Hoof protector, preferably a hoof boot or hoof bell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hoof protector (37), preferably a hoof boot (37) or a hoof bell (37), comprising: an electronic hoof component (25) which is preferably removably arranged on a hoof-protector wall (37b); and at least one sensor for detecting the temperature of the hoof (H) of a hoofed animal during use.

Description

[0001] 202302079

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Hoof protection, preferably hoof boot or hoof bell

[0005] The invention relates to a hoof protection, preferably a hoof boot or a hoof bell.

[0006] For the gait and health analysis of a horse or other hoofed animal (e.g., a camel), it is desirable to record the reaction forces generated when the animal strikes the ground, not just at a single point, but with a certain degree of resolution across the entire hoof impact area. The measured values ​​should allow conclusions to be drawn about the animal's health, for example, with regard to lameness or overloading of the gait apparatus.

[0007] While there are a number of solutions for corresponding tasks in the fields of medical diagnostics, training status analysis, and rehabilitation in humans, the availability of corresponding systems for hoofed animals is limited. There is a commercially available product from Tekscan, as well as systems with a similar purpose, but these are based on measuring acceleration rather than reaction forces.

[0008] From GB 2 482 192 B it is known to attach force sensors for such purposes to a horseshoe and to store their signals locally and / or to transmit them via a wireless transmitter to a remote receiving and evaluation station.

[0009] According to DE 10 2011 016 344 A1, force sensors are inserted into an elastomer body for a corresponding purpose. The elastomer body, which in turn is to be inserted into a hoof boot, is intended to enable the use of commercially available resistive force sensors with their limited force measurement range for reaction force analysis in horses with their relatively high ground pressure.

[0010] US 2020 / 319044 A1 teaches another system for the area-resolved recording of reaction forces on the hooves of an ungulate, which transmits the sensor signals to a remote evaluation unit via a wireless transmitter. This system has a complex construction consisting of a base plate and a floor plate, which are precisely guided relative to each other and between which several force application cylinders and a plurality of resistive force measuring sensors are housed, as well as a microprocessor unit, a communication unit, and a battery for powering the components. The function of the "force application cylinders" is not disclosed in the document, nor is the method of attachment to the hoof.

[0011] DE 102021 211 795.3 (unpublished) describes a reaction force measuring plate for detecting the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal or the foot of a human when it steps on the ground, comprising a rigid support plate with a first surface facing the ground during use and a second surface facing the hoof or foot, a plurality of flat force measuring sensors fixed in a fixed position on the first surface of the support plate and a plurality of elastic force transmission studs, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors.

[0012] A disadvantage of the known possibilities for measuring the force of the

[0013] The measurement properties of the force sensors used can be temperature-dependent or influenced by the temperature in the immediate vicinity of the force sensor or its temperature. This can influence or falsify the recording of the measured variable from which force values ​​can be determined. This can impair the accuracy or quality of the recorded measured variable or the force value determined or ascertained from it. This can have a correspondingly negative effect on the results of the force value evaluation.

[0014] Furthermore, the temperature of the hoof of hoofed animals such as horses can provide helpful information about possible causes of existing lameness or signs of impending problems. To date, hoof temperature measurements have generally been performed using thermography with a thermal imaging camera or a commercially available infrared thermometer.

[0015] The disadvantage is that the temperature distribution on the hoof can vary locally. Therefore, reproducible measurements with an infrared thermometer are difficult. While measurements with a thermal imaging camera can provide more precise information about the temperature distribution, such systems are very expensive.

[0016] If the known systems for gait analysis are to be used simultaneously with the determination of the hoof temperature of ungulates, this will at most be done sequentially, since it would be cumbersome to use another device for determining the hoof temperature at the same time as a system for gait analysis.

[0017] One object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for determining the temperature of the hoof of hoofed animals. In particular, a reproducible temperature measurement of the hoof should be enabled by integrating a temperature sensor into a support system on the horse's hoof. This should be improved, particularly in combination with the force measurement of the hoofed animal's foot when it strikes the ground.

[0018] If necessary, at least one additional physical parameter on the hoof should be able to be recorded by sensors, either additionally or alternatively. This should be done as simply, cost-effectively, and with as little space and / or weight as possible.

[0019] At least an alternative to the known options should be created.

[0020] The object is achieved according to the invention by a hoof protector according to patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0021] Thus, the invention relates to a hoof protection, preferably a hoof boot or a hoof bell, with an electronic hoof component which is arranged, preferably removably, on a hoof protection wall, and with at least one sensor for detecting the temperature of the hoof of a hoofed animal during use.

[0022] Any sensor principle that can measure the temperature of the hoof of the hoofed animal in this application can be used as the sensor, as described in more detail below.

[0023] In any case, according to the invention, a reproducible and / or continuous temperature measurement on the hoof can be carried out in this way without additional equipment, since the sensors for detecting the temperature can be incorporated into a device that is already in use to protect the hoof, in particular into a hoof boot or hoof bell. Additional equipment that could disturb the hoof in particular can be dispensed with. In particular, this allows the temperature to be recorded while a horse is moving, in particular during training, which can be particularly helpful for the trainer or owner. Preferably, these options for detecting the temperature of the hoof can be combined with other sensor values ​​recorded on the hoof, as will be described in more detail below. This allows in particular a combination with sensor recording for gait analysis, e.g. by measuring pressure under the hoof and / oror acceleration measurement of the hoof. Especially in the health analysis of horses, temperature measurements can provide additional information that allows, for example, the faster identification of a diseased hoof. The term "hoof" includes not only the hoof itself but also the coronary band and pastern.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the hoof protection wall has a wall passage, wherein the electronic hoof component has an infrared sensor directed toward the hoof through the wall passage of the hoof protection wall. This can represent one possible concrete implementation. This can be particularly advantageous in that the infrared sensor can be arranged on a circuit board of the electronic hoof component, thus eliminating the need for additional cabling, which would require additional installation space and assembly effort. This can also ensure that the infrared sensor cannot move relative to the electronic hoof component.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wall passage is sealed with a transparent filling. This can keep dirt, moisture, and the like away from the electronic hoof component, and in particular from its infrared sensor, as well as prevent contact with the electronic hoof component, and in particular with its infrared sensor, through the wall passage. This can protect the electronic hoof component, and in particular its infrared sensor, and prevent dirt from disrupting the sensor's "visual contact" with the hoof, thus distorting the measurement. The transparency of the filling can simultaneously enable the infrared sensor to detect infrared radiation.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof protection wall has a wall passage that is closed off from the hoof by means of a thermally conductive seal, wherein the electronic hoof component has a temperature sensor arranged inside the thermally conductive seal. A thermally insulating seal can also be used as the thermally conductive seal, which is sufficiently thin to have no significant thermally insulating effect, yet can still have a protective effect. Thus, the heat from the hoof can pass through the thermally conductive material of the seal to the temperature sensor, where it can be detected by the sensor. This can represent an additional or alternative possibility for detecting the hoof's temperature.

[0027] The temperature sensor is a temperature-sensitive element that has a temperature-dependent physical quantity whose value can be recorded and converted into a corresponding temperature value. This allows the temperature of the temperature sensor or its immediate surroundings to be recorded and a temperature value to be determined from this. The temperature dependence is preferably linear, at least in the relevant measuring range, which can make recording the sensor value and determining the temperature value easier and / or more accurate. In any case, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) or an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) element can be used as the temperature sensor or temperature-sensitive element.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wall passage of the hoof protection wall from the temperature sensor to the outside is sealed by a thermally insulating filling. This can prevent any self-heating of the electronic hoof component from being detected by the temperature sensor, which could impair temperature detection.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component further comprises a temperature sensor, which is arranged on the inside of the hoof protection wall and, during use, is in contact with the hoof or in close proximity to the hoof. This can represent a direct and comparatively simple way of detecting the temperature. However, this exposes the temperature sensor to mechanical stress due to contact with the hoof, which can reduce its longevity. Accordingly, the temperature sensor can also be integrated inside the hoof protection wall, for example between several layers of fabrics, textiles, foams and the like, in order to be used in close proximity to the hoof. This can offer additional protection, but slightly delays the spread of the temperature to the temperature sensor.

[0030] This aspect of the invention is based on the idea that the temperature-sensitive element is integrated within the hoof protector and preferably connected externally, for example, via a plug. Compared to the previous variants or aspects of the invention, the difference may be that in this case the temperature sensor can be integrated neither within an electronic unit nor on a force sensor beneath the hoof, but rather is located within the hoof protector. Optionally, the temperature sensor can then be in contact with the hoof, or it can be located within the hoof protection wall or the collar.

[0031] Alternatively, the temperature sensor of the hoof protection wall can also be present in addition to a temperature sensor of the electronic hoof component or its circuit board and / or a force sensor below the hoof. In this case, the temperature sensor of the electronic hoof component can be used to record or estimate the ambient temperature and / or compensate for the temperature dependence of the electronic hoof component. Additionally or alternatively, the force sensor can be used to record the force between the hoof and the ground. In addition, if the ambient temperature is known, the temperature dependence of the force measuring cells of the force sensor can be compensated and / or the hoof temperature can be estimated. In any case, additionally or alternatively, the “external” temperature sensor of the hoof protection wall can be used to measure the hoof temperature for additional diagnosis or indication, independently and if necessary.solely from the other measurement options.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component further comprises a temperature sensor. This allows the temperature of the electronic hoof component itself and its immediate surroundings to be detected by sensors in addition to the temperature of the hoof.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component further comprises an acceleration sensor and / or a gyroscope. This also allows the acceleration of the hoof to be detected, which can enable additional possibilities for evaluating the movements of the hoof or the hoofed animal. A gyroscope can also be used in addition to or as an alternative to the acceleration sensor.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof protector further comprises a reaction force measuring plate for detecting the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the hoof when it strikes the ground. The plate comprises a preferably rigid support plate with a first surface facing the ground during use and an opposite second surface facing the hoof, or vice versa, and a plurality of flat force measuring sensors fixed in position to the first surface of the support plate. The ground represents a subsurface, which can, in principle, be of any desired nature or made of any desired material.

[0035] The reaction force measuring plate can have a support plate that is essentially both rigid and incompressible (but may also be elastically flexible). Such a reaction force measuring plate is structurally simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture, robust in practice, and easy to handle. It also enables the measurement of reaction forces with sufficient resolution across the entire surface of the hoof, with minimal force spurs and therefore high accuracy. It is also flat and lightweight, making it not only easy to use but also easy to transport.

[0036] Preferably, at least five force sensors can be used. Preferably, at least, and particularly preferably, exactly seven force sensors can be used, which can be arranged along the edges. In any case, the force sensors can be arranged at approximately equal distances from one another in the circumferential direction. This can enable representative recording of the force values ​​while simultaneously limiting the effort.

[0037] Preferably, an additional force measuring sensor can be arranged centrally and / or at the edge between the heel ends of the hoof of a hoofed animal, which can increase or improve the significance of the recorded measured values.

[0038] As explicitly formulated and described above, the support plate can be arranged with its first surface facing the ground during use and its second opposite surface facing the hoof or foot. However, the arrangement can also be reversed, with the support plate facing the hoof or foot during use and its second opposite surface facing the ground. This can increase the usage and design options. In particular, arranging the support plate with its first surface facing the hoof during use is advantageous because the force measuring sensors and any elastic force transmission studs then act against the hoof.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof protector further comprises at least one temperature sensor, which is configured and arranged on the reaction force measuring plate to detect the temperature of the hoof. This can also additionally enable detection of the temperature of the sole of the hoof.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the temperature measuring sensor of the reaction force measuring plate is formed on the continuous sensor carrier film, preferably as a printed electrical line, preferably in a meandering shape. This can also be implemented accordingly for the temperature measuring sensor.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force sensors, together with associated sensor signal lines and optionally power supply lines, are implemented on a continuous sensor carrier film, which is fixed in particular to the first surface of the carrier plate. This can simplify implementation and production.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force sensors or the sensor carrier foil are glued to the carrier plate. This can represent a simple implementation.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, the effective area of ​​the force measuring sensors is in the range between 0.5 cm 2 and 10 cm 2 , especially 2 cm 2 and 5 cm 2It is understood that when using a relatively large number of force sensors, and especially in configurations of the measuring plate intended for animals with a relatively small hoof or foot area, the effective area may be relatively small, whereas in configurations with a relatively small number of sensors and for animals with a large detection area, it may be closer to or even higher than the upper limit stated as preferred.

[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, all force sensors are essentially rectangular in shape and have the same geometric shape and effective area. This can facilitate technologically simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the sensors and the configurability of different designs of the measuring plate.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors are resistive-dielectric sensors, which in particular comprise a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer on top of this layer, which is surrounded and delimited by a spacer that determines the shape of the force measuring sensor, and a second conductive layer on top of the dielectric layer and the spacer. In addition to the structure mentioned here as a variant, such resistive force measuring sensors can also have a different, i.e., known, structure. In principle, in addition to resistive-dielectric sensors, piezoelectric, capacitive, or inductive sensors, or electroactive polymers can also be used in the reaction force measuring plate.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, the support plate has the shape of a closed horseshoe, circular ring, U, or polygon, in particular with a recess in the center. This allows adaptation for use in various hoofed animals or other vertebrates (including humans).

[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention, the carrier plate is made of organic sheet, spring steel, or plastic. These can represent concrete implementation possibilities. In other words, according to option A, a contactless temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) can be used, which is integrated into the electronic hoof component as an electronic unit, to establish "visual contact" with the hoof, the coronary band, or the pastern through a "viewing window," for example, a transparent or translucent element of the hoof protection wall, so that the temperature can be determined there.

[0048] The hoof protection, especially the hoof boot or bell boot, can have a recess or opening or a transparent or translucent insert at this point, allowing measurements to be taken directly on the animal. The viewing window is advantageously integrated into the rear housing wall (e.g., glued, welded, or molded on). The viewing window advantageously protrudes beyond the rear wall. The viewing window advantageously protrudes far enough beyond the rear wall that it fills a recess in the hoof protection or extends into it.

[0049] According to option B, a temperature-sensitive element can be integrated into the electronics. In the simplest version, this can be mounted directly on the electronics or its circuit board. Advantageously, the temperature-sensitive element is arranged on the outer wall of the electronics on the side facing the hoof or immediately behind it. Advantageously, the housing protrudes from the back of the electronics in the area of ​​the sensor so that it completely or at least partially fills a recess in the shoe. Advantageously, a material with high thermal conductivity, e.g. a metal, is integrated into the housing of the electronics, at least in the protruding area, so that the temperature from the hoof is transferred well. Advantageously, the space between the temperature-sensitive element and the electronics is filled with a material with lower thermal conductivity, e.g. potted.This prevents interference caused by the self-heating of the electronics.

[0050] According to option C, at least one temperature-sensitive element, such as an RTD, PTC or NTC, can be integrated into the hoof protection, which is connected directly or indirectly to the electronic unit via a plug contact.

[0051] According to Option D, a temperature-sensitive element can be located within the hoof component, but not on the circuit board. This can then be done with an insulating filling and as close to the hoof as possible.

[0052] Combinations of options A, B, C and D are also possible.

[0053] The electronic hoof component can also have a 3-axis acceleration sensor and / or a 3-axis gyroscope.

[0054] Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in conjunction with the following figures. Therein: Fig. 1 shows the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate in a perspective view from below;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a reaction force measuring system according to the invention, in the form of a block diagram;

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a hoof of a hoofed animal with a hoof protection according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a hoof of a hoofed animal with a hoof protection according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a hoof of a hoofed animal with a hoof protection according to the invention according to a third embodiment; and

[0059] Fig. 6 shows a hoof of a hoofed animal with hoof protection according to the invention in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment. The description of the above figures is given in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and a vertical direction Z oriented perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse direction Y also as width Y and the vertical direction Z also as height Z. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X, Y, which can also be referred to as the horizontal plane X, Y. The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y and the vertical direction Z can together also be referred to as spatial directions X, Y, Z or as Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective bottom view, the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate 1 with a closed, horseshoe-shaped, rigid support plate 3 having a first surface 3a and a second surface 3b. Seven resistive force measuring sensors 5 with a uniform rectangular basic shape are attached to the first surface 3a at equal distances from one another. The free surfaces of each of the force measuring sensors 5 point downward toward a substrate (not shown) and thus, for example, away from the horse's hoof H. The force measuring sensors 5 can also be referred to as force sensors 5 or force sensor elements 5.

[0061] The force sensors 5 are integrally formed on a sensor carrier foil 9, which also carries conductor tracks (not shown) for connecting each sensor. The sensor carrier foil 9, together with the force sensors 5 formed thereon, can be manufactured using conventional means of printed circuit board technology, which are known per se to those skilled in the art. The sensor carrier foil 9 is applied with its back side to the first surface 3a of the carrier 3.

[0062] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a reaction force measuring system 17, which can be formed, in particular, with a reaction force measuring plate according to Fig. 1. The illustration is in the form of a functional block diagram and is not intended to show the exact structural implementation of the system components.

[0063] In addition to the force measuring sensors 5 already shown in Fig. 1 with their connector outlet 13, the reaction force measuring system 17 comprises a sensor signal preprocessing unit 19, which is connected to the force measuring sensors 5 via the sensor signal lines or via the connector outlet 13 and serves to effect a preprocessing and formatting of the sensor signals that is advantageous for external signal transmission.

[0064] On the output side, the sensor signal preprocessing units 19 are connected to a wireless sensor signal transmitter 21, which can operate according to the Bluetooth standard, for example, but depending on the application, also according to another wireless communication standard. A power source 23 is assigned to the aforementioned components, which in the simplest case is a commercially available primary cell or a rechargeable battery. If a rechargeable battery is used, it can be assigned a charging socket (not shown in the figure) for recharging while installed.

[0065] All of the above-mentioned components are advantageously arranged on the reaction force measuring plate 1, and in particular, protected within its interior, and are referred to here as the electronic hoof component 25. Specifically, the functional units of the hoof component 25 can all be implemented on the sensor carrier film 9. However, as shown in the further Figs. 3 to 6, the electronic hoof component 25 can also be arranged as a box on the outside of a hoof guard 37 or its hoof protection wall 37b.

[0066] When the system is in use, the electronic hoof component 25 is in wireless signal communication via the sensor signal transmitter 21 with a sensor signal receiving, evaluation, and display device 27 located remotely from the animal (or human) to be examined. The device 27 comprises a wireless sensor signal receiver 29 configured to communicate with the sensor signal transmitter 21 on the electronic hoof component 25 and feeds the received signals to a signal evaluation unit 31, where they are evaluated according to a program stored in a program memory 33.

[0067] Finally, a display unit 35 serves to present the evaluation results, for example, to a therapist or trainer. The components of the sensor signal reception, evaluation, and display device can be implemented, for example, in a notebook, tablet, or smartphone with a suitable evaluation app.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a hoof H of a hoofed animal with a hoof protector 37 according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment. The hoof protector 37 is designed as a bell 37 and surrounds the hoof H beyond the coronary band (not labeled), to which the leg B or its pastern is attached.

[0069] The hoof protector 37 or hoof bell 37 according to the first exemplary embodiment has a wall passage 37c in the upper region of the hoof protection wall 37b, which is filled with a transparent filling 37d as a component of the hoof protector 37. The electronic hoof component 25 arranged on the outside of the hoof protection wall 37b has an infrared sensor 25a, which is directed towards the wall passage 37c or, through the transparent material of the filling 37d, onto the outside of the hoof H. Accordingly, the temperature of the hoof H can be detected by the infrared sensor 25a at any time and continuously and, like the sensor data from the force measuring sensors 5, transmitted to the outside of the electronic hoof component 25. There, the detected temperature of the hoof H can be used for sporting and medical purposes. Fig. 4 shows a hoof H of a hoofed animal with a hoof protector 37 according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment.In this case, the hoof protection 37 is a hoof shoe 37 with a hoof protection sole 37a, which closes the hoof shoe 37 downwards towards the ground or the ground (not shown). Between the underside of the hoof H, i.e. its hoof sole, and the inside of the hoof shoe 37 or its hoof shoe sole 37a, the previously described reaction force measuring plate 1 is arranged, which additionally has a centrally arranged temperature sensor 11 and is connected to the electronic hoof component 25 by means of an electrical connection 26. Furthermore, the electronic hoof component 25, which basically corresponds to the first embodiment in Fig. 3, has a further temperature sensor 25b, which can measure the temperature there or in the environment, as well as an acceleration sensor 25c, in order to also measure, transmit and evaluate accelerations of the hoof H. A gyroscope can also be provided (not shown).

[0070] Fig. 5 shows a hoof H of a hoofed animal with a hoof protector 37 according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment. In this comparatively simple variant, the reaction force measuring plate 1 is used as described above, i.e. without an additional temperature sensor 1. The electronic hoof component 25 only has a temperature sensor 25d, which is arranged on the inside of the hoof protection wall 37b such that the temperature sensor 25d is in contact with the hoof H during use. For this purpose, the temperature sensor 25d can also be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the hoof H in the hoof protection wall 37b in order to be protected. The temperature sensor 25d is connected to the electronic hoof component 25 by means of a plug connection 26a.

[0071] Fig. 6 shows a hoof H of a hoofed animal with a hoof protector 37 according to the invention according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. The hoof protector 37 as a hoof shoe 37 essentially corresponds to the third exemplary embodiment with a temperature sensor 25d comparable to the first exemplary embodiment, wherein in this case the temperature sensor 25d is arranged on the inside of the wall passage 37c. The temperature sensor 25d is protected from the surface of the hoof H by means of a thermally conductive closure 37f, but can detect the temperature of the hoof H as directly as possible due to the thermally conductive properties of the material of the closure 37f. Furthermore, the wall passage 37c is filled with a thermally insulating filling 37e.

[0072] List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0073] H hoof or horse hoof

[0074] B Leg or pastern of the horse

[0075] X longitudinal direction; depth

[0076] Y transverse direction; width

[0077] Z vertical direction; height

[0078] X, Y horizontals; horizontal plane

[0079] I Reaction force measuring plate

[0080] 3 Carrier plate; sensor plate

[0081] 3a first surface

[0082] 3b second surface

[0083] 5 force measuring sensors; force sensors; force sensor elements

[0084] 9 Sensor carrier film

[0085] II Temperature sensor of the reaction force measuring plate 1

[0086] 13 Connection element; plug outlet

[0087] 17 Reaction force measuring system

[0088] 19 sensor signal preprocessing units

[0089] 21 wireless sensor signal transmitter

[0090] 23 Energy source

[0091] 25 electronic hoof components

[0092] 25a Infrared sensor of the electronic hoof component 25

[0093] 25b Temperature sensor of the electronic hoof component 25

[0094] 25c Accelerometer of the electronic hoof component 25

[0095] 25d Temperature sensor of the electronic hoof component 25

[0096] 26 electrical connection

[0097] 26a plug connection

[0098] 27 Sensor signal receiving, evaluation and display device 29 Wireless sensor signal receiver

[0099] 31 Signal evaluation unit

[0100] 33 program memories

[0101] 35 Display unit 37 Hoof protection; hoof boot; hoof bell

[0102] 37a Hoof protection sole

[0103] 37b Hoof protection wall

[0104] 37c Wall passage

[0105] 37d transparent filling of the wall passage 37c 37e thermally insulating filling of the wall passage 37c

[0106] 37f thermally conductive closure of the wall passage 37c

Claims

Patent claims 1. Hoof protection (37), preferably hoof shoe (37) or hoof bell (37), with an electronic hoof component (25) which is arranged, preferably removably, on a hoof protection wall (37b), and with at least one sensor for detecting the temperature of the hoof (H) of a hoofed animal during use.

2. Hoof protection (37) according to claim 1, wherein the hoof protection wall (37b) has a wall passage (37c), wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has an infrared sensor (25a) which is directed towards the hoof (H) through the wall passage (37c) of the hoof protection wall (37b).

3. Hoof protection (37) according to claim 2, wherein the wall passage (37c) is closed with a transparent filling (37d).

4. Hoof protection (37) according to claim 1, wherein the hoof protection wall (37b) has a wall passage (37c) which is closed off from the hoof (H) by means of a thermally conductive closure (37f), wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has a temperature sensor (25d) which is arranged inside the thermally conductive closure (37f).

5. Hoof protection (37) according to claim 4, wherein the wall passage (37c) of the hoof protection wall (37b) from the temperature sensor (25d) is closed to the outside by means of a thermally insulating filling (37e).

6. Hoof protection (37) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) further comprises a temperature sensor (25d) which is arranged on the inside of the hoof protection wall (37b) and is in contact with the hoof (H) or in the immediate vicinity of the hoof (H) during use.

7. Hoof protection (37) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) further comprises a temperature sensor (25b).

8. Hoof protection (37) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) further comprises an acceleration sensor (25c) and / or a gyroscope.

9. Hoof protection (37) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reaction force measuring plate (1) for detecting the ground reaction force distribution over the ground contact surface of the hoof (H) when it hits the ground, with a preferably rigid support plate (3) with a first surface (3a) facing the ground in use and an opposite second surface (3b) facing the hoof, or vice versa, and with a plurality of flat force measuring sensors (5) fixed in a fixed position on the first surface (3a) of the support plate (3).

10. Hoof protection (37) according to claim 9, further comprising at least one temperature measuring sensor (11) which is designed and arranged on the reaction force measuring plate (1) to detect the temperature of the hoof (H).

11. Hoof protection (37) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) together with associated sensor signal lines and optionally power supply lines are realized on a continuous sensor carrier film (9) which is fixed in particular on the first surface of the carrier plate (3).

12. Hoof protection (37) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) or the sensor carrier film (9) are or are glued to the carrier plate (3).

13. Hoof protection (37) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the effective area of ​​the force measuring sensors (5) is in the range between 0.5 cm 2 and 10 cm 2 , especially 2 cm 2 and 5 cm 2 , lies.

14. Hoof protection (37) according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein all force measuring sensors (5) are substantially rectangular in shape and have the same geometric shape and effective area.

15. Hoof protection (37) according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) are resistive-dielectric sensors, which in particular comprise a first conductive layer, on this a dielectric layer which is surrounded and delimited by a spacer determining the shape of the force measuring sensor (5), and on the dielectric layer and the spacer a second conductive layer.

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