DE202010012233U1 - Device for brushing animals - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for brushing animals, in particular cattle and cows, with at least one rotating brush (2, 3) which is / are driven by a motor, the brush (s) (2, 3) including drive on a height-adjustable brush head (7, 8, 9) is arranged / are, characterized in that the means for adjusting the height of the brush head (7, 8, 9) is designed such that the orientation of the brush rotation axes (4, 5) does not change in the height adjustment.

Description

The Invention is directed to a brushing device of animals, especially cattle, cows and pigs, with at least one rotating brush, the motor is drivable / are, with the brush (s) and drive on arranged a height-adjustable brush head is / are.

The Brushing livestock is generally useful for the care of especially cattle, cows, calves and pigs, as these are common in lice, mites and / or other parasites, and by lichens or fungi are infested. The constant person-controlled brushing However, due to the associated workload completely impossible, especially when the cattle are in a pasture. Besides, it is not always for a farmer Recognizable when and at which point a livestock infested by parasites is and should be brushed. Furthermore is z. B. from the Japanese Kobe cattle her known that intense Brushing and massaging z. B. in cattle soothing the animals are effective and thus improve the meat production in the medium term. or milk quality can be achieved.

It has therefore developed devices for brushing animals, especially cattle, which can be used by the animals themselves, such. In DE 10 2006 012 261 B3 . DE 20 2006 004 243 U1 or the DE 20 2008 008 488 U1 described. The brush head equipped with two brushes - one with a vertical axis of rotation and one with an approximately horizontal axis of rotation - is attached to a rocker which can be lifted along a curved path. When a cattle is placed under the approximately horizontal brush and thereby raises the entire swingarm, a switch is actuated - the brushes are rotated and the cattle are brushed.

That itself from the previously known, variable brush unit at Lifting moved along a curved path, in particular a End of the brush head rocker about an approximately horizontal axis is pivotally mounted, has the one against the vertical brush pressing force exerted an oppressive animal the pivot position of the swingarm bearing dependent force component in a vertical direction. For example. becomes with a small animal the brush head additionally pressed down, what a stronger brushing force on the back of the Animal brings with it, which eventually scouring injury can arise. For larger animals however, the brush head may be pushed upwards, so that these animals in the back or neck area only inadequate be brushed.

Out These disadvantages of the prior art, the invention results initiating problem, a generic device for brushing animals, in particular cattle, cows, calves and / or pigs, in such a way that independent from the stroke position of the brush head or independently always the size of the animal optimum brushing result is achieved; in particular should the lateral pressure force of the animal against the vertical brush preferably no influence on the pressure force have the horizontal brush, so that the weight load the animal back through the brush head as possible is constant.

The Solving this problem succeeds in that the device for height adjustment of the brush head in such a way is formed, that is the orientation of the brush rotation axes does not change in the height adjustment.

Thereby changes the brush with a vertical axis of rotation during the stroke movement of the brush head their position is not and So it can not be used either with its upper or lower end Dodge, so that the lateral pressure of the animal no generates vertical force component and thus the vertical pressure force the brush with horizontal axis of rotation of the stroke position is not affected.

It has proven to be beneficial that the brush head is adjustable along a straight line, that is without a swivel mechanism. An advantage of the invention lies in the fact that opposite a pivoting movement a smaller footprint for installation or assembly of the device is necessary and thus also a Installation or fixation of the bracket on the wall in closer Stable areas is possible.

It lies within the scope of the invention that the brush head along a vertical line can be raised and lowered. By doing so during the lifting movement no lateral displacement takes place, can kick the (useful) animal under the device and lift it comfortably, without having to carry out a lateral movement.

Prefers the brushes are in the area of each one of their faces stored on the brush head, while the other Brush ends each free ends. The one-sided Storage of the brushes will cause a to one side completely open form of the brush assembly so that the livestock does not interfere with its freedom of movement becomes.

Further advantages result from the fact that the axis of rotation of a brush is approximately perpendicular, the axis of rotation of the other brush approximately horizontal or slightly rising from the brush head. By this relative arrangement of Both brushes to each other results in a laterally wide open form of brushing direction, which is rather accepted by the cattle. In this case, the slightly increasing execution of the horizontal brush head has the advantage that the brush can initially be easily exceeded by the animal and then can be easily lifted by a lateral movement of the animal towards the vertical breasts out.

The Rotational axes of both brushes should be in a common, vertical level. A conceivable offset between the two Brushing could cause that while the brushing process areas omitted or not reached would.

It has proven that the axes of rotation of both Cut brushes approximately in the area of the brush head. Thus, an optimal drive of the two brushes through a common transmission can be achieved.

The Invention can be further developed to that the drive shafts of the two brushes in the area of Intersection of the two axes of rotation to a respective drive shaft a branching and / or reduction gear are connected. Preference is given to a transmission with a fixed gear ratio and preferably equal speeds of both brush rollers. At The input shaft of the transmission is connected to a motor, in particular an electric motor. Such an electric motor is inexpensive and without any special maintenance or entertainment in any agricultural Operation usable. Furthermore, an electric motor generates no disturbing Exhaust gases, especially harmful to livestock indoors would have to be and be removed.

It is advantageous in that the brush head on two vertically staggered points or areas of a stationary Mounting device supports. Thus, the high weight the brush head are optimally supported, without that particularly high requirement for the material of the brackets would be to make. Furthermore, torsion and / or Rotational forces, which by violent falling below of the brush head triggered by the (livestock) cattle could be kept away from the holder as far as possible.

By the invention is intended that the two support points or areas of the brush head to the stationary mounting device at move a height adjustment of the brush head, however, their mutual distance remains constant and thus a permanent stable holder is guaranteed.

Prefers the brush head is arranged on a carriage, the along at least one stationary, preferably straight, in particular approximately vertical guide element is adjustable. One of them resulting, straight, especially vertical displacement easier the operation by an animal.

Of the Sled should at least two on a guide element have guided facilities to one as possible to ensure stable fixation.

The guide element to be used may be at least one Rail, profile and / or pillar be formed. there It is advantageous if the used rail, profile or pillar a pivoting of the brush head carriage about the longitudinal axis prevents the guide device. From this point of view would be z. B. a square tube over a Round tube as a guiding element to give priority. Also Rails in different embodiments (eg U-rail) specifically prevent a pivoting. Another measure to avoid pivoting about the longitudinal axis of the Guiding device can u. a. consist of two or a plurality of mutually parallel guide elements provided.

The Guided unit should at least one elongated guide element, For example, in the embodiment of a column, at least embrace in certain areas. When using a rail construction must the leadership unit in shape and size be adapted to the guide element, in particular such, that their cross sections are designed as matching pendants are. Regardless of what geometry the guide element have to move relative to each other Parts are in close contact with each other.

One Guide element is about a plain bearing, in particular a linear plain bearing, guided on the guide device be. It may be advantageous if the plain bearing with a Lubricant is provided to a smooth, low-wear To enable operation. This will cause the brush head to lift as much as possible, and the maintenance interval kept as low as possible for the device.

Preferably, the carriage itself has an elongated geometry with a longitudinal axis extending along the brush with an approximately vertical axis of rotation, preferably approximately to its lower end. In this case, the carriage may have at its lower end a bearing for the axis of rotation of the vertical brush. For this purpose, for example, be provided at the lower end of the carriage, a laterally projecting arm, the un ter, the vertical brush, ie the brush with a vertical axis of rotation extends. In the region of the free end of the storage of the free lower end of the vertical brush rotation axis can then be arranged. This ensures that the entire weight of the brush head is supported supportive from below.

Of the Movement travel of the brush head should be through or be limited to a plurality of stop elements. This way you can prevent that the brush head including guide unit through lifted too much lifting out of the guide element or is prevented from falling out down. Furthermore Thus, a minimum height of the predominantly horizontal aligned brush and thus falling below facilitated by the livestock. For example, you can have a minimum height set, which is based on the average shoulder height oriented to a dairy cow.

A The device according to the invention is further distinguished from by an element for partial compensation of the weight of the brush head to be lifted. This will allow that the animal to be brushed is the brush head automatically, in a uniform shape in the vertical direction can, without causing a pivoting of the brush head comes. In addition, so that the vertical compressive force of horizontal brush during brushing be set.

After all It is the teaching of the invention that the element compensates the weight force as a spring, preferably designed as a tension spring is on the one hand, on the stationary mounting device on the one hand it guided brush head or this one carrying carriage or on the height-adjustable frame part on the other hand is arranged. The use of a tension spring has the advantage that the brush device not only vertically slightly behind above, but also promotes a uniform, gradual lowering of the brush head in his Starting position after an animal has left the device again. In each case, a connecting element of the spring, in particular at the top and lower end of the spring, at a higher or lower point of the brush head rocker one hand and the (mounting) chassis on the other hand fixed. These are points preferably not only in the vertical direction, but also in horizontal Direction shifted against each other, so that the longitudinal direction the spring slightly inclined relative to the vertical can be.

Further Features, details, benefits and effects based on the Invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred Embodiment of the invention and with reference to the drawing. Their sole figure shows an inventive Apparatus for brushing animals in side view.

The device according to the invention 1 for brushing animals has two cylindrical brushes 2 . 3 on. Both brushes 2 . 3 each rotate about their respective axis of rotation 4 . 5 , The rotation axis 4 a brush 2 runs approximately vertically, the axis of rotation 5 the other brush 3 about horizontal or slightly inclined to the horizontal.

Preference is given to the approximately vertical axis of rotation 4 in its upper area above the brush 2 cut from the axis of rotation 5 the other brush 3 , At the intersection, the intermediate angle is about 100 °, such that the second axis of rotation 5 preferably not exactly horizontal, but from the point of intersection 6 starting slightly increases.

The intermediate angle is determined by the geometry of a branching gear 7 , of which two output shafts leads vertically downwards and with the axis of rotation 4 the vertical brush 2 Aligns while the other output shaft slightly rising from the gear housing and with the approximately horizontal axis of rotation 5 the other brush 3 flees. The point of intersection 6 between the two axes of rotation 4 . 5 lies in the range of the transmission 7 ,

On top of the gearbox 7 is the drive motor 8th , preferably an electric motor. The side is on the transmission 7 a mounting plate 9 attached, in particular screwed. The plane of the mounting plate 9 is oriented vertically. Its base is preferably rectangular, wherein the longer side preferably extends in the horizontal direction and preferably on that side of the transmission 7 protrudes, which of the brush 3 with approximately horizontal axis of rotation 5 is about opposite.

On the protruding - so the approximately horizontal brush 3 facing away - area of this mounting plate 9 is an angle iron 10 welded, approximately parallel to the approximately vertical brush rotation axis 4 extending, for the most part down. This angle iron 10 extends along the vertical brush 2 down to a level below the lower brush face. At its lower end is the angle iron 10 by a plate running transversely to its longitudinal direction 11 - For example, completed by square base. This end plate 11 is preferred on the two legs of the angle iron 10 welded, preferably along their lower end faces. This lower end plate 11 preferably serves to define one of the angle iron approximately horizontally toward the Bürs th 2 cantilevered arm 12 , for example in the form of a flat or angle iron. The free end of this arm 12 is located in an area below the vertical brush rotation axis 4 and carries there a storage element 13 wherein the lower end of the brush rotation axis 4 is stored. For this purpose, a rolling bearing is preferred; in other embodiments, it can also be plain bearings. It is important that the brush rotation axis 4 Even with strong lateral forces is not overstressed by transverse or bending forces.

These parts 9 . 10 . 11 form a movable, ie, height-adjustable chassis 14 ,

A stationary chassis on the other hand 15 comprises at least one approximately vertical angle iron 16 , preferably with (each) an upper and lower, eg. welded-in end plate 17 . 18 ,

In the present example, there are two such angle iron 16 , which are the same length and are at the same height. Her two upper ends - especially her two upper end plates 17 - are each by a horizontally extending profile 19 - For example, a flat iron or a plate - connected to each other, and also your two lower ends - especially their two lower end plates 18 - are each by a horizontally extending profile 20 - Eg. A flat iron or a plate - connected to each other. This frame 15 is by means of angle iron 16 bolted to a wall or screwed.

Between the top and bottom of this stationary chassis 15 at least one guide profile extends 21 , optionally also their two or more. Such a guide profile should have over its length a constant cross-section, for example. According to a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical shape, or according to a prism with a polygonal cross-section, preferably in the form of a regular polygon.

Preferred is a guide profile 21 only partially with the chassis 15 connected, preferably only at its two ends. A leadership profile 21 runs approximately vertically between the upper and lower end of the stationary chassis 15 , preferably between its approximately horizontal profiles 19 . 20 , for example, in the manner of a column. For fixation can at the ends of a guide profile 21 concentric thread approaches 22 , in particular with a tapered cross section, be provided, which each have a bore in the two profiles 19 . 20 pass through and are fixed outside the same by means of screwed nuts or other threaded elements.

Any such guide profile 21 gets from two pods 23 . 24 encompassed. Here is the fit between the sleeves 23 . 24 and the guide profile dimensioned such that a smooth shift is possible, but without jamming is to be feared. It is about to think about a kind of transitional fit, which should be designed to be too smooth rather than too stiff. The guide profiles are preferred 21 , which may also be formed as hollow tubes inside, polished on its outer shell, and for this reason and / or for example. Thanks to lubrication can be a smooth relative movement of the sleeves 23 . 24 along the guide profiles 21 be permanently ensured.

Preferably, the upper sleeve 23 longer and / or more stable than the lower sleeve 24 because it must stabilize a greater lateral force than the lower sleeve 24 ,

The pods 23 . 24 are along their outer perimeter with the height-adjustable chassis 14 connected, for example screwed or welded. Preferably, the sleeves are 23 . 24 to one in the angle iron 10 set parallel alignment to this; at several, mutually parallel angle iron 10 can also ever a pair of sleeves 23 . 24 on each an angle iron 10 be set.

Furthermore, at the top and bottom of a guide profile 21 depending on a stop and / or damping element 25 be provided. This may be a ring or a possibly perforated disc in the middle, preferably made of an elastic material such as hard rubber. Depending such a stop and / or damping element 25 can each have an end threaded approach 22 be plugged before the same through a hole in the relevant profile 19 . 20 threaded. Preferably, the outer diameter or cross section of a stop and / or damping element 25 greater than the outer diameter or cross section of the guide profile 21 itself, and also larger than the inner diameter or the clear opening of a sleeve 23 . 24 so that the adjacent sleeve 23 . 24 at the end of its lifting or lowering movement on the adjacent element 25 abuts or brakes.

Furthermore, a tension spring 26 provided, preferably in the form of an elongated coil spring with two hooked, looped or looped bent ends, one of which in the upper region of the stationary chassis 15 and the other at the bottom of the height-adjustable chassis 14 on the other hand is fixed, preferably to each one there anchoring means 27 such as hook, bolt, pin, rivet, pin, screw od. Like. Hung. Because these anchoring means 27 preferably at one or more angle iron 10 . 16 of be meeting the chassis 14 . 15 are arranged, which in turn approximately diametrically to each other on both sides of a guide profile 21 lie, is the longitudinal axis of the tensioned tension spring 26 Normally slightly inclined with respect to the vertical.

On the other hand, the tension spring could 26 also be hung on a hole or anchored. The tension spring 26 is designed as a strong, elongated coil spring, which has a variety of turns. Possibly. can also two or more such, approximately parallel to each other tension springs 26 be provided. It should be sized so that - with appropriate deflection - a substantial part or even the entire weight of the height-adjustable chassis 14 including brush head with motor 8th , Transmission 7 and brushes 2 . 3 can carry.

For this purpose the tension spring (s) is / are 26 already biased in the starting position. That means an upward tension on the height adjustable chassis 14 acts and thus relieves the brush head partially or completely of its weight. This makes it easier for an animal, the brush head including height-adjustable chassis 14 raise, because the animal has to apply only a part of the weight - the rest makes the prestressed spring. After the animal the device 1 has left, moves the height-adjustable slide 14 down, with the spring 26 returns to its already biased starting position and it is again tense more. With increasing deflection of the spring 26 increases their spring force, until this the height-adjustable slide 14 - Ideally, before reaching the lower stop or damping element 25 - decelerates and finally moves to its starting position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

brush

3

brush

4

axis of rotation

5

axis of rotation

6

intersection

7

transmission

8th

drive motor

9

mounting plate

10

angle iron

11

end plate

12

poor

13

storage element

14

height-adjustable chassis

15

stationary chassis

16

angle iron

17

upper end plate

18

lower end plate

19

profile

20

profile

21

guide profile

22

threaded extension

23

upper shell

24

lower shell

25

Lifting / damping element

26

mainspring

27

anchoring means

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102006012261 B3 [0003]
• - DE 202006004243 U1 [0003]
• - DE 202008008488 U1 [0003]

Claims (20)

Contraption ( 1 ) for brushing animals, in particular cattle and cows, with at least one rotating brush ( 2 . 3 ) which is motor-driven, the brush (s) ( 2 . 3 ) with drive on a height-adjustable brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) is / are arranged, characterized in that the means for adjusting the height of the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) is designed such that the orientation of the brush rotation axes ( 4 . 5 ) does not change in the height adjustment. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) is adjustable along a straight line. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) Can be raised and lowered along a vertical line. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one brush ( 2 . 3 ) in the region of one of its end faces on the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) is stored while their other brush end ends free. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of rotation ( 4 ) a brush ( 2 ) is approximately perpendicular, the axis of rotation ( 5 ) of the other brush ( 3 ) approximately horizontally or slightly rising from the brush head. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of rotation ( 4 . 5 ) of both brushes ( 2 . 3 ) lie approximately in a common, vertical plane. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of rotation ( 4 . 5 ) of both brushes ( 2 . 3 ) approximately in the region of the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) to cut. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive shafts of the two brushes ( 2 . 3 ) in the region of the point of intersection ( 6 ) of the two rotation axes ( 4 . 5 ) to each output shaft of a branching and / or reduction gear ( 7 ) are connected to the input shaft of a motor ( 8th ), in particular an electric motor. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) at two vertically staggered points or areas of a fixed mounting device ( 15 ) is supported. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the two support points or areas of the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) on the fixed mounting device ( 15 ) at a height adjustment of the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ), but their mutual distance remains constant. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) on a carriage ( 14 ) is arranged along at least one stationary, preferably straight, in particular approximately vertical guide element ( 21 ) is adjustable. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the carriage ( 14 ) at least two on a guide element ( 21 ) guided facilities ( 23 . 24 ) having. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a guide element ( 21 ) is designed as a rail, profile or pillar. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a guide unit ( 23 . 24 ) a guide element ( 21 ) at least partially encompasses. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a guide unit ( 23 . 24 ) via a plain bearing, in particular a linear plain bearing, on a guide element ( 21 ) is guided. Device according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the carriage ( 14 ) along the brush ( 2 ) with an approximately vertical axis of rotation ( 4 ), preferably to the lower end thereof. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the free lower end of the brush ( 2 ) with the approximately vertical axis of rotation ( 4 ) on one of the carriages ( 14 ) cantilevered arm ( 12 ) is stored. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement range of the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) by one or more stop and / or damping elements ( 25 ) is limited. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an element for partial or complete compensation of the weight of the brush head to be lifted ( 7 . 8th . 9 ). Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the element for balancing the weight as a spring, preferably as a tension spring ( 26 ) is formed, the fixed to the mounting Facility ( 15 ) on the one hand, on the brush head ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) or a carriage guiding them ( 14 ) is arranged on the other hand.