Livestock cooling devices

Abstract

To provide a livestock cooling device that can suitably cool the whole body of each head of livestock.SOLUTION: A livestock cooling device 100 is detachably attached to a cage 110 housing one head of livestock 120, and comprises a cooling part 10 comprising a refrigerant pipe 20 to which a liquid refrigerant is supplied, and a clamp 91 detachably attached to an upper part of the cage 110. The clamp 91 is attached to the upper part of the cage 110, thereby the livestock cooling device 100 is attached to the cage 110, and the cooling part 10 is opposed to an internal space 110a of the cage 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to livestock cooling devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Livestock such as pigs, cows, and chickens are weak to summer heat, which is known to cause a decrease in fertility, loss of appetite, and poor health due to stress.It is said that they begin to feel stressed by heat from around 25°C, and their productivity decreases above 30°C. For this reason, it is important for livestock producers to take measures to protect their livestock from the heat. Various methods have been proposed to protect livestock from the heat. The livestock barn described in Patent Document 1 has a large number of fans arranged on the side walls and blows air throughout the barn to cool livestock such as cows. Patent Document 2 describes a device that cools livestock by spraying cooling water as a mist from a nozzle of a spraying device onto the livestock. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-62404 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2015-506172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The livestock barn described in Patent Document 1 uses multiple fans to blow air throughout the barn, which poses a problem: it requires a large amount of energy. Even if it can mitigate the decline in livestock productivity due to heat, the high energy costs make it impossible to reduce economic losses for livestock producers. Furthermore, because livestock generate heat through their own metabolism, it is difficult to sufficiently cool livestock by blowing air throughout the barn. Furthermore, some types and individuals of livestock are sensitive to continuous exposure to wind, and even if it were possible to reduce heat stress, the stress caused by the wind could become a new factor that could lead to poor health and other issues. The problem with the device described in Patent Document 2 is that the humidity inside the livestock barn rises (saturates) because the device sprays mist on the livestock. When the humidity inside the barn rises, the enthalpy increases, making it difficult to lower the indoor temperature with an air conditioner or the like, and the high humidity is a source of stress for the livestock.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a livestock cooling device that can reduce heat stress in livestock using energy savings and cool livestock while preventing new stress factors from being caused to the livestock. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a livestock cooling device that is detachably attached to a cage that houses one livestock, The rear of the livestock cooling device is the entrance / exit side of the cage, A refrigerant pipe through which a liquid refrigerant is supplied At the same time, it is formed long in the front-rear direction. A cooling section; a clamp detachably attached to the top of the cage; a first holding portion that holds a front end portion of the cooling portion; a second holding portion that holds a rear end portion of the cooling portion; Equipped with The clamp is attached to the upper portion of the cage, so that the livestock cooling device is attached to the cage and the cooling unit faces the internal space of the cage, the refrigerant pipe includes an even number of straight portions that are connected in series and communicate with each other in a zigzag pattern, and one end and the other end of each of the even number of connected straight portions serve as an inlet and an outlet for the liquid refrigerant, respectively; the cooling unit has a plurality of cooling fins, Each of the plurality of cooling fins is formed in a hollow tube shape, and the linear portion is inserted into each of the plurality of cooling fins, The plurality of cooling fins are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction and in a width direction that is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, The livestock cooling device in which the one end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe are located on the front end side opposite to the rear end. Regarding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, because livestock are cooled by cages that house each individual animal, the cool air needed to cool each individual animal can be provided with less energy than with conventional technologies that cool the entire livestock barn. Furthermore, the cooling unit attached to the top of the cage via a clamp emits radiant cold heat into the interior space of the cage, so that cool air is supplied to the livestock inside the cage by a natural downward air current. This makes it possible to combat the heat without causing stress to the livestock. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of the livestock cooling device according to the first embodiment, showing the state where it is attached to a cage. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of the livestock cooling device according to the first embodiment, showing the state where it is attached to a cage. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a livestock cooling apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4(a) is a partial enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4(b) is a partial enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a plan view showing the refrigerant pipe and its surrounding structure in the first embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional end view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a lower frame and its surrounding structure in the first embodiment, showing a posture in which a support frame stands upright from the lower frame. FIG. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are plan views showing the heat shield sheet and its surrounding structure in the first embodiment, where Figure 7(a) shows the front side of the heat shield sheet and Figure 7(b) shows the back side of the heat shield sheet. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat shield sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing the livestock cooling device according to the first embodiment, where Figure 9(a) shows the state in which the support frame is arranged along the lower frame, and Figure 9(b) shows the state in which the support frame stands up from the lower frame. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the livestock cooling device according to the second embodiment, showing the state where it is attached to a cage. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of the livestock cooling device according to the second embodiment, showing the state where it is attached to a cage. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a front view of the livestock cooling device according to the second embodiment, showing the state where it is attached to a cage, and FIG. 12(b) is a partial enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 12(a). [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the livestock cooling device according to the second embodiment, showing the state where it is attached to a cage. [Figure 14] 14(a) is a partial enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 14(b) is a partial enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side view of the livestock cooling device according to the second embodiment, showing the state where it is attached to a cage. [Figure 16] 16(a) is a partial enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16(b) is a partial enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17(a) is a plan view showing a refrigerant pipe and its surrounding structure in the second embodiment, and FIG. 17(b) is a cross-sectional end view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 17(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0010] [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9(b).

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a livestock cooling apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is detachably attached to a cage 110 that houses one livestock 120. The livestock cooling device 100 comprises a cooling section 10 having a refrigerant pipe 20 through which a liquid refrigerant (not shown) is supplied, and a clamp 91 that is detachably attached to the top of the cage 110. The clamp 91 is attached to the top of the cage 110, whereby the livestock cooling device 100 is mounted on the cage 110, and the cooling unit 10 faces the internal space 110a of the cage 110.

[0012] In this embodiment, the front side of the livestock cooling apparatus 100 is referred to as the front direction, and the back side is referred to as the rear direction. A horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is referred to as the width direction, and within the width direction, when viewing the livestock cooling apparatus 100 from the front, the left side is referred to as the left direction, and the right side is referred to as the right direction. Furthermore, a direction that is perpendicular to both the front-to-rear direction and the width direction is referred to as the up-down direction. Furthermore, in the front-to-rear direction, the side where the center position of the refrigerant pipe 20 in the axial direction of the refrigerant pipe 20 is located is referred to as the inner side (inside), and the side opposite the inner side is referred to as the outer side (outside). Similarly, in the width direction, the side where the center position of the refrigerant pipe 20 in the width direction is referred to as the inner side (inside), and the side opposite the inner side is referred to as the outer side (outside).

[0013] According to this embodiment, the cooling unit 10 is configured to face the internal space 110a of the cage 110. As a result, the cooling unit 10 attached to the top of the cage 110 via the clamp 91 emits radiant cold heat into the internal space 110a of the cage 110, and cool air is supplied to the livestock 120 in the cage 110 by a natural downward air current. This makes it possible to take measures against heat without causing stress to the livestock 120. Furthermore, because cooling is performed on a cage 110 basis, which houses each livestock 120 individually, the cool air required to cool each livestock 120 can be provided with less energy than conventional techniques that cool the entire livestock barn. Furthermore, the cooling unit 10 can be retrofitted to an existing livestock barn.

[0014] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationship of each part of the livestock cooling device 100 is described as the positional relationship when the cooling section 10 is positioned approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage 110 (first state). Furthermore, the various components of the present invention do not need to exist independently of one another, and it is acceptable for one component to be a part of another component, or for part of one component to overlap with part of another component, etc.

[0015] First, an example of the structure of the cage 110 will be described. Note that the front, back, left, right, top, bottom, and other directions of the cage 110 are the same as those of the livestock cooling apparatus 100. The structure of the cage 110 is similar to that of a typical livestock cage. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cage 110 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-rear direction and is open upward. 6, the cage 110 includes a pair of left and right fence portions 111 facing each other, and a connecting portion 112 connecting the pair of left and right fence portions 111 to each other. The internal space 110a of the cage 110 is defined by, for example, the pair of left and right fence portions 111 and the connecting portion 112. In FIG. 6, the cage 110 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The pair of left and right fence sections 111 are erected at a distance from each other on the left and right. As shown in Fig. 1, each of the pair of left and right fence sections 111 includes, for example, a plurality of vertical rod-shaped sections 111a each formed in a rod shape and arranged vertically, and a plurality of horizontal rod-shaped sections 111b each formed in a rod shape and arranged horizontally. Each of the pair of left and right fence sections 111 is formed into a frame shape in side view by these vertical rod-shaped sections 111a and horizontal rod-shaped sections 111b. The horizontal rod-shaped portions 111b are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction, and the horizontal rod-shaped portion 111b arranged at the uppermost position forms the upper edge of the cage 110. The livestock cooling device 100 is attached to the horizontal rod-shaped portion 111b arranged at the uppermost position. Furthermore, the height position of the front portion of each of the pair of left and right fence portions 111 is arranged at a position higher than the height position of the rear portion of each of the pair of left and right fence portions 111.

[0016] As an example, the livestock 120 housed in the cage 110 is a pig. The livestock 120 (pig) is housed in the cage 110 so that its head 122 is located at the front and its hind legs 124 are located at the rear. The rear side of the cage 110 (i.e., the rear side of the livestock cooling device 100) serves as an entrance / exit side for bringing the livestock 120 into and out of the cage 110. In the present invention, the livestock 120 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cow, a sheep, a goat, or the like.

[0017] In addition, for example, in a pig farm, when a sow gives birth, the newborn piglets are housed in a shed adjacent to the cage the sow is housed in. In summer, the cage in which the sow is housed needs to be sufficiently cooled, while the shed in which the piglets are housed is preferably maintained at about 38°C. Here, when cooling the entire livestock barn, the inside of the shed where the piglets are housed is also cooled, so a heater is required to warm the piglets inside the shed. However, according to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to locally cool individual livestock 120 (in this case, sows) . In other words, since the entire livestock barn is prevented from being cooled, there is no need to use a heater to heat the shed, and further energy savings can be achieved.

[0018] In this embodiment, the livestock cooling device 100 is used together with a heat exchanger (not shown) and a circulation pipe 98a (see FIG. 2). The heat exchanger is connected to the cooling unit 10 via the circulation pipe 98a, and cools the liquid refrigerant that has been used for cooling and has been heated.

[0019] The refrigerant pipe 20 of the cooling unit 10 is formed in a hollow pipe shape, and the inner cavity of the refrigerant pipe 20 forms a flow path through which the liquid refrigerant flows. 5(a), the refrigerant pipe 20 includes an even number of straight portions 25 that communicate with each other in a zigzag pattern. The even number of straight portions 25 communicate with each other via a plurality of connecting portions 27. As a result, the even number of straight portions 25 communicate with each other in a zigzag pattern. In this embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 20 includes, for example, four straight portions 25 and three connecting portions 27. The linear portions 25 extend in the front-rear direction and are arranged side by side in the width direction. The linear portions 25 are arranged parallel to each other. Each of the connecting portions 27 is formed, for example, in a generally U-shape in plan view that opens inward. Of the three connecting portions 27, two connecting portions 27 each connect the rear ends of two adjacent straight portions 25 to each other, and the remaining connecting portion 27 connects the front ends of two adjacent straight portions 25 to each other. More specifically, of the four straight line portions 25 arranged side by side in the width direction, the rear end of the leftmost straight line portion 25 and the rear end of the second straight line portion 25 from the left are connected to each other by a first connecting portion 27. Similarly, of the four straight line portions 25 arranged side by side in the width direction, the rear end of the rightmost straight line portion 25 and the rear end of the second straight line portion 25 from the right are connected to each other by a second connecting portion 27. Of the four straight portions 25 arranged side by side in the width direction, the front end of the straight portion 25 arranged second from the left and the front end of the straight portion 25 arranged third from the left (i.e., second from the right) are interconnected by a third connecting portion 27. In this way, the bores of the straight portions 25 communicate in a zigzag manner via the bores of the corresponding connecting portions 27, and the bores of the refrigerant pipe 20, i.e., the flow path for the liquid refrigerant, are configured in a roughly W-shape in plan view. Of the four straight portions 25 arranged side by side in the width direction, the front end of the leftmost straight portion 25 forms one end of the refrigerant pipe 20, and the rear end of the rightmost straight portion 25 forms the other end of the refrigerant pipe 20.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3, 5(a) and 5(b), the cooling unit 10 includes, for example, in addition to the above-mentioned refrigerant pipe 20, a cooling fin 16 in which at least a portion of the refrigerant pipe 20 is housed. In this embodiment, the cooling unit 10 includes four cooling fins 16 each formed in a hollow tube shape, and one linear portion 25 is inserted into each cooling fin 16. Each cooling fin 16 extends, for example, in the front-rear direction. The cross-sectional shape of each cooling fin 16 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(b), the width (left-right width) decreases as you move upward from the center in the vertical width direction (up-down direction), and the width decreases as you move downward from the center in the vertical width direction. The corresponding straight line portions 25 are inserted into the interior of the central portion in the up-down direction of the cooling fins 16. The front end of each straight line portion 25 is exposed to the outside from an opening on the front end side of the corresponding cooling fin 16, and the rear end of the straight line portion 25 is exposed to the outside from an opening on the rear end side of the cooling fin 16. Each of the connecting portions 27 connecting the rear ends or the front ends of the corresponding linear portions 25 to each other is disposed, for example, outside each of the cooling fins 16 .

[0021] The refrigerant pipe 20 is made of, but not limited to, a soft resin material, for example. The cooling fins 16 are not particularly limited, but may be made of, for example, a metal material.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the livestock cooling device 100 is equipped with an angle change mechanism 80 that can change the state between, for example, a first state (see Figure 9(a)) in which the cooling section 10 is positioned approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage 110, and a second state (see Figure 9(b)) in which the rear end of the cooling section 10 is raised compared to the first state and the cooling section 10 is more inclined than in the first state. As described above, the rear side of the livestock cooling apparatus 100 is the side of the entrance through which the livestock 120 are taken in and out of the cage 110. Therefore, by using the angle changing mechanism 80 to switch from the first state to the second state in which the rear end of the cooling section 10 is raised compared to the first state and the cooling section 10 is inclined relative to the lower frame 44, the worker can easily take the livestock 120 in and out of the cage 110 in a posture that does not strain the lower back. Furthermore, while the livestock 120 are housed in the cage 110, the angle change mechanism 80 keeps the cooling unit 10 in a first state in which it is positioned approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage 110, thereby allowing the cold air discharged from the cooling unit 10 to be distributed well throughout the entire cage 110.

[0023] More specifically, in this embodiment, the livestock cooling device 100 includes, for example, a first holding section 31 that holds the front end of the cooling section 10, a second holding section 32 that holds the rear end of the cooling section 10, and a lower frame 44 that is arranged approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage 110. As shown in Figure 5, the angle change mechanism 80 further includes, for example, a support portion 81 that connects the first holding portion 31 and the lower frame 44 so that they can swing about a swing axis extending left and right, and a support frame 50 that is arranged along the lower frame 44 in the first state and stands upright from the lower frame 44 at the rear end side in the second state to support the second holding portion 32. As shown in FIG. 6, the support frame 50 has a pair of left and right support columns 54, and in the second state, the gap between the support columns 54 communicates with the internal space 110a of the cage 110. This makes it easier to switch between the first state and the second state using the angle change mechanism 80. Furthermore, because the pivot support part 81 pivotally supports the first holding part 31 and the lower frame 44 at the front end side so that they can swing, livestock 120 can be smoothly taken in and out from the rear side of the cage 110. Furthermore, because the gaps between the support pillars 54 communicate with the internal space 110a of the cage 110, i.e., the support pillars 54 do not interfere with the internal space 110a, workers can easily enter and exit the cage 110 during cleaning, etc.

[0024] The lower frame 44 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is disposed horizontally along the cage 110. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame 44 includes, for example, a pair of left and right first rod-shaped portions 45a and a pair of front and rear second rod-shaped portions 45b that interconnect the pair of left and right rod-shaped portions 45a. The pair of left and right rod-shaped portions 45a are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other on the left and right, and are arranged at the same height position. The pair of front and rear second rod-shaped portions 45b are arranged in parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the front and rear directions, and are arranged at the same height position. Each of the pair of left and right first rod-shaped portions 45a extends, for example, in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of front and rear second rod-shaped portions 45b extends, for example, in the left-right direction. One longitudinal end of each second rod-shaped portion 45b is fixed to the lower end of the left first rod-shaped portion 45a, and the other longitudinal end of each second rod-shaped portion 45b is fixed to the lower end of the right first rod-shaped portion 45a. In this embodiment, the front second rod-shaped portion 45b is fixed to the front end of each first rod-shaped portion 45a, and the rear second rod-shaped portion 45b is fixed to the longitudinal middle of each first rod-shaped portion 45a. A gap is formed between the pair of left and right first rod-shaped portions 45a behind the rear second rod-shaped portion 45b.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4(a), and 4(b), for example, the four cooling fins 16 described above are bridged between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32. In other words, the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are provided in front of and behind each cooling fin 16, respectively. In the first state, the cooling portion 10 (refrigerant pipe 20 and cooling fin 16) and the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are arranged approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage 110. In the second state, the cooling portion 10 and the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are raised compared to the first state and are inclined more than in the first state. In this embodiment, the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are formed, for example, in a shape symmetrical to each other in the front-rear direction. Each of the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 is formed, for example, in a substantially flat plate shape, with its plate surface facing the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the upper edge portions 31a, 32a of each of the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are formed, for example, in a substantially U-shape in side view, opening inward. The lower edge portions 31c, 32c of each of the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are formed, for example, in a substantially L-shape that convex outward. Furthermore, each of the intermediate portions 31b, 32b of the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 is formed in a flat plate shape with its plate surface facing the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the lower edge portions 31c, 32c of the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are provided with flat plate portions 31d, 32d that protrude horizontally outward. The front end of each cooling fin 16 is fixed to the inner surface (rear surface) of the first holding part 31 via a water leakage prevention member 18 (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)). Similarly, the rear end of each cooling fin 16 is fixed liquid-tight to the inner surface (front surface) of the second holding part 32 via the water leakage prevention member 18. By thus fixing the front and rear ends of the cooling fins 16 liquid-tight to the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 32 via the water leakage prevention member 18, for example, even if condensation occurs inside the cooling fin 16 during cooling by the cooling part 10, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from entering the internal space 110a of the cage 110 through an opening on the front or rear end side of the cooling fin 16. The first holding portion 31 has four through holes (not shown) that penetrate the first holding portion 31 from front to rear, and the front end of one straight portion 25 protrudes outward from each through hole. That is, the front end of each straight portion 25 and the front connecting portion 27 are each located forward of the first holding portion 31. Similarly, the second holding portion 32 has four through holes (not shown) that penetrate the second holding portion 32 from front to rear, and the rear end of one linear portion 25 protrudes outward from each through hole. That is, the rear end of each linear portion 25 and the rear connecting portion 27 are each located rearward of the second holding portion 32.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first holding portion 31 is pivotally supported by, for example, a pivotal support portion 81, and is capable of swinging in a forward tilting direction. 3 and 6, the pivotal support portion 81 is, for example, a rod-shaped body extending in the width direction (left-right direction) and is held by a first annular member 81a provided on the upper surface of the front end portion of the lower frame 44. The pivotal support portion 81 is bridged between the front ends of the pair of left and right first rod-shaped portions 45a. Additionally, a plurality of second annular members 81b (see FIG. 2) are aligned in the width direction and fixed to the lower edge 31c of the first holding portion 31. The pivotal support portion 81 is inserted into the plurality of second annular members 81b, whereby the pivotal support portion 81 pivotally supports the first holding portion 31 so that the first holding portion 31 can swing. In this way, the first holding portion 31 is connected to the lower frame 44 via the pivot support portion 81 .

[0027] Furthermore, the support frame 50 is pivotally supported by the lower frame 44 so as to be swingable between, for example, a position along the lower frame 44 (see FIG. 9(a)) and a position standing upright from the lower frame 44 (see FIG. 9(b)). With this configuration, the support frame 50 can easily switch between the first state and the second state.

[0028] The support frame 50 has, for example, a pair of left and right support columns 54 and a cross bar 56 connecting one end of each of the pair of left and right support columns 54 (one end in the longitudinal direction of the support columns 54). The pair of left and right support columns 54 extend, for example, in the front-to-rear direction and are arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other on the left and right. The cross bar 56 extends, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of each support column 54 (in the left-to-right direction in this embodiment) and connects the front ends of each support column 54 to each other. In this manner, in this embodiment, the support frame 50 is formed in a substantially U-shape that opens rearward in plan view.

[0029] The distance between the pair of left and right support columns 54 in the width direction (left-right direction) is set to a dimension that is approximately equal to the distance between the pair of left and right rod-shaped portions 45a. The distance between the pair of left and right rod-shaped portions 45a in the width direction (left-right direction) is also set to a dimension that is approximately equal to the distance between the pair of left and right fence portions 111 of the cage 110. With this configuration, in both the first state and the second state, the gap between the pair of left and right support posts 54 is in communication with the gap between the pair of left and right fence sections 111, and ultimately with the internal space 110a of the cage 110. Therefore, when the livestock 120 are put in or taken out, or when workers enter or exit the cage 110, interference by the support frame 50 can be suppressed. Furthermore, as described above, there is a gap between the pair of left and right first rod-shaped portions 45a on the rear side of the rear second rod-shaped portion 45b in the lower frame 44. This prevents the lower frame 44 from interfering when putting livestock 120 in or out, or when workers enter or exit the cage 110.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 6, the rear ends of the pair of left and right first rod-shaped portions 45a are provided with fixing portions 59 to which the support frame 50 is fixed so as to be able to swing. Each fixing portion 59 is formed, for example, in a roughly U-shape in plan view, open both upward and forward, and the rear end of the corresponding support pillar 54 is housed inside the fixing portion 59. The support frame 50 is pivotally supported by, for example, an insertion bolt 58 inserted into a fixing portion 59. In the first state, the support frame 50 can swing in a backward tilting direction with the insertion bolt 58 as a swing axis, and in the second state, the support frame 50 can swing in a forward tilting direction with the insertion bolt 58 as a swing axis.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second holding portion 32 is provided with a locking portion 43 that is locked to the horizontal bar 56 of the support frame 50, for example. The locking portion 43 is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat plate bent into a roughly L-shape when viewed from the side, and includes a horizontal portion arranged horizontally and a vertical portion hanging down from the rear end of the horizontal portion. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the locking portion 43 is configured to be lockable with, for example, the horizontal bar 56 of the support frame 50. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(b), in the second state, the horizontal portion of the locking portion 43 is disposed on the horizontal bar 56, and the second holding portion 32 is maintained in a state supported by the support frame 50 due to frictional resistance between the horizontal portion and the horizontal bar 56. In addition, the vertical portion of the locking portion 43 is disposed behind the horizontal bar 56. This prevents the support frame 50 from tilting further backward in the second state (the support frame 50 from falling off the locking portion 43). This makes it possible to favorably maintain the state in which the support frame 50 stands upright from the lower frame 44 (the second state) while supporting the second holding portion 32 with the support frame 50.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe 20 serve as an inlet 12 and an outlet 14 for the liquid refrigerant, respectively. One end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe 20 are disposed on the front end side. As a result, the inlet 12 and outlet 14 of the liquid refrigerant are each located on the swing axis side (front side) of the cooling unit 10. Therefore, even if the rear end of the cooling unit 10 is raised and lowered, the front side where the inlet 12 and outlet 14 are located does not move up and down at all, so there is no need to raise and lower the circulation pipe 98a connected to the inlet 12 and outlet 14. In other words, it becomes easier to take the livestock 120 in and out of the cage 110. More specifically, in the case of this embodiment, as an example, of the four linear portions 25 described above, the tip end of the linear portion 25 located on the leftmost side serves as the introduction portion 12, and the tip end of the linear portion 25 located on the rightmost side serves as the outlet portion 14. However, the linear portions 25 that constitute the introduction portion 12 or the outlet portion 14 are not limited to this example, and the tip end of a linear portion 25 other than the leftmost linear portion 25 may constitute the introduction portion 12, or the tip end of a linear portion 25 other than the rightmost linear portion 25 may constitute the outlet portion 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet 12 is connected to a circulation pipe 98a into which the liquid refrigerant is introduced, and the outlet 14 is connected to a discharge pipe 98b from which the liquid refrigerant that has flowed inside the refrigerant pipe 20 is discharged.

[0033] As described above, the livestock cooling device 100 also includes a clamp 91 that is removably attached to the top of the cage 110. More specifically, the clamp 91 is provided below the lower frame 44, for example. 6, the livestock cooling apparatus 100 has, for example, four clamps 91a. Two of the clamps 91a are fixed to the first rod-shaped portion 45a on the left side in a line up in the front and rear, and the remaining two clamps 91a are fixed to the first rod-shaped portion 45a on the right side in a line up in the front and rear. The clamps 91a are, for example, arranged symmetrically in the front and rear directions and also symmetrically in the left and right directions. In this embodiment, the two front clamps 91a are fixed to the front ends of the corresponding first rod-shaped portions 45a and are disposed near the front second rod-shaped portions 45b. Similarly, the two rear clamps 91a are fixed to the middle portions of the corresponding first rod-shaped portions 45a and are disposed near the rear second rod-shaped portions 45b.

[0034] The two clamps 91a fixed to the left first rod-shaped portion 45a are capable of holding a portion of the uppermost horizontal rod-shaped portion 111b among the multiple horizontal rod-shaped portions 111b of the left fence portion 111. This allows the left first rod-shaped portion 45a of the lower frame 44 to be positioned along the left fence portion 111. Similarly, the two clamps 91a fixed to the right first rod-shaped portion 45a are capable of holding a portion of the uppermost horizontal rod-shaped portion 111b among the multiple horizontal rod-shaped portions 111b of the right fence portion 111. This allows the right first rod-shaped portion 45a of the lower frame 44 to be positioned along the right fence portion 111. In this manner, the livestock cooling device 100 is removably attached to the cage 110 . With this configuration, the lower frame 44, and therefore the first holding section 31, the second holding section 32, and the cooling section 10 as a whole, are positioned above the internal space 110a of the cage 110. This allows the cold air of the liquid refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant pipes 20 to naturally descend, making it possible to more effectively cool the entire body of each livestock 120.

[0035] 1 and other figures, each clamp 91a has a general structure and includes, for example, a pair of clamping portions 92 and a hinge portion that connects the pair of clamping portions 92 so that the clamping portions 92 can be opened and closed. A fastening bolt 93 is inserted into the end of each clamping portion 92 opposite the hinge portion side. More specifically, the pair of clamping parts 92 are maintained in a closed state by the fastening bolts 93, so that the pair of clamping parts 92 can clamp and hold the horizontal rod-shaped part 111b of the fence part 111. In this way, the livestock cooling device 100 is detachably attached to the upper edge of the cage 110 via the clamps 91a. In this embodiment, each clamp 91a is, for example, a round clamp, but the shape of the clamp 91a is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a square clamp.

[0036] Furthermore, the livestock cooling device 100 includes, for example, a heat insulating section 60 arranged along the upper surface of the cooling section 10. In the case of this embodiment, the heat insulating section 60 is formed in the shape of a sheet having a plurality of layers, for example. The heat insulating section 60 has, for example, a heat insulating layer 62 and metal layers 64 provided on the front and back of the heat insulating layer 62, respectively. This allows heat from above the cage 110 to be reflected so as not to enter the cage 110, and also prevents the cool air discharged from the cooling unit 10 from escaping above the cage 110. In other words, it is possible to effectively cool the entire body of the livestock 120 in the cage 110 while realizing energy conservation.

[0037] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the heat insulating section 60 has, as an example, a three-layer structure in which a metal layer 64, a heat insulating layer 62, and a metal layer 64 are laminated in this order. The surface of the metal layer 64 provided on the front side of the insulating layer 62 constitutes the front surface 60a of the insulating section 60, and the back surface of the metal layer 64 provided on the back side of the insulating layer 62 constitutes the back surface 60b of the insulating section 60. However, in the present invention, the number of layers that the insulating section 60 has is not particularly limited, and for example, the insulating section 60 may have a single-layer structure, or a structure including two layers or four or more layers.

[0038] The material constituting the heat insulating layer 62 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include urethane, polystyrene foam, etc. However, the material constituting the heat insulating layer 62 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, glass wool, etc. The material constituting the metal layer 64 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, aluminum. In the case of the present embodiment, as an example, the metal layer 64 on the front surface 60a side and the metal layer 64 on the back surface 60b side are made of the same type of metal material. However, the metal layer 64 on the front surface 60a side and the metal layer 64 on the back surface 60b side may be made of, for example, different metal materials.

[0039] The livestock cooling apparatus 100 further comprises a holding frame 70 that is arranged above the cooling section 10 and the first and second holding sections 31 and 32 and that holds the heat insulating section 60, for example.

[0040] The holding frame 70 is, for example, a frame body formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and is disposed horizontally along the cooling unit 10. The heat insulating unit 60 is also formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and is disposed horizontally along the cooling unit 10 when held by the holding frame 70. The heat insulating unit 60 covers substantially the entire cooling unit 10 in a plan view. The holding frame 70 has, for example, a pair of front and rear second plate-shaped portions 72 and a pair of left and right third rod-shaped portions 74 spanning between the pair of front and rear second plate-shaped portions 72 . Each of the pair of front and rear second plate-shaped portions 72 is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat plate that is elongated in the width direction, and its plate surface faces in the front-rear direction. The pair of front and rear second plate-shaped portions 72 are arranged parallel to each other. The pair of left and right third rod-shaped portions 74 are formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular tubular shape extending in the front-rear direction. The pair of left and right third rod-shaped portions 74 are arranged parallel to each other. In this way, the holding frame 70 is configured as a frame body that is elongated in the front-rear direction and has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, and the heat insulating section 60 is disposed on the holding frame 70 .

[0041] Here, a pair of upper and lower fixing plates 76a, 76b for fixing the heat insulating section 60 to the holding frame 70 is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the holding frame 70. The heat insulating section 60 is sandwiched between a pair of upper and lower fixing plates 76a, 76b. Each of the pair of upper and lower fixing plates 76a, 76b is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat plate extending in the width direction, with its plate surface facing the up-down direction. For example, a through-bolt 76c is inserted into each end of the upper fixing plate 76a. Each through-bolt 76c is fixed to the upper fixing plate 76a in a state where it penetrates through the upper fixing plate 76a, the heat insulating portion 60, and the pair of left and right third rod-shaped portions 7. In this way, the heat insulating portion 60 is fixed to the holding frame 70. Furthermore, for example, double-sided adhesive tape (not shown) is attached to the upper surface of each of the pair of left and right third rod-shaped portions 74, and the upper surface of each third rod-shaped portion 74 and the back surface 60b of the insulating portion 60 are joined to each other by the double-sided adhesive tape.

[0042] Furthermore, the livestock cooling apparatus 100 is provided with, for example, a pair of front and rear connecting members 77 that interconnect the holding frame 70 and the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32. Each of the pair of front and rear connecting members 77 is formed, for example, in a front-to-rear symmetrical shape. Each of the pair of front and rear connecting members 77 is formed, for example, in a plate shape that is bent multiple times in a substantially stepped shape, and is displaced outward in stages as it goes upward. The front connecting member 77 interconnects the lower edge of the front end of the holding frame 70 and the upper edge of the first holding portion 31. Similarly, the rear connecting member 77 interconnects the lower edge of the rear end of the holding frame 70 and the upper edge of the second holding portion 32.

[0043] The first and second states of the livestock cooling apparatus 100 will now be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 9( a), in the first state, the support frame 50 is disposed substantially horizontally along the lower frame 44, with the opening of the substantially U-shaped support frame 50 facing rearward. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4( b), the lower surface of the flat plate portion 32d of the second holding portion 32 abuts against the upper end of the fixing portion 59, so that the second holding portion 32, and therefore the cooling portion 10 and the heat insulating portion 60, are supported substantially horizontally by the lower frame 44. In addition, the gap between the pair of support columns 54 of the support frame 50 communicates with the internal space 110a of the cage 110. From this state, the first holding portion 31, and therefore the entire cooling portion 10, the heat insulating portion 60, and the holding frame 70, swing forward around the pivot portion 81 as a swing axis, thereby switching from the first state to the second state. As shown in FIG. 9( b), in the second state, the support frame 50 stands upright from the lower frame 44 at a swing angle of, for example, 45 degrees to 90 degrees, and the opening direction of the generally U-shaped support frame 50 faces downward. In this state, the second holding unit 32 is supported by the horizontal bar 56 of the support frame 50 and is elevated compared to the first state, being positioned higher than the first holding unit 31. The first holding unit 31, the second holding unit 32, the cooling unit 10, the heat insulating unit 60, and the holding frame 70 are tilted upward and rearward relative to the lower frame 44. From this state, the first holding unit 31, and in turn the cooling unit 10, the heat insulating unit 60, and the holding frame 70 as a whole, swing backward around the pivot support 81, thereby switching from the second state to the first state.

[0044] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 17(b). The livestock cooling apparatus 100 according to this embodiment differs from the livestock cooling apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in the points described below, but is otherwise configured in the same way as the livestock cooling apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a side view of the livestock cooling apparatus 100 in the first state, and Fig. 11 is a side view of the livestock cooling apparatus 100 in the second state. Figs. 12(a) to 13 show the livestock cooling apparatus 100 in the second state.

[0045] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, in this embodiment, the livestock cooling device 100 does not have a lower frame 44, but instead comprises a first support part 33 that is attached to the left fence part 111 and supports the left end of the first holding part 31, a second support part 34 that is attached to the right fence part 111 and supports the right end of the first holding part 31, a third support part 35 that is attached to the left fence part 111 and supports the left end of the second holding part 32, and a fourth support part 37 that is attached to the right fence part and supports the right end of the second holding part. Also, as shown in Figure 13, the angle change mechanism 80 does not have an axle support portion 81, but instead has a first axle support portion 82 that connects the first holding portion 31 and the first support portion 33 so that they can swing around a swing axis extending left and right, and a second axle support portion 83 that connects the first holding portion 31 and the second support portion 34 so that they can swing around a swing axis extending left and right. Furthermore, the angle change mechanism 80 does not have a support frame 50, but instead has a first support pillar 86, a second support pillar 88, a third support portion 84 that swingably connects one end 86a of the first support pillar 86 to the left end of the second holding portion 32 around a swing axis extending left and right, and a fourth support portion 85 that swingably connects one end 88a of the second support pillar 88 to the right end of the second holding portion 32 around a swing axis extending left and right. The third support portion 35 supports the other end 86b of the first support pillar 86 at positions that are different in the front-rear direction between the first state (see FIG. 10) and the second state (see FIGS. 11 and 13), thereby indirectly supporting the left end portion of the second holding portion 32. Similarly, the fourth support portion 37 supports the other end 88b of the second support pillar 88 at positions that are different in the front-rear direction between the first state and the second state, thereby indirectly supporting the right end portion of the second holding portion 32. The first support pillar 86 and the second support pillar 88 are in a posture closer to the vertical in the second state than in the first state. Even with this configuration, it is possible to cool each livestock 120 well, and to smoothly take the livestock 120 in and out from the rear side of the cage 110. Furthermore, the gap between the first support pillar 86 and the second support pillar 88 is in communication with the internal space 110a of the cage 110, i.e., the first support pillar 86 and the second support pillar 88 do not interfere with the internal space 110a, making it easy for workers to enter and exit the cage 110 during cleaning, etc.

[0046] 10 and 11, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are formed, for example, in a substantially flat plate shape, with the plate surfaces facing the front-rear direction. Then, for example, a plurality of cooling fins 16 (six in this embodiment, as described below) are respectively bridged between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32. However, in this embodiment, the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 are formed in different shapes. 16(a), the upper edge 31a of the first holding portion 31 is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat plate disposed substantially horizontally. The lower edge 31c of the first holding portion 31 includes a horizontal portion connected to the lower edge of the intermediate portion 31b and disposed substantially horizontally, and a vertical portion standing upward from the front end of the horizontal portion. As shown in FIG. 16(b), each of the upper edge 32a and the lower edge 32c of the second holding portion 32 is formed in a flat plate shape that is disposed approximately horizontally.

[0047] 10 and 11, the second support portions 34 are formed, for example, in a shape that is a substantially upside-down L when viewed from the side. More specifically, each of the second support portions 34 includes, for example, a vertical portion extending vertically and a horizontal portion protruding rearward from the upper end of the first portion. A second pivotal support 83 (see FIGS. 10 and 12(a)) is swingably fixed to a corner of the second support 34, which is made up of a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The second pivotal support 83 is attached to the underside of the right end portion of the lower edge 31c of the first holding portion 31, for example. The right end of the first holding portion 31 is pivotally supported by, for example, an insertion bolt 83a that is inserted through the second pivot support portion 83 and the second support portion . The first support portion 33 is set to, for example, the same shape and dimensions as the second support portion 34. Therefore, like the second support portion 34, the first support portion 33 includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. A first pivotal support 82 (see FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)) is swingably fixed to a corner of the first support 33, which is made up of a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The first pivotal support 82 is attached to the underside of the left end of the lower edge 31c of the first holding portion 31, for example. The left end of the first holding portion 31 is pivotally supported by, for example, an insertion bolt 82a that is inserted through the first pivot support portion 82 and the first support portion 33. With this configuration, in the first state (see FIG. 10), the first holding part 31 can swing in a forward tilting direction around the insertion bolt 83a as a swing axis. Also, in the second state (see FIG. 11), the first holding part 31 can swing in a backward tilting direction around the insertion bolt 83a as a swing axis.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth support portion 37 includes, for example, a first portion 38a arranged along the upper edge of the rear end portion of the right fence portion 111, and a second portion 38b arranged along the upper edge of the first portion 38a. Each of the first portion 38a and the second portion 38b is, for example, a plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction. 13 and 14(b), in rear view, the first portion 38a is formed in a shape obtained by inverting a generally L-shape, and the second portion 38b is formed in, for example, a generally L-shape. More specifically, the first portion 38a includes, for example, a horizontally disposed first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion hanging down from the right edge of the first plate-shaped portion. The second portion 38b includes, for example, a horizontally disposed first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion standing upright from the right edge of the first plate-shaped portion. The first plate-shaped portion of the second portion 38b is fixed onto the first plate-shaped portion of the first portion 38a, thereby connecting the first portion 38a and the second portion 38b to each other. Also, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the fourth support portion 37 further includes, for example, a first cutout shape portion 381a formed at the front end portion of the second portion 38b and a second cutout shape portion 381b formed at the rear end portion of the second portion 38b. As described below, in the first state, the other end 88b of the second support pillar 88 is engaged with the first cutout shape portion 381a, and in the second state, the other end 88b of the second support pillar 88 is engaged with the second cutout shape portion 381b. The first cutout shape portion 381a and the second cutout shape portion 381b are set to have, for example, the same shape and the same dimensions as each other.

[0049] 13, the third support part 35 is formed, for example, in a shape symmetrical to the fourth support part 37. Therefore, the third support part 35 includes a first part 36a arranged along the upper edge of the rear end part of the left fence part 111, and a second part 36b arranged along the upper edge of the first part 36a. As shown in FIG. 13, the first plate-shaped portion of the second portion 36b is fixed onto the first plate-shaped portion of the first portion 36a, thereby connecting the first portion 36a and the second portion 36b to each other. Similarly to the fourth support portion 37, the third support portion 35 further includes, for example, a first notch-shaped portion (not shown) formed in the front end portion of the second portion 36b and a second notch-shaped portion (not shown) formed in the rear end portion of the second portion 38b. As will be described later, in the first state, the other end portion 86b of the first support pillar 86 is locked with the first notch-shaped portion, and in the second state, the other end portion 86b of the first support pillar 86 is locked with the second notch-shaped portion. The first cutout portion and the second cutout portion of the third support portion 35 are not shown in the figure because they are formed in the same shape and dimensions as the first cutout portion 381a and the second cutout portion 381b of the fourth support portion 37.

[0050] In this embodiment, the clamps 91 detachably attached to the upper part of the cage 110 are provided on the first support part 33 to the fourth support part 37, for example. More specifically, as an example, two clamps 91b are provided in a row above and below on the first portion of each of the first support portion 33 and the second support portion 34, and one clamp 91c is provided on the second portion of each of the first support portion 33 and the second support portion. As an example, two clamps 91d are provided on the first portion 38a of each of the third support portion 35 and the fourth support portion 37, lined up in front and behind. As an example, each of the clamps 91b to 91d is the same as that in the first embodiment. Therefore, each of the clamps 91b to 91d is a round clamp. However, the shape of the clamps 91b to 91d is not particularly limited, and they may be, for example, square clamps.

[0051] Also, as shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the left fence portion 111 is formed into a roughly rectangular frame shape when viewed from the side, by three vertical rod-shaped portions 111a lined up front and back, and a pair of horizontal rod-shaped portions 111b on the top and bottom. More specifically, the vertical rod-shaped portions 111a are arranged parallel to and facing each other in the front-rear direction, and the pair of upper and lower horizontal rod-shaped portions 111b are arranged parallel to and facing each other in the up-down direction.

[0052] Two clamps 91b fixed to the vertical portion of the first support portion 33 are capable of holding a portion of the front vertical rod-shaped portion 111a of the left fence portion 111, respectively. Additionally, two clamps 91b fixed to the horizontal portion of the first support portion 33 are capable of holding a portion of the upper horizontal rod portion 111b of the left fence portion 111. This allows the first support portion 33 to be positioned along the front vertical rod portion 111a and the upper horizontal rod portion 111b of the left fence portion 111. Additionally, the corner of the first support portion 33, which is formed by the vertical portion and the horizontal portion, is positioned along the corner of the left fence portion 111 formed by the upper end of the front vertical rod portion 111a and the front end of the upper horizontal rod portion 111b. Similarly, two clamps 91b fixed to the vertical portion of the second support portion 34 are capable of holding a portion of the front vertical rod portion 111a of the right fence portion 111, respectively. Additionally, two clamps 91b fixed to the horizontal portion of the second support portion 34 are capable of holding a portion of the upper horizontal rod portion 111b of the right fence portion 111. This allows the second support portion 34 to be positioned along the front vertical rod portion 111a and the upper horizontal rod portion 111b of the right fence portion 111. Additionally, the corner of the second support portion 34, which is made up of a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, is positioned along the corner of the right fence portion 111 formed by the upper end of the front vertical rod portion 111a and the front end of the upper horizontal rod portion 111b. In this manner, in the present embodiment as well, the lower frame 44, and therefore the first holding portion 31, the second holding portion 32 and the cooling portion 10 as a whole are disposed above the internal space 110a of the cage 110.

[0053] In addition, in the present embodiment, the entire length of each of the third support portion 35 and the fourth support portion 37 is disposed along the rear end portion of the upper edge (upper horizontal bar portion 111b) of the cage 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and, for example, the rear end portion of each of the third support portion 35 and the fourth support portion 37 may protrude further rearward than the rear end of the cage 110.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the second support column 88 is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular cylinder that is long in one direction. A fourth pivotal support portion 85 is swingably fixed to one longitudinal end portion 88a of the second support column 88. The fourth pivotal support portion 85 is attached to, for example, the lower surface of the right end portion of the lower edge portion 32c of the second holding portion 32. One end 88a of the second support pillar 88 is pivotally supported by, for example, an insertion bolt 85a (see FIG. 14(a) and the like) that is inserted through the one end 88a and the fourth pivot support portion 85. In the first state, the second support pillar 88 is capable of swinging downward around the insertion bolt 85a as a swing axis. In addition, in the second state, the second support pillar 88 is capable of swinging upward around the insertion bolt 85a as a swing axis. Furthermore, for example, a pair of left and right locking portions 89a (see FIGS. 13 and 14(b)) are provided on the other end portion 88b of the second support pillar 88. A shaft portion 89b (see FIGS. 11, 14(b), etc.) whose axial direction is the left-right direction is inserted between the pair of left and right locking portions 89a. Each of the pair of left and right locking portions 89a is formed, for example, in a substantially flat plate shape with its plate surface facing in the left-right direction.

[0055] The first support pillar 86 is set to, for example, the same shape and dimensions as the second support pillar 88. Furthermore, a third pivot support portion 84 is swingably fixed to one longitudinal end portion 86a of the first support pillar 86. The third pivot support portion 84 is attached to, for example, the underside of the left end portion of the lower edge portion 32c of the second holding portion 32. One end 86a of the first support column 86 is pivotally supported, for example, by an insertion bolt 84a that is inserted continuously through the one end 86a and the third pivot support portion 84. In the first state, the first support column 86 is capable of swinging downward around the insertion bolt 84a as a swing axis. In addition, in the second state, the first support column 86 is capable of swinging upward around the insertion bolt 84a as a swing axis. Furthermore, for example, a pair of left and right locking portions 87a (see FIG. 13) are provided on the other end portion 86b of the first support pillar 86. Each of the pair of left and right locking portions 87a is formed to have the same shape and dimensions as the pair of left and right locking portions 89a. A shaft portion 87b having an axial direction extending in the left-right direction is inserted between the pair of left and right locking portions 87a. Each of the pair of left and right locking portions 87a is formed, for example, in a substantially flat plate shape with its plate surface facing in the left-right direction.

[0056] As shown in Figure 13, the distance between the first support pillar 86 and the second support pillar 88 in the width direction (left and right direction) is set to a dimension approximately equal to the distance between the third support portion 35 and the fourth support portion 37. With this configuration, in both the first state and the second state, the gap between the first support pillar 86 and the second support pillar 88 is in communication with the gap between the pair of left and right fence portions 111, and ultimately with the internal space 110a of the cage 110. Therefore, when putting livestock 120 in or taking them out, or when workers enter or exit the cage 110, interference with the first support pillar 86 or the second support pillar 88 can be reduced. Furthermore, as described above, there is a gap between the third support part 35 and the fourth support part 37. Therefore, when the livestock 120 are put in or taken out, or when the worker enters or leaves the cage 110, interference with the third support part 35 or the fourth support part 37 can be suppressed.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the cooling unit 10 includes six cooling fins 16. Therefore, as shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), the refrigerant pipe 20 includes, for example, six straight portions 25 and five connecting portions 27. Six through holes (not shown) are formed in the intermediate portion 31b of the first holding portion 31, penetrating the intermediate portion 31b from front to rear, and the front end of each linear portion 25 protrudes outward from each through hole. That is, the front end of each linear portion 25 and each of the front connecting portions 27 are disposed forward of the intermediate portion 31b. Similarly, six through holes (not shown) are formed in the intermediate portion 32b of the second holding portion 32, penetrating the intermediate portion 32b from front to rear, and the rear ends of the linear portions 25 protrude outward from each through hole. That is, the rear ends of the linear portions 25 and each of the rear connecting portions 27 are disposed rearward of the intermediate portion 32b.

[0058] Here, in this embodiment, the livestock cooling device 100 is equipped with, for example, a plurality of drains 95 that capture condensation water generated on the cooling fins 16, and a drain pipe 96 that discharges the condensation water captured by the plurality of drains 95 to the outside of the livestock cooling device 100 and the cage 110. The livestock cooling device 100 is provided with, for example, the same number of drains 95 as the number of cooling fins 16 (six in this embodiment). One drain 95 is provided for each cooling fin 16. The drains 95 are set to have, for example, the same shape and dimensions as each other. Each drain 95 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rail extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 12(a), the shape of each drain 95 in a front view is formed into a substantially U-shape that opens upward. Note that in Fig. 12(a), the lower edge portion 31c of the first holding portion 31 is not shown. More specifically, each drain 95 includes a bottom surface portion disposed substantially horizontally and a pair of left and right side surfaces rising upward from both side edges of the bottom surface portion. Each drain 95 is disposed directly below the corresponding cooling fin 16, and the bottom surface of each drain 95 faces the lower edge of the corresponding cooling fin 16 in the vertical direction. The left-right width of the drain 95 is set to be larger than the left-right width of the cooling fins 16 . With this configuration, each drain 95 can effectively capture condensation water dripping from the outer surface of the corresponding cooling fin 16.

[0059] In this embodiment, each drain 95 is bridged between the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 32. In the first state, the cooling part 10 (refrigerant pipe 20 and cooling fins 16) and each drain 95 are arranged approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage 110. In the second state, the rear end parts of the cooling part 10 and each drain 95 are raised compared to the first state, and the cooling part 10 and each drain 95 are in a state where they are more inclined than in the first state. More specifically, six through holes (not shown) are formed in the intermediate portion 31b of the first holding portion 31, penetrating the intermediate portion 31b from front to rear, and the front end of one drain 95 is inserted into each through hole. The front end of each drain 95 protrudes outward from the corresponding through hole. In the first holding portion 31, the through-hole through which the drain 95 is inserted is disposed below the through-hole through which the corresponding cooling fin 16 is inserted. The rear end of each drain 95 is fixed to the lower surface of the lower edge 32c of the second holding portion 32. The rear end of each drain 95 is disposed outward from the middle portion 32b of the second holding portion 32.

[0060] The drain pipe 96 is formed in the shape of a hollow pipe that is long in one direction. One longitudinal end of the drain pipe 96 is connected, for example, to the lower edge portion 31c of the first holding portion 31. More specifically, a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates the horizontal portion in the thickness direction is formed in the horizontal portion of the lower edge portion 31c at a location corresponding to one end of the drain pipe 96. The internal space of the lower edge portion 31c and the inner cavity of the drain pipe 96 are mutually connected via the through-hole. The other end of the drain pipe 96 in the longitudinal direction is led, for example, downward to the outside of the internal space 110a of the cage 110. As an example, the other end of the drain pipe 96 is arranged along the vertical rod-shaped portion 111a on the front side of the left fence portion 111.

[0061] As described above, each drain 95 captures condensation water that has fallen from the outer surface of the corresponding cooling fin 16. The condensation water captured by the drain 95 moves forward along the bottom surface of the drain 95 and is collected in the internal space of the lower edge 31c of the first holding part 31. The collected condensation water flows into the drain pipe 96 through a through-hole formed in the lower edge 31c and is discharged to the outside of the cage 110 through the opening at the lower end of the drain pipe 96. In this embodiment, in the second state, the first holding portion 31 and each drain 95 are inclined upward toward the rear with respect to the upper edge of the cage 110, as will be described later. This allows condensation water on each drain 95 to be efficiently collected in the internal space of the lower edge portion 31c of the first holding portion 31.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the livestock cooling device 100 is equipped with, for example, a pair of front and rear second insulating sections 66 (see Figures 16(a) and 16(b), etc.) that cover the front and rear ends of the cooling section 10, respectively, and a pair of front and rear cover sections 78 that protect the second insulating sections 66. More specifically, the front second insulating section 66 is, for example, arranged on the front side of the first holding section 31, and covers the entire portion of the refrigerant pipe 20 that is arranged forward of the first holding section 31 (in this embodiment, the front ends of each straight section 25 and each front connecting section 27). Similarly, the rear second insulating section 66 is arranged, for example, on the rear side of the second holding section 32, and covers the entire portion of the refrigerant pipe 20 that is arranged forward of the first holding section 31 (in this embodiment, the rear ends of each straight section 25 and each rear connecting section 27).

[0063] The pair of front and rear second heat insulating portions 66 are formed, for example, in front-to-rear symmetrical shapes. More specifically, each of the pair of front and rear second heat insulating portions 66 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular column shape extending in the left-right direction. An outwardly recessed groove (not shown) is formed on the inner surface of each of the pair of front and rear second heat insulating portions 66. The groove extends, for example, from the left end to the right end of the second heat insulating portion 66. In this embodiment, the front ends of the linear portions 25 and the front connecting portions 27 are housed inside the groove of the front second heat insulating portion 66, and the rear ends of the linear portions 25 and the rear connecting portions 27 are housed inside the groove of the rear second heat insulating portion 66.

[0064] One example of a material that can be used to form each of the pair of front and rear second heat insulating portions 66 is expanded polystyrene. However, the material that can be used to form each of the pair of front and rear second heat insulating portions 66 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, urethane, glass wool, or the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of front and rear second insulating sections 66 are, for example, made of the same type of material, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the pair of front and rear second insulating sections 66 may, for example, be made of different materials.

[0065] 16(a) and 16(b), the pair of front and rear cover portions 78 are formed, for example, in front-to-rear symmetrical shapes. More specifically, each of the pair of front and rear cover portions 78 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular tubular shape extending in the left-to-right direction. In a side view, the front cover portion 78 is formed, for example, in a substantially U-shape that opens rearward, and the rear cover portion 78 is formed, for example, in a substantially U-shape that opens forward. The front cover part 78 is attached to the front surface of the intermediate part 31b of the first holding part 31, with the front second heat insulating part 66 housed in the internal space of the cover part 78. Similarly, the rear cover part 78 is attached to the rear surface of the intermediate part 32b of the second holding part 32, with the rear second heat insulating part 66 housed in the internal space of the cover part 78.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the heat insulating section 60 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. As shown in Fig. 12(a), the heat insulating section 60 is formed in a substantially U-shape that opens downward when viewed from the front. More specifically, the heat insulating section 60 includes, for example, a main surface section 61a whose plate surface faces in the vertical direction, and a pair of side surface sections 61b hanging down from both side edges of the main surface section 61a. Note that the pair of side surface sections 61b are not shown in Figures 10, 11, 15, 16(a) and 16(b). In this embodiment, in a plan view, the main surface portion 61a covers substantially the entire cooling unit 10. Furthermore, the main surface portion 61a faces the internal space 110b of the cage 110 with the cooling unit 10 interposed therebetween in the vertical direction, for example. The lower edges of the pair of side surface portions 61b are located near the lower ends of the cooling fins 16 in the up-down direction, for example. With this configuration, the sides of the cooling fins 16 can be well covered by the heat insulating portions 60 . The main surface portion 61a is formed in a generally rectangular shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction in a plan view. The front end of the main surface portion 61a is supported by the first holding portion 31, and the rear end of the main surface portion 61a is supported by the second holding portion 32. More specifically, the lower surface of the front end of the main surface portion 61a is disposed on the upper surface of the upper edge portion 31a of the first holding portion 31, and the lower surface of the rear end of the main surface portion 61a is disposed on the upper surface of the upper edge portion 32a of the second holding portion 32. As a result, the heat insulating portion 60 is supported by the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32, and is disposed along the upper surface of the cooling portion 10. The method for fixing the main surface portion 61a to the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32 is not particularly limited, and for example, double-sided tape or fixing bolts (not shown) can be used. In the present embodiment, the heat insulating portion 60 is made of, for example, galvalume steel. However, the material constituting the heat insulating portion 60 is not particularly limited, and may be urethane, polystyrene foam, glass wool, or the like, as in the first embodiment.

[0067] The first and second states of the livestock cooling apparatus 100 will now be described in detail. 10 , in the first state, the shaft 89b is engaged with the first notch-shaped portion 381a of the second portion 38b of the fourth support portion 37, causing the fourth support portion 37 to support the other end 88b of the second support pillar 88 and indirectly support the right end portion of the second holding portion 32. Similarly, in the first state, the shaft 87b is engaged with the first notch-shaped portion of the second portion 35b of the third support portion 35, causing the third support portion 35 to support the other end 86b of the first support pillar 86 and indirectly support the left end portion of the second holding portion 32. In this state, the first support pillar 86 is disposed approximately horizontally along the third support member 35, and the second support pillar 88 is disposed approximately horizontally along the fourth support member 37. As a result, the cooling unit 10, the drain 95, and the heat insulating unit 60 are each disposed approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage 110. The gap between the first support pillar 86 and the second support pillar 88 is in communication with the internal space 110a of the cage 110. From this state, the first holding member 31, and therefore the entire cooling unit 10, the drain 95, and the heat insulating unit 60, swing together in a forward tilting direction about the first pivotal support member 82 and the second pivotal support member 83 as the swing axis, thereby switching from the first state to the second state. 11 , in the second state, the shaft 89b is engaged with the second notch-shaped portion 381b of the second portion 38b of the fourth support portion 37, whereby the fourth support portion 37 supports the other end 88b of the second support pillar 88 and indirectly supports the right end portion of the second holding portion 32. Similarly, in the second state, the shaft 89b is engaged with the second notch-shaped portion 381b of the second portion 38b of the fourth support portion 37, whereby the fourth support portion 37 supports the other end 88b of the second support pillar 88 and indirectly supports the right end portion of the second holding portion 32. In this state, each of the first support pillars 86 and the second support pillars 88 is tilted upward toward the rear at a swing angle of, for example, 90 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less relative to the third support portion 35 and the fourth support portion 37. Furthermore, the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 32, the cooling portion 10, the drain 95, and the heat insulating portion 60 are tilted upward toward the rear relative to the upper edge of the cage 110. From this state, the first holding portion 31, and therefore the entire cooling portion 10, the drain 95, and the heat insulating portion 60, swing together in a backward tilting direction around the first pivotal support portion 82 and the second pivotal support portion 83 as the swing axis, thereby switching from the second state to the first state.

[0068] 10 and 11, the first cutout 381a and the second cutout 381b of the fourth support portion 37 each penetrate the second portion 38b of the fourth support portion 37 in the thickness direction and open upward. The front portions of the first cutout 381a and the second cutout 381b protrude forward beyond the upper end openings of the respective cutouts. The rear portions of the first cutout 381a and the second cutout 381b slope downward from the rear to the front. With this configuration, when the shaft 89b of the second support column 88 is locked into the first cutout 381a or the second cutout 381b, the shaft 89b is inserted into the first cutout 381a or the second cutout 381b from the upper opening thereof and is smoothly guided forward. In other words, the shaft 89b is securely locked into the first cutout 381a or the second cutout 381b. As described above, the first and second cutout portions of the third support portion 35 are formed to have the same shape and dimensions as the first and second cutout portions 381a and 381b of the fourth support portion 37. Therefore, the shaft portion 89b of the first support pillar 86 is inserted into the upper opening of the first or second cutout portion of the third support portion 35 and is smoothly guided forward.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0070] Furthermore, the various components of the livestock cooling device 100 do not need to be independent entities, and it is acceptable for multiple components to be formed as a single member, for one component to be formed from multiple members, for one component to be part of another component, or for part of one component to overlap with part of another component, etc.

[0071] The present embodiment encompasses the following technical ideas. (1) A livestock cooling device that is detachably attached to a cage that houses one livestock, a cooling unit having a refrigerant pipe to which a liquid refrigerant is supplied; a clamp detachably attached to the top of the cage; Equipped with The clamp is attached to the top of the cage, whereby the livestock cooling device is attached to the cage and the cooling section faces the internal space of the cage. (2) A livestock cooling device as described in (1) that is provided with an angle change mechanism that changes the cooling section between a first state in which the cooling section is positioned approximately horizontally along the upper edge of the cage and a second state in which the rear end of the cooling section is raised compared to the first state and the cooling section is more inclined than in the first state. (3) The cage includes a pair of left and right fence portions facing each other, The livestock cooling device is a first holding portion that holds a front end portion of the cooling portion; a second holding portion that holds a rear end portion of the cooling portion; a first support portion attached to the left fence portion and supporting a left end portion of the first holding portion; a second support portion attached to the right fence portion and supporting a right end portion of the first holding portion; a third support portion attached to the left fence portion and supporting a left end portion of the second holding portion; a fourth support portion attached to the right fence portion and supporting a right end portion of the second holding portion; Equipped with The angle changing mechanism is a first pivot support portion that connects the first holding portion and the first support portion so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; a second pivotal support portion that connects the first holding portion and the second support portion so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; A first support pillar; A second support pillar; a third support portion that connects one end of the first support pillar and a left end of the second holding portion so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; a fourth support portion that connects one end of the second support pillar and a right end of the second holding portion so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; and the third support portion supports the other end of the first support pillar at a position different from that of the first state in the front-rear direction in the second state, thereby indirectly supporting the left end of the second holding portion; the fourth support portion supports the other end of the second support pillar at a position different from that of the first state in the front-rear direction in the second state, thereby indirectly supporting the right end of the second holding portion; The livestock cooling device according to (2), wherein the first support pole and the second support pole are in a position closer to vertical in the second state than in the first state. (4) a first holding portion that holds a front end portion of the cooling portion; a second holding portion that holds a rear end portion of the cooling portion; a lower frame disposed horizontally along an upper edge of the cage; Equipped with The angle changing mechanism is a pivotal support portion that connects the first holding portion and the lower frame so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; a support frame that is disposed along the lower frame in the first state and that stands upright from the lower frame at a rear end side in the second state to support the second holding portion; and The support frame has a pair of left and right support columns, The livestock cooling device according to (2), wherein in the second state, the gaps between the support pillars are in communication with the interior space of the cage. (5) A livestock cooling device as described in (4), wherein the support frame is pivotally supported on the lower frame so as to be swingable between a position aligned with the lower frame and a position standing upright from the lower frame. (6) The refrigerant pipe includes an even number of straight portions that are connected to each other in a zigzag pattern, One end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe serve as an inlet and an outlet of the liquid refrigerant, respectively. The livestock cooling device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the one end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe are arranged on a front end side. (7) A heat insulating part is provided along the upper surface of the cooling part, The livestock cooling device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the heat insulating section has a heat insulating layer and metal layers provided on both sides of the heat insulating layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Cooling section 12 Introduction 14 Derivation part 16 Cooling fins 18 Water leakage prevention material 20 Refrigerant pipe 25 Straight section 27 Connecting part 31 1st holding part 31a Upper edge 31b Middle part 31c Lower end 31d Flat plate part 32 Second holding part 32a Upper edge 32b middle part 32c Lower edge 32d flat plate part 33 1st support part 34 Second support part 35 Third support part 36a Part 1 36b Part 2 37 4th support part 38a Part 1 38b Part 2 381a First notch shaped portion 381b Second notch shape portion 43 Locking part 44 Lower Frame 45a 1st rod part 45b 2nd bar part 50 Support Frame 54 Support column 56 Horizontal Bar 58 Insertion bolt 59 Fixed part 60 Insulation section 60a surface 60b back side 61a Main surface part 61b Side part 62 Insulation layer 64 Metal layer 66 Second insulation section 70 Retaining Frame 72 Second plate-shaped portion 74 Third rod-shaped part 76a, 76b Fixed plate 76c Insertion bolt 77 Connecting member 78 Cover 80 Angle change mechanism 81 Axial branch 81a First annular member 81b Second annular member 82 1st axis branch 82a Insertion bolt 83 Second axis branch 83a Insertion bolt 84 Third axis branch 84a Shaft 85 4th axis branch 85a Insertion bolt 86 1st support pillar 86a One end 86b Other end 87a Locking part 87b Shaft 88 Second support pillar 88a One end 88b Other end 89a Locking part 89b Shaft 91 Clamp 91a~91d Clamp 92 Clamping part 93 Fastening bolt 95 Drain 96 Drain pipe 98a Circulation pipe 98b Discharge pipe 100 Livestock cooling equipment 110 cages 110a Interior space 111 Fence section 111a Vertical rod 111b Horizontal bar 112 Connection section 120 Livestock 122 Head 124 Hind leg

Claims

1. A livestock cooling device that is detachably attached to a cage that houses one livestock, The rear of the livestock cooling device is the entrance / exit side of the cage, a cooling unit having a refrigerant pipe to which a liquid refrigerant is supplied and formed long in the front-rear direction; a clamp detachably attached to the top of the cage; a first holding portion that holds a front end portion of the cooling portion; a second holding portion that holds a rear end portion of the cooling portion; Equipped with The clamp is attached to the upper portion of the cage, so that the livestock cooling device is attached to the cage and the cooling unit faces the internal space of the cage, the refrigerant pipe includes an even number of straight portions that are connected in series and communicate with each other in a zigzag pattern, and one end and the other end of each of the even number of connected straight portions serve as an inlet and an outlet for the liquid refrigerant, respectively; the cooling unit has a plurality of cooling fins, Each of the plurality of cooling fins is formed in a hollow tube shape, and the linear portion is inserted into each of the plurality of cooling fins, The plurality of cooling fins are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction and in a width direction that is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, The livestock cooling device, wherein the one end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe are arranged on the front end side opposite the rear end.

2. The livestock cooling device further includes a plurality of drains that capture condensation water generated on the outer surfaces of the plurality of cooling fins, and a drain pipe that discharges the condensation water captured by the plurality of drains to the outside of the livestock cooling device and the cage, Each of the plurality of drains is formed in a rail shape extending in the front-rear direction, Each of the plurality of drains is bridged between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, The livestock cooling device of claim 1, wherein a drain pipe that discharges the condensation water captured by the multiple drains to the outside of the livestock cooling device and the cage is connected to the first holding portion that holds the front end of the cooling portion.

3. A livestock cooling device that is detachably attached to a cage that houses one livestock, a cooling unit having a refrigerant pipe to which a liquid refrigerant is supplied; a clamp detachably attached to the top of the cage; Equipped with The clamp is attached to the upper portion of the cage, whereby the livestock cooling device is attached to the cage, and the cooling unit faces the internal space of the cage, The rear of the livestock cooling device is the entrance / exit side of the cage, The cooling section is formed long in the front-rear direction, The livestock cooling device includes an angle change mechanism that changes the state between a first state in which the cooling section is disposed substantially horizontally along the upper edge of the cage and a second state in which the rear end of the cooling section is elevated compared to the first state and the cooling section is more inclined than in the first state; Equipped with The angle changing mechanism is a support mechanism that is disposed along an upper edge of the cage in the first state and that stands upright from the upper edge of the cage at a rear end side thereof to support a rear end of the cooling unit in the second state; a locking portion to which the support mechanism is locked in the second state; and In the second state, the support mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion, thereby maintaining the cooling portion in an upwardly inclined position toward the rear.

4. A livestock cooling device that is detachably attached to a cage that houses one livestock, a cooling unit having a refrigerant pipe to which a liquid refrigerant is supplied; a clamp detachably attached to the top of the cage; Equipped with The clamp is attached to the upper portion of the cage, whereby the livestock cooling device is attached to the cage, and the cooling unit faces the internal space of the cage, an angle changing mechanism that changes the cooling section between a first state in which the cooling section is disposed substantially horizontally along an upper edge of the cage and a second state in which a rear end of the cooling section is elevated compared to the first state and the cooling section is more inclined than in the first state; The cage includes a pair of left and right fence portions facing each other, The livestock cooling device is a first holding portion that holds a front end portion of the cooling portion; a second holding portion that holds a rear end portion of the cooling portion; a first support portion attached to the left fence portion and supporting a left end portion of the first holding portion; a second support portion attached to the right fence portion and supporting a right end portion of the first holding portion; a third support portion attached to the left fence portion and supporting a left end portion of the second holding portion; a fourth support portion attached to the right fence portion and supporting a right end portion of the second holding portion; Equipped with The angle changing mechanism is a first pivotal support portion that connects the first holding portion and the first support portion so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; a second pivotal support portion that connects the first holding portion and the second support portion to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; A first support pillar; A second support pillar; a third support portion that connects one end of the first support pillar and a left end of the second holding portion so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; a fourth support portion that connects one end of the second support pillar and a right end of the second holding portion so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; and the third support portion supports the other end of the first support column at a position different from the position in the front-rear direction between the first state and the second state, thereby indirectly supporting the left end of the second holding portion; the fourth support portion supports the other end of the second support pillar at a position different from that of the first state in the front-rear direction to that of the second state, thereby indirectly supporting the right end of the second holding portion; The livestock cooling device, wherein the first support pole and the second support pole are in a position closer to vertical in the second state than in the first state.

5. A livestock cooling device that is detachably attached to a cage that houses one livestock, a cooling unit having a refrigerant pipe to which a liquid refrigerant is supplied; a clamp detachably attached to the top of the cage; Equipped with The clamp is attached to the upper portion of the cage, whereby the livestock cooling device is attached to the cage, and the cooling unit faces the internal space of the cage, an angle changing mechanism that changes the cooling section between a first state in which the cooling section is disposed substantially horizontally along an upper edge of the cage and a second state in which a rear end of the cooling section is elevated compared to the first state and the cooling section is more inclined than in the first state; a first holding portion that holds a front end portion of the cooling portion; a second holding portion that holds a rear end portion of the cooling portion; a lower frame disposed horizontally along an upper edge of the cage; Equipped with The angle changing mechanism is a pivotal support portion that connects the first holding portion and the lower frame so as to be swingable around a swing axis that extends laterally; a support frame that is disposed along the lower frame in the first state and that stands upright from the lower frame at a rear end side thereof in the second state to support the second holding portion; and The support frame has a pair of left and right support columns, In the second state, the gaps between the support pillars communicate with the interior space of the cage.

6. 6. The livestock cooling device according to claim 5, wherein the support frame is pivotally supported by the lower frame so as to be swingable between a position along the lower frame and a position standing upright from the lower frame.

7. a heat insulating section disposed along an upper surface of the cooling section, The livestock cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat insulating section has a heat insulating layer and metal layers provided on both sides of the heat insulating layer.

Images