JP2010207142A - Washing brush and teat-washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing brush which hardly accumulates dust and bacteria, can cleanly be maintained, can avoid the deterioration of the cleaning ability by use to improve durability, and can readily be produced at a reduced cost. <P>SOLUTION: The washing brush which is rotated (involving revolution) by a rotation portion 4 to wash an object Mx to be washed includes a plurality of brush sheets 2 which are each formed by disposing a plurality of cut portions 2s from the front end side Sf of a sheet material S using an elastic raw material R to form a plurality of brush pieces 2p, and a brush base portion 3 for supporting the rear end Sr of each brush sheet 2, arranging the surface 2f of each brush sheet 2 in parallel to the rotation direction Fr of the rotation portion 4, and arranging each brush sheet 2 in the axial direction Fs of the rotation portion 4 at prescribed intervals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning brush for cleaning an object to be cleaned by rotating (turning) and a nipple cleaning device using the cleaning brush.

  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. A predetermined wiping operation (cleaning operation) is performed. However, since such a wiping operation usually requires a large-scale cleaning device, the present applicants have already proposed a cleaning device that is compact and compact and has improved usability by being portable. Patent Document 1).

  The cleaning apparatus includes a housing part into which a protruding object to be cleaned can be inserted from an insertion port, a brush mechanism part for cleaning the object to be cleaned inserted into the housing part, a rotation drive unit for rotating the brush mechanism part, A cleaning unit including an injection unit that injects a cleaning liquid into the housing part, a main body 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 portion includes a first cleaning brush portion for cleaning the peripheral surface portion of the nipple inserted into the housing portion and a second cleaning brush portion for cleaning the tip portion of the nipple, and the first cleaning brush portion includes three brush-like shapes. A cleaning brush is provided, and each cleaning brush is arranged at intervals of 120 ° along the rotation direction.

JP 2008-206407 A

  However, the above-described conventional cleaning device (nipple cleaning device) has the following problems to be solved.

  First, the cleaning brush used for the first cleaning brush portion for cleaning the peripheral surface portion of the nipple uses a brush-like cleaning brush, and the brush material uses a soft synthetic resin material that does not damage the nipple, In addition, the brush density of each cleaning brush is selected so that dust does not adhere (remain), but to obtain a certain cleaning (wiping) effect, it is necessary to secure a certain brush density. In addition, there is room for further improvement in that dust and bacteria tend to accumulate on the cleaning brush and that frequent removal work of dust and the like adhering to the cleaning brush is forced.

  Secondly, since the brush-like cleaning brush is rotated and used at a relatively high speed, the brush portion of the cleaning brush is likely to be bent or deformed. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in terms of durability, such as a reduction in cleaning ability and further residue remaining due to use.

  Thirdly, a brush-like cleaning brush using a soft synthetic resin material that does not damage the teat cannot be easily manufactured. Moreover, while using three cleaning brushes, the increase factor of the cost accompanying the new article replacement in a comparatively short period based on the difficulty in durability cannot be ignored.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning brush and a teat cleaning apparatus that solve the problems in the background art.

  A cleaning brush B according to the present invention is a cleaning brush that cleans an object Mx to be cleaned by being rotated (including swiveling) by a rotating unit 4 in order to solve the above-described problem, and is a sheet using an elastic material R A plurality of brush sheet portions 2 p formed by forming a plurality of cut portions 2 s from the front end side Sf of the material S and a brush base portion supporting the rear end Sr of each brush sheet portion 2. 3, the surface 2 f of each brush sheet portion 2... Is arranged in parallel to the rotational direction Fr of the rotating portion 4, and each brush sheet portion 2 is spaced at a predetermined interval in the axial direction Fs of the rotating portion 4. It is characterized by being arranged.

  In addition, the teat cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present invention cleans the teat M inserted into the brush cup part 5 and the brush cup part 5 in which the teat M can be inserted into the inside through the insertion port 5i in order to solve the above-described problems. A cleaning unit U1 including a brush mechanism unit 6, a rotation driving unit 4m that rotates the brush mechanism unit 6, and an injection unit 7 that injects the cleaning liquid L into the brush cup unit 5, and at least the cleaning liquid L with respect to the cleaning unit U1. Is a teat cleaning device comprising a main body U2 provided with a cleaning liquid supply means 8 for supplying power and a power supply means 9 for supplying power, and a plurality of notches 2s from the front end side Sf of the sheet material S using the elastic material R. A plurality of brush sheet portions 2 formed by forming a plurality of brush pieces 2p and a brush base portion 3 that supports the rear end Sr of each brush sheet portion 2 ... The surfaces 2f of the brush sheet portions 2 are arranged in parallel to the rotation direction Fr of the rotating portion 4 rotated by the rotation driving portion 4m, and the brush sheet portions 2 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction Fs of the rotating portion 4. It is characterized by comprising a brush mechanism section 6 having one or two or more cleaning brushes B arranged at intervals.

  According to the cleaning brush B and the nipple cleaning device 1 according to the present invention having such a configuration, the following remarkable effects are achieved.

  (1) The surfaces 2f of the plurality of brush sheet portions 2 formed with the plurality of brush pieces 2p are arranged in parallel to the rotation direction Fr of the rotating portion 4, and each brush sheet portion 2 is disposed on the rotating portion 4. In this way, the cleaning brush B can be obtained in which dust and bacteria are less likely to accumulate. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce the work of removing dust and the like adhering to the cleaning brush B, and it is possible to always maintain a clean cleaning brush B.

  (2) Since it has a plurality of brush sheet portions 2 p formed by providing a plurality of cut portions 2 s from the front end side Sf of the sheet material S using the elastic material R, the cleaning brush The plurality of brush pieces 2p in B are not easily bent or deformed. Accordingly, it is possible to improve durability, such as avoiding a decrease in cleaning ability due to use, and to prevent the remaining of dust.

  (3) Since the main part can be constituted by a plurality of brush sheet portions 2 ... formed by providing a plurality of cut portions 2s ... from the front end side Sf of the sheet material S, the cleaning brush B is Easy to manufacture. In addition, since the number of new article replacements due to improved durability can be greatly reduced, it is possible to contribute to cost reduction in both initial cost and running cost.

  (4) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the length Lp of each brush piece 2p formed on the brush sheet portion 2 is varied to form the entire shape of the front end side Sf of the brush sheet portion 2 in a mountain shape. If so, the brush ability (cleaning ability) can be further enhanced.

  (5) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if each brush piece 2p formed on the brush sheet portion 2 is formed gradually thicker from the tip to the root, a so-called firm brush piece can be obtained. Thereby, even if it is rotating, the contact | abutting force with respect to the to-be-cleaned object Mx can be maintained, and washing | cleaning capability can be improved more.

  (6) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if the thickness Dp of each brush piece 2p formed on the brush sheet portion 2 is made thinner as the brush piece 2p located on the inner side is thinned, the nipple M or the like is cleaned. Since the contact force (contact feeling) due to the position of the front end side Sf in the brush sheet portion 2 at the time of contact with the object Mx can be averaged, the feeling of the nipple M or the like to the object to be cleaned Mx can be enhanced.

  (7) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the brush base 3 is provided with an attachment portion 3c to the rotating portion 4 and a plurality of sheet base portions 3m formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the attachment portion 3c, If the pair of adjacent brush sheet portions 2, 2... Are separated and supported by the sheet base portions 3m..., Stability and strength when supporting the brush sheet portions 2.

  (8) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if the brush sheet portions 2 and the brush base portion 3 are integrally formed, it is possible to contribute to further facilitation and cost reduction when the cleaning brush B is manufactured.

  (9) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if silicon rubber having a selected hardness is used as the elastic material R, dust and bacteria are less likely to accumulate, and the brush piece 2p is less likely to be bent or deformed. The most desirable cleaning brush B can be obtained.

  (10) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if the brush mechanism portion 6 is provided with the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 11 for cleaning the peripheral surface portion Mf of the nipple M by having the cleaning brush B ..., the peripheral surface portion Mf of the nipple M is provided. Can be used to clean the most suitable cleaning brush B.

  (11) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if the cleaning brush B is configured to be detachable from the peripheral surface cleaning brush part 11, the cleaning brush B that needs to be replaced when the cleaning brush B is replaced. Since only ... can be exchanged, it can contribute to further reduction of running costs.

  (12) According to a preferred aspect of the invention, if the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 11 is configured to be detachable in the axial direction Fs with respect to the rotational drive portion 4m side, the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 11 is external to the brush cup portion 5. By removing it, it is possible to easily and reliably remove dust and the like adhering to the cleaning brush B.

The side view including the expansion perspective view which extracted some cleaning brushes concerning the suitable embodiment of the present invention, A sectional side view of a cleaning unit in a teat cleaning apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention including the cleaning brush, Partial sectional plan view of the cleaning unit, The perspective view of the brush mechanism part in the washing unit, A partially broken plan view showing a state in which the cleaning brush is attached to the rotating part, A front view showing a part of the cleaning brush, Block system diagram of the nipple cleaning device, Use explanatory drawing of the washing unit in the nipple washing apparatus, Instruction of use including the whole nipple cleaning device,

  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 cleaning apparatus 1 including the cleaning brush B 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. 8 has a washing unit U1 and a main body U2 mounted on a carriage unit 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.

  2 and 3 specifically show the configuration of the cleaning unit U1. The cleaning unit U1 has, as a basic configuration, a brush cup portion 5 into which a nipple M to be cleaned Mx in a cow C (FIG. 8) can be inserted from the insertion port 5i, and a nipple inserted into the brush cup portion 5. A brush mechanism unit 6 for cleaning M, a rotation drive unit 4m for rotating the brush mechanism unit 6, and an injection unit 7 including an upper injection unit 7a and a lower injection unit 7b for injecting the cleaning liquid L into the brush cup unit 5 are provided. . The brush cup portion 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and the upper end opening serves as the insertion port 5i. As shown in FIG. 2, the brush cup portion 5 has a ring-shaped injection portion forming member 31 fitted in the upper portion of the inner peripheral surface, and the injection portion forming member 31 is formed on the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction. It has a pair of upper and lower liquid passages 32a, 32b formed by ring-shaped concave grooves along the plurality of upper injection holes 33a ... and a plurality of lower injection holes 33b ... formed between the liquid passages 32a, 32b and the inner peripheral surface. Have. 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 7a and the lower injection part 7b are respectively provided in the upper part of the brush cup part 5 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the upper injection part 7a (upper injection hole 33a...) The lower injection unit 7 b (lower injection hole 33 b...) Is arranged below the cleaning member 35 while being arranged upward.

  The brush mechanism section 6 is supported by a brush holder section 21 rotated by the rotation drive section 4m, and is movably supported by the brush holder section 21 over a predetermined range in the axial direction Fs. The brush receiver 23 that is biased to the brush receiver 23, and the brush receiver 23 is attached to and detached from the brush receiver 23 in the axial direction Fs, and when attached to the brush receiver 23, at least the tip Ms of the teat M is cleaned (wiped). The tip cleaning brush 24 to be performed, the peripheral surface cleaning brush 11 for cleaning (wiping) the peripheral surface Mf of the teat M inserted into the brush cup unit 5, and the tip cleaning brush 24 are mounted on the brush receiving unit 23. And a relative position restricting portion 25 for restricting the relative position of the tip cleaning brush portion 24 and the brush receiving portion 23.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 11 is engaged (fitted) with three attachment slits 21 s formed in a cut shape from the upper end of the cylindrical brush holder portion 21. And three cleaning brushes B according to the present embodiment that are detachably attached to the rotating unit 4 and the rotating unit 4 that rotates integrally with the brush holder unit 21. The rotating portion 4 includes a connection ring portion 34r (FIG. 2) located at the upper end and three brush support portions 34p extending downward from the lower surface of the connection ring portion 34r, and each brush support portion 34p. They are arranged at 120 [°] intervals along the circumferential direction of the portion 34r. As shown in FIG. 5, one brush support portion 34 p (the same applies to the other brush support portions 34 p...) Has support slits 12 having a C-shaped cross section on the inner surface, and engagement recesses on both end surfaces in the circumferential direction. 13s, 13s. Thereby, each engaging recessed part 13s and 13s engage with the both-sides edge of the attachment slit 21s ... provided in the brush holder part 21, and also the washing brush B is attached to and detached from the support slit 12, and the rotating part 4 is a brush. The cleaning brushes B are pivotable with respect to the rotation center of the rotating unit 4 while being detachable from the holder unit 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, one cleaning brush B (and other cleaning brushes B...) Is provided with a plurality of cut portions 2 s from the front end side Sf of the sheet material S using the elastic material R. Thus, a plurality of brush sheets 2p... Which form a plurality (e.g. eight) of brush pieces 2p... And a brush base 3 which supports the rear end Sr of each brush sheet portion 2. The elastic material R was selected from silicon rubber having a selected hardness, preferably 60 to 70 degrees (Shore A) that does not damage the teat M and can obtain a desired cleaning ability. Silicone rubber is preferred. By using such silicon rubber, it is possible to obtain the most desirable cleaning brush B from the viewpoint of obtaining such effects that dust and bacteria are less likely to accumulate and that the brush pieces 2p are less likely to bend or deform.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the overall shape of the front end side Sf in the brush sheet portion 2 is changed to a mountain shape by varying the length (projection length) Lp of each brush piece 2p provided in the brush sheet portion 2. To form. Thereby, brush capability (cleaning capability) can be improved. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the brush pieces 2p formed on the brush sheet portions 2 are formed gradually thicker from the tip to the root. Thereby, what is called a firm brush piece can be obtained. Therefore, since the contact force with respect to the cleaning object Mx can be maintained even during rotation, the cleaning ability can be further enhanced in addition to forming the entire shape of the front end side Sf in a mountain shape. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness Dp of each brush piece 2p formed on each brush sheet portion 2 is made thinner as the brush piece 2p located on the inner side. Thereby, since the contact force (contact feeling) due to the position of the front end side Sf in the brush sheet portion 2 when contacting the teat M can be averaged, it is possible to enhance the feel of the object Mx such as the teat M. it can. As shown in FIG. 6, each brush sheet portion 2... Has a surface 2 f... Of the brush sheet portion 2... Substantially parallel to the rotation direction Fr of the rotating portion 4 and each brush sheet portion 2. Are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction Fs of the rotating unit 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the brush base 3 includes a mounting portion 3c to the rotating portion 4 and a plurality of sheet bases 3m formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the mounting portion 3c. A pair of adjacent brush sheet portions 2, 2... Are supported by the base portions 3m. Thereby, stability and intensity | strength at the time of supporting each brush sheet part 2 ... can be improved. In this case, the brush base 3 constituted by the attachment portion 3c and the sheet base 3m... And the brush sheet portions 2 and 2 are integrally formed of silicon rubber which is a material for forming the brush sheet 2. Thereby, it can contribute to the simplification and cost reduction at the time of manufacturing the cleaning brush B. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the attachment portion 3 c is formed so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially the same as that of the support slit 12. The brush base 3 is formed to be able to be fitted to the support slit 12, and the cross-sectional shape is selected so that it is not easily detached when fitted. At this time, the brush base 3 is configured to be inserted from one end of the support slit 12. Thus, when the cleaning brushes B are mounted on the brush support portions 34p, the front end sides Sf of the brush sheet portions 2 are arranged toward the rotation center of the rotation unit 4. Thus, since the cleaning brush B can be attached to and detached from the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion 11 (brush support portion 34p), when the cleaning brush B is replaced with a new cleaning brush B due to pain or the like, Only the cleaning brushes B that need to be replaced can be replaced, which can contribute to a reduction in running cost. In particular, when the peripheral surface portion cleaning brush portion 11 having such a cleaning brush B ... is provided in the brush mechanism portion 6, an optimal cleaning brush B ... is obtained when cleaning the peripheral surface portion Mf of the teat M. Can do.

  Therefore, in such a cleaning brush B, the surfaces 2f of the plurality of brush sheet portions 2 formed with the plurality of brush pieces 2p are arranged substantially parallel to the rotation direction Fr of the rotating unit 4, and each brush Since the sheet portions 2 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction Fs of the rotating portion 4, it is possible to obtain a cleaning brush B in which dust and bacteria are unlikely to accumulate. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce the work of removing dust and the like adhering to the cleaning brush B, and it is possible to always maintain a clean cleaning brush B. Moreover, since it has the some brush sheet part 2 ... which formed the some brush piece 2p ... by providing several notch part 2s ... from the front end side Sf of the sheet | seat material S using the elastic raw material R (silicon rubber). The plurality of brush pieces 2p in the cleaning brush B are not easily bent or deformed. Accordingly, it is possible to improve durability, such as avoiding a decrease in cleaning ability due to use, and to prevent the remaining of dust. Further, since the main part can be constituted by a plurality of brush sheet parts 2 formed by forming a plurality of notch parts 2s from the front end side Sf of the sheet material S, a cleaning brush B is easy. Can be manufactured. In addition, since the number of new article replacements due to improved durability can be greatly reduced, it is possible to contribute to cost reduction in both initial cost and running cost.

  On the other hand, the cleaning member 35 is attached to the upper surface of the connection ring portion 34r. As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning member 35 is formed in a disc ring shape, and has an insertion hole 35 i through which the nipple M is inserted at 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). As a result, the cleaning member 35 is disposed in the insertion port 5 i of the brush cup portion 5 and rotates together with the brush mechanism portion 6 to clean the root portion Mb in the teat M. In this way, if the cleaning member 35 is integrally formed of silicon rubber, it can be implemented easily and at a low cost by a single component, and the root portion Mb can be sufficiently cleaned while protecting the teat M.

  On the other hand, the front end cleaning brush section 24 includes a front end surface brush 24s and three boundary curved surface brushes 24r... And a brush mounting section 24c for removably mounting the brushes 24s and 24r. The tip surface brush 24s cleans the tip surface Mss in contact with the tip surface Mss of the tip Ms of the nipple M, and has a low hardness silicon rubber, preferably a hardness of 5 to 15 degrees. By using silicon rubber selected from Shore A), the whole is formed into a shape extending in three radial directions at intervals of 120 ° from the center as shown in FIG. 26 ... are provided. The cylindrical protrusions 26 are formed with an edge portion at the upper end, so that dirt on the teat M can be scraped off. 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 24r are for contacting 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 preferably 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 FIGS. 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. With such a configuration of the brush mechanism section 6, the cleaning brushes B and the boundary curved surface brushes 24 r are alternately arranged at intervals of 60 ° along the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. Even for the nipple M, the tip Ms can always be washed well without unevenness.

  Further, the rotational drive unit 4m is configured by incorporating a brush motor 42 in the casing 41, and the rotating shaft of the brush motor 42 protrudes upward from the upper end surface of the casing 41. The upper end of the casing 41 is attached to the lower end opening of the brush cup portion 5, and the connector 43 is attached to the lower surface of the casing 41. Further, the casing 41 is integrally formed with a drain port portion 44 communicating with the inside of the brush cup portion 5. In addition, the operation switch 45 (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 5. FIG.

  With such a configuration of the cleaning unit U1, even if dust (rice straw, sawdust, rice husk, feces, etc.) is attached to the teat M, the dust is scraped off with the brush of the brush mechanism section 6. Before being removed by the cleaning member 35 and being quickly flowed by the cleaning liquid L, it is possible to reduce adhesion of dust to the brush in the brush mechanism section 6. 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 part Mb in the nipple M can be cleaned by the dedicated cleaning member 35, it is not necessary to press the cleaning unit U1 against the root part Mb with an excessive force, and the root part Mb is not pressed against the root part Mb. It is possible to avoid the adverse effect of placing a necessary burden and to avoid the adverse effect of unnecessarily increasing the cleaning time. In addition, since the upper injection unit 7a disposed above the cleaning member 35 and the lower injection unit 7b 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 42 and the operation switch 45 are connected to the inner connection terminal of the connector 43 provided in the cleaning unit U1. The connector 43 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 drain port portion 44 provided in the casing 41 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 portion 5 in the cleaning unit U1, respectively. Each connection port part 54a, 54b is connected to the upper injection part 7a and the lower injection part 7b via the internal flow path of the brush cup part 5, 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 | cleaning apparatus 1 provided with washing | cleaning brush B ... 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 5i of the brush cup portion 5, as shown in FIG. The tip cleaning brush portion 24 in the cleaning unit U1 is biased upward by the springs 22..., So that when the nipple M is not inserted, it is at the highest position shown in FIG. 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 pushes the operation switch 45 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 42, 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 7a and the lower injection unit. 7b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 9A, the cleaning liquid L is sprayed from above the cleaning member 35 from the upper spraying portion 7a (upper spraying hole 33a ...) and the lower spraying portion 7b (lower spraying hole 33b ...). From below the cleaning member 35. The brush motor 42 repeats forward rotation and reverse rotation alternately. As the brush motor 42 rotates, the tip surface brush 24s, the three boundary curved surface brushes 24r, the cleaning brush B, and the cleaning member 35 rotate together, and the nipple M is preliminarily cleaned. Further, since the inside of the waste liquid tube 52 is sucked when the intake fan 64 is turned on, the used cleaning liquid (waste liquid) Lr in the brush cup portion 5 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 45 (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 45 is pressed to turn it ON. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the operation switch 45 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 9A, the cleaning liquid L is sprayed above the cleaning member 35 from the upper spray portion 7a and washed from the lower spray portion 7b. It is injected below the member 35. Further, the brush motor 42 alternately repeats forward rotation and reverse rotation to perform main cleaning on the teat M. In this case, the cleaning brush B ... cleans the peripheral surface portion Mf of the teat M. Further, the boundary curved surface brushes 24r... Clean the boundary surface portion at the distal end portion Ms of the nipple M, and the distal end surface brush 24s cleans the distal end surface portion at the distal end portion Ms of the nipple M.

  In this case, the cleaning brush B is arranged such that the surfaces 2f of the plurality of brush sheet portions 2 formed with the plurality of brush pieces 2p are substantially parallel to the rotation direction Fr of the rotating portion 4, and each brush sheet is provided. Since the parts 2... Are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction Fs of the rotating part 4, dust and bacteria are less likely to accumulate, and the work of removing dust and the like adhering to the cleaning brush B is greatly reduced and always clean. Clean brush B is maintained. Further, the cleaning brush B has a plurality of brush sheet portions 2 formed by forming a plurality of brush pieces 2p by providing a plurality of cut portions 2s from the front end side Sf of the sheet material S using silicon rubber. Therefore, the plurality of brush pieces 2p in the cleaning brush B are unlikely to be bent or deformed, and a reduction in cleaning ability due to use is avoided. Similarly, the boundary surface brush 24r has a sheet-like shape and thus has an advantage that dust does not easily adhere to it, and the tip surface brush 24s uses a cylindrical protrusion 26, so that the dirt on the nipple M is formed by the upper edge portion. Can be scraped off, and effective and sufficient cleaning can be performed even with the undulating tip Ms of the protruding teat M. 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 root portion Mb of the teat M is cleaned by the fin-shaped portions 35f by the rotation of the cleaning member 35, and the cleaning liquid L sprayed from the upper spraying portion 7a disposed above the cleaning member 35 is used for this cleaning. It is done. On the other hand, 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 5 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 42 rotates only in the normal direction. The liquid feed pump 67 continues to be turned on as it is, and the liquid feed pump 67 and the brush motor 42 are turned off after a preset Te time has elapsed. Therefore, after the operation switch 45 is turned OFF, the cleaning unit U1 is detached from the teat M within this Te time. FIG. 9B shows a state at the time of separation.

  By the way, when such a washing | cleaning unit U1 is used, since the dirt from the teat M adheres to the brush mechanism part 6, it is necessary to wash | clean the brush itself in the brush mechanism part 6 regularly. In this case, first, the peripheral surface portion cleaning brush portion 11 can be easily detached from the brush holder portion 21 by pulling it toward the insertion port 5i. This state is shown in FIG. Thereafter, using a separate removal jig, the locking claw portion of the removal jig is locked to the brush mounting portion 24c, and pulled toward the insertion port 5i. It can be easily removed from the receiving part 23. This state is shown in FIG. In this way, the peripheral surface portion cleaning brush portion 11 can be attached and detached in the axial direction Fs with respect to the rotational drive portion 4m side, so that the peripheral surface portion cleaning brush portion 11 (cleaning brush B ...) is placed outside the brush cup portion 5. By taking out, it is possible to easily and surely remove dust adhering to the cleaning brush B, such as polishing with a brush tool or immersing it in a cleaning solution, etc. it can. Further, the front end cleaning brush section 24 (the front end surface brush 24s and each boundary curved surface brush 24r...) Can be similarly cleaned (soiled off). And when washing | cleaning is complete | finished, what is necessary is just to mount | wear with a reverse procedure.

  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, although silicon rubber with selected hardness is used for the elastic material R, various elastic materials R such as other rubber (synthetic rubber, natural rubber) and synthetic resin can be used. Further, the overall shape of the front end side Sf in the brush sheet portions 2 and the thicknesses Dp of the brush pieces 2p formed on the brush sheet portions 2 are not limited to examples, and can be implemented in various modes. . Furthermore, although the case where the brush sheet | seat part 2 ... and the brush base part 3 were formed integrally was illustrated, the assembly | attachment body of another member may be sufficient. On the other hand, as the configuration of the tip cleaning brush portion 24, the case where the tip surface brush 24s and the boundary curved surface brush 24r are used is shown, but the configuration in which the tip surface brush 24s and the boundary curved surface brush 24r. Other configurations such as the case of only the brush 24s may be used. Moreover, although the example which mounted the washing | cleaning unit U1 and the main-body part U2 in the trolley | bogie part 81 was given, the structures other than the washing | cleaning unit U1 are 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. On the other hand, in the case where the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning object Mx is cleaned by rotating the cleaning brush B by the rotating unit 4, the cylindrical cleaning object Mx is rotated by rotating the cleaning brush B around the cleaning brush B. The same can be used for cleaning the inner peripheral surface.

  The cleaning brush B... According to the present invention can be used for various cleaning devices including the nipple cleaning device 1, that is, various cleaning devices for cleaning the cleaning object Mx by being rotated by the rotating unit 4. In addition to the nipple M, various objects to be cleaned Mx can be applied. The teat washing apparatus 1 is a concept including at least a teat wiping device.

  1: Nipple cleaning device, 2 ...: Brush sheet part, 2s ...: Notch part, 2p ...: Brush piece, 2f: Surface of brush sheet part, 3: Brush base part, 3c: Mounting part, 3m ...: Sheet base part, 4: rotating part, 4m: rotational driving part, 5: brush cup part, 5i: insertion port, 6: brush mechanism part, 7: spraying part, 8: cleaning liquid supplying means, 9: power supplying means, 11: peripheral surface cleaning Brush part, R: Elastic material, S: Sheet material, Sr: Rear end of brush sheet part, Sf: Front edge of sheet material, B: Cleaning brush, Mx: Object to be cleaned, M: Nipple, Mf: Circumference of nipple Surface, Fr: Rotational direction, Fs: Axial direction, L: Cleaning liquid, U1: Cleaning unit, U2: Main body, Lp ...: Brush piece length, Dp ...: Brush piece thickness

Claims (11)

  In a cleaning brush that cleans an object to be cleaned by rotating (including turning) by a rotating part, a plurality of brush pieces are formed by providing a plurality of notches from the front end side of a sheet material using an elastic material. The brush sheet portion and the brush base portion that supports the rear end of each brush sheet portion, the surface of each brush sheet portion is arranged in parallel to the rotation direction of the rotating portion, and each brush sheet portion is rotated. A cleaning brush characterized by being arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the portion.   The cleaning brush according to claim 1, wherein the entire shape of the front end side of the brush sheet portion is formed in a mountain shape by varying the length of each brush piece formed on the brush sheet portion.   The cleaning brush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each brush piece formed on the brush sheet portion is formed so as to be gradually thicker from a tip portion to a root portion.   The cleaning brush according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the thickness of each brush piece formed on the brush sheet portion is formed thinner as the brush piece located inside.   The brush base includes an attachment portion to the rotating portion and a plurality of sheet base portions formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the attachment portion, and a pair of brush sheet portions adjacent to each other by the sheet base portions. The cleaning brush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning brush is supported at a distance.   The cleaning brush according to claim 1, wherein the brush sheet portion and the brush base portion are integrally formed.   The cleaning brush according to claim 1, wherein the elastic material is silicon rubber having a selected hardness.   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 A sheet material using an elastic material in a nipple cleaning apparatus comprising a cleaning unit including a jetting unit and a main body including at least a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to the cleaning unit and a power supply unit that supplies power A plurality of brush sheet portions formed by providing a plurality of notches from the front end side of the front and a brush base portion supporting the rear end of each brush sheet portion, and the surface of each brush sheet portion Arranged in parallel to the rotating part that is rotated by the rotation driving part, and the brush sheet parts are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the rotating part. Teat cleaning apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a brush mechanism having one or more cleaning brushes were.   The nipple cleaning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the brush mechanism unit includes a peripheral surface cleaning brush unit that includes the cleaning brush to clean the peripheral surface of the nipple.   The nipple cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning brush is configured to be detachable from the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion.   The nipple cleaning device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the peripheral surface cleaning brush portion is configured to be detachable in the axial direction with respect to the rotation drive unit side.

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