阅读说明：本技术 动物识别装置的阴部件和对应配件以及动物识别方法 (Female part and corresponding accessory of animal identification device and animal identification method ) 是由 J-J·希勒佩特 于 2019-07-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种动物识别装置(1)的阴部件(12),所述阴部件(12)包括头部(121),所述头部具有内部收纳腔,所述内部收纳腔可以收纳所述识别装置(1)的阳部件(11)的尖端(111)。根据本发明,所述阴部件(12)包括用于将配件固定到所述头部(121)的外面的至少一个元件(123),所述至少一个固定元件(123)呈至少一个凹槽的形式。(The invention relates to a female part (12) of an animal identification device (1), the female part (12) comprising a head (121) having an internal receiving cavity that can receive a tip (111) of a male part (11) of the identification device (1). According to the invention, the female part (12) comprises at least one element (123) for fixing an accessory to the outside of the head (121), the at least one fixing element (123) being in the form of at least one groove.)

1. A female part (12) of an identification device (1) for animals, the female part (12) comprising a head (121) having an internal receiving cavity capable of receiving a tip (111) of a male part (11) of the identification device (1), characterized in that the female part (12) comprises at least one element (123) for fixing an accessory to the outside of the head (121), the at least one fixing element (123) being in the form of at least one groove.

2. Female part (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the head (121) has a substantially cylindrical portion and the groove (123) extends over at least a part of the circular cross section of the substantially cylindrical portion.

3. An accessory (2) configured to cooperate with a female part (12) of an identification device (1) for animals according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one opening (21) through which said head (121) of said female part (12) is designed to be inserted and complementary fixing means (22, 23, 24) able to cooperate with said at least one groove (123) for engaging said accessory (2) to said female part (12).

4. Accessory (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the complementary fixing means are in the form of a ring (22) made of flexible material extending around the periphery of the opening (21), the ring being deformable to cooperate with the groove (123).

5. Accessory (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the complementary fixing means are in the form of a cutter (23) that can be fitted tightly around the head (121) of the female part (12) at the level of the groove (123).

6. Accessory (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the complementary fixing means are in the form of an orifice (24) communicating with the opening (21), the diameter (D5) of the orifice (24) being greater than the diameter (D4) of the opening (21) so as to form a grip for fixing the accessory (2) to the female part (12).

7. System (4) comprising a female part (12) of an identification device (1) for animals according to any of claims 1 to 2 and at least one accessory (2) according to any of claims 3 to 6 configured to cooperate with the female part (12).

8. System (4) according to claim 7, characterized in that the female part (12) and/or the accessory (2) comprise means for locking the accessory (2) onto the female part (12).

9. System (4) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said accessory (2) is fixed to said female part (12) in a reversible manner.

10. System (4) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said accessory (2) is fixed to said female part (12) in an irreversible manner.

11. A method for identifying an animal, the method comprising in order: placing (91) an identification device (1) onto the animal, the identification device comprising a female part (12) according to any one of claims 1 and 2 and a male part (11); and fixing (92) at least one accessory (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6 to the female part (12).

12. The method (9) of claim 11, wherein securing (92) at least one fitting (2) to the female component (12) comprises inserting the fitting (2) into the groove (123) of the female component (12) by force.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it further comprises locking (93) said at least one fitting (2) onto said female part (12).

Technical Field

The field of the invention relates to identifying and marking animals, and more particularly to identification devices or tags.

More precisely, the invention relates to an identification device enabling for example the welfare of animals or the monitoring of animals to be improved, to which other devices, called "accessories", can be fixed. For example, such accessories may be reflectors, insecticide tags, surveillance monitors, electronic IDs, temperature sensors, and the like.

Background

Identification tags for animals have long been known to the public and are mandatory in many countries, in particular in order to enable the tracking and identification of the origin of the animal. This method may be applied to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry, and more generally to any animal species for which tagging is required or desired.

For example, european regulation number 1760/2000 requires that all cattle be identified by a tag on each of their ears. The tag needs to carry a unique identification number which enables identification of the animal and for example indicates the farm where the animal is born.

Identification devices are generally composed of two parts, namely a male part and a female part, designed to be assembled in an irreversible manner, for example on the ear of an animal. For this purpose, the male part comprises a tip that can pass through the ear of the animal and be received in a corresponding receiving cavity, called head or cap, arranged in the female part. Of course, this connection must be irreversible to prevent any attempted fraud, in particular any modification of the identification number of the animal.

In addition, animal welfare is a consideration that is becoming increasingly important and should not be overlooked. In particular, the comfort and health of the animal is the data that needs to be monitored and optimized.

To achieve this, it is known to use accessories such as electronic monitoring monitors, which are integrated into identification devices fixed to the animal.

A disadvantage of this solution is that the fittings integrated into the identification device are difficult to access and in many cases are not replaceable.

Another drawback of this solution is the fact that: only one or two accessories may be integrated into the identification device. In fact, in order not to irritate the animal and not to affect its comfort, it is necessary to optimize the space occupied by the identification device, which complicates the use of several accessories or accessories of average size in the identification device.

Disclosure of Invention

According to at least one embodiment, the proposed technology relates to a female part of an identification device for animals, comprising a head having an internal receiving cavity capable of receiving a tip of a male part of the identification device.

According to the proposed technique, the female part comprises at least one element for fixing a fitting onto the outside of the head, said at least one fixing element being in the form of at least one groove.

The proposed solution therefore consists of: providing a recess on the head of the female part of an identification device for animals to enable securing of further accessories to the identification device.

The proposed solution does not require any significant modification of the identification means. In practice, only one groove is formed on the outer face of the head of the female part. So that standard male components can be used.

The proposed solution is therefore very easy to implement and manufacture, which also makes it an inexpensive solution.

According to a particular aspect, the head has a substantially cylindrical portion and the groove extends over at least a portion of the circular cross-section of the substantially cylindrical portion.

Thus, according to one embodiment, this groove, which extends around the entire periphery of the head of the female part, may give freedom to the fitting fixed to the head. More particularly, the fitting may be allowed to rotate around the head of the female part in this case, for example, in order to minimize discomfort and the risk of injury to the animal.

According to a particular embodiment, the proposed technology also relates to a fitting configured to cooperate with a female part of an animal identification device as described above.

According to the proposed technique, the accessory comprises at least one opening through which the head of the female part is designed to be inserted, and a complementary fixing member able to cooperate with the at least one groove for engaging the accessory to the female part.

The complementary fixing means provided on the accessory are configured to cooperate with the groove arranged on the outer face of the head of the female part in order to ensure an optimal connection of the accessory with the female part, but according to at least one particular embodiment, also allow a rotation of the accessory with respect to the female part.

According to a particular aspect, the complementary securing means are in the form of a ring, extending around the edge of the opening, made of a flexible material, which is deformable to cooperate with the groove.

In one embodiment, the complementary securing means formed on the accessory are made of a flexible material, such that the accessory is joined to the female part by forcibly inserting the accessory onto the female part. Thus, the accessory is firmly fixed to the female part of the identification device. The flexible material of the complementary fixation member may also enable decoupling of the accessory, for example, when the accessory needs to be replaced.

Plastic materials such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PU (polyurethane) or flexible spring steel, e.g. a gripping washer, may be used.

According to a particular aspect, the complementary fixing means are in the form of a cutter that can be fitted tightly around the head of the female part at the level of the groove.

This cutter, which comprises a movable plate, for example, connected with a return spring, enables the user to fix the accessory to said female part of the identification device in a reversible manner. Such complementary securing members enable the accessory to be uncoupled, for example when it needs to be replaced.

The use of a cutter on the fitting is an easy to manufacture and easy to use solution. Furthermore, this cutter ensures a reliable fixing of the fitting to the female part of the identification device.

According to a particular aspect, the complementary fixing means are in the form of an aperture communicating with the opening, the diameter of the aperture being greater than the diameter of the opening, so as to form a grip for fixing the fitting to the female part.

This aperture enables the fitting to be connected to the female part by: inserting the head of the female component through the aperture and then clamping the fitting around the groove by virtue of the opening having a diameter less than the diameter of the aperture.

Thus, the accessory is fixed to the female part of the identification device in a simple and reversible manner.

In a particular embodiment, the proposed technology also relates to a system comprising a female part of an identification device of an animal and at least one accessory as described above. This accessory is configured to cooperate with the female part of the identification device.

The female part and the accessory have complementary fixing elements/means which ensure a reliable and durable fixing of the accessory to the female part. These fixing elements/members are easy to use and enable a simple and cheap system to be manufactured.

According to a particular aspect, the female part and/or the accessory comprise means for locking the accessory onto the female part.

Thus, in addition to the complementary fixation means, the accessory and/or the female part comprise locking means designed to provide an optimal fixation of the accessory. These locking members are designed to prevent fraud or theft of the accessory by accidental removal and/or any attempt thereto.

According to a particular aspect, the accessory is fixed to the female part in a reversible manner.

Thus, the fitting can be replaced. The latter is an advantage when the accessory is inexpensive or a so-called "consumable" item (e.g. an insecticide label).

According to a particular aspect, the accessory is fixed to the female part in an irreversible manner.

This is advantageous when the accessory is not intended to be removed from the identification device or when the accessory is expensive (e.g. an electronic monitoring monitor). Thus, the accessory is fixed to the identification device in a secure manner.

According to another embodiment, the proposed technology relates to a method for identifying an animal, the method comprising in sequence: placing an identification device comprising a male component and a female component as described above on the animal; and securing at least one accessory as described above to the female component.

Accordingly, such methods for identifying an animal include placing an identification device onto an animal and then securing at least one accessory to the female component of the identification device.

Thus, the accessory may be secured to the identification device at any time as long as the identification device is applied to the animal. Thus, the accessory is allowed to be replaced without any need for changing/replacing the entire identification device. Thus, the proposed solution greatly simplifies the use of additional accessories.

According to a particular aspect, securing at least one accessory to the female component includes inserting the accessory into the groove of the female component by force.

The insertion of the accessory into the female part by force enables the latter to be firmly connected to the female part of the identification device.

According to another particular aspect, the method further comprises locking at least one accessory to the female part.

The accessory is thus fixed to the female part in a secure manner, so as to prevent the accidental removal of the latter or any attempted fraud or theft thereof.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention are given in the following description of several preferred embodiments, given by way of example and not limitation, and in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows an animal identification device according to one embodiment of the invention in longitudinal cross-section;

figure 2 shows a side view and a detailed view of the head of the female part of the identification device according to the proposed technical solution;

figures 3 and 4 show respectively a perspective view and a view of the face of the identification device of figure 1 to which the accessory is fixed, according to the proposed solution;

fig. 5 shows a side view of the identification device of fig. 3, wherein the fitting is represented in cross-section along the longitudinal axis;

figures 6a and 6b show a detailed view of the accessory according to the first embodiment and a front view of the identification device equipped with this accessory, respectively;

figures 7a and 7b show respectively a view of a face of a fitting according to a second embodiment and a view of a face of an identification device equipped with such a fitting;

figures 8a and 8b show a detailed view of the accessory according to the third embodiment and a view of the face of the identification device equipped with this accessory, respectively;

figure 9 shows a method for identifying animals according to the proposed technical solution.

Detailed Description

The general principle of the invention is based on a modification of a female part of an animal identification device, which modification in particular enables one or more accessories to be fixed to the female part.

More specifically, the female part is modified so as to provide, on its outer face, i.e. on its face opposite the male part when the latter are assembled, at least one fixing element for the fitting, said at least one fixing element having the form of at least one groove.

Due to the presence of this groove on the outside of the female part, it is possible to secure the accessory to the female part, in particular after placing the identification device on the animal.

In the following, a specific embodiment is described according to which the female part belongs to a "2-part" identification device, according to which the male and female parts are separated before placing the identification device on the animal. For example, the identification means is in the form of a ring specifically designed for sheep.

It should be noted that other female parts are contemplated according to the invention, such as a female part belonging to a "1-part" identification device according to which the male and female parts are connected by a flexible band before placing the identification device on the animal.

As illustrated in fig. 1 to 5, in particular, the identification device 1 for animals comprises a male part 11 and a female part 12 designed to engage each other.

Generally, the male component 11 includes a tip 111 mounted on a shaft 112 extending from a male support 113.

The length of the shaft 112 is selected so as to allow good ventilation of the scar formed on the animal during application of the loop, while limiting the likelihood of it becoming caught by farming equipment (string, chain, fence, box, etc.) or other animals.

The female part 12 comprises a head 121 defining a cavity for receiving the tip 111 of the male part 11. This head 12 is for example made of a rigid material (for example nylon) in order to ensure the indestructibility of the identification device 1.

When the identification device is secured to an animal, the female support 122 may extend from the other side of the ear to the base of the head 121 relative to the male support 113. This support 122 may be formed of a more flexible material (e.g., an elastomer) than the head 121 and, for example, serves as a surface for marking the ID of an animal.

According to a particular embodiment, female support 122 is overmoulded onto a collar at the base of head 121, so as to connect head 121 and female support 122 and form female part 12.

This female part is described in detail in european patent EP1037525B1 in the name of the same applicant.

The tip 111 is specifically designed to penetrate through the skin of the animal (e.g., its ear) and into the head cavity 121. A suitable clamp enables the necessary force to be applied to ensure penetration. Once this has been performed, it is no longer possible to decouple the male part 11 from the female part 12.

According to the proposed technical solution, the head 121 of the female part 12 has at least one element 123 for fixing the fitting 2 on its outside, i.e. on its face opposite the male part 11 when the male 11 and female 12 parts are assembled.

More precisely, the fixing element 123 is in the form of a groove or channel.

In the example illustrated in fig. 1 to 5, the head 121 has a substantially cylindrical form with a circular portion, and the groove 123 extends around the entire periphery of the head 121. According to other examples, one or more grooves forming part of a circle or concentric circles may be provided. Thus, one or more of the grooves may be curved.

In a variant, the head 121 has a cross section different from circular, for example rectangular, triangular or any other shape. Thus, one or more of the grooves may be rectilinear.

In another variant, the head 121 has a different form than a cylinder, with a constant or variable section.

Grooves of different depths may be provided.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the head 121 has three successive portions:

a first substantially cylindrical portion 121a, possibly overmoulded by a flexible material forming the female support 122, extending substantially on the same axis as the interlocking axis of the male/female part and having a first diameter D1 at the level of engagement with the female support 122;

a second substantially cylindrical portion 121b, positioned in extension of the first portion 121a and forming a groove 123, having a second diameter D2 smaller than the first diameter D1; and

a third substantially cylindrical portion 121c extending the second portion 121b and having a third diameter D3 greater than the second diameter D2 at the level of the junction with the second portion 121 b.

In a particular embodiment, the third diameter D3 is the same as the first diameter D1.

At least one of the portions may be in the form of a truncated cone.

In a variant, an intermediate portion 121d in the form of a truncated cone is provided between the first portion 121a and the second portion 121b of the head 121, in order to facilitate the positioning of the fitting 2. Likewise, a final portion 121e may be provided at the end of the third portion 121c in order to facilitate the application of the fitting 2.

For example, when the female part is as described in european patent EP1037525B1, at least one groove is provided on the exterior of the projection.

The accessory 2 is configured to cooperate with the female part 12 of the identification device 1.

For example, the accessory 2 is an accessory that helps to improve welfare or surveillance of an animal to which the identification appliance 1 is secured. For example, the accessory 2 is a reflector, an insecticide tag, a further identifier (visual and/or electronic) (e.g. identifier specific to the farmer), a flashlight, a temperature sensor, an electronic monitoring or monitoring device-in particular enabling monitoring of the health status of the animal by measuring activity or parameters of the animal or the like.

Depending on the type of fitting, a housing may be provided on the fitting, for example for receiving electronic components.

According to at least one embodiment, the female part and its accessories are required to cause minimal possible discomfort and are therefore required to be lightweight and not take up much space. If the identification device and/or the accessory is stuck, for example on a tree branch or a fence, injuries to the animal should be avoided as much as possible.

Figures 6a to 8b show different examples of means for fixing the fitting to the female part as described above.

As shown in fig. 6a to 8b, this accessory 2 has complementary fixing means designed to cooperate with one or more grooves 123 of the head 121 in order to connect the accessory 2 to the female part 12 of the identification device 1. Such means enable the fitting 2 to be fixed to the female part 12 in a reversible or irreversible manner.

In particular, if the accessory is a so-called "consumable" accessory such as an insecticide tag, it is desirable to be able to periodically replace the accessory when the insecticide is no longer effective or if the insecticide tag is lost. Thus, the connection between the fitting and the female part must be reversible.

If the accessory is of the type of monitoring monitor, it may be desirable to secure it to the female component in an irreversible manner, as such accessories are expensive.

Said complementary fixing means comprise at least one opening 21 designed to receive the third portion 121c of the head 121 and then to cooperate with the second portion 121b of the head 121.

In a first embodiment, illustrated in fig. 6a and 6b, the complementary securing means is in the form of a ring 22, which extends around the edge/periphery of the opening 21. Said ring 22 is made of a relatively flexible material having a rigidity suitable for enabling, on the one hand, the deformation of the opening 21, so as to enable the insertion of the third portion 121c (and possibly the final portion 121e) of the head 121 through the opening, and, on the other hand, the optimal connection of the fitting 2 to the female part 12.

According to embodiments, the opening 21 may also have a diameter adapted to enable the fitting to pivot/rotate about the head 121 of the female component 12. Thus, a degree of freedom (rotation) is provided between the fitting 2 and the head 121 of the female part 12 to prevent injury to the animal when, for example, the ring or fitting is caught by a tree branch or fence.

In one variant, the entire fitting is made of a relatively flexible material.

In another embodiment illustrated in fig. 7a and 7b, the complementary securing means is in the form of a cutter 23. The guillotine 23 comprises a wall 231 which is translationally movable between a locked position (shown in fig. 7 a) and an unlocked position (not shown). The movable wall 231 is mounted on an elastic restoring element 232, which in this example is in the form of a spring.

The movable wall 231 also has a notch 233 configured to fit closely around the groove 123 of the female part 12 with the edge of the opening 21 in the locked position of the movable wall 231 and when the fitting cooperates with the female part 12.

In order to fix the fitting 2 to the head 121 of the female part 12, the user needs to manually displace the movable wall 231 towards the unlocking position (downwards according to the orientation of fig. 7 a) in order to release the opening 21, and then insert the head 121 of the female part 12 into the opening 21. Once the opening 21 cooperates with the groove 123, the user needs to release the movable wall 231. The return spring 232 thereby displaces the movable wall 231 to its locking position.

The guillotine 23 thus enables a simple and reversible connection between the fitting 2 and the female part 12.

In a further embodiment, illustrated in fig. 8a and 8b, the complementary securing means is in the form of an aperture 24. The orifice 24 has a substantially circular form and communicates with the opening 21. The diameter D5 of orifice 24 is greater than the diameter D4 of opening 21.

The intersection between the opening 21 and the aperture 24 forms two lugs 241 located face to face which enable the fitting 2 to be clamped into the groove 123 when the groove 123 cooperates with the opening 21.

More precisely, the aperture 24 is configured such that the third portion 121c of the head 121 can pass through the aperture 24. Then, the downward displacement (according to the orientation of fig. 8 a) enables the groove 123 to enter into the aperture 21 in order to clamp on the fitting 2.

The fitting is thus secured to the female part 12 in a simple and reversible manner. It can therefore be easily removed for replacement.

In one embodiment (not shown), an optional/additional locking member is provided to prevent accessory 2 from being accidentally or fraudulently removed from female component 12.

For example, the locking means may consist of a cover that at least partially covers the head 121 of the female part 12 in order to prevent the fitting 2 from leaving the groove 123. This cover can be inserted into the female part 12 by force. The cover can then only be removed by crushing/breaking. In this case, the latter consists of an irreversible locking member.

In one variant, the locking member is in the form of a hardenable paste applied to the accessory 2 and the identification device 1. For example, the paste may comprise two components that harden quickly and achieve a reliable and strong bond (in other words, the paste is a two-component paste).

In another variant, the locking member is in the form of a locking plate configured to be fixed to the identification device 1 and the accessory 2 by a screw fixation system.

Of course, any other type of locking member that is reversible or irreversible and that requires or does not require a tool for achieving locking/unlocking may be used.

The proposed technical solution also relates to a method for identifying an animal. This process is schematically illustrated in fig. 9.

In a first step (91), the identification device 1 comprising the male part 11 and the female part 12 as described above is applied to an animal. Conventionally, a clamp is used to engage the male and female parts 11, 12 of the identification device 1 in an irreversible manner.

In a second step (92), at least one accessory 2 is then secured to the female part 12 as described above.

In one particular embodiment described above, the attachment of the fitting 2 to the female part 12 is achieved by forcibly inserting the fitting 2.

In addition, and optionally, a locking member 93 is then used on the female component 12 and/or the fitment 2 to prevent removal of the fitment.