FR3148706A1 - Water supply device and method of mounting a water supply device for a livestock farm - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a water supply assembly (55) comprising a pipe support collar (70) holding a water pipe (61), the pipe support collar (61) comprising a collar body (74) extending between an upper end and a lower end, with a first clamping member (71) for clamping the water pipe (61) at the lower end and a fixing device at the upper end for fixing to a ceiling, and a nipple (10) inserted into the water pipe (61). An alignment maintaining device (90) is provided, aligning the pipe support collar (70), the water pipe (61) and the nipple (10), and, when present, a second pipe (62) and a cup (99) for collecting water falling from the nipple. A form-fitting positioning arrangement comprising at least one or more recesses in one of the pipe support collar (70) and the alignment retaining device (90) mating with at least one or more projections on the other of the pipe support collar (70) and the alignment retaining device (90), is provided such that, in operation, once the fixing device is secured to the ceiling, the pipe support collar (70) and the nipple (10) inserted into the water pipe (61), and the second pipe and the cup (99), if present, are vertically aligned. Fig. 8

Description

Water supply device and method of mounting a water supply device for a livestock farm

The present invention relates to the field of livestock farms. The present invention relates to a water supply assembly and a method of mounting a water supply assembly for a livestock farm.

PRIOR ART

In animal husbandry, such as chicken and especially broiler chicken, water quality is essential to promote animal growth, reduce bacterial proliferation and limit the use of antibiotics.

Water is a key component of a chicken's body composition, and its quality has a significant impact on its health.

Currently, the water quality systems in place on chicken farms are fairly standard and meet local requirements and specific guidelines given by the farm owner. Water comes mainly from the tap network or sometimes from wheels. This water is delivered through a system of pipes leading to several watering systems. The pipe system consists of thermoplastic pipes and the watering systems consist of nipples from which the chickens can drink.

During the growth cycle of the animals, the water line of the watering system is moved from the bottom to the top according to the growth rate of the chickens to allow them to reach the teats and drink properly.

During operation, vitamins, nutrients and disinfectants are also added to the water to promote the growth of chickens and prevent contamination.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a water nipple and water supply system that reduces the risk of water contamination and ensures water flow at every point of use.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an easy-to-install watering system.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a water supply assembly comprising a pipe support collar holding a water pipe, the pipe support collar comprising a collar body extending between an upper end and a lower end, with a first clamping member for clamping the water pipe at the lower end and a securing device at the upper end for securing to a ceiling, a nipple inserted into the water pipe. An alignment maintaining device aligning the pipe support collar, the water pipe and the nipple, and, where present, a second pipe and a cup for collecting water falling from the nipple, and a form-fitting coupling positioning arrangement comprising at least one or more recesses in one of the pipe support collar and the alignment maintaining device mating with at least one or more projections on the other of the pipe support collar and the alignment maintaining device, are provided such that, in operation, once the fixing device is secured to the ceiling, the pipe support collar and the nipple inserted into the water pipe, and the second pipe and the cup 99, if present, are vertically aligned.

In one aspect, the alignment maintainer 90 includes an alignment maintainer body in the form of an extended cylinder or annular ring, which encircles the water pipe, and the alignment maintainer body has an alignment maintainer hole, for the passage of the nipple 10.

In one aspect, the alignment maintaining device is provided with a cup extending from the alignment maintaining device body.

In yet another aspect, the form-matching coupling positioning arrangement includes a first positioning projection extending from the first clamping member, the first positioning projection extending laterally, orthogonally from the clamp, mating with a positioning recess in the alignment retainer.

A connector, preferably a push-fit connector, may be provided for coupling to another water supply assembly, as well as at least one second locating projection extending from the clamping member, extending in a lateral direction opposite the first locating projection.

In one aspect, the collar body is comprised of two collar body halves that are hinged at one end of the collar body, to open or close the collar body, and wherein, in the closed position, the two halves are joined together to close the first clamping elements.

In one aspect, the pipe support collar is a dual support collar with a first clamping member for clamping the supply pipe and a second clamping member for clamping a second pipe, such that the water pipe and the second pipe are parallel.

Advantageously, the pacifier has a housing with a valve consisting of a ball and a valve stem, the ball and valve stem being made of stainless steel.

In one aspect, the pacifier has a flow regulating control element in the form of a cartridge, wherein the cartridge is made of PVC with an antibacterial material, the housing body being made of PP with an antibacterial material.

In another aspect, the water pipe is made of a polymer with an antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent being present in the bulk of the polymer.

The present invention also provides a method of mounting a water supply assembly, comprising the following steps:

insert the nipple into the first water pipe,

mounting the alignment holding device on the water pipe, wherein the nipple is inserted into the holding device hole and the alignment holding device around the nipple is brought into abutment with the water pipe,

close the alignment holding device around the first pipe,

mount the pipe support collar on the first pipe,

sliding one of the alignment holding device and the pipe support collar toward the other of the alignment holding device and the support collar until the at least one or more recesses of the one of the pipe support collar and the alignment holding device engage at least one or more projections of the other of the pipe support collar and the alignment bracket.

In one aspect, the method includes rotating the first pipe, where the nipple is positioned, into a position for form-fitting engagement of the positioning retainer and the pipe support collar that is secured to the ceiling and positioned vertically. In other words, the method includes rotating the first pipe into a position for mutual engagement of the pipe support collar and the positioning retainer, which is a position in which the nipple is positioned vertically, extending vertically downward from the first pipe when the system is secured to the ceiling.

In one aspect, the method includes securing the pipe support collar to the ceiling or a fastener, so as to vertically align the pipe support collar and the nipple, and the cup, if present, and with the first pipe and the second parallel pipe, if present, also aligned.

In another aspect, it is possible to remove the alignment retainer without removing the pacifier.

The system is efficient in its use. The watering system has a great responsiveness thanks to the vertical alignment of the different elements.

The system is versatile, allowing parts of the teat to be removed and replaced without replacing the entire teat. While known systems require a new teat when a different flow rate is required, the present invention only requires the flow control cartridge to be replaced with a version of a different diameter.

It helps prevent water stagnation.

The system is easy to install and manage. The design of the rubber gasket makes it easy to insert and remove the nipple, while ensuring a strong seal during use. The shape of the anti-withdrawal part of the gasket, composed of a rib on the outer side and a groove on the inner side, ensures high elasticity and flexibility of the anti-withdrawal part. The shape of the rib ensures that the nipple is firmly fixed in the pipe opening, while its flexibility allows efficient insertion and removal. The rubber gasket includes protective means at the upper end that hold the flow control cartridge in the nipple body to prevent the flow control cartridge from falling or being damaged during transportation and installation.

The system also allows for safer operation and easier installation, as the coupled geometric elements provide protection against rotation, so that the vertical arrangement will never be compromised.

The system is efficient. In order for chickens to drink efficiently at any point around the nipples, the nipples must provide the same flow rate at every degree of the 360° access circle. These 360° systems are susceptible to leakage due to the water pressure in the pipes into which the nipples are inserted. The present invention provides a system with high sealing immediately after the chicken has accessed the nipple to drink.

The system has antibacterial qualities. The flow control cartridge containing an antibacterial agent has a guaranteed antibacterial agent effect due to its mobility when activating the valve, which prevents it from expanding.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is described below with reference to the attached drawings 1 to 13, among which:

is an overview of a water supply network according to the present disclosure,

is a pacifier according to the present disclosure,

is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

is a detailed view of a seal for the nipple of Figures 2 to 6, according to the present disclosure,

is a view of a water supply assembly according to the present disclosure,

is a water supply assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure,

is a detailed view of the water supply assembly of the according to this disclosure,

is a detailed view of elements of a water supply assembly according to the present disclosure,

is a detailed view of elements of the water supply assembly of the , according to the present disclosure,

shows the steps of assembling a water supply assembly according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

illustrates a water supply network 1 according to the present disclosure,

The water supply network 1 comprises a water supply line 2 comprising a plurality of water supply systems 55 connected by connectors 56. The plurality of water supply systems 55 comprises a plurality of nipples 10 allowing the chickens to drink.

The water supply line 2 is supplied by one or more water sources 3 (not shown). A water panel may be located between the water source and the water supply line 2. For example, the water source is located in a room and the water supply line 2 is located in a growth room where all the animals are present.

A pressure regulator 4 may be provided downstream of the water source 3 to supply the teats 10 with a pressure within the operating pressure of the teats.

In the example of the , a single water supply line is shown. Of course, a water supply network may have as many water supply lines as required depending on the needs, connected to a single or a plurality of water sources, with one or more pressure regulators at the inlet of the water supply lines.

The nipple 10 will now be described in detail with reference to at 7.

The nipple 10 comprises a housing 12 extending along a longitudinal body axis A-A, having a longitudinal through hole 14 forming a water passage between an inlet 15 and an outlet 16.

A valve 20, comprising a valve stem 22 and a ball 32, is provided within the housing 12, adapted to block the flow of water through the through hole 14.

The housing 12 includes a supply portion 17A extending from the inlet, followed by a valve receiving portion 17B for housing the valve 20 composed of a ball 32 and a valve stem 22.

The valve receiving portion 17B comprises a ball receiving portion 18 followed by an insert receiving portion 19 extending to the outlet 16.

The through hole 14 has a first diameter 14A in the feed portion 17A, a second diameter 14B in the ball receiving portion 18, and a third diameter 14C in the insert receiving portion 19. The first diameter 14A is the smallest and the third diameter 14C is the largest. It could be considered that the first diameter 14A of the feed portion 17A and the second diameter 14B of the ball receiving portion 17B are equal.

An insert 25 is provided in the insert receiving portion 19. The insert 25 has inner ends defining a conical valve seat 26, a hollow insert body 27 extending between the inner ends 26 and the outlet 16, and an annular rim 28 at the outlet 16. The rim 28 extends radially inwardly toward the water passage.

The insert 25 is shown as a separate part from the valve housing. However, this is not limiting and the insert can also be made as a single piece with the valve housing.

The valve stem 22 is movably inserted into the insert body 27. The valve stem 22 has an enlarged head 23 and a stem body 24 extending from the enlarged head 23 and projecting outside the insert 25. The enlarged head 22 rests on the annular edge 28 of the insert.

The stem body 24 has a stem diameter smaller than the inner edge diameter 28A so as to provide a free flow passage. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the clearance is dimensioned so that the stem can be sufficiently inclined in the clearance to allow the valve to open, i.e. the ball can be lifted from its seat by any movement applied to the valve stem. This allows the animal, regardless of its state of growth and position, to easily actuate the teat without the need to push the stem directly vertically.

The valve stem 22 forms, together with the ball 32, a valve 20 which can be opened by lifting the valve stem 22 to lift and detach the enlarged head 23 of the valve stem 22 from said annular edge 28 or by tilting the valve stem 22 to lift and detach a portion of the stem head 23 from said annular edge.

The ball 32 is placed in the ball receiving portion 18. The ball 32 rests in the closed position on the conical valve seat 26 and is lifted and detached from the valve seat 26 by the valve stem 22 when the valve stem 22 is lifted and/or tilted to detach from the annular edge 28.

In other words, the ball 32 is normally seated on the valve seat 26 and biases the enlarged head 23 of the valve stem 22 toward the annular edge 28, to block the flow of water through the insert 25 and the outlet 16 of the housing 12. However, when the stem 22 is tilted or lifted by a chicken, the enlarged head 23 displaces the ball 32 from the valve seat 26, and thereby permits the flow of water through the clearance 28 of the nipple assembly to and through the outlet 16.

The entire ball, insert and stem assembly is designed to prevent leakage, as well as to achieve good hydraulic performance.

As seen on the , ribs 33 are provided on the upper part of the ball receiving portion 18, to allow the flow of water when the ball is lifted into the ball receiving portion 18. In other words, the ribs 33 prevent the ball from resting and blocking the passage of water from the supply portion.

A flow control element 39 is inserted inside the supply portion 17A of the teat, for regulating the flow of water. The flow control element is a cartridge 39 removably inserted into the supply portion 17A of the teat.

The cartridge 39 is provided to restrict the flow of water from the water supply pipe 2 to the valve seat 23 of the teat. Furthermore, the cartridge may be of a thermoplastic material, for example PVC with an antibacterial or antimicrobial agent, as an anti-contamination agent.

The cartridge 39 can be easily replaced to adapt the water flow to the needs of the chicken, during the growth cycle of the chicken or adapted to the needs of other animals (hens, ...), or to change the cartridge in order to refresh the action of the anti-contamination agent. Whenever the chicken needs a change, the current cartridge can be removed and a new cartridge with another diameter adapted to the flow requirements can be chosen.

In order to facilitate removal of the cartridge, the cartridge is designed to be longer than the length of the feed portion 17A, so that the cartridge protrudes from the feed portion 17A.

Furthermore, the cartridge 39 prevents stagnant water when the chicken stops drinking. The cartridge 39 is cylindrical in shape with a diameter chosen so that there is a clearance for water to flow into the nipple 10. The clearance must be adjusted by changing the cartridge 39 to one having a smaller diameter. The clearance is preferably with a radial length in the range of 1% to 20%, preferably 2% to 5% of the diameter of the feeding portion 17A.

As seen on the , the cartridge may have an end portion 39A, preferably two end portions 39A, with a reduced diameter. This reduced diameter is used to compensate for defects that may appear during molding of the nipple housing 12, in particular at the upper end of the housing. When the cartridge has a reduced diameter on both ends, there is no insertion direction for inserting the cartridge inside the nipple.

It should be noted that the end portion with a reduced diameter is sufficiently long so that, when the ball has been raised to the highest possible position against the grooves 33, the end portion with a reduced diameter is still partly inserted into the housing, the cartridge being in this high position.

The nipple 10 is configured to be inserted into the water line 2, particularly into a hole in the water pipe.

An external circular seal 45 is provided to seal the drinking valve mounted on the drinking line as well as secure it by providing sufficient engagement with the pipe, once inserted so as to be locked and to withstand the water pressure in the pipe, without the risk of inadvertently becoming loose. On the other hand, the seal is configured to allow the teat to be removably held in the pipe. In other words, when a teat needs to be replaced, the teat can be mechanically pulled to remove/exit it from the receiving hole.

The circular sealing gasket may be supplied as a single piece mounted on the housing body 12 or may be supplied as a separate item.

The external circular seal 45 has a seal body for insertion into a pipe, extending between an upper end 46 for insertion into the pipe and a lower end 47 with a lower edge 48.

The lower edge 48 has an upper outer surface 48A for resting against the outer surface of the pipe wall, indicating proper insertion of the seal into the pipe.

The nipple has an upper portion 41 on which the external circular seal 45 is mounted, which has an external diameter allowing snap-fit insertion into the pipe. The nipple has a lower portion 42 adapted to project from the pipe when the nipple is mounted to the pipe. The upper portion 41 and the lower portion 42 are connected by an annular edge or shoulder 43 extending radially from the nipple body.

The nipple housing 12 is inserted inside the circular seal 45 until the annular shoulder 43 abuts against a lower external surface 48B of the seal 45.

The annular edge or shoulder 43 is a positioning element, to indicate both that the seal is correctly assembled on the nipple, and/or that the nipple with the seal are correctly inserted into the supply pipe.

The outer circular seal 45 has a circumferential projection 49 extending radially outwardly from the seal body. The circumferential projection 49 is located at a distance from the upper outer surface 48A of the lower edge 48, which corresponds to the thickness of the pipe wall into which the drinking valve and seal are to be inserted. Thus, when the seal is inserted into the pipe, the circumferential projection 49 is inside the pipe, just above the pipe wall. Under load, when water is flowing, the circumferential projection 49 is pressed against the pipe wall. This both seals and holds the seal and nipple in place.

In other words, the circumferential projection 49 of the seal 45 is an element for holding the teat in place when the teat is inserted into the supply pipe.

The circumferential projection 49 preferably has a curved profile designed to increase the compression of the circumferential projection 49 against the pipe wall under water load.

The inner surface 49A of the circumferential projection 49 is convex. This convexity of the inner surface contributes to the crushing of the projection under the water load. The convexity of the inner surface helps provide space for the projection during insertion into the pipe or removal of the joint from the pipe, thereby preventing tearing of the joint.

It should be noted that the radius of curvature RA of the inner surface 49A is preferably less than the radius of curvature RB of the outer surface of the projection 49, to support the water pressure in operation.

Furthermore, the lower outer surface 49C of the circumferential projection 49 has a radius of curvature RC allowing the insertion of the seal into the pipe and preventing the projection from being damaged or even cut during insertion of the seal into the pipe.

The outer diameter of the circumferential projection 49 of the seal is preferably % to 15% greater than the outside diameter of the seal body, to ensure that the seal is held in place during operation.

The upper end 46 of the seal 45 is provided with a protective arrangement 46A to prevent unintentional removal of the cartridge from the teat 10. The protective arrangement keeps the cartridge in place during transportation and assembly. The protective arrangement comprises two flexible arms partially covering the feed portion, provided at a vertical distance from the upper end 46 being greater than the maximum protrusion distance of the cartridge, to allow movement of the cartridge 39 up and down during normal operation of the valve, but stopping movement of the cartridge whenever the cartridge could slip out of the feed portion, for example if the teat is upside down or when rotating the teat.

It should be noted that the two arms 46A do not cover the feed portion over the entire diameter of the feed portion, but still leave a central passage 46B of diameter smaller than the diameter of the smallest cartridge. Thus, even the smallest cartridge envisaged with the smallest diameter envisaged can be blocked and prevented from accidental removal once inserted into the nipple. On the other hand, it results from the flexibility of the two arms the possibility of opening the passage and forcing the insertion or removal of the cartridge during the insertion, respectively the removal, of the cartridge.

Coming back to the , the plurality of nipples 10 is connected to the water supply line 2 by a plurality of water supply assemblies 55. The water supply assembly 55 is detailed with reference to at 13.

The water supply assembly 55 includes a pipe support collar 70 and an alignment holding device or otherwise referred to as an alignment bracket 90.

The pipe support collar 70 comprises a collar body 74 with a first clamping member 71 and a second clamping member 72 spaced from the first clamping member 71. Therefore, the support collar is a double clamp, which can hold a first pipe 61 and a second pipe 62.

The first clamping member 71 and the second clamping member 72 have a clamping ring 73, 73B, for clamping the first and second pipes, respectively. The first and second clamping members 71, 72 have a width sufficient to ensure that the pipes are held parallel.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the collar body 74 is made up of two collar body halves 74a, 74b which are hinged at one end of the collar body 74, to open or close the collar body. In the closed position, the two halves 74a, 74b are joined together to close the first and second clamping elements 71, 72.

For this purpose, cooperative closing elements 75A, 75B are provided on the collar body to hold the collar body 74 in the closed position.

A user may receive a pipe support collar 74 provided in an open position or may open the pipe support collar 74, place the first and second pipes on a pipe collar half, and close the pipe support collar 74, such that the first and second pipes are encircled by the first and second clamping members respectively.

In operation, the clamp body 74 extends in the vertical direction and the first clamping member and the second clamping member are aligned vertically. Thus, the two pipes 61, 62 are aligned in a vertical plane. The first pipe is the water supply pipe. The second pipe is the upper pipe and can be used to prevent chickens from settling on the lower pipe.

One or more fixing holes 78 are provided at the upper end of the collar body 74, to fix the system to the ceiling and to allow the position of the watering system and therefore of the teat to be adjusted to the size of the chicken, during the growth of the chicken. The height adjustment can be done manually.

The water supply assembly 55 also includes an alignment holding device 90, to assist in assembling and aligning the pipe support collar 70, the water supply pipe or first pipe 61, the nipple 10, and, when necessary, the second pipe 62 and a cup 99 for collecting water that falls from the nipple when the chicken drinks. The alignment of the various elements ensures that, in operation once the system is fixed to the ceiling, the pipe support collar 70 and the nipple 10 inserted into the water supply pipe, as well as the cup if present, are vertically aligned, with the first and second parallel pipes also aligned in the vertical plane.

The alignment maintaining device 90 comprises an alignment maintaining device body 91 in the form of an extended annular collar or cylinder, and which, in operation, is provided to encircle the first pipe 61.

The alignment holding device body 91 comprises two hinged body parts 91A, 91B, which can be opened or connected to each other to form a pipe clamp clamping the first pipe 61.

The alignment holding device body 91 includes an alignment holding device hole 98, for the passage of the nipple inserted into the first pipe 61. The alignment holding device body 91 is wider than the nipple 10 and serves as a protection for the nipple 10.

The alignment holding device 90 also serves as a cup holder, for securing the cup 99.

A form-fitting positioning arrangement is provided to assist in the assembly of the water supply system 55.

The form-matching positioning arrangement includes one or more recesses and projections on the pipe support collar 70 and the alignment retainer 90.

In the illustrated example, a first positioning projection 83 extends from the clamp 73 of the first pipe element 71. The first positioning projection 83 extends laterally, orthogonally from the clamp 73. Thus, the first positioning projection 83 extends parallel to the first pipe when the first pipe is inserted into the clamp 73.

The first locating projection 83 is provided to cooperate with a locating recess 92 in the alignment holding device 90 adapted to form-fit mate with the locating projection 82. Of course, this does not limit the invention and the locating ring may be provided on the support body and the corresponding hole on the clamping member.

The positioning elements and arrangement of the pipe support collar ensure that, in operation, the pipe support collar 70 with the first and second clamping elements 71, 72 are vertically aligned, as well as the nipple inserted into the second pipe and, if a cup is provided, the cup 99.

Preferably, the water supply system 55 may have a maximum length of 5 meters. A length of a few meters, for example 2 to 4 meters, makes it possible to maintain good rigidity and robustness for the entire supply line.

The water supply systems 55 are connected to each other by connectors 56, preferably push-fit connectors. A second positioning projection 84 extending from the clamping member 72 and/or a third positioning projection 85 extending from the first clamping member 71 are provided. The second positioning projection 84 and the third positioning projection 85 extend in a lateral direction opposite the first positioning projection 83 and are provided to indicate that the pipe system 60 is properly inserted into the connector 56.

In other words, the positioning projection 83 t/or the third positioning projection 84 allow a control of the correct pipe insertion, during the insertion of the pipe into the fitting (of the push-fit/socket type). It is advantageous to know that the pipes are correctly inserted, that is to say until the projection is in contact with the fitting.

The assembly of the water supply system 55 is illustrated in , as follows

First, the nipple 10 is inserted into the first pipe 61, as shown in steps 1 to 3. In the figure, the seal 45 is inserted first, then the nipple 10, but it is also possible to have the nipple with its external seal 45 and to insert both the seal and the nipple directly.

In a next step, the alignment holding device 90 is mounted on the first pipe 61. To do this, the alignment holding device 90 is opened, to allow the nipple to pass through the holding device hole 98 and the alignment holding device 90 to slide around the nipple 10 towards the first pipe 61, as seen in steps 5 and 6. At this step, the alignment holding device 90 rests against the first pipe 61 and it is possible to close the alignment holding device 90 around the pipe 61 (step 7).

Then, the user can mount the pipe support collar 70 on the first pipe 61. To do this, the user positions the first pipe 61 on the clamping element 71 and, if applicable, the second pipe on the second clamping element 72, in steps 8 and 9, and closes the collar body 74 in step 10.

Finally, the user aligns the pipe support collar 70 with the alignment hold 90. To do this, the user may slide the alignment hold 90 or the pipe support collar 70 until the locating projection and recess in the double clamp and the hold fit together like puzzle pieces at steps 11 and 12. If necessary, the user may rotate the first pipe 61 to a position that allows for form-fitting engagement of the pipe support collar and the alignment hold.

It should be noted that this is only possible if the pipe support collar 70 and the alignment retainer 90 engage with each other when the nipple 10 is positioned vertically, extending vertically down the first pipe 61 when the system is secured to the ceiling.

Thus, the skilled person understands that the arrangement of the pipe support collar 70 and the alignment retainer 90 provides the vertical alignment of the system. The form-matching interlocking positioning system provides vertical position alignment of both the pipe support collar 70 and the nipple 10 inserted into the water supply pipe 61, as well as the cup 99, if present.

If the nipple is aligned first, all other elements will also be vertical, and nipples work better. In other words, once the nipple is aligned, all other elements are also aligned.

Verticality has a positive effect on teat responsiveness 10. In particular, good vertical alignment is good for water pressure control.

It should be noted that the pressure regulator 4 is also preferably designed to allow centering of the pressure regulator 4 in the vertical direction and improve the verticality of the water line with the pressure regulator.

The pressure regulator 4 is preferably provided with the solenoid valve centered on top of the pressure regulator.

In other words, instead of having pressure regulating elements with differently weighted bleed elements located outside the vertical plane and thus biasing the system into an unbalanced position, the pressure regulator is self-centered to be vertically aligned or at least have its barycenter aligned in the vertical plane.

The nipple 10 is protected by the alignment retainer 90, but the nipple 10 is held in the pipe by its external seal 45. It is thus possible to remove the alignment retainer 90 once everything has been properly secured and aligned. The cup 99 can be removed if necessary, the water supply system 50 remaining in place.

The water supply system 55 is easy to install. The nipple can be simply inserted into the pipe. The alignment holding device 90 and the pipe support collar 70 ensure both the correct assembly and the correct positioning of the various elements, as well as the protection of the nipple 10.

An anti-perching device may be fitted above, away from the pipes, but this is optional. The anti-perching device may be a metal bar, but other anti-perching devices are possible, such as a rotating system to prevent chickens from sitting or perching on the water pipe and, preferably, on the second pipe as well, if present.

The various elements of the system are chosen from materials selected to reduce the risk of contamination.

Antibacterial material is provided for elements in contact with drinking water.

The pipes 61, 62 may be made of thermoplastic material, for example PVC or c-PVC with an antibacterial material. The pipe support collar and the holding device, as well as the nipple housing, may be made of thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene (PP) with an antibacterial material. The cartridge may be made of thermoplastic material, for example PVC with an antibacterial material.

The antibacterial element is not supplied as a coating only, but is supplied in the mass. The antibacterial element is preferably added homogeneously to the thermoplastic material, e.g. PP or PVC.

Having the antibacterial element in the mass provides a significant advantage over having a coating only, since it excludes the risk of having a deteriorated coating and the risk of dissolution in water.

A non-limiting example of an antibacterial element is silver.

The ball, valve stem and insert are preferably made of stainless steel which is in itself a hygienic material.

The gasket is preferably made of rubber/EPDM for the seal, to secure the nipple in the pipe.

Overall, the present disclosure provides a system that reduces water contamination. The presence of stagnant water is avoided, the material of the various components reduces the formation of biofilm in the pipes and reduces the number of bacteria. This improvement in turn reduces the use of antibiotics, the need to flush the system, and the need for chemicals for disinfection. This results in less disease or mortality in chickens, as well as a more environmentally friendly system, using less water and fewer chemical/antibiotic treatments.

The above description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired by practice of the invention. The embodiment has been selected and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to use the invention in various embodiments suited to the particular use contemplated.

List of reference numbers:

Water line 2

Water source 3

Pacifier 10

Box 12

Longitudinal body axis A-A,

Through hole 14,

first diameter 14A, second diameter 14B, third diameter 14C

entry 15

exit 16

power supply part17A

valve receiving part 17B

ball receiving part 18

insert receiving part 19

valve 20

valve stem 22

enlarged head 23

rod body 24

insert 25

internal ends defining a conical valve seat 26

hollow insert body 27

annular edge of insert 28

ball 32

cage 33

cartridge 39

housing insert part 41

lower part of case 42

case body edge/shoulder 43

external circular seal 45

upper end 46

46A protection/anti-withdrawal arm, 46B cartridge passage

lower end 47

lower edge 48 with a lower outer surface 48B and an upper surface 48A

circumferential projection 49

inner surface 49A outer surface 49B lower outer surface 49C

radius of curvature RA, RB, RC

water supply system 55

pipe system 60,

first pipe 61

second pipe 62

anti-perching system 65

pipe support collar 70

first clamping element 71

second clamping element 72

clamp 73

clamp body 74

Fixing holes 78.

Positioning projection 83

Positioning projection 84

Positioning projection 85

90 alignment holding device.

Alignment Holding Device Body 91

Positioning hole 92

Holding device hole 98

Cup 99

Claims (14)

Water supply assembly (55) comprising
a pipe support collar (70) holding a water pipe (61), the pipe support collar (61) comprising a collar body (74) extending between an upper end and a lower end, with a first clamping member (71) for clamping the water pipe (61) at the lower end and a fixing device at the upper end for fixing to a ceiling,
a nipple (10) inserted into the water pipe (61),
an alignment holding device (90) aligning the pipe support collar (70), the water pipe (61) and the nipple (10),
a form-fitting positioning arrangement comprising at least one or more recesses in one of the pipe support collar (70) and the alignment retaining device (90) mating with at least one or more projections on the other of the pipe support collar (70) and the alignment retaining device (90), such that in operation, once the fixing device is secured to the ceiling, the pipe support collar (70) and the nipple (10) inserted into the water pipe (61), and the second pipe and the cup (99), if present, are vertically aligned. A water supply assembly according to claim 1, the alignment maintainer (90) comprises an alignment maintainer body (91) in the form of an extended cylinder or annular ring, which encircles the water pipe (61), and the alignment maintainer body (91) has an alignment maintainer hole (98) for the passage of the nipple (10). A water supply assembly according to claim 2, wherein the alignment maintainer body (91) is provided with a cup (99) extending from the alignment maintainer body, the alignment maintainer (90) aligning the pipe support collar (70), the water pipe (61) and the nipple (10), as well as the cup (99) for collecting water falling from the nipple, and optionally a second pipe (62). A water supply assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the form-fitting locating arrangement comprises a first locating projection (83) extending from the first clamping member (71), the first locating projection (83) extending laterally, orthogonally from the clamp, mating with a locating recess (92) in the alignment retainer (90). A water supply assembly (55) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a connector (56), preferably a push-fit connector, for coupling to another water supply assembly, and at least one second locating projection (85) extending from the clamping member (71), extending in a lateral direction opposite the first locating projection. A water supply assembly (55) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the collar body (74) is comprised of two collar body halves (74a, 74b) which are hinged at one end of the collar body (74), for opening or closing the collar body, and wherein, in the closed position, the two halves (74a, 74b) are brought together to close the first clamping members (71). A water supply assembly (55) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe support collar (70) is a double support collar with a first clamping member (71) for clamping the supply pipe (61) and a second clamping member (72) for clamping a second pipe (62), such that the water pipe (61) and the second pipe (62) are parallel. A water supply assembly (55) according to any preceding claim, wherein the nipple has a housing with a valve comprising a ball and a valve stem, the ball and valve stem being made of stainless steel. A water supply assembly (55) according to claim 8, wherein the nipple has a flow regulating control element in the form of a cartridge, wherein the cartridge is made of PVC with an antibacterial material, the housing body being made of PP with an antibacterial material. A water supply assembly (55) according to any preceding claim, wherein the water pipe is made of a polymer with an antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent being present in the bulk of the polymer. Method of mounting a water supply assembly, comprising the following steps:
insert the nipple (10) into the first water pipe,
mounting the alignment holding device (90) on the water pipe, wherein the nipple is inserted into the holding device hole (98) and the alignment holding device (90) around the nipple is brought into abutment with the water pipe,
close the alignment holding device (90) around the first pipe (61),
mount the pipe support collar (70) on the first pipe (61),
sliding one of the alignment holding device (90) and the pipe support collar (70) toward the other of the alignment holding device (90) and the pipe support collar (70) until the at least one or more recesses of the one of the alignment holding device (90) and the pipe support collar (70) engage at least one or more projections of the other of the alignment holding device (90) and the pipe support collar (70). A method according to claim 11, comprising rotating the first pipe (61), where the nipple (10) is located, into a position allowing the form-fitting engagement of the positioning holding device and the pipe support collar which is fixed to the ceiling and positioned vertically. A method according to the preceding claim, comprising fixing the pipe support collar to the ceiling or to a fixing element, so as to align in the vertical plane the pipe support collar (70) and the nipple (10), as well as the cup (99), if present, and with the first pipe and the second parallel pipe, if present, also aligned. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising removing the alignment maintaining device without removing the pacifier.