation device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0074] The livestock barn ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of blowers 10 arranged at predetermined intervals within the livestock barn, and a control unit 20 that transmits control signals related to the normal rotation operation of the plurality of blowers 10 to the plurality of blowers 10 and controls the normal rotation operation of the plurality of blowers 10. If each of the plurality of blowers 10 has not received a control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 and the period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, it switches from the normal rotation operation of the normal operation to the abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation. The abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation is one of the following: reverse rotation operation in which the rotation direction of the blower is reversed, forward and reverse rotation operation in which the rotation direction of the blower is changed over time between the forward and reverse directions, or intermittent operation in which the blower is driven intermittently.

[0075] With the above configuration, if each of the multiple blowers 10 has not received a control signal transmitted from the control unit 20, and the period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, it switches from normal rotation operation in normal operation mode to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification mode. Therefore, the user of the livestock barn blower system 1 can easily determine whether the control signal has been received by visually checking whether each of the multiple blowers 10 is performing normal rotation operation in normal operation mode or abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification mode. Thus, a livestock barn blower system 1 equipped with a highly visible abnormal notification means can be provided when multiple blowers 10 have not received control signals related to rotation operation.

[0076] In the livestock barn ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment, a plurality of blowers 10 are electrically connected to each other by a series wiring 21, and the control unit 20 is located on the upstream side, which is one end of the plurality of blowers 10. Control signals transmitted from the control unit 20 are transmitted sequentially from the blowers located on the upstream side to the blowers located on the downstream side, which is the other end, and if the wiring 21 is broken, at least the blower adjacent to the downstream side of the broken wiring 21 will perform an abnormality notification operation.

[0077] With the above configuration, if the wiring 21 is disconnected, at least the blower adjacent to the downstream side of the disconnected wiring 21 will switch from normal rotation operation in normal operation mode to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation mode. Therefore, the user of the livestock barn blower 1 can easily determine whether a control signal has been received and easily identify the location of the disconnection in the wiring 21 by visually checking whether each of the multiple blowers 10 is performing normal rotation operation in normal operation mode or abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation mode. Thus, a livestock barn blower 1 equipped with a highly visible abnormal notification means can be provided when multiple blowers 10 have not received a control signal related to their rotation operation.

[0078] In this embodiment, if the wiring 21 of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 is disconnected, all blowers located downstream of the disconnected wiring 21 will perform an abnormality notification operation.

[0079] With the above configuration, if the wiring 21 is disconnected, all blowers located downstream of the disconnected wiring 21 will switch from normal rotation operation to abnormal rotation operation for abnormal notification operation. Therefore, the user of the livestock shed blower 1 can easily determine whether a control signal has been received and easily identify the location of the disconnection in the wiring 21 by visually checking whether each of the multiple blowers 10 is performing normal rotation operation or abnormal rotation operation for abnormal notification operation. Furthermore, if the disconnection occurs upstream of the wiring 21, all of the multiple blowers 10 located downstream will perform abnormal notification operation, making it even easier for the user of the livestock shed blower 1 to visually determine whether a control signal has been received. Thus, a livestock shed blower 1 equipped with a highly visible abnormal notification means can be provided when multiple blowers 10 have not received control signals related to their rotation.

[0080] The livestock barn ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment includes a temperature sensor S that acquires temperature information inside the livestock barn. Furthermore, the system includes a main blower 11 connected to a temperature sensor S, and auxiliary blowers 12 other than the main blower 11. The temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor S is transmitted to the control unit 20 via the main blower 11, and the control signal for normal operation is determined based on the temperature information. When the multiple blowers 10 receive the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20, they perform normal operation based on the control signal.

[0081] With the above configuration, the multiple blowers 10 operate normally based on control signals determined based on temperature information inside the barn. By changing the rotation speed of the motors 11a, 13a~16a, each of the main blower 11 and auxiliary blowers 12 of the multiple blowers 10, based on the temperature information inside the barn, the amount of air blown by the multiple blowers 10 can be changed, thus enabling heat stress countermeasures to be taken for livestock raised in the barn by providing airflow. Furthermore, the straw and sawdust placed inside the barn can be kept dry, and the concentration of environmentally harmful gases that may be generated inside the barn can be reduced.

[0082] The livestock barn ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a temperature sensor S that acquires temperature information inside the livestock barn. The multiple blowers 10 include a main blower 11 connected to the temperature sensor S and auxiliary blowers 12 other than the main blower 11. If the control unit 20 has not received the temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor S, at least the main blower 11 and auxiliary blowers 12 that have not received the control signal will perform an abnormality notification operation.

[0083] With the above configuration, even if the main blower 11 transmits temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor S, if the control unit 20 is unable to receive the temperature information, the control unit 20 cannot calculate (determine) a control signal. In other words, the control unit 20 cannot transmit a control signal to the multiple blowers 10, and the multiple blowers 10 cannot receive the control signal. Therefore, at least the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12 that have not received a control signal will switch from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation. Consequently, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can easily determine whether a control signal has been received by visually checking whether each of the multiple blowers 10 is performing normal rotation operation in normal operation or abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation. Thus, when multiple blowers 10 have not received a control signal related to their rotation, the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can be provided with a highly visible abnormal notification means.

[0084] <Embodiment 2> The livestock barn ventilation system 2 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the livestock barn ventilation system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the arrangement of the main and auxiliary blowers of the multiple blowers 10 is different. Specifically, the auxiliary blower is located at the upstream end, and the main blower is positioned between the two auxiliary blowers, which is different from Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1, and components similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, with explanations omitted as appropriate.

[0085] Figure 7 is a front view showing an example of wiring disconnection and abnormal rotation operation of the livestock barn ventilation device 2 according to Embodiment 2. The livestock barn ventilation device 2 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of blowers 40. The plurality of blowers 40 comprises a main blower 41 and at least one (for example, four) auxiliary blowers 42. The auxiliary blowers 42 comprises a first auxiliary blower 43, a second auxiliary blower 44, a third auxiliary blower 45, and a fourth auxiliary blower 46.

[0086] Here, the configuration of the multiple blowers 40 is the same as the configuration of the multiple blowers 10 in Embodiment 1, so the details of each configuration will be omitted. More specifically, the multiple blowers 40 correspond to the multiple blowers 10 in Embodiment 1. The main blower 41 corresponds to the main blower 11 in Embodiment 1. The auxiliary blower 42 corresponds to the auxiliary blower 12 in Embodiment 1. The first auxiliary blower 43, the second auxiliary blower 44, the third auxiliary blower 45 and the fourth auxiliary blower 46 correspond to the first auxiliary blower 13, the second auxiliary blower 14, the third auxiliary blower 15 and the fourth auxiliary blower in Embodiment 1, respectively. This corresponds to machine 16. The motors 41a, 43a, 44a, 45a, 46a and multiple blades 41b, 43b, 44b, 45b, and 46b provided in each of the main blower 41 and the auxiliary blower 42 correspond to the motors 11a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a and multiple blades 11b, 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b provided in each of the main blower 11 and the auxiliary blower 12 of Embodiment 1.

[0087] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the main blower 11 is located at the upstream end (negative x-axis side), and the auxiliary blower 12 is located downstream of the main blower 11 (positive x-axis side). In Embodiment 2, the main blower 41 is located downstream of the first auxiliary blower 43, the second auxiliary blower 44, and the third auxiliary blower 45 (negative x-axis side). In other words, in this embodiment, the first auxiliary blower 43 is located at the upstream end, and the main blower 41 is located between the third auxiliary blower 45 and the fourth auxiliary blower 46. That is, the multiple blowers 40 are arranged in the order of the first auxiliary blower 43, the second auxiliary blower 44, the third auxiliary blower 45, the main blower 41, and the fourth auxiliary blower 46, moving downstream from the upstream end, which is the control unit 20 side.

[0088] Wiring 21 is a communication line that electrically connects multiple blowers 10 in series. That is, wiring 21 is a communication line that electrically connects the main blower 41 and the auxiliary blower 42 in series, and is the same as in Embodiment 1, but the order in which each wiring connects the blowers is different from Embodiment 1. Specifically, this is explained in the following paragraphs.

[0089] The wiring 21 consists of multiple wirings 21a to 21e. Wiring 21a electrically connects the control unit 20 and the first auxiliary blower 43. Wiring 21b electrically connects the first auxiliary blower 43 and the second auxiliary blower 44. Wiring 21c electrically connects the second auxiliary blower 44 and the third auxiliary blower 45. Wiring 21d electrically connects the third auxiliary blower 45 and the main blower 41. Wiring 21e electrically connects the main blower 41 and the fourth auxiliary blower 46.

[0090] Figure 7 shows the case where the main blower 41 is positioned between the third auxiliary blower 45 and the fourth auxiliary blower 46, and the wiring 21b located upstream of the main blower 41 (negative x-axis side) is disconnected. When the wiring 21b is disconnected, the receiving unit 20a (see Figure 2) of the control unit 20 cannot receive the temperature information inside the barn acquired by the temperature sensor S transmitted from the main blower 41. As a result, the calculation unit 20c of the control unit 20 cannot calculate a control signal based on the temperature information inside the barn, and the transmitting unit 20d does not transmit a control signal to the main blower 41 and the auxiliary blowers 42.

[0091] In other words, due to the disconnection of wiring 21b, the control unit 20 does not transmit a control signal, and all of the main blowers 41 and auxiliary blowers 42 (multiple blowers 40) have not received the control signal. Since this period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer than the time the main blower 41 has transmitted temperature information to the control unit 20, all of the multiple blowers 40 switch from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation (for example, reverse rotation operation, shown by a thick black arrow). In Figure 7, the multiple blowers 40 performing abnormal rotation operation are enclosed by a dashed line. Note that if wiring 21a, wiring 21c, or wiring 21d, which are located upstream of the main blower 41, is disconnected, the same abnormal notification operation as when wiring 21b is disconnected will occur in all of the main blowers 41 and auxiliary blowers 42 (multiple blowers 40).

[0092] Therefore, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 2 can visually confirm that there is a break in the wiring 21 by confirming that all of the multiple blowers 40 are performing abnormal rotational operation for abnormal notification.

[0093] Figure 8 shows examples of wiring disconnection and abnormal rotational operation of a livestock barn ventilation device according to Embodiment 2. This is a front view. Figure 8 shows the case where the main blower 41 is positioned between the third auxiliary blower 45 and the fourth auxiliary blower 46, and the wiring 21e located downstream of the main blower 41 (positive x-axis side) is disconnected. When the wiring 21e is disconnected, the temperature information inside the barn, acquired by the temperature sensor S transmitted from the main blower 41, is received by the receiving unit 20a (see Figure 2) of the control unit 20. The calculation unit 20c of the control unit 20 calculates a control signal based on the temperature information, and the transmission unit 20d transmits the control signal to the first auxiliary blower 43. The control signal transmitted to the first auxiliary blower 43 is transmitted to the second auxiliary blower 44 via wiring 21b, to the third auxiliary blower 45 via wiring 21c, and to the main blower 41 via wiring 21d. In other words, the first auxiliary blower 43, the second auxiliary blower 44, the third auxiliary blower 45, and the main blower 41 perform normal rotational operations during normal operation.

[0094] However, because the wiring 21e is broken, the fourth auxiliary blower 46 cannot receive the control signal transmitted from the main blower 41. Therefore, the fourth auxiliary blower 46, which has not received the control signal, switches from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation. In Figure 8, the first auxiliary blower 43, second auxiliary blower 44, third auxiliary blower 45, and main blower 41, which are performing normal rotation operation, are enclosed by a dashed line, and the fourth auxiliary blower 46, which is performing abnormal rotation operation, is enclosed by a double dashed line.

[0095] Therefore, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can visually identify that there is a break in the wiring 21e connecting the main blower 41 and the fourth auxiliary blower 46 by confirming that the first auxiliary blower 43, the second auxiliary blower 44, the third auxiliary blower 45 and the main blower 41 are performing normal rotational operation under normal operation conditions, and the fourth auxiliary blower 46 is performing abnormal rotational operation under abnormal notification conditions.

[0096] As described above, the following effects can be enjoyed with the livestock barn ventilation device 2 according to Embodiment 2.

[0097] In the livestock barn ventilation system 2 according to this embodiment, the main blower 41 and the auxiliary blowers 42 are electrically connected to each other by a series wiring 21. The control unit 20 is located on the upstream side, which is one end of the plurality of blowers 40, and the control signals transmitted from the control unit 20 are transmitted sequentially from the blowers located on the upstream side to the blowers located on the downstream side, which is the other end. The main blower 41 is located downstream of the auxiliary blowers 42, and if the wiring 21 located upstream of the main blower 41 is disconnected, the main blower 41 and all the auxiliary blowers 42 will perform an abnormality notification operation.

[0098] With the above configuration, the user of the livestock shed ventilation system 2 can easily determine whether control signals have been received and whether there is a break in the wiring 21 by visually checking whether each of the multiple blowers 40 is performing normal rotational operation or abnormal rotational operation for abnormal notification operation. Therefore, when multiple blowers 40 have not received control signals related to rotational operation, the livestock shed ventilation system 2 can be provided with a highly visible abnormal notification means.

[0099] <Variation> The following describes variations in the transmission and reception of control signals in Embodiments 1 and 2. In Embodiments 1 and 2, the multiple blowers 10 and 40 are each connected in series with wiring 21, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 20 and the multiple blowers 10 and 40 may be connected in parallel with wiring, or they may be connected to each other by wireless communication.

[0100] If the control unit 20 and multiple blowers 10, 40 are connected in parallel by wiring, the main blower 11, 41 or auxiliary blowers 12, 42 connected to the broken wiring will not be able to receive the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20, and will switch from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation. Therefore, the user of the livestock barn blower 1 will be unable to operate in abnormal notification operation. By checking the main blowers 11, 41 or the auxiliary blowers 12, 42 that are rotating abnormally, the broken wiring can be visually identified.

[0101] If the control unit 20 and the multiple blowers 10, 40 are connected to each other by wireless communication, then if a wireless communication malfunction occurs, the main blowers 11, 41 or the auxiliary blowers 12, 42 will not be able to receive the control signal transmitted from the control unit 20 and will switch from normal rotation operation in normal operation to abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation. Therefore, the user of the livestock barn ventilation system 1 can visually identify the blower among the multiple blowers 10 that is experiencing a wireless communication malfunction by checking the main blower 11, 41 or the auxiliary blowers 12, 42 that are performing abnormal rotation operation in abnormal notification operation.

[0102] As described above, the following effects can be enjoyed with the modified ventilation device for livestock barns.

[0103] In the modified livestock barn ventilation system, multiple blowers 10, 40 are connected to a control unit 20, and if none of the multiple blowers 10, 40 have received a control signal, at least the blowers that have not received the control signal will perform an abnormal notification operation.

[0104] With the above configuration, users of the livestock barn ventilation system can easily determine whether or not a control signal has been received by visually checking whether each of the multiple blowers 10, 40 is performing normal rotational operation or abnormal rotational operation for abnormal notification operation. Therefore, a livestock barn ventilation system equipped with a highly visible abnormal notification means can be provided when the multiple blowers 10, 40 have not received a control signal related to their rotational operation.

[0105] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0106] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows:

[0107] (Item 1) Multiple fans are arranged at predetermined intervals within the livestock barn, A control unit that transmits control signals to the multiple blowers regarding the normal rotational operation of the multiple blowers during normal operation, and controls the normal rotational operation of the multiple blowers during normal operation, Equipped with, Each of the multiple blowers is If the control signal transmitted from the control unit is not received and the period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, the system switches from the normal rotation operation of normal operation to the abnormal rotation operation of abnormal notification operation. The abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation is, Reverse rotation operation, in which the rotation direction of the blower is reversed. The aforementioned blower rotates in both forward and reverse directions over time, or This is either an intermittent operation in which the aforementioned blower is driven intermittently, Ventilation device for livestock barns. (Item 2) Multiple blowers are electrically connected to each other by series wiring. The control unit is located on the upstream side, which is one end of the plurality of blowers. The control signal transmitted from the control unit is transmitted sequentially from the blower located on the upstream side to the blower located on the other end, which is the downstream side. If the aforementioned wiring is disconnected, at least the blower adjacent to the downstream side of the disconnected wiring will perform the abnormal notification operation. A ventilation device for livestock barns as described in item 1. (Item 3) If the aforementioned wiring is disconnected, all blowers located downstream of the disconnected wiring will perform the abnormal notification operation. A ventilation device for livestock barns as described in item 2. (Item 4) The aforementioned ventilation device for livestock barns further includes a temperature sensor that acquires temperature information inside the livestock barn. Multiple of the aforementioned blowers, A main blower connected to the temperature sensor, The system includes a secondary blower in addition to the main blower, The temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor is transmitted to the control unit via the main blower. The control signal for normal operation is determined based on the temperature information. When a plurality of the blowers receive the control signal transmitted from the control unit, they perform normal operation based on the control signal. A ventilation device for livestock barns as described in item 1. (Item 5) The main blower and the auxiliary blower are electrically connected to each other by series wiring. The control unit is located on the upstream side, which is one end of the plurality of blowers. The control signal transmitted from the control unit is transmitted sequentially from the blower located on the upstream side to the blower located on the other end, which is the downstream side. The main blower is located downstream of the auxiliary blower, and if the wiring located upstream of the main blower is disconnected, the main blower and all of the auxiliary blowers will perform the abnormality notification operation. A ventilation device for livestock barns as described in item 4. (Item 6) The aforementioned ventilation device for livestock barns further includes a temperature sensor that acquires temperature information inside the livestock barn. Multiple of the aforementioned blowers, A main blower connected to the temperature sensor, The system includes a secondary blower in addition to the main blower, If the control unit has not received the temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor, at least the main blower and the auxiliary blower that have not received the control signal will perform the abnormal notification operation. A ventilation device for livestock barns as described in item 1. (Item 7) Multiple blowers are connected to the control unit, If multiple blowers have not received the control signal, at least the blowers that have not received the control signal will perform the abnormal notification operation. A ventilation device for livestock barns as described in item 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Ventilation system for livestock barns 2. Ventilation system for livestock barns 10 Multiple blowers 11 Main blower 11a motor 11b Multiple feathers 12 Sub-blower 13 1st sub-blower 13a motor 13b Multiple feathers 14 2nd sub blower 14a motor 14b Multiple feathers 15 Third sub-blower 15a motor 15b Multiple feathers 16 4th sub blower 16a motor 16b Multiple feathers 20 Control Unit 21 Wiring 21a Wiring 21b Wiring 21c wiring 21d Wiring 21e wiring 30 Power line 40 Multiple blowers 41 Main blower 41a Motor 41b Multiple feathers 42 Sub-blower 43 1st sub-blower 43a motor 43b Multiple feathers 44 2nd sub-blower 44a motor 44b Multiple feathers 45 3rd sub blower 45a motor 45b Multiple feathers 46 4th sub blower 46a motor 46b Multiple feathers S Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. Multiple fans are arranged at predetermined intervals within the livestock barn, A control unit that transmits control signals to the multiple blowers regarding the normal rotational operation of the multiple blowers during normal operation, and controls the normal rotational operation of the multiple blowers during normal operation, Equipped with, Each of the multiple blowers is If the control signal transmitted from the control unit is not received and the period of non-reception continues for a predetermined time or longer, the system switches from the normal rotation operation of normal operation to the abnormal rotation operation of abnormal notification operation. The abnormal rotation operation of the abnormal notification operation is, Reverse rotation operation, in which the rotation direction of the blower is reversed. The aforementioned blower rotates in both forward and reverse directions over time, or This is either an intermittent operation in which the aforementioned blower is driven intermittently, Ventilation device for livestock barns.

2. Multiple blowers are electrically connected to each other by series wiring. The control unit is located on the upstream side, which is one end of the plurality of blowers. The control signal transmitted from the control unit is transmitted sequentially from the blower located on the upstream side to the blower located on the other end, which is the downstream side. If the aforementioned wiring is disconnected, at least the blower adjacent to the downstream side of the disconnected wiring will perform the abnormal notification operation. The ventilation device for livestock barns according to claim 1.

3. If the aforementioned wiring is disconnected, all blowers located downstream of the disconnected wiring will perform the abnormal notification operation. The ventilation device for livestock barns according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned ventilation device for livestock barns further includes a temperature sensor that acquires temperature information inside the livestock barn. Multiple of the aforementioned blowers, A main blower connected to the temperature sensor, The system includes a secondary blower in addition to the main blower, The temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor is transmitted to the control unit via the main blower. The control signal for normal operation is determined based on the temperature information. When a plurality of the blowers receive the control signal transmitted from the control unit, they perform normal operation based on the control signal. The ventilation device for livestock barns according to claim 1.

5. The main blower and the auxiliary blower are electrically connected to each other by series wiring. The control unit is located on the upstream side, which is one end of the plurality of blowers. The control signal transmitted from the control unit is transmitted sequentially from the blower located on the upstream side to the blower located on the other end, which is the downstream side. The main blower is located downstream of the auxiliary blower, and if the wiring located upstream of the main blower is disconnected, the main blower and all of the auxiliary blowers will perform the abnormality notification operation. The ventilation device for livestock barns according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned ventilation device for livestock barns further includes a temperature sensor that acquires temperature information inside the livestock barn. Multiple of the aforementioned blowers, A main blower connected to the temperature sensor, The system includes a secondary blower in addition to the main blower, If the control unit has not received the temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor, at least the main blower and the auxiliary blower that have not received the control signal will perform the abnormal notification operation. The ventilation device for livestock barns according to claim 1.

7. Multiple blowers are connected to the control unit, If multiple blowers have not received the control signal, at least the blowers that have not received the control signal will perform the abnormal notification operation. The ventilation device for livestock barns according to claim 1.

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