The present invention relates to a lighting system for breeding of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim. In particular, the present invention relates to a lighting system for breeding animals belonging to the class of mammals, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and buffaloes, that are installable in a stable.

As is known, breeding systems for animals belonging to the class of mammals, also known as stables, usually include one or more aisles on the sides of which there are compartments, sometimes separated by partitions or without partitions, inside which the livestock is housed.

These compartments are preferably open and suitable for allowing the free arrangement of animals contained therein. Furthermore, connecting passages can be created between the various aisles, in such a way as to define paths that bring livestock between one type of equipment and another.

For example, in free stables for cattle, the different distribution of the aisles, the passageways connecting them, the watering tanks, the front of the manger and the resting areas in bunks has a decisive impact on the rationality of the stable and on the relating operating results. All the current breeding systems, in any configuration, substantially comprise manger aisles, or even milking aisles in the case of cattle, which include lighting means, typically lamps, of a conventional type.

Such lamps are simple light emitters that can be activated or deactivated by button and that do not provide any further configuration to the operator. The known technique described therefore comprises some important drawbacks. In particular, current breeding plants distribute fixed lighting that is strictly dependent on the power of the lamp used.

For this reason, it is possible that sometimes the light is not sufficient, or is excessive, to maintain a state of comfort of the animals housed within the breeding systems.

In addition, the systems are difficult to adapt to the needs of each type of animal since they are, as already mentioned, barely adequate for housing only one type of animal.

In conclusion, the plants of the known art are managed manually by operators and, therefore, involve large costs of management and any case require control by qualified operators.

In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to project a lighting system for breeding capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks. Within the scope of said technical task, it is an important aim of the invention to obtain a lighting system for breeding that allows to define correct lighting according to the needs of the animals housed in the breeding.

Another important purpose of the invention is to create a lighting system that is able to vary the type of lighting according to the animals housed in the breeding. In conclusion, a further task of the art is to provided a lighting system which is substantially autonomous and free from the need for human control over it.

The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a lighting system for breeding as claimed in the attached claim 1.

Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims. The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

The Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the emitter and support of a lighting system for breeding according to the invention;

The Fig. 2 illustrates a functional diagram of a lighting system for breeding according to the invention in which the control means are also present;

The Fig. 3 is a graphic showing, in orderly, the spectral distribution of relative power and, in abscissa, the wavelength of the waves included in the spectrum in which the two peaks are highlighted respectively in the area between 400nm and 500 nm and in the area between 550nm and 650 nm;

The Fig. 4 represents the detail of the illuminance defined by the lens of a lighting system for breeding according to the invention in which, in particular, the illumination is given by the lens applied to the light source with opposed asymmetrical distribution counterpose with asymmetrical component between 0° and 35°;

The Fig. 5a shows an example of installation in a stable of a lighting system for breeding according to the invention wherein a plurality of emitters is installed in such a way as to illuminate mainly the central aisle of manger and, in part, the side bunks; and

The Fig. 5b illustrates an example of installation in a stable of a lighting system for breeding according to the invention wherein a plurality of emitters is installed in such a way as to illuminate mainly the central milking aisle and also the lateral milking areas.

In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be considered as except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors, and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measurements, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated. For instance, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of not more than 10% of the value.

Moreover, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “higher”, “lower”, “main” and

“secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or a relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between their different components.

The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed in the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO

(ISO 2533:1975).

With reference to the drawings, lighting system for breeding according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1.

At the basis of system 1 , there is discovery that most animals, in particular belonging to the class of mammals, for breeding are particularly sensitive to the effects deriving from lighting and to which they are subjected.

In fact, almost all animals prefer prolonged or balanced exposure to daylight and may also need a few hours of darkness where they can rest better.

For example, it is known that cattle are affected by stress especially during periods of darkness, mainly due to the fact that, in these phases, they perceive as if they are potential prey.

At the same time, pigs have specific needs for light and enjoy the influence of light since they are animals that greatly appreciate sunlight for both feeding and resting, although today they are raised almost completely in the dark.

Goats, sheep and buffaloes, which are animals with a negative cycle-period, also suffer a positive influence if subjected to proper lighting. As these animals have a negative cycle-period they have their maximum welfare and productivity peak in the autumn and winter period until mid-spring.

Therefore, for them, a light that reproduces from the sun is slightly softer than the one used for animals with a positive cycle-period since, for obvious reasons of seasonality, the autumn-winter sunlight is not intense and therefore of the same color of the spring summer period. As described, therefore, the system 1 is configured, briefly, to adjust the light within a reference spectrum and, if required, also select the desired emission wavelength.

In particular, preferably, the system 1 is configured to be positioned at least in correspondence with an aisle 10 of a stable 100 of a mammal animals stable. The stable 100 can be of any kind. It can be suitable for the containment of any mammal, whether bovine, ovine, pork, goat or other.

For example, the stable 100 may be a cattle stable and, therefore, may include a manger 11 and/or a milking parlor 12.

The manger 11, in particular, can define a central manger aisle 11a, of the type similar to any aisle 10, and a plurality of bunks 11b.

The central manger aisle 11a and the bunks 11b are stations well known to those skilled in the art and common in any stable 100 for cattle.

Likewise, the milking parlor 12 in particular can define a central milking aisle 12a, of the type similar to any aisle 10, and a plurality of milking chambers 12b. The milking chambers 12b are lateral areas, with respect to the central milking aisle 12a, wherein the cattle stop to receive the milking.

Also the central milking lane 12a and the milking chambers 12b are stations well known to the person skilled in the art and common in any stable 100 for cattle.

It is important to note that, for the purposes of the present invention, the person skilled in the art is a figure composed of at least two professional experts. The person skilled in the art, in fact, knows at least the basic electronics and is able to make electronic connections between the various parts of the system 1 , as well as some parts of the system 1 itself. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art also knows what concerns the structure of stables 100 and its composition, including aisles 10 and any typical configurations for installing systems 1 within said aisles

10.

Essentially, in any case, the plant 1 includes at least one emitter 2.

The emitter 2 is preferably configured to generate at least one light beam 2a.

The light beam 2a can therefore be focused or oriented in various ways, as better explained below.

The emitter 2, of course, is operationally connected to a power supply system and can be connected to a wall, either a side wall, a ceiling or even the ground itself.

For example, as it is known, the emitter 2 can be connected to an industrial or even domestic electrical system. In any case, preferably, the light beam 2a defines, in use, an illuminance of between 1 lx and 250 lx.

This illumination can, therefore, vary more precisely depending on the areas of use of the emitter 2, as well as the time period of use of the emitter 2 itself. In other words, the light beam 2a can be adjusted, in terms of intensity or illuminance, according to whether it is during the day or the night. Preferably, at whatever intensity it is adjusted, the light beam 2a defines, in use, a spectrum including waves of light at a wavelength between 400nm and 800 nm.

Even more in detail, preferably, the spectrum defines at lease a first peak of spectral distribution of relative power between 400nm and 500 nm. By “peak” it is intended that the spectrum has a maximum point significantly distinct from the average pattern of the spectral distribution of relative power.

The spectrum, furthermore, can also present a second peak of spectral distribution of relative power between 550 nm and 650 nm.

The development of the spectrum distribution of relative power is, in any case, described by the example graphic shown in Fig. 3 wherein each of the peaks described are highlighted.

Furthermore, the emission of the light beam 2a is preferably controllable.

In this regard, the system 1 , also, may include control means 4.

The control means 4 are, preferably, configured to control the emitter 2. The control means 4 can, therefore, comprise a manual control panel for a user, or they can be configured to autonomously control the emitter 2 without the intervention of an operator.

In any case, preferably, the control means 4 are operationally connected at least to the emitter 2. Preferably, the control means 4 are electronic and also connected to a power supply system. This system can be the same as the emitter 2.

The control means 4 are, in the preferred configuration, configured to define predetermined illuminances of the light beams 2a along different time periods during the same daily cycle.

By this we mean that, for example, for 16 daylight hours the lighting can be set within certain fairly high values, while for 8 daytime hours the lighting can be set to low, if not zero, values, in order to simulate the environmental effects of the transition from daylight to evening and night lighting.

To reduce additionally the stress of visual and neurological apparatus of mammals, the control means 4 include an anti-flickering device. The anti-flickering device is preferably adapted to reduce the flickering effect on the light beam 2a. Anti-flickering devices are known in the current state of the art for humans, but not for mammal animals.

The emitter 2 also, in the preferred embodiment, includes a casing 20 and a light source 21. The light source 21 is preferably configured to emit the light beam 2a.

In this regard, preferably, the source 21 includes a plurality of LED devices.

Naturally, the source 21 could include other means, such as lamps or other light emitters, as long as they can be configured in such a way as to create the light beam 2a according to the invention. Preferably, the source 21 includes a plate on which several LEDs are placed.

The source 21 is also preferably arranged on the casing 20.

The latter, in the preferred embodiment, substantially creates a box open along one side. Preferably, the open side is that from which the light beam 2a is emitted.

Therefore, the source 21 is substantially placed, at least in part, within the casing 20.

In addition, however, the casing 20 includes a plurality of slots 20a.

The slots 20a are through notches in such a way as to put the inside of the casing

20 in communication with the external environment.

In particular, the slots 20a are configured in such a way as to limit the maximum operating temperature, that is the operating temperature of the emitter 2, within 60°C. In this way, in particular, the triggering of any hay dust or other flammable residues is avoided, as can happen with common lamps at excessively high temperatures.

In addition, in order to improve the behavior of the emitter 2, the casing 20 includes an anodized aluminum body underwent to Hardplate treatment. This treatment is carried out mainly, but not only, to increase resistance to corrosion, wear, and friction while maintaining suitability for contact with food.

The emitter 2, as mentioned, is preferably configured to focus or orient the light beam 2a. In this regard, it preferably includes a lens 22.

The lens 22 is preferably configured to focus the light beam 2a on a predetermined area. In this regard, for example, the lens can define distribution zones for the light beam 2a coming from the source 21.

For example, in Fig. 4, it is shown a focusing of the light beam 2a deriving from opposed asymmetric distribution with an asymmetrical component between 0° and

35°.

Furthermore, the emitter 2 can be directly constrained to the wall and the light beam 2a can be fixed and oriented only thanks to the lens 22.

Or, the system 1 can also include a support 3. The support 3, if present, including at least one joint surface 30.

The joint surface 30 is preferably substantially flat and adapted to allow the constraint on a wall. In addition, the support 3 includes a connector 31. The connector 31 is preferably configured to constrain in a compliant way the support 3 and the emitter 2. It preferably defines a rotation axis 3a. The emitter 2 can, therefore, preferably rotate, on command, with respect to the support 3 around the rotation axis 3a.

This rotation can take place thanks to the manual intervention of an operator, or a controlled movement could be provided by the control means 4, even automatic.

In this regard, the control means 4 could be operatively connected to the support 3.

In any case, any support 3 could be suitable for the constraint of the emitter 2 to the wall. Also cardan knots or trolleys designed to allow translation on command.

The operation of the lighting system 1 for breeding previously described in structural terms is as follows. The emitter 2 can be constraint to a wall, for example to the ceiling, through the support 3 and oriented by use of the control means 4 or manually.

In addition, the illumination of the emitter 2 itself can always be varied thanks to the control means 4 in such a way as to control the lighting during the daily cycle.

For example, the emitter 2 is configured, when arranged inside a manger 11, in such a way as to emit one or more light beams 2a defining in use, an illuminance of between 50 lx and 80 lx within the central manger aisle 11a and defining an illuminance comprised between 30 lx and 50 lx within each of the cubicles 11b.

Alternatively, the emitter 2 is configured, when placed inside a milking parlor 12, in such a way as to emit one or more light beams 2a defining in use, an illuminance of between 180 lx and 220 lx within the central aisle milking aisle 12a and defining an illuminance comprised between 130 lx and 170 lx within each milking chamber

12b.

In these examples, the term “in use” means the emission t maximum illuminance typical of light beams 2a suitable for simulating daylight. The lighting system 1 for breeding according to the invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, the system 1 allows you to define a correct lighting according to each mammal animal. The spectrum of wavelengths and peaks are, in fact, set to be adaptable to each mammal. Furthermore, the control means 4 and the shape of the light source 21 allow the illuminance to be varied during the daily cycles so as to simulate the passage of time and reduce the effects of stress to which the animals are subjected in the face of incorrect lightening.

For example, the cattle are not upset by the darkness within which they feel easy prey for predators.

The system 1 , moreover, is substantially autonomous and does not require, in the preferred embodiments, human control since the illumination can be controlled by the control means 4 or set in a predetermined manner.

The invention is susceptible of variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.