Device for picking up soiling matter from a floor of an animal space

Abstract

A device for picking up soiling matter, such as pats or pieces of fecal matter, from a floor of an animal space, the device having a longitudinal axis defining a normal forward moving direction of the device, comprising: a cylindrical roller having a cylindrical surface with a central axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having a relief pattern in the cylindrical surface arranged to be in rolling contact with the floor and pick up soiling matter when rolling over the soiling matter through having a portion of the soiling matter being pressed into the relief pattern, and removal means arranged to remove the soiling matter from a surface of the cylindrical roller, positioned at a predetermined position along the circumference of the cylindrical surface.

Description

[0001] Device for picking up soiling matter from a floor of an animal space

[0002] Field

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to a device for picking up soiling matter, such as pats or pieces of fecal matter, from a floor of an animal space.

[0004] Background

[0005]

[0002] Animals, such as free-range farm animals, are kept in a living space, such as a bam and / or a field. The floor of the living space is mostly covered with a substrate for the animals to lie on, stand on, walk on, and the like, and serves to collect excreta from the animals, such as feces and urine.

[0006]

[0003] The substrate is formed either by naturally present materials such as grass or sand, or by a floor cover material that is provided for . Known floor cover materials include sand, sawdust, wood shavings, chopped straw, flax bedding material and manure fibers such as pressed manure or so-called thick fraction.

[0007]

[0004] To maintain animal health and keep their living space in good condition, cleaning soiling matters off of the floor is an important activity, that, depending on the area and amount of animals needs to happen at least once a day.

[0008]

[0005] An example of a device for the maintenance of floor cover material present on an animal-shed floor is described in W02016036240A1 . In this device, the pick-up means are formed by a conveyor belt assembly, that is configured to pick up floor cover material from the animal-shed floor and supply it to the press, which is configured to press the supplied floor cover material and to supply moisture which has been squeezed out to the moisture collector and to convey pressed floor cover material to the animal-shed floor.

[0006] The device thus scrapes off an entire layer of a predetermined thickness from the animal-shed floor, such that all material present in that scraped-off layer is subsequently processed by the device, regardless of material being soiled or not.

[0009]

[0007] Although effective, it is noted that the animals normally will not soil the entire floor, but rather will leave pats or pieces of excreta in a relatively random pattern throughout the animal shed. As a result, not the entire ground-covering layer needs cleaning, such that the processing of a whole layer may be considered inefficient.

[0010]

[0008] Moreover, the device is even less efficient when used in an animal space without floor cover material, such as in a field with grass. The device needs to be set up with sufficient clearance with the floor in order not to get stuck and / or damaged behind peaks in an uneven field, while soiling matter present in valleys in the field might not or only be partially picked up.

[0011]

[0009] A goal of the invention is to provide a more efficient device for picking up soiling matter from a floor in an animal space.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013]

[0010] A solution is provided through a device according to claim 1 .

[0014]

[0011] A device for picking up soiling matter, such as pats or pieces of fecal matter, from a floor of an animal space, is disclosed. The device has a longitudinal axis defining a normal forward moving direction of the device and comprises: a cylindrical roller having a cylindrical surface with a central axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having a relief pattern in the cylindrical surface arranged to be in rolling contact with the floor and pick up soiling matter when rolling over the soiling matter through having a portion of the soiling matter being pressed into the relief pattern, and removal means arranged to remove the soiling matter from a surface of the cylindrical roller, positioned at a predetermined position along the circumference of the cylindrical surface.

[0015]

[0012] The animal space may be an indoor or outdoor space in which the animals may roam freely. The floor can be a grass, sand or hard surface, which may be covered with floor cover material.

[0016]

[0013] The central axis of the cylindrical roller being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the device enables the roller to move together with the device. As a result, the roller may simply be moved through frictional contact with the animal-shed floor.

[0017]

[0014] Through the relief pattern, the soiling matter will temporarily attach to the outer surface of the cylindrical roller, thereby allowing each of the pats or pieces being picked up through roller rolling thereover. Only the soiling matter will be picked up, together optionally with some of the substrate that is directly affected by the soiling matter and sticking to the soiling matter. Adhesion is influenced by moisture content, texture and surface roughness. The adhesive effect is increased through the presence of irregularities in the form of the relief pattern, that provides more contact points for adhesion. Only a relatively small portion and layer-thickness of floor cover material or sand that is adhered to the soiling matter will be picked up together with the soiling matter by the device. Thus less to none floor cover material and / or sand that is unaffected by the soiling matter is picked up. Moreover, the roller may still successfully pick up entire pieces or pats of soiling matter that are located in potholes or valleys up to a certain depth. This makes the device more efficient to use for cleaning of the floor compared to devices that scrape over the surface at a preset height.

[0018]

[0015] A diameter of the cylindrical roller is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, to successfully pick up pats or pieces of soiling matter. This minimum diameter of the cylindrical roller allows the removal means to be included in a relatively compact cleaning device, such as for example a manure removal robot that is commonly used on a relatively even ground such as in a stable. Nonetheless, larger cylindrical rollers, such as rollers having a diameter of around 400 mm or more, may be preferred for devices that are used outside in a field.

[0019]

[0016] The removal means remove soiling matter from a surface of the cylindrical roller, at a predetermined position along the circumference thereof, allowing the soiling matter to be collected, such as in a collection unit, and / or processed further from that position onwards.

[0020]

[0017] The relief pattern may consist of a plurality of shaped peaks and valleys in the cylindrical surface, the valleys preferably being formed as a plurality of spaced apertures in the cylindrical surface, which are preferably substantially evenly spaced in the longitudinal direction and / or circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface. Where the valleys are formed as apertures, the peaks of the relief pattern may simply consist of the remaining cylindrical surface in between each of the apertures. An even spacing is generally easier to manufacture. Moreover, an even spacing of the peaks and valleys may make the interaction with the removal means easier from a design perspective. The shaped peaks and / or shaped valleys may be discrete shapes with a circular, polygonal or star-like shape. Alternatively, the shaped peaks and / or shaped valleys may be longitudinal openings extending longitudinally or circumferentially along at least a part of the cylindrical surface, or at an angle between the two directions.

[0021]

[0018] The cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller may consist of a plurality of surface sections. In particular, the cylindrical roller may comprise a plurality of discshaped sections. This configuration allows the cylindrical roll being build up from a number of parts, making the roller easier to store and move around manually as well as allowing for partial replacement in case of local damage or wear. Moreover, if the cylindrical roll is build up from a number of parts along the roller-length direction, this may result in increased maneuverability of the device.

[0022]

[0019] The roller comprising a plurality of disc-shaped sections may be of particular interest. The outer surfaces of the disc shaped sections may then for example form the plurality of surface sections of the roller, while the space in between each of two adjacent disc shaped sections forms a longitudinal aperture that extends along the cylindrical direction of the surface. Advantageously, this particular roller needs no further machining of the individual surface sections to provide the apertures.

[0023]

[0020] To successfully pick up most of the pats or pieces of soiling matter, the size of the valleys and the distance between the valleys should not be too small or too large. Although the optimal dimensions may vary for different types of soiling matter and / or floor (material cover) type, it was found that a distance between adjacent valleys in the relief pattern being in the range of 10 mm - 100 mm and a width of each valley being in the range of 5 mm - 50 mm offers good performance.

[0024]

[0021] In an embodiment, the removal means comprise a scraper, mounted parallel to the cylindrical roller and in communication with a longitudinal portion of the cylindrical surface thereof, the scraper preferably having a length substantially equal to a length of the cylindrical roller and preferably being located against an upper half of the cylindrical roller with respect to the normal forward moving direction. Through contact with the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller, the scraper scrapes off at least a part of the soiling matter that was picked up by the roller. The scraper may be provided as one or more flap-like elements, that are either rigid or a predetermined flexibility. The scraper might consist of or comprise a metal, plastic or rubber flap. Although the scraper could form part of a suspension or housing of the device, it is preferable that the scraper is a detachable part of said suspension or housing, to allow for easy and relatively cheap replacement in case of wear and tear. Where the valleys are apertures , the scraper being positioned against an upper half of the cylindrical roller might be particularly advantageous in the cylindrical surface and wherein scraper is positioned against the inside of the cylindrical roller, as it allows soiling matter to be moved away from the surface, for example into a collection unit, under gravity. Coincidentally, where the cylindrical surface is a substantially closed surface, i.e. the relief pattern consists of a plurality of shaped valleys and peaks, this benefit is achieved with the scraper positioned against a lower half of the outside of the cylindrical roller. Regardless of the scraper being positioned against the inside or outside of the cylindrical surface, the scraper being positioned against the surface of the cylindrical roller in the lower half thereof, might be found more desirable from a compact design perspective, for example when the device as a whole cannot be much taller than the diameter of the cylindrical roller.

[0025]

[0022] The scraper may comprise a profiled edge, adapted for engagement with the relief pattern. The profile may comprise a plurality of protrusions, such as teeth, positioned to scrape or scoop through the valleys of the relief pattern as the cylindrical roller is rolling and thereby also removing soiling matter that is stuck in each valley. In particular when the cylindrical roller comprises a plurality of disc-shaped sections, or the relief pattern consists of peaks and valleys that extend around the circumference of the cylindrical roller, perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical roller, the scraper may successfully scrape out all soiling matter from in between the discs or peaks with protruding sections of the profiled edge.

[0026]

[0023] In an embodiment wherein the valleys of the relief pattern consist of or comprise a plurality of spaced apertures in the cylindrical surface, the removal means are at least partially arranged inside the cylindrical roller. Arrangement inside the roller results in a more compact design. Moreover, through the contacting surfaces being on the inside of the cylindrical roller, the risk of any matters other than soiling matter and floor cover material getting in between these surfaces is limited, even if the contact area between the cylindrical roller and removal means are not shielded by a housing of the device. Thus the resulting design is also safer.

[0027]

[0024] In an embodiment wherein the valleys of the relief pattern consist of or comprise a plurality of spaced apertures in the cylindrical surface, the removal means comprise a secondary roller, arranged for registry with the apertures when the secondary roller and cylindrical roller revolve. Through their engagement with the apertures in the cylindrical surface of the roller, the secondary roller pushes the soiling matter out of the apertures. This can be either outward or inward from the cylindrical roller, depending on the surface of the cylindrical roller the secondary roller is positioned against. Pushing the soiling matter inwards results in a substantial amount of soiling matter being transported from the outside to the inside of the cylindrical roller, where it may be collected for permanent removal and / or further processing. Pushing the soiling matter outwards results in substantially reducing the adhesive force to make removal of material from the outer surface of the roller easier.

[0028]

[0025] The secondary roller is relatively easy to align with the cylindrical roller and consists of relatively few components, resulting in a design that is robust and relatively cheap to make and maintain.

[0029]

[0026] The secondary roller may be arranged in frictional engagement with the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller, such that there is no need for additional (electrical) components to drive the secondary roller. Since the secondary roller does not need to be actively controller, the device according to this embodiment has a simpler and more reliable construction.

[0030]

[0027] The registry may be achieved through the secondary roller comprising a plurality of protrusions on the outer surface, having a shape and positioning that matches with the shape and positions of the plurality of spaced apertures of the cylindrical roller, and / or through the secondary roller comprising or consisting of a deformable material that is arranged to partially bulge into the plurality of apertures to thereby achieve the registry.

[0028] In an embodiment, the secondary roller is arranged such that the intermittent engagement with the apertures in the cylindrical surface of the roller takes place in an upper half of the cylindrical roller with respect to a normal forward moving direction of the device, preferably in a rear facing upper quadrant of the cylindrical roller. This particular arrangement ensures that gravity aids the intended operation of the device. Where the soiling matter is pushed inward, gravity will assist the soiling matter falling down to an intended collection space. Where the soiling matter is pushed outward, the pushing outward in the upper half ensures the soiling matter keeps traveling with the surface of the roller until reaching the opposite side of the roller, without gravity causing the soiling matter to fall off the roller ahead of the roller.

[0031]

[0029] The secondary roller may have a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical roller. Such a roller is generally cheaper and sufficient to achieve the intermittent engagement with the apertures in the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller. Moreover, a smaller roller enables the roller to be positioned inside the cylindrical roller whilst providing intermittent engagement with the apertures.

[0032]

[0030] In an embodiment, the scraper is positioned aft of the secondary roller along the circumference of the cylindrical roller seen in the rolling direction along the normal forward moving direction of the device, preferably against an outer surface of the cylindrical roller. Further to the benefit of further matters from soiling matter being protected from easily getting in between the two surfaces of the rollers, a particular advantage of positioning the second roller inside the cylindrical roller is that substantially all soiling matter that is picked up with the cylindrical roller is removed therefrom again in a single rotation of the cylindrical roller. Moreover, removing the soiling matter from the cylindrical roller at the outer side allows any further elements and units of the device for collecting and / or further processing of the soiling matter to be positioned outside and aft of the cylindrical roller, without requiring any transport or collecting elements inside this roller. This results in a relatively simple design that is easier to manufacture and maintain.

[0031] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a collection space, arranged to collect at least a part of the soiled matter that is removed from the surface of the cylindrical roller. Thus a single device can be used to both pick up soiling matter and collect at least a part thereof for removal from the animal space. In a particular configuration, the device may comprise a press, and the collection space may be or comprise a moisture collector, wherein the press is configured to receive soiling matter from the removal means, press said matter and to supply moisture which has been squeezed out to the moisture collector. This configuration may then return pressed material to the floor, or collect pressed material in a further collection space

[0033]

[0032] The device could be a device for manual use, or for use with a pulling or pushing vehicle. Alternatively, the device may be an autonomous manure handling vehicle, configured to autonomously travel along at least one route in an animal space, such as an animal shed, said vehicle preferably being electrically powered. Autonomous vehicles are considered especially attractive for larger agricultural businesses, as they allow repetitive tasks such as cleaning being carried out according to a predetermined schedule without requiring much time and attention from the farm workers. As a result, the farm workers can concentrate and spend time on less repetitive tasks.

[0034]

[0033] The cylindrical roller may be adapted to carry a portion of the weight of the device. As such, the pick-up means may replace one or more wheels of the device. The device may be constructed to be supported by only the cylindrical roller and optionally one or two (drive) wheels, reducing the amount of necessary components for the device.

[0034] Moreover, the cylindrical roller may define a first point of contact with the animal space floor along the moving-direction of the device, the cylindrical roller preferably having a length such that a width of the footprint of a section of the device that is behind the cylindrical roller is equal to or smaller than a width of a footprint of the cylindrical roller. The width of each footprint is defined as being perpendicular to the moving-direction. This configuration enables the roller to pick up any soiling matter ahead of any further wheels of the device passing over the same section of animal-shed floor. Preferably, a distance spanned by any further wheels and / or any further supporting means of the device that are behind the cylindrical roller is smaller than the length of the cylindrical roller, to prevent the wheels and / or further supporting means from inadvertently flattening any pats or pieces of soiling matter. Thus preferably, the roller is the widest and first part to contact the animal-shed floor along the path of movement of the device, such that all pats or pieces of soiling matter are picked up without the device inadvertently flattening the pats or pieces during the process of floor cleaning.

[0035] Preferably, the length of the cylindrical roller is between 80 and 100 % of the width of the device, preferably between 90 and 100%. A relatively large length of the cylindrical roller relative to the width of the device is preferred to effectively and efficiently pick up as much soiling matter from the floor of an animal space. In particular, the length being close to or equal to the total width of the device allows the picking-up of soiling matter that is dropped close to walls or other structures vertically rising from the floor of an animal space and prevents the device having to travel along overlapping paths to clean the entire floor.

[0035]

[0036] The skilled person will understand that the disclosure also covers to the particular components, such as the cylindrical roller, the scraper and the secondary roller, that are specifically adapted for use in the device as disclosed above.

[0036] Drawings

[0037]

[0037] The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings, which show non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which identical reference numerals indicate identical or similar components, and in which:

[0038]

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for picking up soiling matter;

[0039]

[0039] Figure 2 is a detailed view of the section along line II of Figure 1 ;

[0040]

[0040] Figures 3 and 4 each show a vertical section through a respective alternative embodiments of the device of Fig. 1 ;

[0041]

[0041] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for the cylindrical roller and removal means of the device;

[0042]

[0042] Figure 6 is a detailed view of section VI of figure 5;

[0043]

[0043] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment for the cylindrical roller and removal means of the device;

[0044]

[0044] Figure 8 shows a vertical section through a further alternative embodiment of the device.

[0045] Detailed description

[0046]

[0045] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for picking up soiling matter. The depicted embodiment shows the device in one of its simplest forms, the device merely having a frame 20, a cylindrical roller 1 and a removal device 10 consisting of a secondary roller 9. The frame as depicted has journals for the reception of spindles centrally positioned on the ends 4 of the cylindrical roller 1 , allowing the cylindrical roller to rotate around a central axis C through frictional contact with a floor. The frame 10 further has steerable ground engaging wheels 21 on one portion thereof and an upwardly and angularly disposed handle 25 on another portion. A transverse portion of the frame 20 mounts a collection unit 22 which provides a collection space that is connected to communicate with a hollow space of the cylindrical roller via a duct 23 for receiving picked up soiling matter therefrom.

[0047]

[0046] The cylindrical roller 1 is hollow and has a cylindrical surface 3 that is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 11 , as can be seen in more detail in Figure 2. Although Figure 1 only shows a section of the roller being provided with the apertures, it is preferred that the plurality of apertures are spread over the entire length and circumference of the cylindrical surface, preferably evenly spaced in the longitudinal direction and / or circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface. Moreover, although the apertures as depicted have a circular circumference, it will occur to the skilled person that any circumferential shape may be used, including and not limited to polygonal and star- like shapes.

[0048]

[0047] Extensions of the frame 10 rotatably support the secondary roller 9 which has a plurality of protrusions 19 thereon which are arranged for individual registry with the individual apertures 11 in the hollow cylindrical roller 1. The secondary roller rolls due to being in frictional contact with the cylindrical roller. The protrusions 19 are positioned and shaped to match with the pattern and shape of the plurality of spaced apertures 11 .

[0048] As the frame only has two additional wheels, the hollow cylindrical roller is adapted to carry a substantial portion of the weight of the device, e.g. a suitable material and material thickness is used for the cylindrical roller 1 . Suitable materials may be or comprise one or more of steel, stainless steel and (reinforced) plastics.

[0049]

[0049] During use, the device will be pushed along the longitudinal axis of the device in the normal forward moving direction F, causing the cylindrical roller 1 to partially compact soiling matter through the apertures 11 into the hollow interior of the roller 1. This compacting causes the pats or pieces of soiling matter to adhere to the cylindrical roller 1 , and rotate along therewith. The size of the apertures, such as their width Wa, and the distance Da between the apertures are chosen such that most pieces and / or pats of soiling matter, such as a particular type of animal feces (cow flats for example), sufficiently adhere to the cylindrical roller to be picked up through the rotation of said roller. The secondary roller 9 is positioned at a predetermined position along the circumference of the cylindrical roller 1 , in the upper half thereof, where the interaction of the protrusions 19 with the apertures 11 result in a substantial part of the soiling matter being removed from the cylindrical surface 3 through pushing said matter through the apertures into the hollow interior of the roller 1 . The soiling matter is then moved from the hollow interior of the cylindrical roller to the collection space in the collection unit 22 via the duct 23.

[0050]

[0050] Since the secondary roller 9 is only intended to exert load onto the soiling matter that is picked up by the cylindrical roller 1 , the secondary roller 9 may be lighter in construction than the cylindrical roller 1. Thus the secondary roller 9 may comprise or consist of a weaker material and / or have a thinner wall-thickness than the cylindrical roller 1 . Although similar materials may be used for both rollers, the secondary roller may also consist of or comprise a rubber-like material at an outer surface thereof.

[0051]

[0051] Modifications of the frame will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, the frame may be provided with more or less wheels, or even no wheels. Moreover, instead of having a handle 25, the frame may be adapted for attachment to a vehicle, such as via a towbar, or form part of a vehicle frame, allowing the device to be moved under motor power rather than by hand. Furthermore, the collection unit may be configured differently, such as for example being located inside the hollow interior of the cylindrical roller 1 and thereby reducing the length of the duct 23 or even removing the need for a duct 23.

[0052]

[0052] Modifications particularly related to the cylindrical roller 1 and removal means 10 are further described with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

[0053]

[0053] In figure 3 of the drawings a cylindrical roller 1 is disclosed, that may be attached to a frame such that the roller can roll about its cylindrical axis C. The cylindrical roller 1 is provided with a plurality of apertures 11 in closely spaced relation in the cylindrical surface 3 thereof. A smaller secondary roller 9 is positioned within the cylindrical roller 1 , such that it is rotatably abutting the inner side 6 of the cylindrical roller. As an example, figure 3 shows this arrangement as the secondary roller 9 being rotatably supported on the ends of arms which extend from the central portions of spindles that are connecting to the cylindrical roller 1 at its central axis C. The surface of the roller 9 is provided with a plurality of protrusions so as to engage in the apertures 11 and push any soiling matter therein outwardly thereof and into a housing 24 comprising a collection unit 22, which is carried by the frame in close proximity to the surface of the roller 1 at the outer side 5 thereof.

[0054]

[0054] Thus a device having a cylindrical roller 1 and removal means 10 arrangement according to figure 3 picks up soiling matter S from a floor G while rolling in a normal forward moving direction F. The soiling S matter partially compacts through the apertures 11 into the hollow interior of the roller 1 , causing the pats or pieces of soiling matter S to adhere to the cylindrical roller 1 , and rotate along therewith in the rolling direction of the cylindrical roller R1. The secondary roller 9 is positioned to have intermittent interaction with the apertures at a predetermined position along the circumference of the inner side 6 of the cylindrical roller 1 , such that the interaction of the protrusions 19 with the apertures 11 result in the soiling matter being pushed out from the apertures, thereby substantially reducing the adherence of the soiling matter to the cylindrical surface 3 such that the soiling matter falls off the cylindrical roller 1 , to be collected in the collection unit 22. The secondary roller 9 rolls through frictional contact with the inner side 6 of the cylindrical roller 1 , such that the rolling direction R2 of the secondary roller 9 is equal to the rolling direction R1 of the cylindrical roller 1 .

[0055]

[0055] The embodiment depicted in Figure 4 differs from the embodiment in Figure 3 in that the removal means 10 consist of a scraper 8, instead of secondary roller 9. The scraper 8 is positioned to have an edge surface contacting the outer side 5 of the cylindrical roller 1 at a predetermined position along the circumference, which in the depicted embodiment is aft of the roller with respect to the normal forward moving direction F, against a lower quadrant of the cylindrical surface 3. Depending on the particular shape and flexibility of the contacting edge surface, of the scraper 8, the scraper will scrape soiling matter off the outer side 5 of the cylindrical roller 1 , and optionally also out from the apertures 11. The collection unit 22 is positioned around the scraper 8, thereby allowing the collection unit 22 to directly collect soiling matter S that is scraped off from the cylindrical roller 1 aided by gravity. Alternatively to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller 1 being provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 11 , the outer side 5 of the cylindrical roller 1 may be provided with a relief pattern consisting of a plurality of shaped peaks and shaped valleys.

[0056]

[0056] The embodiment depicted in figure 5 shows another configuration for the cylindrical roller 1 and removal means 10. The removal means 10 consist of both a secondary roller 9 and a scraper 8. The scraper 8 is positioned aft of the cylindrical roller in the rolling direction R1 along the circumference of the cylindrical roller 1 , when considering the floor G as a starting position. Moreover, the secondary roller 9 is positioned against an opposite side of the cylindrical roller 1 from the scraper 8, in the particular depicted configuration the secondary roller 9 is positioned against the inner side 6 and the scraper 8 against the outer side 5. The cylindrical roller 1 consists of a plurality of surface sections 7, which in the depicted configuration are disc-shaped sections that are spaced apart from one another at predetermined distances. A space in between two adjacent disc-shaped sections forms one of the plurality of spaced apertures 11. The combined widths of the surface sections 7 and apertures along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical roller 1 make up the total length Lr of the cylindrical roller 1 . The length of the scraper Ls is substantially equal to the total length Lr of the cylindrical roller 1 .

[0057]

[0057] The opposite positioning of the secondary roller 9 and scraper 8 allows the secondary roller 9 to push substantially all the soiling matter towards the side of the cylindrical roller 1 where the scraper is positioned, prior to the soiling matter arriving at the scraper 8. As a result, most of the soiling matter that is picked up by the cylindrical roller 1 is removed within the same revolution of the roller and at the same side. Moreover, the interaction of the secondary roller 9 with the compacted soiling matter in the apertures reduces the adhesive force that holds the soiling matter onto the cylindrical surface, such that less force needs to be exerted by the scraper 8 to remove the soiling matter from said surface.

[0058]

[0058] Figure 6 is a detailed view of section VI of figure 5, showing an example of a profiled edge 18 of the scraper 8. The depicted profiled edge comprises fingers or teeth, that fit in the apertures 11 , such that the scraper 8 may scrape compacted soiling matter out from the apertures 11. Hereto, a width of each finger or teeth matches an aperture width Wa. Alternatively shaped fingers or teeth could be envisaged, and may for example also comprise a curvature in the normal forward moving direction F.

[0059]

[0059] Although the profiled edge 18 is shown as being used in a removal means 10 that also comprise a secondary roller 9, it will occur to the skilled person that such a profiled edge 18 may also be used instead of a secondary roller 9. In such a configuration, the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller could also be provided with a relief pattern, rather than a plurality of spaced apertures. Moreover, in a device wherein the relief pattern consists of or comprises a plurality of spaced apertures, the configuration of the removal means 10 with a secondary roller 9 may also be considered together with a scraper 8 without a profiled edge 18.

[0060]

[0060] Notably, the secondary roller 9 as depicted in figure 5 has a smooth outer surface, i.e. is without protrusions. To ensure substantially all soiling matter S is removed from the apertures 11 , even in when the particular configuration of the removal means 10 is without a profiled edge 18, or even without a scraper 8, the smooth outer surface of the secondary roller 9 may be made of a material that bulges into the apertures 11 when pressed against a side of the cylindrical roller 1 .

[0061]

[0061] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment for the cylindrical roller 1 and removal means 10 of the device 100, wherein the removal means 10 are similar to those shown in figure 5, but with the secondary roller 9 and the scraper 8 positioned against the opposite sides of the cylindrical roller 1 . Thus in the present configuration the secondary roller 9 is positioned against the outer side 5 of the cylindrical roller 1 and the scraper is positioned against the inner side 6 of the cylindrical roller 1. As a result, in this configuration the soiling matter picked up by the cylindrical roller 1 is pressed through the apertures 11 from the outer side 6 to the inner side 5 of the roller, where the scraper 8 ensures the soiling matter is substantially completely removed from the cylindrical roller 1 .

[0062]

[0062] A collection unit 22 is provided inside the cylindrical roller 1 , for collecting the soiling matter after being scraped off by the scraper 8. The collection unit 22 as schematically shown has a cylinder shape, with closed ends and comprises an opening that is substantially aligned with the scraper 8.

[0063]

[0063] Further, figure 7 shows an exemplary alternative shape for the apertures 11 in the cylindrical roller 1 . The depicted apertures 11 are longitudinally shaped apertures having a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical roller 1.

[0064]

[0064] Figure 8 shows a vertical section through a further alternative embodiment of the device 100, wherein the device is a self-propelled manure handling vehicle that is provided with a drive unit 26 for driving at least one wheel 21 . The frame 20 of the vehicle interconnects the assembly of cylindrical roller 1 with removal means 10 and one or more wheels 21. Further, the frame 20 supports a collection unit 22, which in the depicted example is provided as a collection space that is formed within a housing 24. In addition to the collection unit 22, the device 100 may be provided with a press, for pressing soiling matter received from the removal means 10. The device may then be adapted to collect moisture that is squeezed out from the soiling matter in the collection unit 22, such as in a moisture collector. Pressed solid material could then either be collected separately, or returned to the floor as cleaned floor cover material. The device 100 as depicted may be an autonomous manure handling vehicle, configured to autonomously travel along at least one route in an animal shed and may be electrically powered. To improve maneuverability of the vehicle, at least the cylindrical roller 1 may consist of at least two roller sections in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the normal forward moving direction of the device F.

[0065]

[0065] The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples, nor to the explicitly mentioned alternatives, but that a number of further variations and modifications thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

[0066] References

[0067] 100 device

[0068] 20 Frame

[0069] 21 Wheel

[0070] 25 Handle

[0071] 23 Duct

[0072] 22 Collection unit

[0073] 24 housing

[0074] S soiling matter

[0075] G floor of an animal space

[0076] F longitudinal axis defining a normal forward moving direction of the device

[0077] R1 rolling direction of cylindrical roller when device travels along F

[0078] R2 rolling direction of secondary roller when device travels along F

[0079] I cylindrical roller

[0080] 3 cylindrical surface

[0081] C central axis

[0082] 4 roller ends

[0083] 5 outer side

[0084] 6 inner side

[0085] 7 surface sections

[0086] II plurality of spaced apertures in the cylindrical surface

[0087] 10 removal means

[0088] 8 scraper

[0089] 18 profiled edge

[0090] 9 secondary roller

[0091] 19 protrusion on outer surface of secondary roller

[0092] Lr length of cylindrical roller

[0093] Ls length of scraper

[0094] Da distance between adjacent apertures

[0095] Wa aperture width

[0096] 26 Drive unit

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A device for picking up soiling matter, such as pats or pieces of fecal matter, from a floor of an animal space, the device having a longitudinal axis defining a normal forward moving direction of the device, comprising: a cylindrical roller having a cylindrical surface with a central axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having a relief pattern in the cylindrical surface arranged to be in rolling contact with the floor and pick up soiling matter when rolling over the soiling matter through having a portion of the soiling matter being pressed into the relief pattern, and removal means arranged to remove the soiling matter from a surface of the cylindrical roller, positioned at a predetermined position along the circumference of the cylindrical surface.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the relief pattern consists of a plurality of shaped peaks and valleys in the cylindrical surface, the valleys preferably being formed as a plurality of apertures in the cylindrical surface, which are preferably substantially evenly spaced in the longitudinal direction and / or circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller consists of a plurality of surface sections, preferably wherein the cylindrical roller comprises a plurality of disc-shaped sections.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the cylindrical roller is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal means comprise a scraper, mounted parallel to the cylindrical roller and in communication with a longitudinal portion of the cylindrical surface thereof, the scraper preferably having a length substantially equal to a length of the cylindrical roller and preferably being located against an upper half of the cylindrical roller with respect to the normal forward moving direction.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the scraper comprises a profiled edge, adapted for engagement with the relief pattern.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valleys of the relief pattern consist of or comprise a plurality of apertures in the cylindrical surface and wherein the removal means are at least partially arranged inside the cylindrical roller.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valleys of the relief pattern consist of or comprise a plurality of spaced apertures in the cylindrical surface and wherein the removal means comprise a secondary roller, arranged for registry with the plurality of spaced apertures when the secondary roller and cylindrical roller revolve.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the secondary roller is arranged in frictional engagement with the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the registry is achieved through the secondary roller comprising a plurality of protrusions on the outer surface, having a shape and positioning that matches with the shape and positions of the plurality of spaced apertures of the cylindrical roller, and / or wherein the secondary roller comprises or consists of a deformable material that is arranged to partially bulge into the plurality of apertures to thereby achieve the registry.

11. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the secondary roller is arranged such that the intermittent engagement with the apertures in the cylindrical surface of the roller takes place in an upper half of the cylindrical roller with respect to a normal forward moving direction of the device, preferably in a rear facing upper quadrant of the cylindrical roller.

12. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the secondary roller has a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical roller, and / or in combination with claim 5, wherein the secondary roller is positioned against an inner surface of the cylindrical roller and wherein the scraper is positioned aft of the secondary roller along the circumference of the cylindrical roller seen in the rolling direction along the normal forward moving direction of the device, preferably against an outer surface of the cylindrical roller.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a collection space, arranged to collect at least a part of the soiled matter that is removed from the surface of the cylindrical roller.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, the device being an autonomous manure handling vehicle, configured to autonomously travel along at least one route in an animal space, such as an animal shed, said vehicle preferably being electrically powered.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical roller is adapted to carry a portion of the weight of the device, and / or wherein the cylindrical roller defines a first point of contact with the animal spacefloor along the moving-direction of the device, the cylindrical roller preferably having a length such that a width of the footprint of a section of the device that is behind the cylindrical roller is equal to or smaller than a width of a footprint of the cylindrical roller.

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