JP2010207139A - Teat-washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a teat-washing apparatus which enables to readily and sufficiently remove stains from a brush, can eliminate troubles such as useless labors and time required for maintenance work (exchange work), and always maintains a necessary washing ability. <P>SOLUTION: In the teat-washing apparatus, a brush mechanism portion 3 includes: a brush holder portion 11 rotated by a rotation-driving portion 4; a brush-receiving portion 13 which is displaceably supported by the brush holder portion 11 over a prescribed range of an axial direction Fs and is urged by brush-urging sections 12 on the side of an insertion port 2i; a tip-washing brush portion 14 which is attached to or detached from the brush-receiving portion 13 in the axial direction Fs and washes at least the tip portion Ms of a teat M; and a relative position-controlling portion 15 for controlling the relative position between the tip-washing brush portion 14 and the brush-receiving portion 13, when the tip-washing brush portion 14 is mounted to the brush-receiving portion 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a nipple cleaning apparatus including a cleaning unit suitable for use in cleaning (wiping) a nipple of a cow and a main body connected to the cleaning unit.

  In general, since nipples of milking cows are contaminated with dirt and germs, from the viewpoint of hygienic production of milk, prevention of milk quality deterioration or prevention of mastitis of cows, etc. It is necessary to carry out a predetermined cleaning operation (wiping operation) for the above-mentioned, and the applicant has already proposed a cleaning device suitable for use in such a cleaning operation.

  The cleaning device disclosed in the same document 1 enables effective and sufficient cleaning even on a undulating tip of a protruding object to be cleaned, and prevents dust from adhering to the brush in the brush mechanism. A housing part in which a protruding object to be cleaned can be inserted from the insertion port, a brush mechanism part for cleaning the object to be cleaned inserted in the housing part, and the brush mechanism part are rotated. A cleaning unit comprising a cleaning unit including an injection unit that injects a cleaning liquid into the rotation drive unit and the housing unit, and a main unit including at least a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning unit and a power supply unit that supplies electric power. The apparatus is formed of an elastic material on the brush mechanism, and the tip of the tip is brought into contact with at least the tip of the object to be cleaned. And a tip surface cleaning brush arranged a plurality of protrusions for scraping dirt surface at a given density. In this case, the brush mechanism portion includes a first cleaning brush portion for cleaning the peripheral surface portion of the object to be cleaned and a second cleaning brush portion for cleaning the tip portion of the object to be cleaned. A tip surface cleaning brush that comes into contact with the tip surface of the tip of the object to be cleaned, and a boundary surface cleaning brush that extends in a radial direction around the tip surface cleaning brush and contacts with a boundary surface extending from at least the tip surface to the peripheral surface portion It has.

JP 2008-206409 A

  However, the cleaning apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above has the following problems to be solved.

  First, since the brush mechanism part is contaminated with dirt from the object to be cleaned, the brush itself in the brush mechanism part needs to be periodically cleaned. Since it has a function of scraping off dirt on the tip surface by contacting at least the tip surface of the object to be cleaned, dirt is likely to adhere, and moreover, since a plurality of protrusions are arranged at a predetermined density, it adheres. It is difficult to remove dirt. In addition, the first cleaning brush portion is disposed near the insertion port of the object to be cleaned in the housing portion, and the second cleaning brush portion is disposed on the opposite side of the insertion port, that is, on the bottom side of the housing portion. When removing dirt adhering to the cleaning brush part, the presence of the housing part and the first cleaning brush part gets in the way, and from this point of view, it is difficult to remove dirt from the second cleaning brush part. It is difficult to sufficiently remove dirt on the part.

  Second, when the object to be cleaned is a nipple of a cow, the tip of the nipple is the most important cleaning part, and it is always from the viewpoint of hygienic production of milk, prevention of deterioration of milk quality or prevention of mastitis of the cow body. It is necessary to ensure sufficient cleaning ability. For this reason, it is necessary to replace it with a new cleaning brush part when it is very dirty due to regular maintenance or the brush is damaged. However, it is necessary to disassemble and replace a part by removing the set screw. For example, maintenance work (replacement work) becomes difficult, and unnecessary labor and time are consumed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a teat cleaning apparatus that solves the problems existing in the background art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a brush cup portion 2 through which the nipple M can be inserted into the insertion port 2i, a brush mechanism portion 3 for cleaning the nipple M inserted into the brush cup portion 2, and the brush mechanism. A cleaning unit U1 including a rotation drive unit 4 for rotating the unit 3 and an injection unit 5 for injecting the cleaning liquid L into the brush cup unit 2, and at least a cleaning liquid supply means 6 for supplying the cleaning liquid L to the cleaning unit U1; When configuring the teat washing apparatus 1 including the main body unit U2 including the power supply means 7 for supplying power, the brush mechanism unit 3 includes a brush holder unit 11 that is rotated by the rotation driving unit 4, and the brush holder unit 11 that rotates the shaft. A brush receiving portion 13 that is supported so as to be displaceable over a predetermined range in the direction Fs and is biased toward the insertion port 2i by the brush biasing means 12, When the tip receiving brush 14 is attached to the brush receiving portion 13 and attached to the brush receiving portion 13 and attached to the brush receiving portion 13 in the axial direction Fs and cleaning at least the tip Ms of the teat M. And a relative position restricting portion 15 for restricting the relative position of the tip cleaning brush portion 14 and the brush receiving portion 13.

  According to the teat washing apparatus 1 according to the present invention having such a configuration, the following remarkable effects can be obtained.

  (1) Even if the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is particularly susceptible to dirt, the tip cleaning brush 14 is attached to and detached from the brush receiving portion 13. The portion 14 can be easily detached from the brush receiving portion 13 (cleaning unit U1), and the dirt on the tip cleaning brush portion 14 can be easily and sufficiently removed. In addition, it is possible to easily replace the brush with a new brush even when it is very dirty or the brush is damaged. This eliminates unnecessary labor and time spent in maintenance work (replacement work). The necessary cleaning ability can be maintained.

  (2) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is made of an elastic material, and the tip edge portion 21e is brought into contact with at least the tip surface Mss of the nipple M to remove dirt on the tip surface Mss. By providing the tip surface brush 14s having a plurality of cylindrical projections 21 to be scraped arranged at a predetermined density, effective and sufficient cleaning can be performed even with the undulating tip Ms in the protruding nipple M. it can. Therefore, it can contribute to ensuring the hygienic production of milk, preventing deterioration of milk quality and preventing mastitis, etc., and eliminating residual dirt on the teat Mm, so that there is no need for confirmation work after washing or additional washing by hand. As a result, workability and work efficiency can be improved.

  (3) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is provided with a brush mounting portion 14c that is attached to and detached from the brush receiving portion 13, and the tip surface brush 14s is configured to be detachable from the brush mounting portion 14c. For example, when it is necessary to replace the tip surface brush 14s, it is sufficient to replace only the corresponding tip surface brush 14s, and it is not necessary to replace the entire tip cleaning brush portion 14. Therefore, it can contribute to low cost (economic efficiency) and resource saving.

  (4) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is provided with a boundary curved surface brush 14r that abuts on the boundary curved surface Msr extending from the distal end surface Mss of the teat M to the peripheral surface portion Mf in addition to the distal end surface brush 14s. For example, the cleaning performance for the tip Ms in the teat M can be further improved, and efficient and good cleaning can be performed.

  (5) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if the tip surface brush 14s and the boundary surface brush 14r are integrally formed of an elastic material having the same hardness or different hardnesses, the attachment and detachment (exchange) with respect to the brush attachment portion 14c can be performed with one touch. It can be carried out.

  (6) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if the boundary surface brush 14r is configured to be detachable from the brush mounting portion 14c, when a part of the boundary surface brush 14r needs to be replaced, a corresponding part It is sufficient to replace only the boundary curved surface brush 14r, and it is not necessary to replace the entire tip cleaning brush portion 14. Therefore, it can contribute to low cost (economic efficiency) and resource saving.

  (7) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the relative position restricting portion 15 is engaged with the guide slit portion 22 by providing the guide slit portion 22 with the brush holder portion 11 and the tip cleaning brush portion 14. If it comprises the first engagement portion 23 and the second engagement portion 24 that engages with the guide slit portion 22 by being provided in the brush receiving portion 13, the brush holder portion 11 is connected to the brush receiving portion 13 and the tip. The support function of the part cleaning brush part 14 can be used also as the relative position restricting part 15 of the brush receiving part 13 and the tip part cleaning brush part 14.

  (8) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the brush mechanism portion 3 is provided with a peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 25 for cleaning the peripheral surface portion Mf of the nipple M, and is configured to be detachable from the brush holder portion 11 in the axial direction Fs. Then, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 can be easily attached and detached, and the dirt on the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 25 in addition to the tip cleaning brush portion 14 can be easily and sufficiently removed.

Sectional drawing which extracts and shows a part of front-end | tip part cleaning brush part in the nipple cleaning apparatus which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention, A sectional side view of a cleaning unit in the nipple cleaning device, The perspective view of the brush mechanism part in the washing unit, Bottom perspective view of the tip cleaning brush part in the cleaning unit, The top view except the cleaning member in the cleaning unit, Instruction of use including the whole nipple cleaning device, Block system diagram of the nipple cleaning device, Use explanatory drawing of the washing unit in the nipple washing apparatus,

  Next, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be given and described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the teat washing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  The nipple cleaning apparatus 1 includes a cleaning unit U1 and a main body U2 connected by a connection line Us as a basic configuration, and an example of a specific form is shown in FIG. The teat washing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 6 has a washing unit U1 and a main body U2 mounted on a carriage 81 and can be moved freely. In this case, the main body unit U2 includes a cleaning liquid storage unit Ut, a main body unit Um, and a control unit Uc. The main body unit U2 supplies cleaning liquid L to the cleaning unit U1 and power for supplying power. Supply means 7 is configured. In the carriage unit 81, 82 ... are a plurality of wheel units, 83 is a handle unit, 84 is a rotatable support plate for placing the main unit Um, and 85 is a washing unit holder for placing the washing unit U1. Show.

  FIGS. 1-5 shows concretely the structure of the washing | cleaning unit U1 which comprises the principal part of this invention. The cleaning unit U1 has, as a basic configuration, a brush cup portion 2 capable of inserting the nipple M of the cow C (FIG. 6) into the inside through the insertion port 2i, and a brush mechanism for cleaning the nipple M inserted into the brush cup portion 2. Part 3, a rotation drive part 4 for rotating the brush mechanism part 3 and an injection part 5 comprising an upper injection part 5a and a lower injection part 5b for injecting the cleaning liquid L into the brush cup part 2. The brush cup part 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and the upper end opening serves as the insertion port 2i. The brush cup part 2 has a ring-shaped injection part forming member 31 fitted in the upper part of the inner peripheral surface. The injection part forming member 31 has a ring-shaped concave groove along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface thereof. And a plurality of upper injection holes 33a and a plurality of lower injection holes 33b formed between the liquid passages 32a and 32b and the inner peripheral surface. In this case, the upper injection holes 33a and the lower injection holes 33b are arranged at regular intervals along the circumferential direction. Thereby, the upper injection part 5a and the lower injection part 5b are respectively provided in the upper part of the brush cup part 2 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the upper injection part 5a (upper injection hole 33a...) The lower injection unit 5 b (lower injection hole 33 b...) Is arranged below the cleaning member 35 while being arranged upward.

  The brush mechanism section 3 is supported by a brush-shaped (cylindrical) brush holder section 11 that is rotated by the rotation driving section 4 and is movably supported by the brush holder section 11 over a predetermined range in the axial direction Fs, and is also urged by a brush. When the brush receiving portion 13 is urged toward the insertion port 2i by the three springs 12s, which are means 12, and the brush receiving portion 13 is attached to and detached from the brush receiving portion 13 in the axial direction Fs. A tip cleaning brush portion 14 that cleans (wipes) at least the tip portion Ms of the nipple M, and a peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 25 that cleans (wipes) the peripheral surface portion Mf of the nipple M inserted into the brush cup portion 2; When the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is mounted on the brush receiving portion 13, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 and a relative position restricting portion 15 that restricts the relative position of the brush receiving portion 13 are provided. Accordingly, the brush holder unit 11 has a function of supporting the peripheral surface cleaning brush unit 25 and the tip cleaning brush unit 14, and the bottom surface of the bottom surface of the brush holder unit 11 is coupled to the rotation shaft of the rotation driving unit 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 25 includes a connecting ring portion 34r (FIG. 2) and three brush support portions 34p extending downward from the lower surface of the connecting ring portion 34r. The brush support portions 34p are arranged at 120 [°] intervals along the circumferential direction of the connecting ring portion 34r, and the brush support portions 34p are cut from the upper end of the brush holder portion 11. It attaches and detaches with the uneven rail with respect to the formed three mounting slits 45. Therefore, when each brush support part 34p is mounted, it engages (fits) with the brush holder part 11 and rotates integrally with the brush holder part 11. Then, peripheral brushes 25x are attached to the inner surface of each brush support portion 34p. The peripheral brushes 25x are detachable from the brush support portions 34p. The peripheral brush 25x is formed of a plurality of notches by providing a plurality of cuts from the front end side of a sheet material using silicon rubber, preferably silicon rubber having a hardness selected from 60 to 70 degrees (Shore A). The formed brush sheet portions 25xp are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction Fs. At this time, each brush sheet part 25xp ... arranges the surface of the said brush sheet part 25xp ... in parallel substantially with respect to a rotation direction (turning direction). Such a peripheral brush 25x is less likely to accumulate dust and bacteria, can greatly reduce the work of removing dust attached to the peripheral brush 25x, and can always maintain a clean peripheral brush 25x. Further, the brush piece is unlikely to be bent or deformed, and it is possible to improve durability, such as avoiding a decrease in cleaning ability due to use, and to prevent dust from remaining. Furthermore, the peripheral brush 25x can be easily manufactured, and the number of replacements of new products due to improved durability can be greatly reduced. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is possible to contribute to cost reduction in both initial cost and running cost.

  A cleaning member 35 is attached to the upper surface of the connecting ring 34r. As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning member 35 is formed in a disc ring shape and has an insertion hole 35 i through which the teat M is inserted in the center. At this time, the inner diameter of the insertion hole 35i is selected so that no unnecessary gap is generated between the nipples M when the nipples M are inserted. On the upper surface of the cleaning member 35, a plurality of fin-like portions 35f projecting upward are provided. In this case, the fin-like portions 35f are formed in the radial direction and are arranged at regular intervals along the circumferential direction. The cleaning member 35 is integrally formed of silicon rubber, preferably silicon rubber selected from a hardness of 55 to 65 degrees (Shore A). Accordingly, the cleaning member 35 is disposed in the insertion port 2i of the brush cup portion 2, and cleans the root portion Mb of the teat M by rotating integrally with the brush mechanism portion 3. Thus, if the cleaning member 35 is integrally formed of silicon rubber, it can be implemented easily and at low cost by a single component, and sufficient cleaning of the root portion Mb can be performed while protecting the teat M.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 includes a tip surface brush 14s and three boundary curved surface brushes 14r... And a brush mounting portion 14c for detachably mounting the brushes 14s and 14r. Prepare. In this case, the tip surface brush 14s and the three boundary curved surface brushes 14r may be formed separately or may be integrally formed as a whole. In either case of separate formation or integral formation, it is desirable that the tip surface brush 14s and the three boundary curved surface brushes 14r are formed of elastic materials with different hardnesses selected. In particular, when the tip end surface brush 14s and the three boundary curved surface brushes 14r are integrally formed, there is an advantage that attachment / detachment (exchange) with respect to the brush attachment portion 14c can be performed with one touch.

  The tip surface brush 14s contacts the tip surface Mss of the tip portion Ms of the nipple M to clean the tip surface Mss, and has a low hardness silicon rubber, preferably a hardness of 5 to 15 degrees. As shown in FIG. 5, the silicon rubber selected from Shore A) is formed in a shape extending in three radial directions at intervals of 120 ° from the center as shown in FIG. Is provided. The cylindrical protrusions 21 are formed with edge portions 21e at the upper ends, and can remove the dirt on the teat M. Thereby, even the undulating tip Ms of the protruding nipple M can be effectively and sufficiently cleaned, and particularly for ensuring the hygienic production of milk, preventing deterioration of milk quality, mastitis and the like. In addition to being able to contribute, the residual dirt on the teat M can be eliminated, so that confirmation work after washing and additional washing by manual work are unnecessary or reduced, and workability and work efficiency can be improved.

  The boundary curved surface brushes 14r contact the boundary curved surface Msr from the front end surface Mss to the peripheral surface Mf to clean the boundary curved surface Msr, and are made of silicon rubber, preferably having a hardness of 55 to 65 degrees. It is formed of silicon rubber selected from Shore A), and is formed into a combined form of two sheets with a plurality of kerfs as shown in FIG. 3 (FIG. 5). Thereby, the washing | cleaning performance with respect to the front-end | tip part Ms in the nipple M can be improved more, and efficient and favorable washing | cleaning can be performed.

  The brush mounting portion 14c is integrally formed of plastic or the like, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, has three frame portions extending in three radial directions at intervals of 120 ° from the center. Bend at a right angle in midway. Thereby, the end surface mounting portion 36c on the horizontal side and the three peripheral surface mounting portions 36f on the vertical side are provided. The end surface mounting portion 36c is provided with three mounting holes 37c, and the three mounting protrusions 14sc provided on the back surface (lower surface) of the tip surface brush 14s are attached to the mounting holes 37c. The attachment protrusions 14sc have a constricted portion, can be press-fitted into the attachment holes 37c, and are prevented from being removed when they are press-fitted. Therefore, the front end surface brush 14s can be attached to and detached from the end surface attaching portion 36c. Further, each peripheral surface mounting portion 36f is provided with mounting holes 38f, and mounting protrusions 14rc provided on the back surface of each boundary curved brush 14r are attached to each mounting hole 38f. The attachment projections 14rc have a constricted portion, can be press-fitted into the attachment holes 38f, and are prevented from being removed when they are press-fitted and positioned by a stepped portion (uneven portion). Accordingly, the boundary curved surface brushes 14r can be attached to and detached from the peripheral surface attaching portions 36f. Thus, if each brush 14s, 14r ... is comprised with respect to the brush attachment part 14c so that attachment or detachment is possible, even if it becomes necessary to replace | exchange the front end surface brush 14s or a part of boundary surface brush 14r, corresponding front-end | tip It is sufficient to replace only the surface brush 14s or some of the boundary curved surface brushes 14r, and it is not necessary to replace the tip cleaning brush unit 14 as a whole. Therefore, it can contribute to low cost (economic efficiency) and resource saving. Further, first engagement portions 23 are provided on the outer surfaces of the peripheral surface attachment portions 36f. The first engaging portions 23 have a pair of upper engaging portions 23u and lower engaging portions 23d provided in a projecting manner at positions sandwiching the upper and lower sides of the mounting holes 38f, and the upper engaging portions 23u. The lower engaging portion 23d... Has an inclined surface (curved surface) from which the upper side protrudes more. A circular hole portion 14h is provided at the center of the end face attachment portion 36c.

  On the other hand, the brush receiving portion 13 is integrally formed of plastic or the like and has three frame portions 13f... Extending in three radial directions at intervals of 120 ° from the center as shown in FIG. Therefore, the overall shape is similar to the end face mounting portion 36c. The brush receiving portion 13 is provided with three cylindrical hole portions 41 that cover the mounting projections 14sc when the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is mounted, and a circular hole portion 13h at the center. Further, notch recesses 42 shown in FIG. 4 are provided between the frame portions 13 f of the brush receiving portion 13. Thereby, when removing the front-end | tip part washing | cleaning brush part 14 from the brush receiving part 13, it can remove easily by pinching the boundary surface brush 14r and pulling to the insertion port 2i side. It should be noted that a separate removal jig is used, and the locking claw portion of the removal jig is inserted into the notch recess 42... And is locked to the lower surface of the end surface mounting portion 36 c of the tip cleaning brush portion 14. If pulled, it can be removed more easily and reliably. Further, horizontal frame-like second engagement portions 24 are provided at the ends of the frame portions 13f. The lower surface of the brush mounting portion 14c can be fitted and overlapped with the upper surface of the brush receiving portion 13 so that the second engagement portions 24 ... are the lower engagement portions of the first engagement portion 23 ... It is set so that it is located directly below 23d. Accordingly, the brush mounting portion 14c is provided with restriction recesses 43 in which the second engagement portions 24 are fitted.

  On the other hand, the brush holder portion 11 is provided with guide slit portions 22 along the axial direction Fs. Thus, when the brush receiving portion 13 is accommodated in the brush holder portion 11 and the respective second engaging portions 24 are engaged with the respective guide slit portions 22, the brush receiving portion 13 is moved by the respective guide slit portions 22. It is supported so as to be displaceable over a predetermined range in the axial direction Fs. At this time, the brush receiving portion 13 is biased upward by the three springs 12s. Further, the brush holder portion 11 accommodates the tip cleaning brush portion 14 and engages the first engagement portions 23 with the guide slit portions 22. Thus, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is also supported by the guide slit portions 22 to be displaceable over a predetermined range in the axial direction Fs. In this case, when the first engagement portions 23 and the second engagement portions 24 are engaged with the guide slit portions 22 of the brush holder portion 11, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 and the brush receiving portion 13 are in contact with each other. A relative position restricting portion 15 that restricts the relative position is configured. Therefore, the brush holder part 11 combines the support function of the brush receiving part 13 and the tip cleaning brush part 14 and the relative position regulating part 15 of the brush receiving part 13 and the tip cleaning brush part 14. When the brush receiving portion 13 and the tip cleaning brush portion 14 are mounted, the mounting protrusion 14sc is accommodated in the cylindrical hole portion 41, and the second engagement portion 24 is fitted into the restriction recess 43. With such a configuration of the brush mechanism section 3, the peripheral surface brushes 25x and the boundary curved surface brushes 14r are alternately arranged at intervals of 60 ° along the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. Even with respect to the length of the teat M, the tip Ms can always be cleaned well without unevenness.

  The rotation drive unit 4 is configured by incorporating a brush motor 47 in the casing 46, and the rotation shaft of the brush motor 47 projects upward from the upper end surface of the casing 46. The upper end of the casing 46 is attached to the lower end opening of the brush cup portion 2, and the connector 48 is attached to the lower surface of the casing 46. Further, the casing 46 is integrally formed with a drain port 49 that communicates with the inside of the brush cup portion 2. In addition, the operation switch 50 (FIG. 7) which can be operated in the state hold | maintained by the hand is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the brush cup part 2. FIG.

  With such a configuration of the cleaning unit U1, even when dust (rice straw, sawdust, rice husk, feces, etc.) is attached to the teat M, the dust is scraped off by the brush of the brush mechanism unit 3. Before being removed by the cleaning member 35 and being quickly flushed with the cleaning liquid L, it is possible to avoid the adhesion of dust to the brush in the brush mechanism section 3. As a result, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the reduction in cleaning ability and the frequent removal of dust attached to the brush, and to efficiently wipe with a smaller amount of the cleaning liquid L. Further, since the root portion Mb in the teat M can be cleaned on the upper surface by the dedicated cleaning member 35, it is not necessary to press the cleaning unit U1 against the root portion Mb with an excessive force, and the root portion Mb side is not pressed. Thus, it is possible to avoid the adverse effect of unnecessarily placing a burden, and the adverse effect of unnecessarily increasing the cleaning time. In addition, since the upper injection unit 5a disposed above the cleaning member 35 and the lower injection unit 5b disposed below the cleaning member 35 are provided, the tip Ms of the teat M can be efficiently cleaned from the root portion Mb with a small amount of cleaning liquid L. There are advantages.

  Next, an outline of the connection system of each unit will be described with reference to FIG. First, the brush motor 47 and the operation switch 50 are connected to the inner connection terminal of the connector 48 provided in the cleaning unit U1. The connector 48 is connected to the connector 61f of the main unit Um via the connection cable 51, and the inner connection terminal of the connector 61f is directly connected to the connector 61s arranged at the other position of the main unit Um via a relay line. Connecting. Further, the drainage port 49 provided in the casing 46 of the cleaning unit U1 is connected to the waste liquid tube connection port 62i of the main unit Um via the waste liquid tube 52. The main unit Um includes a waste liquid recovery tank 62, and a waste liquid tube connection port 62 i communicates with the waste liquid recovery tank 62. Further, the cleaning liquid tubes 53a and 53b are inserted into the waste liquid tube 52, and the outflow end serving as one end is connected to the connection ports 54a and 54b provided inside the brush cup section 2 in the cleaning unit U1, respectively. Each connection port part 54a, 54b is connected to the upper injection part 5a and the lower injection part 5b via the internal flow path of the brush cup part 2, respectively. On the other hand, the inflow ends which are the other ends of the respective cleaning liquid tubes 53a and 53b are connected to the lower end ports of the joint pipes 63a and 63b attached to the waste liquid recovery tank 62 through the waste liquid tube connection port 62i. Thereby, the main unit Um and the cleaning unit U1 are connected by the connection line Us having the waste liquid tube 52 including the cleaning liquid tubes 53a and 53b and the connection cable 51.

  On the other hand, an intake fan 64 is allowed to face the waste liquid recovery tank 62 of the main unit Um. The upper end port of one joint pipe 63a is connected to the first branch end of the three-way joint 66 via the electromagnetic valve 65, and the upper end port of the other joint pipe 63b is directly connected to the second branch end of the three-way joint 66. To do. The input end of the three-way joint 66 is connected to the discharge port of the liquid feed pump 67 disposed in the control unit Uc, and the suction port of the liquid feed pump 67 is connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir Ut. The intake fan 64 and the electromagnetic valve 65 are connected to the inner connection terminal of the connector 61s. In the waste liquid recovery tank 62, 62e is an auto drain that performs automatic discharge, and the collected used cleaning liquid (waste liquid) Lr is discharged to the outside through the auto drain 62e. Reference numeral 68 denotes a control unit (controller) provided in the control unit Uc. The control unit 68 is connected to a connector 61s provided in the main unit Um via a connector 70 and a connection cable 71 provided in the control unit Uc. Reference numeral 69 denotes a battery.

  Next, the usage method and operation | movement (function) of the nipple washing apparatus 1 which concern on this embodiment are demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

  When using the nipple washing apparatus 1, the operator holds the washing unit U1 by hand, and inserts the nipple M of the cow C into the insertion opening 2i of the brush cup portion 2, as shown in FIG. The tip cleaning brush portion 14 in the cleaning unit U1 is biased upward by the springs 12s, so that when the nipple M is not inserted, it is at the highest position shown in FIG. 2, but the nipple M is inserted. Then, as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the cleaning includes preliminary cleaning and main cleaning, and the preliminary cleaning is performed first. The preliminary cleaning is performed for the purpose of making it easier to remove dirt in the main cleaning by wetting each teat M ... with the cleaning liquid L before the main cleaning. At this time, the operator presses the operation switch 50 while holding the cleaning unit U1 by hand to turn it on. As a result, the liquid feed pump 67, the electromagnetic valve 65, the brush motor 47, and the intake fan 64 are turned ON, and the cleaning liquid L in the cleaning liquid storage unit Ut passes through the cleaning liquid tubes 53a and 53b and the upper injection unit 5a and the lower injection unit. 5b, respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the cleaning liquid L is injected above the cleaning member 35 from the upper injection holes 33a, and is injected below the cleaning member 35 from the lower injection holes 33b. Further, the brush motor 47 repeats forward rotation and reverse rotation alternately. By rotation of the brush motor 47, the tip surface brush 14s, the three boundary curved surface brushes 14r, the peripheral surface brush 25x, and the cleaning member 35 rotate together, and the nipple M is preliminarily cleaned. Furthermore, since the inside of the waste liquid tube 52 is sucked by the intake fan 64 being turned on, the used cleaning liquid (waste liquid) Lr inside the brush cup portion 2 is collected in the waste liquid collection tank 62 via the waste liquid tube 52, It is discharged to the outside through the auto drain 62e. As the preliminary cleaning time Ta, a short time of about several seconds is sufficient.

  When the pre-cleaning is completed, the main cleaning is performed. Although the basic operation in the main cleaning is the same as that in the preliminary cleaning, the operator can arbitrarily change the time for pressing the operation switch 50 (ON time) in consideration of the degree of contamination of the teat M and the like. First, the nipple M is inserted into the cleaning unit U1. Then, the operation switch 50 is pressed to turn it ON. When the operation switch 50 is turned ON, as in the case of preliminary cleaning, as shown in FIG. 8A, the cleaning liquid L is sprayed above the cleaning member 35 from the upper injection holes 33a ... and the lower injection holes 33b ... From below the cleaning member 35. Further, the brush motor 47 repeats forward rotation and reverse rotation alternately to perform main cleaning on the teat M. In this case, the circumferential brush 25x ... cleans the circumferential surface portion Mf of the nipple M. Furthermore, the boundary surface brush 14r ... cleans the boundary surface portion of the tip portion Ms of the nipple M, and the tip surface brush 14s cleans the tip surface portion of the tip portion Ms of the nipple M. At this time, the peripheral surface brushes 25x and the boundary surface brushes 14r are sheet-like and have an advantage that dust does not easily adhere to them, and the tip surface brush 14s uses the cylindrical protrusions 21 so that the edge portion at the upper end is used. The dirt on the teat M can be scraped off by 21e ..., and even the undulating tip Ms of the protruding teat M can be effectively and sufficiently cleaned. Therefore, it can contribute to ensuring the hygienic production of milk, preventing deterioration of milk quality and preventing mastitis, etc., and eliminating residual dirt on the teat Mm, so that there is no need for confirmation work after washing or additional washing by hand. As a result, workability and work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, the rotation of the cleaning member 35 cleans the root portion Mb of the teat M by the fin-like portions 35f, and the cleaning liquid L sprayed from the upper spraying portion 5a disposed above the cleaning member 35 is used for this cleaning. Used. Since the inside of the waste liquid tube 52 is sucked by the intake fan 64, the waste liquid Lr in the brush cup portion 2 is collected and discarded to the main unit Um side via the waste liquid tube 52. Since the main cleaning is regular cleaning, the time Td is set to be, for example, about twice as long as the time Ta during the preliminary cleaning. After the set maximum time Tam has elapsed, the substantial cleaning of the root portion Mb of the nipple M is finished, and the cleaning member 35 starts draining and drying by the rotating fin-like portions 35f. When the operation switch 50 is turned OFF, the brush motor 47 rotates only in the normal rotation direction. The liquid feed pump 67 continues to be turned on as it is, and the liquid feed pump 67 and the brush motor 47 are turned off after a preset Te time has elapsed. Therefore, after the operation switch 50 is turned OFF, the cleaning unit U1 is detached from the teat M within this Te time. FIG. 8B shows a state at the time of separation.

  By the way, when such a washing | cleaning unit U1 is used, since the stain | pollution | contamination from the teat M adheres to the brush mechanism part 3, it is necessary to wash | clean the brush itself in the brush mechanism part 3 regularly. In particular, the tip surface brush 14s of the tip portion cleaning brush portion 14 exhibits an action of bringing the edge portion 21e... Into contact with at least the tip surface Mss of the teat M and scraping off the dirt on the tip surface Mss. In addition, since the plurality of cylindrical protrusions 21 are arranged at a predetermined density, it is difficult to remove the attached dirt. In addition, the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 25 is disposed near the insertion port 2i of the brush cup portion 2, and the tip surface brush 14s (tip portion cleaning brush) is disposed on the opposite side of the insertion port 2i, that is, on the bottom side of the brush cup portion 2. When the dirt adhering to the tip surface brush 14s is removed, the presence of the peripheral surface cleaning brush part 25 including the brush cup part 2 and the cleaning member 35 becomes an obstacle to remove the dirt. Hateful.

  Therefore, in the cleaning unit U1 according to this embodiment, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 can be easily taken out from the brush cup portion 2 to the outside. In this case, first, the peripheral surface portion cleaning brush portion 25 can be easily detached from the brush holder portion 11 by pulling it toward the insertion port 2i. This state is shown in FIG. Thereafter, a separate removal jig is used, and the engaging claw portion of the removal jig is inserted into the notch recess 42 of the brush receiving portion 13 so that the end surface attachment portion 36c of the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is inserted. Lock to the bottom surface. If it is pulled in the axial direction in this state, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 can be easily and reliably removed from the brush receiving portion 13. At this time, the first engagement portions 23 of the tip cleaning brush portion 14 are engaged with the guide slit portions 22 of the brush holder portion 11, but the upper engagement portions 23u of the first engagement portions 23 are Since the lower side is formed as an inclined surface (curved surface) that protrudes more, the brush holder portion 11 and the peripheral surface attachment portions 36f can be easily detached by elastically displacing them. This state is shown in FIG.

  As a result, the removed tip cleaning brush portion 14 can be sufficiently cleaned (dirt removed) by polishing it with a brush tool or immersing it in a cleaning solution or the like. Moreover, since the front-end | tip part cleaning brush part 14 can be taken out easily, a maintenance can also be performed easily. At this time, when the tip surface brush 14s or each of the boundary surface brushes 14r is very dirty or damaged, the corresponding tip surface brush 14s or some of the boundary surface brushes 14r can be easily replaced with new ones. It is sufficient to replace them individually, and it is not necessary to replace the entire tip cleaning brush part 14. Therefore, it can contribute to low cost (economic efficiency) and resource saving. Further, since the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 25 is also taken out, the necessary cleaning (dirt removal) can be easily performed together with the tip portion cleaning brush portion 14.

  And when washing | cleaning is complete | finished, what is necessary is just to mount | wear with a reverse procedure. At this time, if the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is pushed into the brush holder portion 11 as it is, the lower engagement portions 23d of the first engagement portions 23 are formed as inclined surfaces (curved surfaces) whose upper side protrudes more. The brush holder portion 11 and the peripheral surface attaching portions 36f are elastically displaced and can be attached very easily with one touch, and an attaching jig is unnecessary. When mounted, the brush receiving portion 13 can be substantially integrated by the relative position restricting portion 15. That is, both the brush receiving portion 13 and the tip cleaning brush portion 14 are guided by the guide slit portion 22, and the brush receiving portion 13 is urged by the springs 12s, so that both are in use and not in use. There is no separation. Further, with respect to the circumferential direction (rotation direction), the brush receiving portion 13 and the tip cleaning brush portion 14 are both regulated by the guide slit portion 22, and the second engagement portion 24 is fitted in the regulating recess 43. Therefore, the position is reliably regulated.

  Therefore, according to the teat washing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the tip cleaning brush is attached to and detached from the brush receiving portion 13 even if the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is particularly susceptible to dirt. When removing the dirt on the part 14, the tip cleaning brush part 14 can be easily detached from the brush receiving part 13 (cleaning unit U1), and the dirt on the tip cleaning brush part 14 is easily and sufficiently removed. can do. In addition, it is possible to easily replace the brush with a new brush even when it is very dirty or the brush is damaged. This eliminates unnecessary labor and time spent in maintenance work (replacement work). The necessary cleaning ability can be maintained.

  The preferred embodiment has been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the detailed configuration, shape, material, quantity, and the like are within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. , Can be changed, added and deleted arbitrarily. For example, the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is composed of a tip surface brush 14s and a boundary curved brush 14r ..., and the tip surface brush 14s and the boundary curved brush 14r ... have the same hardness. May be. Moreover, although the case where both the front end surface brush 14s and the boundary curved surface brush 14r ... were used was shown, other forms, such as the case where only the front end surface brush 14s is used, are not excluded. Further, the relative position restricting portion 15 also has a function of restricting the relative position between the tip cleaning brush portion 14 and the brush receiving portion 13 when the tip cleaning brush portion 14 is attached to the brush receiving portion 13. For example, the configuration other than the example is not excluded. On the other hand, although the example which mounted washing | cleaning unit U1 and main-body part U2 in the trolley | bogie part 81 was given, the structure other than the washing | cleaning unit U1 is arbitrary, for example, without using the trolley | bogie part 81, the main-body part U2 is fixedly installed. It can be implemented in various forms such as being fixed to a place.

  The teat cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present invention can be used when cleaning or wiping a teat of a cow. Therefore, the teat washing apparatus 1 is a concept including a teat wiping device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Nipple cleaning apparatus, 2: Brush cup part, 2i: Insertion port, 3: Brush mechanism part, 4: Rotation drive part, 5: Injection part, 6: Cleaning liquid supply means, 7: Electric power supply means, 11: Brush holder , 12: brush urging means, 13: brush receiving part, 14: tip cleaning brush part, 14s: tip surface brush, 14c: brush mounting part, 14r: boundary surface brush, 15: relative position restricting part, 21 ... : Cylindrical projection part, 21e ...: edge part, 22 ...: guide slit part, 23 ...: first engagement part, 24 ...: second engagement part, 25: peripheral surface cleaning brush part, M: teat, Ms: Nipple tip, Mf: Nipple peripheral surface, Mss: Nipple tip, Msr: Nipple boundary surface, L: Cleaning liquid, U1: Cleaning unit, U2: Main body, Fs: Axial direction

Claims (9)

  A brush cup part that can insert a nipple into the insertion port, a brush mechanism part that cleans the nipple inserted into the brush cup part, a rotation drive part that rotates the brush mechanism part, and a cleaning liquid sprayed into the brush cup part In a teat cleaning apparatus comprising a cleaning unit including a jetting unit, and at least a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to the cleaning unit and a power supply unit that supplies electric power, the brush mechanism unit includes: A brush holder portion that is rotated by a rotation drive portion; a brush receiving portion that is supported by the brush holder portion so as to be displaceable over a predetermined range in the axial direction; A tip cleaning brush part that is attached to and detached from the brush receiving part in the axial direction and that cleans at least the tip part of the nipple; Teat cleaning apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a relative position regulating portion of the tip cleaning brush unit restricting the relative position of the tip cleaning brush unit and the brush receiving portion when mounted on the brush receiving portion of.   The tip cleaning brush portion is formed of an elastic material, and a tip provided with a plurality of cylindrical protrusions with a predetermined density that scrapes dirt on the tip surface by bringing the tip edge portion into contact with at least the tip surface of the nipple. The teat washing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a face brush.   The nipple cleaning according to claim 2, wherein the tip cleaning brush portion includes a brush mounting portion that is detachably attached to the brush receiving portion, and the tip surface brush is configured to be detachable from the brush mounting portion. apparatus.   4. The nipple cleaning device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the tip cleaning brush portion includes a boundary curved surface brush that abuts on a boundary curved surface extending from the distal end surface of the nipple to the peripheral surface portion in addition to the distal end surface brush. apparatus.   The teat washing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the boundary curved surface brush is configured to be detachable from the brush mounting portion.   5. The teat washing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tip surface brush and the boundary curved surface brush are integrally formed of an elastic material having the same hardness or a different hardness.   The relative position restricting portion is provided in the guide slit portion provided in the brush holder portion, the first engagement portion that engages with the guide slit portion by being provided in the tip cleaning brush portion, and the brush receiving portion. The nipple cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a second engagement portion that engages with the guide slit portion.   The nipple cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the brush mechanism section includes a peripheral surface portion cleaning brush portion that cleans a peripheral surface portion of the nipple.   The nipple cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion is configured to be detachable in the axial direction with respect to the brush holder portion.

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