Thermometer for animals and physical condition management system using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides: a veterinary thermometer capable of constantly detecting the core temperature of an animal without affecting the movement of the animal; and a health management system using the same.　A detection unit 23 of a temperature instrument 20 is mounted as suspended from behind the animal's head and is disposed on an inner cheek portion of the animal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermometer for animals for managing the physical condition of animals such as livestock and pets, and a physical condition management system using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the physical condition management of animals such as livestock and pets, body temperature is an important indicator reflecting the health condition, and in order to know the accurate body temperature, it is necessary to measure the deep body temperature. Generally, since the measurement of the deep body temperature of an animal requires keeping the animal restrained and the thermometer inserted into the rectum in a fixed position until the measurement is completed, it involves a great deal of labor and stress not only for the measurer but also for the animal.

[0003] In the livestock industry, since a large number of livestock such as cows are bred and managed, a great deal of labor and time are required to measure the body temperature of each livestock individually for physical condition management, and there are not a few cases where animals die due to the delay in detecting abnormalities such as diseases. Therefore, for example, a thermal image is taken by a thermographic camera directed at the head of a calf suckling from the mammary part, and the correlation temperature is extracted from parts such as the eyeball, around the eyes, and inside the ears, which are highly correlated with the deep body temperature at the head of the calf, and a technique for managing the health condition based on this correlation temperature has been developed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technology of Patent Document 1 enables non-contact measurement of the body temperature of animals by using a thermographic camera, without affecting behaviors such as the nursing and drinking of animals, and can significantly reduce the labor and stress of the measurer and the animals. However, since the technology of Patent Document 1 can only measure the body temperature of animals at the timing of taking predetermined behaviors such as nursing and drinking, there is a possibility of missing temperature changes associated with a sudden deterioration in the physical condition of, for example, calves and adult cows before and after calving, and there is a risk that the discovery of abnormalities will be delayed.

[0006] The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a thermometer for animals that can constantly detect the deep body temperature without affecting the behavior of animals, and a physical condition management system using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the thermometer for animals of the present invention is characterized in that it is suspended behind the head of the animal and the detection part of the thermometer is arranged on the inner cheek part. According to this feature, with the thermometer for animals suspended behind the head of the animal and the detection part of the thermometer arranged on the inner cheek part of the animal, the oral temperature of the animal, that is, the deep body temperature, can be constantly detected without affecting the behaviors of the animal such as nursing, drinking, and eating.

[0008] It is characterized by having a locking part that is locked to the corner of the animal's mouth. According to this feature, since the locking part is locked to the corner of the animal's mouth, it becomes easier to bring the thermometer for animals into close contact with the head of the animal, so the detection part of the thermometer arranged on the inner cheek part of the animal is less likely to shift, and the oral temperature of the animal can be stably detected.

[0009] It is characterized by including a frame body that extends around the back of the animal's head, and the detection part is provided on the locking part formed on the frame body. According to this feature, the detection part of the thermometer can be stably arranged on the inner cheek part of the animal only by using the frame body.

[0010] It is characterized by having a regulating part that surrounds the area around the nasal bone part and the lower jaw part of the animal. According to this feature, since the regulating part surrounds the area around the nasal bone part and the lower jaw part of the animal, the animal's head is pinched front and back between the regulating part and the part suspended behind the animal's head, and the animal thermometer can be firmly fixed to the animal's head. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the animal thermometer from shifting or falling off the head.

[0011] It is characterized in that the arrangement part of the detection part is covered with a metal cover. According to this feature, since the detection part of the thermometer arranged on the inner cheek part of the animal is protected by the metal cover, it is possible to prevent the detection part from being damaged by being bitten by the animal.

[0012] It has an auxiliary fixing part that extends along the lower side of the lower jaw part of the animal, and the processing part of the thermometer is arranged on the auxiliary fixing part. According to this feature, since the heavy processing part of the thermometer is supported below the lower jaw part where the influence of the animal's head shaking motion is small, it is difficult for centrifugal force to act on the processing part, so it is possible to prevent the detection part from shifting.

[0013] The physical condition management system of the present invention is characterized in that it can notify an abnormality to the management terminal based on the difference between the oral temperature of the animal detected by the animal thermometer and a preset reference temperature. According to this feature, it can constantly detect the deep body temperature of the animal with the animal thermometer attached, and can notify the management terminal of an abnormality without missing the change in the deep body temperature of the animal due to poor physical condition. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor related to the physical condition management of the animal and detect diseases and the like at an early stage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] A mode for carrying out the animal thermometer and the physical condition management system using the same according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

EXAMPLE

[0016] The animal thermometer according to Example 1 and the physical condition management system using the same will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Hereinafter, the left side of the paper of FIG. 1 will be described as the front side (front side) of the animal thermometer, and the right side of the paper will be described as the back side (rear side) of the animal thermometer.

[0017] The animal thermometer of the present invention is applied to animals such as livestock and pets, and is suspended behind the head of the animal, and the detection part of the thermometer is arranged on the inner cheek part, so that the detection part always detects the oral temperature highly correlated with the deep body temperature of the animal. In this example, the case where the animal thermometer is applied to a cow raised and managed as livestock will be described as an example.

[0018] Note that suspension means being attached in a hanging state. In this example, it means that the animal thermometer is attached in a state where a part of the animal thermometer is supported behind the head of the animal and the other part of the animal thermometer hangs down.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the animal thermometer 1 (hereinafter referred to as "thermometer 1") is mainly composed of a frame body 10 that curves downward in a substantially U shape and a thermometer 20 fixed to the frame body 10. Note that the outer shape of the frame body 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates the outer shape of the thermometer 1 when it is attached to the head of a cow in Example 1.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame body 10 includes a base portion 10a to which a thermometer main body 21 as a processing portion of the thermometer 20 described later is fixed, a pair of left and right arm portions 10b and 10c extending from both sides of the base portion 10a, and hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e serving as locking portions formed by bending the ends of the arm portions 10b and 10c inward at an angle of approximately 180 degrees. The total length of the frame body 10 is formed to be approximately 700 to 800 mm for calves and approximately 1400 to 1600 mm for adult cows.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e are formed in a symmetric shape such that the dimension L1 from the point P on the inner diameter side of the substantially semicircular bent portion to both tips 10f and 10g of the frame body 10 is approximately 40 to 60 mm. Further, the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e are formed such that the width dimension L2 of the gap portion is approximately 7 to 10 mm for calves and approximately 10 to 20 mm for adult cows.

[0022] Thereby, when locking the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e to both mouth corners 100a of the cow 100, the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e can be brought into close contact along the inner cheek portion 100b and the outer cheek portion 100c of the cow 100, respectively (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0023] Note that the mouth corner is the part where the upper lip and the lower lip are connected on both sides of the animal's mouth. The inner cheek portion is the inner part of the cheek between the upper and lower jaws of the animal, and the outer cheek portion is the outer part of the cheek at the same position.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame body 10 in the first embodiment is composed of polyurethane tubes 11A and 11B and a stainless steel core material 12 inserted into the tubes 11A and 11B, and the entire frame body 10 is plastically deformable.

[0025] In this embodiment, the tubes 11A and 11B are circular tubes with an outer diameter of about 5 to 6 mm and an inner diameter of about 3 to 4 mm. The core material 12 is a wire with a circular cross-section having a diameter of about 2 to 3 mm. Further, it is preferable that a gap of about 1 to 2 mm is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the tube and the outer peripheral surface of the core material to allow the lead wire 22 and the detection unit 23 of the thermometer 20 described later to pass through.

[0026] Also, both ends 12a and 12b of the core material 12 are arranged at positions that enter inside the tips of the tubes 11A and 11B, that is, both tips 10f and 10g of the frame body 10.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the thermometer 20 in the first embodiment is a so-called digital thermometer, which includes a thermometer main body 21 incorporating a battery, a wireless module, etc. (not shown), a lead wire 22 extending from the thermometer main body 21 and inserted into the tube 11A that constitutes the arm portion 10b and the hook portion 10d of the frame body 10, and a detection unit 23 provided at the tip of the lead wire 22 and incorporated on the tip 10f side of the hook portion 10d.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the thermometer 20 can convert the temperature detected by the detection unit 23 into a signal in the thermometer main body 21 and transmit the signal to a management terminal that constitutes a physical condition management system described later via the antenna 21a.

[0029] The thermometer main body 21 is integrally fixed to the portion that goes around behind the head of the yoke 100 of the frame body 10, that is, the base portion 10a, by a fixing tape 30. Note that fixing means other than the fixing tape 30 may be used to fix the thermometer main body 21 to the base portion 10a of the frame body 10.

[0030] The thermometer main body 21 is provided with a display screen 21b on which various information such as the temperature detected by the detection unit 23 and the remaining battery level is displayed, and is arranged such that the display screen 21b faces the front side when the frame body 10 is attached to the head of the cow 100 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0031] In this embodiment, the detection unit 23 incorporated in the hook-shaped portion 10d is a contact type temperature sensor, and it detects the oral temperature of the cow 100. Note that the detection unit is not limited to a contact type temperature sensor, and may be a non-contact type temperature sensor such as an infrared temperature sensor. When the detection unit is constituted by an infrared temperature sensor, for example, the infrared ray amount emitted from the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100, or the inside of the oral cavity such as the tongue or the throat is measured by a detection surface looking through the opening of the tube 11A at the tip 10f of the frame body 10, and the oral temperature may be detected by converting this infrared ray amount into temperature.

[0032] Here, an example of the procedure for attaching the thermometer 1 to the cow 100 will be described. Note that the frame body 10 will be described as having the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e bent in advance.

[0033] First, the thermometer 1 is hung on the neck of the cow 100 with the arm portions 10b and 10c of the frame body 10 spread wide to the left and right (see FIG. 2). Next, the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e are respectively locked to both corners 100a of the cow 100 (see FIG. 3). Next, the arm portions 10b and 10c are bent so as to rise from the rear side of the ear 100f of the cow 100, and the base portion 10a and the thermometer main body 21 are brought into contact with the vicinity of the occipital part 100d of the cow 100 and suspended (see FIG. 4). Finally, the arm portions 10b and 10c are respectively curved along the lower side of the left and right cheekbone portions 100e of the cow 100 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0034] According to this, the thermometer 1 of the present invention is suspended behind the head (occipital part 100d) of the cow 100 by the frame body 10, and the detection unit 23 of the thermometer 20 is arranged at the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100. Therefore, the oral temperature of the cow 100, that is, the deep body temperature can be constantly detected without affecting the behaviors of the cow 100 such as nursing, drinking water, eating, and rumination.

[0035] In addition, the thermometer 1 has hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e that are locked to both corners 100a of the cow 100, so that the thermometer 1 can be reliably brought into close contact with the head of the cow 100, thereby preventing displacement of the detection unit 23 disposed on the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100. Further, since the thermometer 1 is closely attached and mounted to the head of the cow 100, the head of the cow 100 and the thermometer 1 move integrally, so that displacement and detachment of the thermometer 1 from the head can be prevented.

[0036] In addition, the thermometer 1 includes a frame body 10 that goes around the rear of the head of the cow 100 and connects the locking portions, that is, the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e to each other. The detection unit 23 of the thermometer 20 is provided on the hook-shaped portion 10d. The detection unit 23 can be stably arranged on the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100 by using only the frame body 10 that is attached to the head of the cow 100 and in which the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e are integrally formed.

[0037] In addition, the thermometer 1 has a heavy thermometer body 21 supported and suspended near the rear of the head of the cow 100, specifically, near the occipital part 100d, so that most of the load applied from the thermometer 1 can be applied near the occipital part 100d of the cow 100, and it is difficult for a force to act on the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e that are locked to both corners 100a of the cow 100 below the thermometer body 21. Therefore, when the frame body 10 is mounted on the head of the cow 100, deformation of the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e can be prevented. That is, since it is difficult for a force to act on the detection unit 23 that is built in the hook-shaped portion 10d and disposed on the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100, displacement of the detection unit 23 can be prevented, and the oral temperature of the cow 100 can be stably detected.

[0038] In addition, with the thermometer 1 in a state where the base 10a of the frame body 10 and the thermometer main body 21 are brought into contact with and supported near the back head 100d of the cow 100 and suspended, by locking the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e to both corners 100a of the cow 100, the mounting state of the thermometer 1 on the head of the cow 100 can be maintained in good balance. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bent portions of the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e from lifting the corners 100a of the cow 100 or the both tips 10f and 10g of the frame body 10 from digging into the inner cheek portions 100b of the cow 100, making it difficult to apply stress to the cow 100 with the thermometer 1 mounted on its head.

[0039] In addition, by forming the overall length of the frame body 10 to be about 100 mm longer, the arm portions 10b and 10c may be greatly curved downward on the lower side of the left and right cheekbone portions 100e of the cow 100 rather than the mounting state of the frame body 10 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As a result, as the head of the cow 100 grows, the base 10a side supported near the back head 100d with the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e locked to both corners 100a will be gradually lifted, and the curvature of the arm portions 10b and 10c can be made smaller, that is, the arm portions 10b and 10c can be deformed to extend. Thereby, since the mounting state of the frame body 10 is automatically adjusted in accordance with the growth of the head of the cow 100, the labor involved in adjusting the mounting state of the frame body 10 can be reduced.

[0040] In addition, the hook-shaped portions 10d and 10e are formed such that the dimension L1 from the point P on the inner diameter side in the bent portion to both tips 10f and 10g of the frame body 10 is about 40 to 60 mm (see FIG. 2), so that while the tips 10f and 10g of the frame body 10 are less likely to damage the inside of the mouth of the cow 100, the temperature inside the mouth of the cow 100 can be accurately detected.

[0041] In addition, the hook portions 10d and 10e are formed such that the width dimension L2 of the gap portion is about 7 to 10 mm for calves and about 10 to 20 mm for adult cows (see Fig. 2). When the hook portions 10d and 10e are respectively locked to both corners 100a of the cow 100, the hook portions 10d and 10e can be closely attached along the inner cheek portion 100b and the outer cheek portion 100c of the cow 100. Therefore, the locked state of the hook portions 10d and 10e can be stably maintained. Further, since the tip sides 10f and 10g of the hook portions 10d and 10e are less likely to be bitten by the back teeth (see Fig. 3) called the premolars and molars of the cow 100, deformation, wear of the hook portions 10d and 10e, and damage to the detection portion 23 built in the hook portion 10d can be suppressed.

[0042] In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, the thermometer 1 may be provided with metal covers 50 that protect the hook portions 10d and 10e of the frame body 10. For convenience of explanation, in Fig. 6, only the metal cover 50 covering the hook portion 10d which is the arrangement portion of the detection portion 23 in the frame body 10 is shown.

[0043] The metal cover 50 in the present embodiment is formed by, for example, a coil portion of a so-called cylindrical tension coil spring formed of a metal such as stainless steel or piano wire, and its inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tubes 11A and 11B constituting the frame body 10.

[0044] In addition, the metal cover 50 is bent inward at an angle of approximately 180 degrees together with the ends of the arm portions 10b and 10c in a state of being inserted externally from both ends 10f and 10g of the frame body 10, so that it is bent and deformed along the bent shape of the hook portions 10d and 10e, and can be held so as not to be displaced with respect to the frame body 10 by utilizing the force to return to the original linear shape. Thereby, since the hook portions 10d and 10e of the frame body 10 disposed on the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100 are respectively covered and protected by the metal cover 50, deformation, wear of the hook portions 10d and 10e due to being bitten by the back teeth of the cow 100, and damage to the detection portion 23 built in the hook portion 10d can be prevented.

[0045] Further, in the present embodiment, the metal cover 50 is formed to have an overall length of about 100 to 140 mm, so that not only the tips 10f and 10g of the hook portions 10d and 10e and the bent portions but also the range reaching the arm portions 10b and 10c can be covered by the metal cover 50. Therefore, it can be reliably held so as not to be displaced with respect to the frame body 10, and the metal cover 50 can be prevented from falling off the frame body 10 and being accidentally ingested by animals. Further, when the metal cover 50 is attached to the hook portions 10d and 10e respectively, it is preferable that the width dimension L3 (see FIG. 6) of the gap portion of the metal cover 50 is about 7 to 10 mm for calves and about 10 to 20 mm for adult cows.

[0046] In addition, both ends 12a and 12b of the core material 12 constituting the frame body 10 are arranged at positions that enter inside the tips of the tubes 11A and 11B, that is, the both tips 10f and 10g of the frame body 10. Therefore, both ends 12a and 12b of the core material 12 are less likely to protrude from the both tips 10f and 10g of the frame body 10, and the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100 is prevented from being damaged.

[0047] Further, by bending and forming the hook portions 10d and 10e in advance before attaching the frame body 10 to the head of the cow 100, the operation of locking the hook portions 10d and 10e to both corners 100a of the cow 100 becomes easier. In addition, the detection unit 23 built in the hook portion 10d can be surely arranged at an optimal position for detecting the temperature inside the mouth of the cow 100.

[0048] In addition, since the bent portions of the hook portions 10d and 10e are formed in advance, the relative movement between the tubes 11A and 11B and the core material 12 due to the deformation operation of the arm portions 10b and 10c when the frame body 10 is attached to the head of the cow 100 is suppressed. Therefore, both ends 12a and 12b of the core material 12 are less likely to protrude from both ends 10f and 10g of the frame body 10.

[0049] In addition, with the frame body 10 attached to the head of the cow 100, the display screen 21b provided on the thermometer main body 21 is arranged to face the front side, making it easier to check various information such as the detected temperature and battery remaining amount displayed on the display screen 21b from the front side of the cow 100.

[0050] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the thermometer 1 may include a belt-like auxiliary fixing tool 40 that connects the arm portions 10b and 10c of the frame body 10.

[0051] In this case, as the procedure for attaching the thermometer 1 to the cow 100, with the arm portion 10c preliminarily inserted into the insertion portion 40a provided on one end side of the auxiliary fixing tool 40, the thermometer 1 is attached to the head of the cow 100 as described above. Then, the belt portion of the auxiliary fixing tool 40 is passed through so as to cover the lower jaw portion of the cow 100 from below, and in a state where the arm portion 10b is wound around the other end side of the auxiliary fixing tool 40, it is fixed by an adhesive portion 40b formed by an adhesive seal or a surface seal or the like. Thereby, the arm portions 10b and 10c of the frame body 10 attached to the head of the cow 100 are connected by the auxiliary fixing tool 40, and the movement of the thermometer 1 with respect to the head of the cow 100 is further restricted, so that the thermometer 1 can be surely prevented from falling off from the head of the cow 100.

[0052] In addition, since the auxiliary fixing tool 40 is attached by passing under the lower jaw portion of the cow 100, the head of the cow 100, the thermometer 1, and the auxiliary fixing tool 40 can move integrally compared to an auxiliary fixing tool attached to the neck of the cow 100, so the auxiliary fixing tool 40 is less likely to come off. Also, when the thermometer 1 is applied to an adult cow, it is possible to make it less likely to interfere with a fixing tool such as a stanchion that moors the cow by preventing the head from slipping out and the auxiliary fixing tool 40.

[0053] In addition, the auxiliary fixing tool 40 is preferably formed of a material having appropriate elasticity such as woven fabric, synthetic resin, or rubber. Also, the shape of the auxiliary fixing tool 40 is not limited to a belt-like shape, and may be a linear shape or a mesh shape.

[0054] Next, the body condition management system using the thermometer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the case where the thermometer 1 is applied to cattle, particularly calves, which are raised and managed as livestock, will be described as an example.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 9, the control circuits (not shown) of the thermometers 1 respectively attached to a plurality of calves wirelessly transmit the oral temperature detected at a preset time interval (interval of several seconds to several minutes) and the information of the detection date and time to a personal computer 110 serving as a management terminal that constitutes the body condition management system.

[0056] The body condition management system manages the detected temperature received from each thermometer 1 in the personal computer 110 in combination with the information of the detection date and time. In this way, since the change in the oral temperature can be recorded in time series for each individual wearing the thermometer 1, the body condition management of a plurality of calves can be performed.

[0057] In addition, the body condition management system notifies an abnormality to a mobile terminal 120 such as a smartphone or a tablet serving as a management terminal from the personal computer 110 based on the difference between the oral temperature of the calf detected by the thermometer 1 and a preset reference temperature. Specifically, when the reference temperature is set to 37.5 degrees with respect to the normal body temperature of 39.0 degrees of the calf, and the detected temperature is lower than the reference temperature, an alarm, a message, etc. to prompt attention are notified from the personal computer 110 to the mobile terminal 120.

[0058] According to this, the body condition management system of the present invention can constantly detect the oral temperature of the animal wearing the thermometer 1, that is, the deep body temperature, and notify the management terminal of an abnormality without missing the change in the deep body temperature of the animal due to poor physical condition. Therefore, while reducing the labor related to the body condition management of the animal, diseases and the like can be detected at an early stage.

[0059] In addition, since the physical condition management system wirelessly transmits and receives information between the thermometer 1 and the management terminal, it is applicable not only to animals bred in a livestock shed but also to animals under grazing management. Needless to say, the physical condition management system is also applicable to animals kept as pets at home, for example.

[0060] Incidentally, the reference temperature preset in the physical condition management system of this embodiment may be appropriately set according to the type and growth status of the animal to which the thermometer 1 is attached. For example, in the case of adult cattle, the reference temperature is set to 37.0 with respect to the normal body temperature of 38.5 degrees. Also, the difference between the detected temperature of the thermometer 1, which serves as a trigger for notifications such as alarms and messages to prompt attention, and the preset reference temperature may be appropriately set according to the type and growth status of the animal.

[0061] Also, in the physical condition management system of this embodiment, the mode in which the control circuit (not shown) of the thermometer 1 wirelessly transmits the detected temperature and the information of its detection date and time to the personal computer 110 has been described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the information of the detected temperature and its detection date and time may be directly wirelessly transmitted from the thermometer 1 to the mobile terminal 120 on which the application related to the physical condition management system is installed. The mobile terminal may manage the oral temperature of the animal received from each thermometer 1 and the information of its detection date and time together, and may be configured to collectively perform the notification of abnormalities.

[0062] In addition to the information on the oral temperature of the animal detected by the thermometer 1, the physical condition management system may comprehensively manage the physical condition of the animal based on various information such as breeding environment information such as the temperature and humidity in the livestock shed, biological information such as heart rate and respiratory rate, and GPS information.

Example

[0063] Next, the animal thermometer according to Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The description of the same configuration as that in the above Example 1 will be omitted.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the animal thermometer 201 of the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "thermometer 201") mainly includes a frame body 210, a thermometer 220 fixed to the frame body 210, and a belt-shaped auxiliary fixing tool 240 connecting the arm portions 210b and 210c of the frame body 210. The overall length of the frame body 210 is formed to be about 350 to 400 mm for calves and about 700 to 800 mm for adult cows.

[0065] Here, an example of the procedure for attaching the thermometer 201 to the cow 100 will be described.

[0066] First, the arm portions 210b and 210c of the frame body 210 are bent at a bending angle of about 90 degrees, and the thermometer 201 is hung on the nasal bone portion 100g of the cow 100 with it spread left and right. Next, the hook-shaped portions 210d and 210e are respectively locked to both corners of the mouth 100a of the cow 100. Next, an annular insertion portion 240a formed on one end side of the auxiliary fixing tool 240 is inserted through the bent portion of one arm portion 210b, and the belt portion of the auxiliary fixing tool 240 is hung on the neck of the cow 100. Next, the belt portion of the auxiliary fixing tool 240 is passed through the bent portion of the other arm portion 210c, and the length of the belt portion is adjusted so that the belt portion closely adheres along the lower side of the cheekbone portion 100e, the rear side of the ear 100f, and the vicinity of the occipital portion 100d of the cow 100, and the auxiliary fixing tool 240 is suspended on the rear of the head of the cow 100 (occipital portion 100d). Finally, the bending angles of the arm portions 210b and 210c are adjusted, and the base portion 210a or the thermometer main body 221 is brought into contact with the nasal bone portion 100g of the cow 100.

[0067] According to this, the thermometer 201 of the present invention is suspended on the rear of the head of the cow 100 (occipital portion 100d) by the auxiliary fixing tool 240, and the detection portion 223 (see FIG. 11) of the thermometer 220 is arranged on the inner cheek portion 100b of the cow 100. Therefore, without affecting the behaviors of the cow 100 such as nursing, drinking water, eating, and rumination, the oral temperature of the cow 100, that is, the deep body temperature, can be constantly detected. For the sake of convenience of explanation, in FIG. 11, the illustration of the lead wire of the thermometer 220 is omitted.

[0068] Further, by fastening the frame body 210 hung on the nasal bone part 100g of the cow 100 with the auxiliary fixture 240 passed through the rear of the head of the cow 100 (occipital part 100d), the thermometer 201 can be brought into close contact with the head of the cow 100. Thereby, since the head of the cow 100 and the thermometer 201 move integrally, it is possible to prevent the frame body 210 and the auxiliary fixture 240 from shifting or falling off from the head.

[0069] In addition, although the auxiliary fixture 240 has been described as a belt-like one, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a string-like one.

[0070] Also, regarding the thermometer 201 of the second embodiment, by applying the auxiliary fixture 40 attached through the lower part of the lower jaw of the cow 100 described in the first embodiment, it is possible to surely prevent the thermometer 201 from falling off from the head of the cow 100.

Embodiment

[0071] Next, the animal thermometer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In addition, the description of the configuration that is the same as that of the first embodiment and overlaps is omitted.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the animal thermometer 301 of the third embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as "thermometer 301") is different from the first embodiment in that the thermometer main body 21 of the thermometer 20 is fixed to the base 310a of the frame body 310 via the holding body 330.

[0073] Specifically, the holding body 330 is mainly composed of a holding part 331 formed of a material such as metal such as aluminum or resin and capable of holding the thermometer main body 21, and an insertion part 332 through which the base 310a of the frame body 310 is inserted.

[0074] The holding part 331 has a substantially U shape formed by a back plate 331a and a pair of left and right side plates 331b and 331c rising from both sides of the back plate 331a. From the left and right center at the upper end of the back plate 331a, an L-shaped pressing piece 331d extends upward. Further, from the upper and lower approximate centers at the front ends of the side plates 331b and 331c, L-shaped holding pieces 331e and 331f extend forward so as to face each other. Incidentally, the pressing piece 331d and the holding pieces 331e and 331f are elastically deformable.

[0075] Also, a rectangular cylindrical protrusion 331g protruding forward is provided at the lower end portion of the back plate 331a. A notch 331h is formed at the tip of the protrusion 331g, where the terminal portion of the lead wire 22 extending from the thermometer body 21 is disposed.

[0076] Incidentally, when holding the thermometer body 21 in the holding part 331, after inserting the upper part of the thermometer body 21 in a state of being tilted forward from the front side of the holding part 331 and above the holding pieces 331e and 331f, with the bottom of the thermometer body 21 in contact with the upper surface of the protrusion 331g, the upper part of the thermometer body 21 is rotated backward, and the pressing piece 331d is locked to the upper rear end of the thermometer body 21. As a result, the movement of the thermometer body 21 in the front-rear direction by the holding pieces 331e and 331f and the back plate 331a, the movement of the thermometer body 21 in the left-right direction by the side plates 331b and 331c and the holding pieces 331e and 331f, and the movement of the thermometer body 21 in the up-down direction by the pressing piece 331d and the upper surface of the protrusion 331g are respectively restricted. Therefore, the holding part 331 can protect the thermometer body 21 in a state of stably holding it.

[0077] The insertion part 332 has a rectangular cylindrical shape and is fixed to the back side of the holding part 331 (back plate 331a). Further, the insertion part 332 is formed such that its inner peripheral portion is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the base 310a of the frame body 310. With the base 310a of the frame body 310 inserted into the insertion part 332, the mounting angle of the holding body 330 can be held. That is, the mounting angle of the holding body 330 can be adjusted by rotating it with respect to the base 310a of the frame body 310 (see the arrow in FIG. 13).

[0078] Moreover, as long as the insertion portion 332 can exert a holding force such that the holding body 330 does not rotate with respect to the base portion 310a of the frame body 310 due to these weights in a state where the thermometer main body 21 is held by the holding portion 331, the shape of the inner peripheral portion of the insertion portion 332 is not limited to the above shape, and may be formed in a circular shape in side view or a semi-circular shape in side view.

[0079] Also, in a state where the thermometer main body 21 is held by the holding portion 331, the terminal portion of the lead wire 22 extending from the thermometer main body 21 is disposed in the notch 331h of the protrusion 331g, and further, since a part of the lead wire 22 can be routed to the vicinity of the frame body 310 through the space surrounded by the holding portion 331, the lead wire 22 can also be protected.

[0080] Moreover, the holding portion is not limited to holding the thermometer main body by the configuration of the pressing piece, holding piece, and protrusion as described above, and may be configured to hold the thermometer main body in the holding portion using a clip, fixing tape, or the like.

Example

[0081] Next, the animal thermometer according to Example 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. Note that the description of the same configurations as those in the above Examples 1 to 3 will be omitted.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 14, the animal thermometer 401 (hereinafter referred to as "thermometer 401") of this Example 4 is different from the above Examples 1 to 3 in that the base portion 410a of the frame body 410 is integrally formed with the thermometer main body 421 of the thermometer 420, and the arm portions 410b, 410c and the hook portions 410d, 410e are separately configured. Also, it is different in that the arm portions 410b, 410c and the hook portions 410d, 410e are formed of a tube made of a synthetic resin that can be plastically deformed.

[0083] In addition, the arm portions 410b and 410c are provided with connecting portions 411b and 411c having male threads formed on the outer peripheral surfaces at the ends on the side opposite to the hook portions 410d and 410e. Thus, the arm portions 410b and 410c are detachably configured by screwing the connecting portions 411b and 411c respectively into female thread portions formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 410a.

[0084] Also, like the thermometer 501 of the modified example shown in FIG. 15, the arm portions 510b and 510c and the hook portions 510d and 510e may be further configured separately, and connecting portions 511b and 511c having male threads formed on the outer peripheral surfaces at the ends of the hook portions 510d and 510e are provided, whereby the arm portions 510b and 510c and the hook portions 510d and 510e are detachably configured.

[0085] According to this, by selecting and attaching an arm portion of an appropriate length, the length of the frame bodies 410 and 510 can be changed according to the size of the head of the animal to which the thermometers 401 and 501 are attached.

[0086] Also, even when the hook portion is worn out or damaged due to being bitten by an animal, etc., it can be easily replaced.

[0087] Note that the connecting portions in the arm portion and the hook portion are not limited to being connected by the screw structure as described above, and may be connected by other connecting methods. For example, the frame body may be made into a nested structure and connected so as not to be relatively movable using a pin, a fixing tape, or the like.

Example

[0088] Next, the animal thermometer according to Example 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. Note that the description of the same configurations as those in the above Examples 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 16, the animal thermometer 601 of the fifth embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "thermometer 601") mainly includes a frame body 610, a thermometer 620, a thermometer installation tool 640 as an auxiliary fixing part where the thermometer main body 621 is installed, and a restricting tool 650 as a restricting part for fixing the frame body 610 to the cow 100. Note that the outer shape of the frame body 610 shown in Fig. 16 illustrates the outer shape of the thermometer 601 when it is attached to the head of the cow in the fifth embodiment.

[0090] The frame body 610 mainly includes a base part 610a that is a part that wraps around the rear of the head of the cow 100, a pair of left and right arm parts 610b and 610c that extend from both sides of the base part 610a, and a hook-shaped part 610d in which the detection part 623 is incorporated.

[0091] The base part 610a is composed of two polyurethane tubes 613 and 614 and a tube connector 615 that connects between the tubes 613 and 614. One ends of the tubes 613 and 614 are press-fitted and connected by the tube connector 615, and the other ends of the tubes 613 and 614 are detachably connected to adapters 660a and 660b, respectively.

[0092] As shown in Figs. 17(a) and (b), the tube connector 615 includes a rod-shaped part 615a and a plurality of bulging parts 615b having a larger diameter than the rod-shaped part 615a. The bulging parts 615b are spherical and are equally spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped part 615a.

[0093] The length of the base part 610a can be changed by changing the press-fitting depth of the tube connector 615 with respect to the tubes 613 and 614.

[0094] Returning to Fig. 16, the arm parts 610b and 610c are composed of polyurethane tubes. One ends of the arm parts 610b and 610c are detachably connected to the adapters 660a and 660b. That is, the base part 610a and the arm parts 610b and 610c are connected via the adapters 660a and 660b.

[0095] In addition, adapters 660c and 660d are detachably connected to the other ends of the arm portions 610b and 610c, respectively.

[0096] One end of a hook-shaped portion 610d is detachably connected to the adapter 660c on the right side when viewed from the front. The hook-shaped portion 610d is a polyurethane tube and contains a core material (not shown) made of stainless steel. As a result, the hook-shaped portion 610d can be plastically deformed. The hook-shaped portion 610d is formed by once extending from the adapter 660c toward the tip side, that is, the side opposite to the arm portion 610b, and then being bent inward at an angle of approximately 180 degrees toward the adapter 660c side.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the hook-shaped portion 610d in the frame body 610, the end of the core material (not shown) incorporated in the hook-shaped portion 610d may extend to the inside of one end side of the arm portion 610b, the adapter 660c, and the thermometer mounting tool 640 through which the lead wire 622 extending from the thermometer main body 621 passes. By incorporating the core material in the polyurethane tube in this way, the bending deformation of the tube can be suppressed, and the lead wire 622 extending inside can be protected from damage.

[0098] In addition, by incorporating the core material, for example, when press-fitting and connecting one end of the hook-shaped portion 610d and the other end of the arm portion 610b to the adapter 660c, the crushing deformation in the radial direction of the tube is suppressed. Therefore, compared with the portions where the core material is not incorporated (for example, the base portion 610a of the frame body 610, the restricting tool 650, etc.), it can be press-fitted and connected to the adapter 660c more firmly. Therefore, when the thermometer 601 is attached to the cow 100, etc., the hook-shaped portion 610d, the arm portion 610b, and one end side of the thermometer mounting tool 640, where important components such as the detection portion 623 and the lead wire 622 are accommodated in the frame body 610, are difficult to be extracted from the adapters 660a and 660c.

[0099] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the portion without the built-in core material is easily elastically deformable, and compared with the portion with the built-in core material, the tube is easily extracted from each adapter by being crushed and deformed in the radial direction, so that maintenance such as length adjustment and replacement can be easily performed.

[0100] Also, regarding the hook-shaped portion 610d in the frame body 610 where important components such as the detection unit 623 and the lead wire 622 are accommodated, the arm portion 610b, and one end side of the thermometer installation tool 640, by changing the color of the tube from other parts, it can be made visible that it is not necessary to extract from the adapters 660a and 660c during normal use of the thermometer 601.

[0101] Also, the core material (not shown) extends at least from the hook-shaped portion 610d to the arm portion 610b, so that even if the hook-shaped portion 610d receives a force due to the movement of the tongue or the like in the oral cavity of the cow 100, a certain degree of elastic deformation is possible while the rotation of the hook-shaped portion 610d with respect to the adapter 660c is suppressed. For example, when the detection unit 623 is pushed by the tongue in the oral cavity of the cow 100, it is easily arranged on the inner cheek portion.

[0102] The thermometer installation tool 640 is a polyurethane tube and is detachably connected to the adapters 660a and 660b so as to be arranged at a position below the base portion 610a. The thermometer 620 is fixed to the thermometer installation tool 640 by fixing means such as a fixing tape. Incidentally, the thermometer 620 may be fixed to the thermometer installation tool 640 via a holding body as described in the above Embodiment 3.

[0103] Furthermore, the lead wire 622 extending from the thermometer main body 621 is connected to the detection unit 623 through the thermometer installation tool 640, the adapter 660a, the arm portion 610b, the adapter 660c, and the hook-shaped portion 610d.

[0104] The restricting tool 650 is annular. Specifically, the restricting tool 650 includes an upper connecting member 650a that forms a downward U shape and connects between the adapters 660c and 660d, and a lower connecting member 650b that forms an upward U shape and connects between the adapters 660c and 660d. The restricting tool 650 is configured to surround the outer peripheries of the nasal bone portion 100g and the lower jaw portion 100h of the cow 100 (see Fig. 18).

[0105] The upper connecting member 650a is composed of two polyurethane tubes 616 and 617 and a tube connector 618. Since the configuration of the upper connecting member 650a is substantially the same as that of the base portion 610a, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0106] Here, an example of the procedure for attaching the thermometer 601 to the cow 100 will be described. It is described that the hook-shaped portion 610d is pre-bent.

[0107] First, with the tube connector 615 not press-fitted into the tubes 613 and 614 of the base portion 610a, the restricting tool 650 is inserted from the nose tip side so as to surround the outer peripheries of the nasal bone portion 100g and the lower jaw portion 100h of the cow 100, and the hook-shaped portion 610d is locked to the corner of the mouth of the cow 100 (see Fig. 18). Next, the length of the upper connecting member 650a that constitutes the restricting tool 650 is adjusted so as to fit the outer peripheries of the nasal bone portion 100g and the lower jaw portion 100h of the cow 100. Finally, the tube connector 615 is press-fitted into the tubes 613 and 614 on the rear side of the ear 100f of the cow 100, and the length of the base portion 610a is adjusted so as to be suspended from the back head portion 100d of the cow 100. Thereby, the thermometer 620 fixed to the thermometer installation tool 640 is disposed near the throat below the lower jaw portion 100h of the cow 100.

[0108] According to this, since the thermometer 601 of the present invention is suspended from the rear of the head (back head portion 100d) of the cow 100 and the detection portion 623 of the thermometer 620 is disposed on the inner cheek portion of the cow 100, the oral temperature of the cow 100, that is, the deep body temperature can be constantly detected without affecting the behaviors such as nursing, drinking water, eating, and rumination of the cow 100.

[0109] In addition, the head of the cow 100 is sandwiched back and forth by the base 610a of the frame body 610 and the restricting tool 650, so that the relative movement of the thermometer 601 with respect to the cow 100 is restricted. Therefore, the deviation of the detection unit 623 can be surely prevented, and the oral temperature of the cow 100 can be stably detected.

[0110] In addition, since the restricting tool 650 is arranged on the rear side of the hook-shaped portion 610d, closer to the eyes in this embodiment, it does not affect the behaviors of the cow 100 such as suckling, drinking water, eating, and ruminating.

[0111] In addition, the base 610a of the frame body 610 and the restricting tool 650 do not contain a core material and are easily elastically deformed. Therefore, they can suppress biting into the skin and are less likely to cause stress to the cow 100, and can prevent the loosening of the attachment to the cow 100.

[0112] In addition, according to the individual differences and growth of the cow 100, the lengths of the base 610a in the frame body 610 and the upper connecting member 650a in the restricting tool 650 can be adjusted, so that the thermometer 601 can be in a properly attached state.

[0113] Furthermore, the base 610a and the upper connecting member 650a are adjusted so that the depth of the tube connector with respect to the tube becomes shallower and the length becomes longer as the cow 100 grows. Therefore, it is not necessary for a person to adjust the lengths of the base 610a and the upper connecting member 650a according to the growth of the cow 100. In particular, since the upper connecting member 650a may cause stress to the cow 100 by the end of the tube or the tube connector biting into the skin of the nasal bone part 100g as the cow 100 grows, for example, a flat buffer member may be interposed between the upper connecting member 650a and the nasal bone part 100g to prevent biting.

[0114] In addition, since the thermometer main body 621 is arranged near the throat where it is relatively difficult to move during the head shaking motion of the cow 100, it is possible to suppress the position of the thermometer 601 from shifting due to the centrifugal force acting on the thermometer main body 621 by the head shaking motion of the cow 100.

[0115] However, in the fifth embodiment, the form in which the base portion 610a and the upper connecting member 650a are adjustable in length has been exemplified, but the lengths of the arm portions 610b and 610c, the thermometer installation tool 640, the lower connecting member 650b, etc. may also be adjustable.

[0116] Further, in the fifth embodiment, the hook-shaped portion 610d is provided only on one side, but the hook-shaped portion 610d may be provided on both sides.

[0117] Further, in the fifth embodiment, since the restricting tool 650 is provided, the hook-shaped portion 610d as a locking portion is not necessarily required, and it is sufficient that the detection portion 623 faces the oral cavity.

[0118] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0119] For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the frame body has been described in the aspect where a pair of hook-shaped portions as locking portions are locked to both corners of the animal's mouth, but not limited thereto, the frame body may be locked only to one corner of the animal's mouth as in the fifth embodiment. In this case, for example, it is preferable that the detection portion of the thermometer is arranged at the hook-shaped portion locked to the corner of the animal's mouth.

[0120] Further, in the second embodiment, the frame body has been described as being fastened by an auxiliary fixing tool that is hung on the nasal bone portion of the animal and suspended behind the animal's head with the hook-shaped portions locked to both corners of the mouth, but not limited thereto, the frame body may be hung on other parts such as the tip of the nose and the lower jaw portion.

[0121] In addition, in the above embodiments, the material of the tube constituting the frame is not limited to polyurethane, and may be made of other synthetic resins such as silicon and fluororesin, rubber, metal, etc., as long as it has at least flexibility. Also, if the tube itself of the frame is plastically deformable, the core material may not be inserted therein as in Embodiment 4 above.

[0122] Needless to say, the thickness of the frame and the dimensional relationship of the hook portion may be appropriately changed according to the animal to which the animal thermometer of the present invention is applied.

[0123] In addition, in the above Embodiments 1 to 3 and 5, the material of the core material is not limited to stainless steel, and may be made of other metals such as aluminum and steel, synthetic resin, rubber, etc., as long as it is plastically deformable.

[0124] In addition, in the above Embodiments 1 to 4, the hook portion has been described as being formed in a symmetric shape, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the lengths of the tip sides of the hook portions arranged in the animal's mouth may be different.

[0125] In addition, the bent portion of the hook portion is not limited to being formed in a substantially semicircular shape. For example, it may be bent at an angle of approximately 180 degrees by being bent at two locations by approximately 90 degrees each.

[0126] In addition, if at least the arm portion of the frame is bendable, the hook portion may not be bendable.

[0127] In addition, the frame may be configured to be length-changeable. Specifically, for example, as long as the arm portion of the frame is configured in a nested structure and the length of the arm portion is fixed using a fastening screw or the like during use.

[0128] In addition, the metal cover described in Example 1 may be applied to the animal thermometers of Examples 2 to 5. Further, the metal cover is not limited to being formed by the coil portion of a cylindrical tension coil spring, and may be constituted by other metal coils, metal tubes, rings, etc., as long as it can protect the arrangement portion of the detection unit.

[0129] In addition, the frame body may be protected so that the detection unit is not damaged even if the tip of the hook portion is bitten by an animal by inserting a metal tube or the like into the arrangement portion of the detection unit of the thermometer to increase the strength.

[0130] Further, the animal thermometer of the present invention may be applied to animals such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs, etc. in addition to cows, as long as the animal can lock the hook portion of the frame body at the corner of the mouth.

[0131] In addition, the detection unit in the animal thermometer of the present invention may be arranged inside the nostril as long as the body temperature can be measured.

Explanation of Signs

[0132] 1 Animal thermometer 10 Frame body 10a Base 10b, 10c Arm portion 10d, 10e Hook portion (locking portion) 11A, 11B Tube (frame body) 12 Core material (frame body) 20 Thermometer 21 Thermometer main body (processing unit) 21a Antenna 21b Display screen 22 Lead wire 23 Detection unit 30 Fixing tape 40 Auxiliary fixture 50 Metal cover 100 Cow (animal) 100a Corner of the mouth 100b Inner cheek portion 100c Outer cheek portion 100d Occipital region 100e Zygomatic bone portion 100f ear 100g nasal bone part 110 Personal Computer (management terminal) 120 Mobile Terminal (management terminal) 240 Auxiliary fixture 640 Thermometer installation tool (auxiliary fixing part) 650 Restraint tool (restraint part)

Claims

1. A thermometer for animals, characterized in that a detection part of a thermometer is arranged on the inner cheek part and is suspended behind the head of the animal.

2. The thermometer for animals according to Claim 1, further comprising a locking part that is locked to the corner of the animal's mouth.

3. The thermometer for animals according to Claim 2, further comprising a frame body that extends around the rear of the animal's head, and the detection part is provided on the locking part formed on the frame body.

4. The thermometer for animals according to Claim 1, further comprising a restricting part that surrounds the area around the nasal bone part and the lower jaw part of the animal.

5. The thermometer for animals according to Claim 3, wherein the arrangement part of the detection part is covered with a metal cover.

6. The thermometer for animals according to Claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary fixing part that extends along the lower side of the lower jaw part of the animal, and a processing part of the thermometer is arranged on the auxiliary fixing part.

7. The physical condition management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an abnormality can be notified to a management terminal based on the difference between the intraoral temperature of the animal detected by the thermometer for animals and a preset reference temperature.

Images