Device and method for ejecting animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section of a building, and building equipped with such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10, 10') for ejecting animal carcasses through an opening (104) in a wall section (102) of a building (100), in particular a livestock enclosure (100'), comprising a flap part (12), which has a receiving space (14) on the inside for one or more animal carcasses to be ejected from the building (100), the flap part (12) being pivoted and configured to be moved back and forth between a closed position (S) blocking the opening (104) in the wall section (102) and an open position (O) ejecting the animal carcass from the building (100), and comprising an actuation means (16) located on the outside of the flap part (12) for moving the flap part (12) from the closed position (S) into the open position (O).

Description

[0001] Device and method for discharging animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section of a building, and a building equipped with such a device

[0002] The invention relates to a device for discharging animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section of a building, in particular an animal barn. Furthermore, the invention relates to a building with a device for discharging animal carcasses, and to a method for discharging animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section of a building.

[0003] In animal husbandry, it is often unavoidable that a certain percentage of animals will die, even if this percentage should be kept as small as possible. Typically, the dead animals are collected and transported from the barn via the usual entrances and exits using various tools such as buckets or wheelbarrows, and then disposed of.

[0004] However, such handling of dead animals entails an increased risk of diseases being introduced or spread into or out of an animal barn, and thus their potential spread within the barn, to neighboring barns, and / or to free-range animal populations. Due to the animal disease outbreaks of recent years, the hygienically correct removal of dead animals is becoming increasingly important.

[0005] The handling of animals within a livestock population is becoming increasingly important. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a device for removing animal carcasses from a building, a building with such a device, and a method for removing animal carcasses from a building, all of which can easily prevent the introduction and removal of potential diseases into or from a livestock population.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention solves the underlying problem in a device for removing animal carcasses through an opening in the wall section of a building, in particular an animal shed, with the features of claim 1. In particular, a flap part is provided on the device which has an inner receiving area for one or more animal carcasses to be removed from the building, wherein the flap part is pivotably designed and is configured to be moved back and forth between a closed position blocking the opening in the wall section and an open position allowing the animal carcass to be removed from the building, and furthermore, an actuating device is provided on the outside of the flap part for moving the flap part from the closed position to the open position.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the actuating device has at least one decoupling section for attaching a working tool and / or aid for triggering the movement of the flap part.

[0008] The invention thus pursues the approach of creating a special removal point within the building, using a dedicated device, instead of relying on the normally used entrances and exits, such as entrance and exit doors in an animal barn. This removal point is used exclusively for animals that have died within the building. The flap is designed to completely block the opening in the wall section when closed. The dimensions of the flap and the opening in the wall section are coordinated such that the gap between the surrounding edges of the flap and the reveal surface defining the opening in the wall section is kept as small as possible to ensure the flap can move freely within the opening.The flap section has a receiving area on its inner side, facing the interior of the building, for one or more animal carcasses, in which the carcasses can be temporarily collected. The closed position, which blocks the opening in the wall section, thus defines a receiving position for the carcasses to be removed from the building. An actuating device is arranged on the outside of the flap section, by means of which the flap section is moved, in particular pivoted, from the closed / receiving position to its open position. As the flap section moves into the open position, the carcasses located in the receiving area are preferably automatically discharged from the building. In the open position, which thus defines a kind of dispensing position of the flap section for the carcasses, the flap section preferably empties itself automatically into a tool and / or aid that has moved the flap section into the open position.The actuating device preferably includes a coupling section for attaching a tool and / or aid, wherein the movement of the tool and / or aid initiates the movement of the flap part from the closed to the open position.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the flap section has two retaining elements arranged on its sides, each of which forms part of a pivot bearing that receives the flap section and by means of which a horizontal pivot axis is preferably defined. With the retaining elements arranged on the sides of the flap section, which are preferably located at the same height on opposite sides of the flap section, a horizontal pivot axis is defined in particular, about which the flap section can be easily moved from its closed or receiving position to its open or dispensing position for the animal carcasses by means of the actuating device. Preferably, the retaining elements on the sides of the flap section are designed in the form of pins or bolts and each form part of two pivot bearings that pivotably receive the flap section.Furthermore, the retaining elements around which the flap section pivots about a horizontal pivot axis are arranged outside the center of gravity or the center of gravity axis on the flap section in such a way that the flap section automatically remains in its closed position. Movement of the flap section is only triggered when a force is applied to the actuating device located on the flap section.

[0010] Preferably, the actuating device comprises at least one rod section which is pivotably arranged at one end on the flap section. By providing a rod section on the outside of the flap section, a structurally simple design of the actuating device for moving, in particular pivoting, the flap section from the closed or receiving position for the animal carcasses to the open or dispensing position is achieved. In this case, the rod section is designed as a push rod by means of which a force generated by a working device and / or auxiliary device interacting with the coupling section is transmitted in the direction of the flap section.Preferably, at least one mounting interface is provided on the flap part for the rod section, which is movably mounted thereon at its end section. The mounting interface is arranged below the horizontal pivot axis defined by the retaining means on the flap part, at a predetermined distance from this axis. Preferably, the rod section projects approximately perpendicularly from the flap part in its closed position, thus enabling relatively simple interaction with a tool or device that triggers the movement of the flap part.

[0011] A further development of the device provides that the coupling section is arranged at a free end of the rod section opposite the pivotally hinged end section, and preferably has a wedge-shaped insertion section for the tool and / or auxiliary device to be attached. The coupling section at the free end of the rod section provides an easily accessible attachment point for the tool or auxiliary device used to trigger the movement of the flap section. Furthermore, the pivotally hinged end section on the flap section ensures that the coupling section interacting with the tool and / or auxiliary device is preferably movable at a nearly constant height level over a large part of the flap section's movement from the closed to the open position.Furthermore, the preferably wedge-shaped insertion section at the free end of the rod part facilitates contact between the working tool and / or auxiliary device and the coupling section of the actuating device, and prevents accidental detachment of the working tool and / or auxiliary device from the coupling section when the flap part is moved.

[0012] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the actuating device is held in a predetermined pivot position relative to the flap section in the closed position by means of at least one retaining element. Preferably, a retaining element in the closed position of the flap section is configured to hold the actuating device in a working position in which the rod section of the actuating device projects approximately vertically from the outside of the flap section. In one embodiment, the retaining element can be formed directly on a rotary bearing in the form of a rotary stop, which movably connects the pivotally articulated end section of the rod section to the mounting interface on the flap section. In another embodiment, the retaining element is designed as a chain section or cable section, which connects a section of the rod section, arranged at a distance from the pivotally articulated end section, to a section of the flap section.

[0013] In a possible further development, a further, in particular a second, retaining element is provided in the closed position of the flap section to hold the actuating device in a rest position. In the rest position, the rod section of the actuating device is held approximately parallel to a plate body of the flap section that defines the closing plane. The rod section is preferably only moved from its rest position to its working position when necessary, thus preventing accidents caused by a permanently protruding rod section during yard operations. In one embodiment, the further retaining element is designed as a carabiner cable and an eyelet interacting with the carabiner cable, which are attached to the flap section above the pivot axis.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a locking element is arranged on the flap section to hold it in the closed position, and the actuating device includes a release mechanism that interacts with the locking element to unlock it. The locking element forms a component for a locking device of the flap section, which, in particular, prevents unintentional movement of the flap section from its closed position to the open position. The locking element can be unlocked, in particular, by a release mechanism arranged on the actuating device, especially on its coupling section. Actuation of the release mechanism then moves the locking element out of its locked position, for example, along with a portion of the wall section surrounding the opening.The trigger for the locking element is preferably arranged at the insertion section for the tool or auxiliary device that can be brought into operative contact with the actuating device of the flap part, so that the trigger is automatically actuated when the tool or auxiliary device is attached to the coupling section. In an alternative embodiment, the actuated locking element is arranged in a region of the wall section around the opening, which, in its locking position, projects into the pivot path of the flap part.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flap element, which can be arranged in the opening, is at least partially insulated. The insulation advantageously reduces the thermal conductivity of the flap element, which is preferably made of a metallic material. This reduces heat transfer in the area of ​​the opening of the wall section. A plate body of the flap element, which is arranged particularly directly within the opening cross-section and, in the assembled state of the device, runs essentially parallel to the wall section in the closed position of the flap element, is at least partially equipped on its outer surface with an insulating material.

[0016] Preferably, the receiving area formed on the inside of the flap section is designed as a trough or basin, extending preferably over approximately half the height of the flap section. This provides a sufficiently large receiving area on the flap section, which preferably has a height of 60 cm to approximately 150 cm and a width of 80 cm to approximately 250 cm, for at least one or more animal carcasses to be removed from the building. Preferably, the flap section has a depth extending perpendicular to the opening cross-section, ranging from approximately 40 cm to approximately 100 cm. The size of the flap section and the receiving area formed on it varies, in particular, depending on the size of the animals kept within the animal housing facility.In pig breeding and husbandry, significantly larger flap sections are used for the removal of animal carcasses than in the rearing and husbandry of poultry.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the device, a counterweight is connected to the inside of the flap section to assist in moving the flap section from the closed position to the open position or vice versa. Preferably, the counterweight acting on the flap section facilitates the movement of the flap section from the closed to the open position, particularly when the flap section is automatically held in its closed position due to the positioning of the retaining elements designed for pivoting about the horizontal pivot axis. In an alternative embodiment, a counterweight can be connected to the flap section in such a way that, after the working tool and / or auxiliary device is disconnected from the actuating device, the flap section automatically moves from its open or transfer position for the animal carcasses to the closed or receiving position for the animal carcasses.The counterweight is connected, in particular via a suitable traction element, such as a pull rope, preferably to an area near the underside of the flap section. A traction element connecting the flap section and the counterweight is guided, for example, via suitable deflection devices, such as pulleys or the like. A preferred embodiment provides that a cover element, in particular a sealing element, is arranged along at least one section on the upper side of the flap section. With the aid of the cover element, the existing gap between the flap section and the wall section defining the opening is at least partially covered, preferably sealed, particularly when the flap section is closed. This prevents harmful rodents and wild birds from entering the building. The cover element, which is particularly strip-shaped, is, in one possible embodiment, made of an elastic material, such as...The rubber seal extends completely along the top of the flap section. This improves the sealing effect between the flap section and the wall surrounding it.

[0018] According to a further development of the invention, the flap section has a step along its underside in the area of ​​its internally projecting receiving area, which is complementary to a wall section. This step, primarily located on the underside of the flap section, allows the wall section running below the flap section to be higher, thus further preventing harmful rodents from entering the building. The receiving area for the animal carcasses or dead animals extends further downwards on the inside of the flap section directly behind the wall section running below the flap section, thereby maximizing the receiving area on the inside. This, also due to the particularly deep leading edge of the trough- or basin-like receiving area, makes it easier to manually insert large and relatively heavy animals.The size of the step formed along the underside of the flap section depends in particular on the height or thickness of the wall section running below the flap section. The wall surfaces defining the step on the flap section run at right angles to each other and approximately perpendicular or parallel to the underside and the plate body that forms the outer boundary of the flap section.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the flap section has a lid designed to close the receiving area. The lid ensures that the receiving area of ​​the flap section is hygienically sealed in the closed position. If livestock die within a barn or similar structure, they can be placed in the receiving area after the lid is opened and temporarily collected there. The removal of the animals from the building can thus be separated from the process of placing them in the receiving area. According to one embodiment, the lid is pivotally mounted on the wall section such that the receiving area is closed in the closed position and the lid slides over the flap section when it is opened. Thus, the lid ensures that the receiving area is always securely closed when the device is in the closed position.When the device is moved from the closed position to the open position, the cover does not need to be opened manually separately. Instead, due to its placement on the wall section, it rests on the flap section and slides down along it. This simplifies the folding process while simultaneously ensuring that the receiving area remains securely closed in the closed position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the flap section below the cover has an opening flap, which is preferably pivotally attached to a discharge opening of the flap section and lockable. The opening flap provides an additional access point to the receiving area. By opening or closing the opening flap, the receiving volume of the flap section or the receiving area can be influenced. When the flap section is pivotally mounted on the discharge opening and the flap section is open, the discharge opening essentially serves to laterally limit the receiving area in the closed position. When the flap is closed, i.e., locked to the flap section by means of the locking mechanism, the receiving area is correspondingly enlarged in the closed position.

[0021] The opening flap is preferably attached to the ejection port by at least one hinge, preferably two hinges. The hinge(s) are preferably made of plastic.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a locking device is provided for locking the opening flap. The locking device can be made of stainless steel. Preferably, two locking devices are provided.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the discharge chute, when open, has a projection towards the rod section. This ensures that the contents of the receiving area can be safely emptied into a shovel or the like.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the actuating device includes an actuating rod for operating the flap section. The actuating rod is preferably designed such that it projects laterally beyond the flap section. This ensures that operating personnel are not exposed to any risk of injury from the descending flap section. Furthermore, the ease of operation of the flap section is improved, and contamination of the actuating device in the form of the actuating rod is reliably prevented. The actuating rod is preferably S- or Z-shaped.

[0025] Preferably, the device has mounting brackets that facilitate the fastening of the device in a wall section.

[0026] In a second aspect, the invention further relates, as stated above, to a building, in particular an animal barn, with several wall sections spatially delimiting the building, wherein the building has at least a first area in which a plurality of animals are kept. The invention solves the underlying problem by providing the building with a second area, preferably delimited from the first area, wherein an opening is formed in a wall section, in particular an exterior wall section, of the building delimiting the second area, and wherein at least one device for removing animal carcasses according to one of the preferred embodiments described above is arranged within the opening in the wall section.

[0027] In such a building designed according to the invention, a special discharge point is provided, by means of which the removal of animal carcasses or dead animals is simplified. The risk of diseases being introduced into or removed from an animal barn according to the invention is significantly reduced compared to known animal barns. A tool or aid otherwise used for removing animal carcasses no longer crosses the boundary between the animal barn and the area outside the barn, also referred to as the "dirty area". The supports, which interact with the retaining means on the flap section to form the pivot bearing for the swiveling flap section, are attached, in particular, to two wall sections of the building that laterally define the opening for the flap section, preferably at the same height, thereby forming a horizontal pivot axis.

[0028] The invention according to the second aspect utilizes the same advantages as the inventive device for discharging animal carcasses according to the first aspect. Preferred embodiments or further developments of the first aspect are also preferred embodiments or further developments of the inventive building, and vice versa. Therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above descriptions, for example, regarding the design of the flap part and / or its arrangement in the opening, the provision of an internally arranged counterweight, which is preferably movably mounted on the inside of the wall section, or the wall section arranged below the flap part and corresponding to its offset.

[0029] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section of a building, in particular an animal stable.

[0030] The method also solves the problem stated at the outset using a device for removing animal carcasses, comprising the steps of: providing a device for removing animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section, in particular according to one of the above preferred embodiments; placing one or more animal carcasses into a receiving area of ​​a pivotably mounted flap part; actuating an actuating device arranged on the outside of the flap part, in particular by means of a working tool and / or auxiliary device acting on the actuating device, and moving the flap part from a closed position blocking the opening in the wall section to an open position that removes the animal carcass from the building.Using the process steps according to the invention, it is possible, similar to the device or the building equipped with it, to remove dead animals from an existing herd in a manner consistent with disease control. The method described here ensures that the animals can be collected in a defined area and removed from the building, particularly the animal barn, without any further human contact with them. This eliminates the need for any tools or aids, such as buckets or wheelbarrows, to cross the boundary between the barn and the surrounding "dirty area." This further reduces the risk of introducing or removing potential diseases into or out of the animal barn. According to the invention, the flap section can be opened via the actuating device projecting from the outside of the flap section using a tool or aid, such as a...A shovel mounted on a vehicle's front loader or a wheelbarrow is moved from its usual closed position to the open position, in particular by pivoting. Preferably, when pivoting into the open position, the flap is tilted at such an angle that the animal carcasses located in the receiving area of ​​the flap move out of it automatically due to the force of gravity and are transferred, in particular, into the implement or tool holding the flap in the open position.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a flap element, particularly in a method according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, which has an internal receiving area for one or more animal carcasses, wherein the flap element is pivotably designed and is configured to be moved back and forth between a closed position blocking an opening in a wall section of a building and an open position, and an actuating device arranged externally on the flap element for moving the flap element from the closed position to the open position, for discharging animal carcasses through the opening in the wall section, particularly of an animal stall, in its open position discharging the animal carcasses from the building.wherein the actuating device preferably has at least one coupling section for attaching a working tool and / or aid for triggering the movement of the flap part.

[0032] The invention according to the third aspect, regarding the method for removing animal carcasses, and the fourth aspect, regarding the use of a flap component, takes advantage of the same benefits as the first and second aspects of the present invention. The preferred embodiments and further developments of the first two aspects are also preferred embodiments of the third and fourth aspects; therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0033] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying figures. These figures show:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for discharging animal carcasses;

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a top view of a device according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1;

[0036] Figs. 3 and 4 show side views of the device according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1, arranged in a building, in its closed and open positions; Fig. 5 shows a view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0037] Device from the outside of a building housing the device;

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a view of the device according to Fig. 5 from the inside of the building;

[0039] Figs. 7 and 8 are side views of the device according to Fig. 5 in its closed and open positions;

[0040] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention for discharging animal carcasses in a first view;

[0041] Fig. 10 shows an alternative view of the device according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 9;

[0043] Figs. 11a-11c show the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 in different

[0044] Operational positions;

[0045] Fig. 12 shows a detailed view of the device according to the invention as shown in Figure 10;

[0046] Figs. 13-16 show an alternative embodiment of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention for removing animal carcasses;

[0047] Fig. 17 shows a schematic view of an animal stable according to the invention, and

[0048] Fig. 18 shows a schematic view of a method according to the invention for removing animal carcasses.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a view of a possible embodiment of a device 10 for removing animal carcasses through an opening 104 in a wall section 102 of a building 100, in particular an animal shed 100' (Figure 17). The device 10 comprises a flap section 12, which has an internal receiving area 14 for one or more animal carcasses to be removed from the building 100. In the embodiment shown, the flap section 12 is pivotable, so that any dead animals that may have accumulated in the building 100 can be transferred from the inside 106 of the building 100 to the outside 108 of the building 100 (Figures 3 and 4).

[0050] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, an actuating device 16 for moving the flap part 12 is arranged on the outside of the flap part 12, wherein the actuating device 16 has at least one coupling section 18 for attaching a working tool and / or auxiliary device 110 for triggering the movement of the flap part 12. The flap part 12 further comprises a flat plate body 20 and two retaining means 22 arranged on its side regions 21, 2T, by means of which a horizontally extending pivot axis X is defined. The retaining means 22 are each part of a rotary bearing 24 that receives the flap part 12. The retaining means 22, which are designed in a pin- or bolt-like manner, interact with a holder 26, which includes at least one bearing bushing 26' for rotatably receiving the retaining means 22.

[0051] The actuating device 16 has at least one rod section 28, which is pivotably arranged on the flap section 12 with an end section 30. A mounting interface 32 is provided on the flap section 12 as a connection point for the rotatably mounted end section 30 of the rod section 28. The coupling section 18 for attaching the working tool and / or auxiliary device 110 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is arranged at the free end 30' of the rod section 38. The coupling section 18 comprises a wedge-shaped insertion section 34, as shown here, for the working tool and / or auxiliary device 110 to be attached thereto.

[0052] The actuating device 16, in particular its rod section 28, is held in a predetermined pivot position relative to the flap section 12 by a retaining element 36. The retaining element 36 holds the actuating device in a working position in which the rod section 28 projects approximately perpendicularly from the plate body 20 and, in the embodiment shown here, is designed as a chain section or cable section. The retaining element 36 connects, in particular, a section of the rod section 28, arranged at a distance from the pivotally hinged end section 30, to a section on the flap section 12, which is preferably arranged above the pivot axis X of the flap section 12.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a view of the device 10 in which the flap part 12 is arranged in a closed position S, blocking the opening 104 in the wall section 102. By means of the retaining element 36, the actuating device 16, in particular the rod part 28, is held essentially perpendicular to the plate body 20 of the flap part 12 in the closed position S. In the closed position S, the plate body 20 almost completely closes the free cross-section of the opening 104.

[0054] In one possible embodiment, a cover element 38 is arranged along at least one section on the upper surface 52 of the flap part 12, by means of which a gap 112 between the upper surface 52 of the flap part 12 and the wall section 102 bounding the upper surface of the opening 104 is covered. In one embodiment, the cover element 38 is made of an elastically deformable material, such as a rubber material, whereby the cover element 38 has sealing properties at least in certain areas.

[0055] By attaching the working tool and / or auxiliary device 110 to the coupling section 18 of the actuating device 16 and moving the working tool and / or auxiliary device 110 essentially in the direction of movement B, the flap part 12 is moved, in particular pivoted, from its closed position S with an animal carcass arranged in the receiving area 14 to an open position O shown in Fig. 4, which ejects the animal carcass from the building 110. When moving the flap part 12 from the closed position S to the open position O, the flap part is pivoted by at least 90°, in the embodiment shown here by a range of approximately 120° to 150°. This causes an animal body located in the receiving area 14 to move automatically into the working device and / or aid 110, which remains engaged with the actuating device 16, due to the force of gravity acting on the flap part 12 which is moved into the open position O.

[0056] Figures 5 and 6 show a further embodiment of a device 10' according to the invention for discharging animal carcasses through an opening 104 in a wall section 102 of a building 110, in particular an animal stall 100'. Regarding the basic design of the device 10', reference is made to the above descriptions of the device 10.

[0057] Device 10' also has a flap section 12 with a receiving area 14 for one or more animal carcasses. The flap section 12 further comprises a plate body 20, on which the receiving area 14 is designed as a trough or basin and extends on the inside of the plate body 20 over approximately half its height. The flap section 12 of device 10' is pivotally mounted by its retaining means 22 on areas of the wall section 102 that laterally delimit the opening 104 (not shown in detail). An actuating device 16, designed as a rod section 28, with a coupling section 18, is also provided on the flap section 12. This coupling section is likewise configured to interact with a working tool and / or auxiliary device 110.

[0058] The flap section 12 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is, in the present embodiment, equipped at least partially with insulation 40. Furthermore, the flap section 12 (Fig. 6) is coupled internally to a counterweight 44 via at least one traction element 42, such as a pull cable, which is guided over a deflection element 56. The counterweight 44 acting on the flap section 12 particularly simplifies the movement of the flap section 12 from the closed position S to the open position O and vice versa.

[0059] A cover element 38 is also arranged along the upper surface 52 of the flap section 12 of the device 10'. In addition, in the present embodiment, a further retaining element 36' is arranged on the outside of the flap section 12, which is particularly insulated. This retaining element holds the actuating device 16, in particular its rod section 28, in a rest position in which the rod section 28 runs approximately parallel to the plate body 20. The further retaining element 36' in this embodiment is a carabiner cable 46, which is connected to a mounting point 48 located above the pivot axis X and can be attached to an eyelet 50 arranged at the same height and spaced axially from the pivot axis X.

[0060] Figures 7 and 8 show views of the device 10', in which the flap part 12 is arranged in a closed position S blocking the opening 104 in the wall section 102 and an open position O allowing the animal body to escape from the building 100.

[0061] As can be seen from Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, the flap sections 12 of the device 10, 10' have a shoulder 54 along their underside 52' in the area of ​​their internally projecting receiving area 14, which is designed to be complementary to a wall shoulder 114 that defines the opening 104 below the flap section. Specifically, in the closed position S, the shoulder 54 on the flap section 12 and the wall shoulder 114 interlock and their opposing surface areas are then preferably in contact with each other.

[0062] The actuating device 16, with its coupling section 18 (designed as a rod section 28) at the free end 30', is also configured to engage with a working tool and / or auxiliary device 110, which, by moving in the direction of movement B, moves the flap section 12 from its closed position S shown in Fig. 7 to the open position O shown in Fig. 8, in particular pivoting it. In the embodiment shown here, the counterweights 44, which act on the underside 52' via the tension means 42, assist in moving the flap section 12 from its closed position S to the open position O.

[0063] Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a device 10" for discharging animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section 102 from an inner side 106 of a building to an outer side 108. The device 10" has a flap section 12 which has an inner receiving area 14 for one or more animal carcasses to be discharged from the building. The flap section 12 is pivotable and designed to move back and forth between a closed position S (shown in Figs. 9 and 10) which blocks the opening in the wall section 102 and an open position O (see Fig. 11c) which allows the animal carcass to be discharged from the building.

[0064] The device 10" has an actuating device 16 arranged externally on the flap part 12 for moving the flap part 12 from the closed position S to the open position O. The actuating device 16 has at least one coupling section 18 for attaching a working tool and / or auxiliary device for triggering the movement of the flap part 12. The actuating device 16 can be moved in a direction of movement B. The flap part 12 has two retaining means 22 arranged on its side regions 21, 2T, each of which is part of a pivot bearing 24 that receives the flap part 12 and by means of which a horizontal pivot axis X is preferably defined. The actuating device 16 has a rod section 28 which is pivotably arranged on the flap part 12 with an end section 30.The coupling section 18 is arranged at a free end 30' of the rod section 28 opposite the pivotally mounted end section 30 and preferably has a wedge-shaped insertion section 34 for the tool to be attached. The actuating device 16 can be held in the closed position S of the flap section 12 at a predetermined pivot position relative to the flap section 12 by means of at least one retaining element 36, 36'. The rod section 28 is connected to the plate body 20 via a pivot bearing 58. A mounting interface 32 is provided on the flap section 12 as a connection point for the rotatably mounted end section 30 of the rod section 28. A locking element in the form of a retaining means 22 is arranged on the flap section 12, which serves to hold the flap section 12 in the closed position S.

[0065] As can be clearly seen in the view shown in Figure 10, the flap section 12 has a cover 60. The cover 60 is designed to close the receiving area 14. The cover 60 is pivotally mounted on the wall section 102 such that the receiving area 14 is closed in the closed position S and the cover 60 slides over the flap section 12 when the flap section 12 is opened. The flap section 12 has an opening flap 62 below the cover 60 and a discharge outlet 64 below that. The opening flap 62 is preferably pivotally attached to the discharge outlet 64 of the flap section 12.

[0066] As can be seen in Figure 12, which is an enlarged view of Figure 10, the opening flap 62 is attached to the discharge chute 64 by means of two opening flap hinges 74 and can be folded downwards relative to it. The opening flap 62 can be attached to the side region 21, 21' of the flap part 12 by means of locking means 72.

[0067] An exemplary pivoting process of the flap section 12, starting from a nearly closed position and moving to the open position O, is shown in Figures 11a-11c. In Figure 11a, an exemplary working tool 110 is applied to the actuating device 16 and pushes it essentially to the right in the plane of the drawing. A force is exerted on the flap section 12 via the pivot-tilt bearing 58, causing it to tilt about the axis of rotation defined by the pivot bearing 24. Compared to the closed position, which is shown, for example, in Figures 9 or 10, the cover 60, which rests on the flap section 12 by gravity, slides over it as the flap section 12 continues to move.When the flap part 12 is in a tilted position 90° compared to the closed position, as shown in Figure 11b, an overhang Ü forms between the discharge 64 and the working device 110, ensuring that the contents of the flap part 12 are safely transferred into the area of ​​the working device 110.

[0068] In Figure 11c, the flap section 12 is now in a position tilted by 140°, which allows the contents of the flap section 12 to pass onto the work tool 110, e.g., a shovel or the like. Figures 13-16 show a further alternative embodiment of a device 10'" according to the invention for discharging animal carcasses through an opening in a wall section 102 from an inner side 106 of a building to an outer side 108. As can be seen particularly in Figures 13 and 14, the device 10'" has a flap section 12 and an actuating device 16 arranged on the outside of the flap section 12. The flap section 12 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation X by means of pivot bearings 24. The pivot bearing 24 has a holder 26 in which a bearing bushing 26' is arranged.

[0069] Furthermore, a holding element 22 is provided, which serves to hold the flap part 12 in a closed position S, as shown in Figure 13. The flap part 12 has a plate body 20. The actuating device 16, which in this case has an actuating rod 76, is arranged on the plate body 20. In the embodiment shown in Figures 13-16, a tub 118, which can, for example, also be attached to a wheelbarrow (not shown), is used to collect the discharged animals.

[0070] Figure 14 shows a rear view of the device 10'" shown in Figure 13. The device 10'" is connected to the wall section 102 by spaced-apart mounting brackets 66. The flap section 12 has a cover 60, which is designed to close the receiving area 14. The cover 60 has an opening handle 70. The cover 60 is pivotally mounted on the wall section 102 such that the receiving area 14 is closed in the closed position S and the cover 60 slides over the flap section 12 when the flap section 14 is opened. The flap section 12 has an opening flap 62 below the cover 60, which is preferably pivotally attached to an ejection port 64 of the flap section 14 and lockable.

[0071] In the state shown in Figure 15, the flap section 12 has been pivoted out of the closed position S, compared to the state shown in Figures 13 and 14. This can preferably be done by actuating the actuating rod 76. Due to the attachment of the cover 60 to the wall section 102, an opening of the receiving area 14 is released at the top. In the state shown in Figure 16, the flap section 12 has now been pivoted into the open position O. Animals, or the like, received in the receiving area 14 are now transferred into the trough 118 by gravity. Subsequently, the flap section 12 can be pivoted from the open position O into the closed position S, and the receiving area 14 can be reloaded from the inside 106 of a stable, or the like.

[0072] Fig. 17 shows a building 100 according to the invention, in particular an animal barn 100', with several wall sections 102, 102' spatially delimiting the building 100. An opening 104 is formed in a wall section 102, wherein a device 10, 10' for removing animal carcasses with the features of the invention described above is arranged within the opening 104. The building 100 has, in particular, a first area, not shown in detail, in which a large number of animals are kept. The building 100 further comprises a second area, also not shown in detail, delimited from the first area, in which dead animals are preferably first collected and then removed together from the building 100 by means of the device 10, 10' described above, without using the usual entrances or exits 116 on the building 100.

[0073] Fig. 18 shows a method 200 according to the invention for discharging animal carcasses through an opening 104 in a wall section 102 of a building, in particular an animal stall 100'. The method 200 according to the invention comprises at least a first step 202, relating to providing a device 10, 10' for discharging animal carcasses through an opening 104 in a wall section 102, and a further method step 204, relating to placing one or more animal carcasses into a receiving area 14 of a pivotably mounted flap part 12.The method 200 further comprises the step 206 of actuating an actuating device 16 arranged on the outside of the flap part 12, in particular by means of a working device and / or aid 100 acting on the actuating device 16, and the step 208, relating to moving the flap part 12 from a closed position S blocking the opening 104 in the wall section 102 to an open position O allowing the animal carcass to escape from the building 100.

[0074] Identical or similar components are identified by the same reference symbols. Reference symbol list

[0075] 10, 10' Device

[0076] 12 flap section

[0077] 14 Recording area

[0078] 16 Actuating device

[0079] 18 Coupling section

[0080] 20 plates body

[0081] 21, 21 ' sidebar

[0082] 22 Holding agents

[0083] 24 swivel bearings

[0084] 26 bracket

[0085] 26' storage box

[0086] 28 rod section

[0087] 30, 30' End section

[0088] 32 Mounting interface

[0089] 34 Introductory section

[0090] 36, 36' retaining element

[0091] 38 Cover element

[0092] 40 Insulation

[0093] 42 traction elements

[0094] 44 Counterweight

[0095] 46 carabiner rope

[0096] 48 Mounting point

[0097] 50 eyelets

[0098] 52 Top

[0099] 52' Underside

[0100] Paragraph 54

[0101] 56 Deflection element

[0102] 58 Swivel-tilt bearings

[0103] 60 lids

[0104] 62 Opening flap

[0105] 64 Ejection

[0106] 66 mounting brackets

[0107] 68, 68' Lid hinge

[0108] 70 Lid opening handle

[0109] 72 Locking device for opening flap 74 Opening flap hinge

[0110] 76 Actuating rod

[0111] 100 buildings

[0112] 100' animal stall

[0113] 102 Wall section

[0114] 104 Opening

[0115] 106 Inside

[0116] 108 outside

[0117] 110 Work equipment and / or aids

[0118] 112 gap

[0119] 114 Wall step

[0120] 116 Entrance / Exit

[0121] 118 bathtub

[0122] 200 procedures

[0123] 202 Provide

[0124] 204 Spend

[0125] 206 Actuate

[0126] 208 Move

[0127] B Direction of movement

[0128] Open position Closed position

[0129] Overhang between ejection port and bucket

[0130] X swivel axis

Claims

Claims 1. Device (10, 10', 10", 10'') for discharging animal carcasses through an opening (104) in a wall section (102) of a building (100), in particular an animal stable (100'), with - a flap section (12) which has an internal receiving area (14) for one or more animal carcasses to be discharged from the building (100), wherein the flap section (12) is designed to pivot and is configured to move back and forth between a closed position (S) blocking the opening (104) in the wall section (102) and an open position (O) discharging the animal carcass from the building (100), and - an actuating device (16) arranged on the outside of the flap part (12) for moving the flap part (12) from the closed position (S) to the open position (O).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating device (16) has at least one coupling section (18) for attaching a working device and / or aid (110) for triggering the movement of the flap part (12).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flap part (12) has two retaining means (22) arranged on its side regions (21 , 21 '), each of which is part of a rotary bearing (24) receiving the flap part (12) and by means of which a horizontal pivot axis (X) is preferably defined.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (16) has at least one rod part (28) which is pivotably arranged with an end section (30) on the flap part (12).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling section (18) is arranged at a free end (30') of the rod part (28) opposite the pivotally articulated end section (30), and preferably has a wedge-shaped insertion section (34) for the working tool and / or auxiliary device (110) to be attached.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating device (16) in the closed position (S) of the flap part (12) is held in a predetermined pivot position relative to the flap part (12) by means of at least one retaining element (36, 36').

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a locking element for holding the flap part (12) in the closed position (S) is arranged on the flap part (12), and the actuating device (16) has a trigger that interacts with the locking element for unlocking the locking element.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flap part (12) which can be arranged in the opening is provided at least partially with insulation (40).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receiving area (14) on the flap part (12) is designed as a trough or basin which extends on the inside preferably over about half the height of the flap part (12).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a counterweight (44) for assisted transfer of the flap part (12) from the closed position (S) to the open position (O) or from the open position (O) to the closed position (S) is connected to the inside of the flap part (12).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a cover element (38), in particular a sealing element, is arranged along at least one section on the upper side (52) of the flap part (12).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flap part (12) has a shoulder (54) along its underside (52') in the area of ​​its internally projecting receiving area (14) which is complementary to a wall section (102).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap part (12) has a cover (60) which is configured to close the receiving area (14).

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the cover (60) is pivotably arranged on the wall section (102) or a receiving frame, such that the receiving area (14) is closed in the closed position (S) and the cover (60) slides over the flap part (12) when the flap part (14) is opened.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the flap part (12) below the cover (60) has an opening flap (62) which is preferably pivotably attached to an ejection (64) of the flap part (14) and / or lockable.

16. Device according to one of claims 4 to 15, wherein the ejection (64) in the open position (O) has a projection towards the rod part (28).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (16) has an actuating rod (76) for actuating the flap part (14).

18. Building (100), in particular animal stable (100'), with several wall sections (102, 102') spatially delimiting the building (100), wherein the building (100) has at least a first area in which a plurality of animals are kept and a second area preferably delimited from the first area, wherein an opening (104) is formed in a wall section (102), in particular an outer wall section, of the building (100) delimiting the second area, and wherein at least one device (10, 10') for removing animal carcasses according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17 is arranged within the opening (104) in the wall section (102).

19. Method (200) for discharging animal carcasses through an opening (104) in a wall section (102) of a building (100), in particular an animal stall (100'), using a device for discharging animal carcasses, comprising the steps of: - providing (202) a device (10, 10') for discharging animal carcasses through an opening (104) in a wall section (102), in particular according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17; - Moving (204) one or more animal carcasses into a receiving area (14) of a pivotably received flap part (12); - Actuating an actuating device (16) arranged on the outside of the flap part (12), in particular by means of a working tool and / or aid (110) acting on the actuating device (16), and - Moving the flap part (12) from a closed position (S) blocking the opening (104) in the wall section (102) to an open position (S) allowing the animal carcass to exit the building (100).

20. Use of a flap part (12) which has an internal receiving area (14) for one or more animal carcasses, wherein the flap part (12) is pivotably designed and configured to be moved back and forth between a closed position (S) blocking an opening (104) in a wall section (102) of a building (100) and an open position (O), and an actuating device (16) arranged externally on the flap part (12) for moving the flap part (12) from at least its closed position (S) to its open position (O), for discharging animal carcasses through the opening (104) in the wall section (102), in particular of an animal stall (100'), in its open position (O) discharging the animal carcass from the building (100), in particular in a method (200) according to claim 19,wherein the actuating device (16) has at least one coupling section (18) for attaching a working tool and / or aid (110) for triggering the movement of the flap part (12).

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