Animal brushing arrangement and method associated therewith

Abstract

The disclosure concerns an animal brushing arrangement (2) and a method for controlling an animal brushing arrangement (2), said animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a support part (6) configured to be attached to a support structure (4), a brush (8), an electric motor (10) arranged to rotate the brush (8) about a rotational axis (12), and a control arrangement (30) for controlling the electric motor (10). The control arrangement (30) is configured to: determine a value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor (10) while the electric motor (10) is running; compare the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a threshold value; and perform a stopping of the electric motor (10) if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value. Elected for publication:

Description

[0001] Animal Brushing Arrangement and Method Associated therewith

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an animal brushing arrangement and to a method for controlling an animal brushing arrangement.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Animal brushing arrangements of various kinds devised for brushing farm animals, such as cows, horses, and pigs, are known.

[0006] Typically, such an animal brushing arrangement comprises a rotatable brush that is rotatable about a rotational axis and is mountable to a fixed support structure, such as a wall or a post.

[0007] Depending on the kind of animal brushing arrangement, the rotatable brush thereof may be arranged with different degrees of freedom. In a simple arrangement, a position of the rotational axis is fixed in relation to the support structure. The more sophisticated the arrangement, the more degrees of freedom the rotatable brush may have. One degree of freedom may be provided by a vertically displaceable rotatable brush. Two or three degrees of freedom may be provided by a rotatable brush being suspended by the arrangement such that the rotatable brush is able to perform a pendulum movement about up to three pivot axes.

[0008] Animals go voluntarily to the animal brushing arrangement for being brushed. The brushing is a way of keeping the animals clean, giving them massage and calming them down. Further, the brushing may be a way of improving the health of the animals and to provide for an increased feeling of well-being and comfort.

[0009] One animal brushing arrangement of this kind is presented e.g. in WO 03 / 084316, which discloses a treatment device for livestock wherein an oblong brush is carried by a carrying means. The brush can be set in a rotating motion by a drive unit. The motion is initiated by the animal coming into contact with the brush.

[0010] Starting rotation of a motor of an animal brush is discussed in EP 3981247, which discloses a device for brushing animals with at least one brush which is rotatably mounted about an axis and which can be driven by a motor. The rotation of the motor is constantly monitored when the motor is at a standstill. Thus, a rotation not caused by the motor is then used as a criterion for switching on the motor. For instance, a voltage induced in the motor is monitored to establish when an animal pushes against, and rotates, the brush.

[0011] In a similar manner, DE 202016102264 U1 discloses a device for cleaning and massaging horses, cows or other animals, with at least one roller provided with bristles mounted rotatably about its longitudinal axis. An electric motor rotates the roller over limited time periods. The electric motor is automatically activated when an induced voltage or current is sensed as an animal comes into contact with the roller.

[0012] The rotation of an animal brush may be emergency stopped for reliability and / or safety reasons. US 11547087 discloses a brush device for brushing an animal, for example the back, head and / or tail of the animal, such as a cow. There is a risk with this kind of brush that a tail of the cow, or a collar or identification tag worn by the cow is grasped by the rotating brush, resulting in the brush becoming stuck and / or the cow being harmed. To avoid this, a frequency controller is configured to stop the rotation of a motor of the brush if the electric current supplied to the motor exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0013] Once an animal, voluntarily, has finished brushing, rotation of the brush is no longer need.

[0014] EP 3981247 proposes that the motor is stopped after expiry of a time period.

[0015] This however, either leads to unnecessary energy consumption in the case of long time periods which exceed the normal / average brushing time of the animals or to each animal having to restart the brush one or more times in the case of too short time periods.

[0016] DE 202016102264 U1 proposes that the electric motor of the roller is deactivated by a movement change between a stator and a rotor of the electric motor, the movement change being caused by the animal that is being brushed stepping away from the roller. The movement change induces a voltage or a current that is sensed.

[0017] SUMMARY

[0018] It would be advantageous to achieve an animal brushing arrangement that avoids unnecessary energy consumption. In particular, it would be desirable to enable a quick and reliable stopping of a rotatable brush of an animal brushing arrangement when an animal stops being brushed. To better address one or more of these concerns, one or more of an animal brushing arrangement and a method having the features defined in one or more of the independent claims is provided. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal brushing arrangement comprising a support part configured to be attached to a support structure, a brush, an electric motor arranged to rotate the brush about a rotational axis, and a control arrangement for controlling the electric motor, wherein the control arrangement is configured to:

[0019] - determine a value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor while the electric motor is running,

[0020] - compare the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a threshold value, and

[0021] - perform a stopping of the electric motor if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value.

[0022] As a result of the configuration of the control arrangement, the electric motor and the rotation of the brush will be stopped if a load on the brush is below a threshold load. Thus, the animal brushing arrangement can avoid running of the electric motor after an animal having been brushed steps away from the brush. Accordingly, unnecessary energy consumption is avoided.

[0023] More specifically, the electric motor requires more power for rotating the brush when an animal engages with the brush for being brushed thereby than for rotating the brush with no animal engaging with the brush. The inventor has realised that this difference in power requirement can be utilised for stopping the electric motor when an animal steps away from the brush after having been brushed. Further, the inventor has realised that by keeping track of the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor, and comparing it with a suitably selected threshold value, the control arrangement of the animal brushing arrangement can be arranged to stop running the electric motor if an animal has finished brushing. The threshold value, accordingly, may be selected slightly higher than or equal to the electric power consumption of the electric motor with the brush not subjected to any external load other than gravity.

[0024] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for controlling an animal brushing arrangement, the animal brushing arrangement comprising a brush and an electric motor arranged to rotate the brush about a rotational axis, wherein the method comprises steps of:

[0025] - determining a value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor while the electric motor is running,

[0026] - comparing the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a threshold value, and either - stopping the electric motor if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, or

[0027] - continuing to run the electric motor if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is higher than the threshold value.

[0028] In analogy with the discussion related to the animal brushing arrangement above, the method provides for preventing to run the electric motor after an animal having been brushed steps away from the brush. Accordingly, unnecessary energy consumption is avoided.

[0029] The herein discussed animal brushing arrangement, also referred to simply as the brushing arrangement, is arranged for brushing animals, such as farm animals e.g. cows, horses, pigs, etc., utilising the rotatable brush. For use by the animals, the animal brushing arrangement is attached to the support structure.

[0030] In some kinds of animal brushing arrangements, a position and a direction of the rotational axis of the brush may be fixed in relation to the support part. In other kinds of animal brushing arrangements, the brush may be displaceable in relation to the support part, either with the rotational axis having a fixed direction or with the rotational axis being able to point in different directions. In the latter case, the brush may be pivotably suspended from the support part with the rotational axis extending along a rest direction when the brush is hanging in a rest position. For instance, the rest direction may have a substantially vertical extension. An animal leaning against the brush may pivot it such that the rotational axis has a different direction than in its rest position.

[0031] The animal brushing arrangement may comprise more than one brush.

[0032] The animal brushing arrangement may be arranged indoors in a barn or sty wherein the animals can move about and go to the animal brushing arrangement for being brushed by the brush as it is rotated by the electric motor. Alternatively, the brushing arrangement may be arranged outdoors e.g., in connection with a pasture where the animals are held.

[0033] The support structure may be any fixed structure sufficiently strong to carry the animal brushing arrangement. The support structure may be a wall or a post. The support structure may form part of a structure with a different primary purpose than supporting the brushing arrangement. Alternatively, the support structure is a structure, the primary purpose of which is to support the brushing arrangement. The animal brushing arrangement may comprise a suspension structure extending between the brush and the support part. The suspension structure may comprise one or more members that are pivotable in relation to the support part and / or each other, about respective pivot axes. Thus, the brush may be positioned at different angles and in different spatial positions. Accordingly, an animal may manipulate the brush by pushing against it with varying force and in different directions for the brush to reach different body parts of the relevant animal.

[0034] In use of the animal brushing arrangement, the brush is rotated by the electric motor. Herein, the brush therefore, may alternatively be referred to as the rotatable brush. Accordingly, the electric motor is configured to be connected to an electric power supply e.g., in the form of mains power or a battery.

[0035] In a known manner, the control arrangement may comprise a sensor for sensing the presence of an animal engaging with the brush and for starting the electric motor to rotate the brush.

[0036] The electric motor may be arranged partially or entirely within the brush, such as within a central cavity of the brush. A transmission may be arranged between the electric motor and the brush.

[0037] According to some embodiments, a stator of the electric motor may be integrated in, or connected to, a member of a suspension structure and the brush may be connected to, or form part of, a rotor of the electric motor. In such embodiments, the rotor may be arranged at least partially around the stator.

[0038] The momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor is consumed by the electric motor from the thereto connected electric power source and accordingly, is not generated by the electric motor itself. Hence, the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor, which is determined while the electric motor is running, and which is compared with the threshold value - is a value associated with electric power consumed by the electric motor and provided by the electric power source.

[0039] For instance, the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor may be represented by a momentaneous value of the electric current (Ampere) drawn by the electric motor or by a momentaneous value of the electric power (Watt) consumed by the electric motor. Accordingly, the control arrangement may comprise one or more of a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and an electric power sensor.

[0040] The value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor may be represented by an average value of the electric power consumption over a recent time period, such as a time period up to the point in time when the value is determined. An average of the electric power consumption may be represented e.g., by an average of the electric current drawn by the electric motor or by an average of the electric power consumed by the electric motor.

[0041] Mentioned purely as an example, the time period may be within a range of 0.1 - 8 seconds.

[0042] For instance, the control arrangement may drive the electric motor to run with a substantially constant rotational speed. When an animal leans against the brush, the load thereof will require the supply of higher power to maintain the rotational speed of the brush in comparison with an unloaded brush.

[0043] The threshold value, accordingly, is selected to correspond to at a level of electric power slightly above or equal to the electric power requirement to drive the electric motor, and in turn the brush, in an unloaded state.

[0044] When the rotating brush is hanging in a rest position while an animal engages with it, the animal provides a load on the rotating brush and, thus, on the electric motor. In such a situation, the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor is still higher than the value represented by the threshold value, and accordingly, the present animal brushing arrangement and the present method ensure that the brush will continue to rotate with the brush hanging in its rest position while an animal engages with it.

[0045] Thus, in comparison with a timer controlled stopping of the rotation of the brush a time period after it has assumed a rest position, a more precise stopping of the brush, based on the actual usage of the brush by the animal, is provided.

[0046] According to embodiments, the control arrangement may comprise a timer and may be further configured to:

[0047] - start the timer in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and - perform the stopping of the electric motor when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the timer was started provided that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

[0048] Thus, the performing of a stopping of the electric motor if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value may include: starting the timer in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and perform the stopping of the electric motor when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the timer was started if said value related to momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period. In this manner, the rotation of the brush may not be immediately stopped when an animal unloads the brush. Accordingly, the motor in such embodiments would be stopped only if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption does not rise above the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

[0049] For instance, an animal that is being brush may reposition itself in relation to the brush and in doing so, the brush may be temporarily unloaded. The delaying of the stopping of the brush over the predetermined time period may prevent the brush from stopping to rotate during such a repositioning of the animal.

[0050] According to embodiments, the control arrangement may comprise a duration timer, and the control arrangement may be further configured to:

[0051] - start the duration timer when the electric motor starts, and

[0052] - stop the duration timer when the electric motor stops. In this manner, an incremental measurement of the operational time of the electric motor may be established via the duration timer. Accordingly, the precise total usage of the electric motor may be monitored. This may be beneficial from a brushing arrangement maintenance point of view or for statistical purposes for tracking the time animals are being brushed.

[0053] Due to the stopping of the electric motor being based on the momentaneous electric power consumption, the operational time established by the duration timer, firstly, is operational time during which the brush and the electric motor are subjected to load i.e. , operational time that puts wear on the brushing arrangement which is operational time most relevant for maintenance purposes. Secondly, the operational time relates to actual brushing time of animals. Further features of, and advantages with, the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Various aspects and / or embodiments of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an animal brushing arrangement according to embodiments in a side view,

[0057] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a control arrangement according to embodiments,

[0058] Fig. 3 illustrates a method according to embodiments, and

[0059] Fig. 4 illustrates embodiments of a computer-readable storage medium.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Aspects and / or embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0062] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an animal brushing arrangement 2 according to embodiments in a side view.

[0063] The animal brushing arrangement 2 is arranged for being attached to a support structure 4. The animal brushing arrangement 2 comprises a support part 6, which is configured to be attached to the support structure 4. For instance, the support part 6 may be provided with through holes, through which bolts or pins extend for securing the support part 6 to the support structure 4. Alternatively, the support part 6 may be e.g., clamped, strapped, hooked, welded, riveted, glued, or chemically connected to the support structure 4.

[0064] The support structure 4 may be any fixed structure sufficiently strong to hold up the animal brushing arrangement 2 when animals push against a brush 8 thereof for being brushed. The support structure 4 may form part of a wall or a post of a larger construction such as a building, a roofing structure, or an enclosure. Alternatively, the support structure 4 may be a dedicated support structure devised for supporting the brushing arrangement 2 at a suitable height in an area where animals are held. The brushing arrangement 2 further comprises the brush 8 and an electric motor 10 arranged to rotate the brush 8 about a rotational axis 12. Electric motors arranged to rotate the rotatable brush 8 of an animal brushing arrangement are known in the art. Therefore, the electric motor 10 is only schematically indicated in Fig. 1.

[0065] As indicated in Fig. 1 , the electric motor 10 may be arranged within the brush 8. A rotor of the electric motor 10 may be connected to the brush 10 or the rotor may form part of the brush 8. The rotor may be connected to the brush 8 via a transmission.

[0066] According to embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiments, the animal brushing arrangement comprises a suspension structure 14 extending between the support part 6 and the brush 8. The suspension structure 14 provides for the brush 8 to pivot in at least one direction from a rest position of the brush 8. In this manner, the brush 8 may be suspended from the support part 6 for animals to push against the brush 8 and thus, pivot the brush 8 to different spatial positions and / or to different angular directions of its rotational axis 12.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiments, the suspension structure 14 comprises a first member 16, a second member 18, and a third member 20.

[0068] Each of the members 16, 18, 20 is pivotably connected to an adjacent member of the members 16, 18, 20. Also, the first member 16, which is closest to the support part 6 may be pivotably connect to the support part 6. Accordingly, pivot axes 22, 24, 26 are provided such that the members 16, 18, 20 are pivotable about the pivot axes 22, 24, 26 in relation to each other and in relation to the support part 6, respectively.

[0069] The suspension structure 14, due to it comprising the members 16, 18, 20 that are pivotably connected to each other, permits an animal pushing against the brush 8 with varying force and in varying directions, to displace the brush 8 at different angles and in various spatial positions in order to reach different animal body parts.

[0070] According to alternative embodiments, the suspension structure may comprise less than three members and less than three pivot axes, such as two or one members and pivot axes.

[0071] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to brushing arrangements with the illustrated kind of members and pivot axes, other kinds of members and arrangements of one or more pivot axes or even brushing arrangements lacking pivot axes for varying spatial or directional positions of the brush are encompassed, as long as they comprise a control arrangement according to any one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein.

[0072] Accordingly, the animal brushing arrangement 2 further comprises a control arrangement 30 for controlling the electric motor 10.

[0073] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a control arrangement 30 according to embodiments.

[0074] The control arrangement 30 is configured for controlling an electric motor 10 of an animal brushing arrangement, such as the brushing arrangement 2 discussed above with reference to Fig. 1. Accordingly, the electric motor 10 is configured for rotating a brush 8 of an animal brushing arrangement. The control arrangement 30 is also indicated in Fig. 1.

[0075] The control arrangement 30 is configured to be utilised in connection with the different aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein. The control arrangement 30 may be configured to perform steps of a method 100 for controlling an animal brushing arrangement, see e.g. below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0076] A computer could be comprised in the control arrangement 30. A computer may be any hardware or hardware / firmware device implemented using processing circuity such as, but not limited to, a processor, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, or any other device capable of electronically performing operations in a defined manner.

[0077] The control arrangement 30 comprises at least one calculation unit 32, which may take the form of substantially any suitable type of processor circuit or microcomputer, e.g. a circuit for digital signal processing (digital signal processor, DSP), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The herein utilised expression “calculation unit” may represent a processing circuitry comprising a plurality of processing circuits, such as, e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above.

[0078] The control arrangement 30 comprises a memory unit 34. The calculation unit 32 is connected to the memory unit 34, which provides the calculation unit 32 with, e.g. one or more of stored programme code, and / or other stored data which the calculation unit 32 needs to enable it to do calculations. The calculation unit 32 is also adapted to store partial or final results of calculations in the memory unit 34.

[0079] The memory unit 34 may comprise a physical device utilised to store data or programs, i.e. sequences of instructions on a temporary and / or permanent basis. According to some embodiments, the memory unit 34 may comprise integrated circuits comprising silicon-based transistors. The memory unit 34 may comprise e.g. a memory card, a flash memory, a USB memory, a hard disc, or another similar volatile or non-volatile storage unit for storing data such as e.g. ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), etc. in different embodiments.

[0080] In the embodiment depicted, only one calculation unit 32 and one memory unit 34 are shown, but the control arrangement 30 may alternatively comprise more than one calculation unit and / or memory unit.

[0081] The control arrangement 30 is further provided with respective devices 36, 37, 38 for receiving and / or sending input and output signals. These input and output signals may comprise waveforms, pulses or other attributes, which can be detect as information by signal receiving devices, and which can be converted to signals processable by the calculation unit 32. Input signals are supplied to the calculation unit 32 from at least one input receiving device 36, 37. At least one output signal sending device 38 is arranged to convert calculation results from the calculation unit 32 to output signals for conveying to signal receiving devices of the control arrangement 30. Each of the connections to the respective devices 36, 37, 38 for receiving and sending input and output signals may take the form of one or more from among a cable, a data bus, e.g. a CAN (controller area network) bus, a MOST (media orientated systems transport) bus or some other bus configuration, or a wireless connection.

[0082] Mentioned as examples, the input signal receiving device 36, may receive signals from at least one sensor 40 configured to sense at least one parameter / value related to an electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 arranged to rotate the brush 8, such as a current sensor or an electric power sensor. The output signal sending devices 38 may send a control signal to the electric motor 10 for controlling a rotation of the electric motor 10 and the brush 8. Accordingly, the control signal may be provided in the form of the electric power required to drive the electric motor 10 e.g., to drive the electric motor 10 at a substantially constant rotational speed. Examples of the above-mentioned stored data may be measured, monitored, and / or calculated data, such as a data related to the at least one parameter / value related to the electric power consumption of the electric motor 10, and, according to some embodiments, time related data.

[0083] As mentioned above, the control arrangement 30 is configured for controlling an electric motor 10 of an animal brushing arrangement. Accordingly, the control arrangement 30 may form part of an electric motor drive unit or conversely, the control arrangement 30 may be seen as including an electric motor drive unit.

[0084] The control arrangement 30 is configured to:

[0085] - Determine a value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 while the electric motor 10 is running. For instance, a value of an electric current (I) supplied to the electric motor may be continuously measured by the sensor 40. Since the electric current is proportional to the electric power consumption of the electric motor 10, the value of the electric current may be utilised as a parameter related to an electric power consumption of the electric motor 10. An option may be to also measure a voltage (V) supplied to the electric motor 10 with a voltage sensor. Thus, the electric power (P) consumed by the electric motor 10 may be calculated, P = II * I, by the calculation unit 32. Alternatively, the sensor 40 may be an electric power sensor, which supplies values of the electric power (Watt) consumed by the electric motor 10.

[0086] - Compare the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a threshold value. The threshold value is a value related to an electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 equal to or slightly higher, such as e.g. 1 - 10% higher, than when the electric motor 10 is driven in an unloaded state i.e. , a state in which no animal is engaging with the rotating brush 8. Hence, the threshold value may depend inter alia on the particular electric motor 10 used and the diameter of the brush 8 used. Accordingly, the calculation unit 32 may be configured to compare the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with the threshold value.

[0087] - Perform a stopping of the electric motor 10 if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value. Thus, the electric motor 10 and the rotation of the brush 8 will be stopped if a load on the brush 8 is below a threshold load, corresponding to the threshold value.

[0088] Accordingly, if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is higher than the threshold value, the electric motor 10 may continue running. The above discussed determining of the value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 and comparing of the value with the threshold value may be performed as a loop while the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 is above the threshold value. If the value is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value a stopping of the electric motor 10 is performed.

[0089] When the electric motor 10 is started again, the above-mentioned loop may start again.

[0090] Starting of the electric motor 10 may be initiated by any known measure e.g., by an animal engaging with the brush 8. The control arrangement 30 may be configured for starting of the electric motor 10.

[0091] As mentioned above, and according to some embodiments, in order to determine the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption, the control arrangement 30 may be configured to determine an electric current consumed by the electric motor 10.

[0092] Thus, the sensor 40 may comprise an electric current sensor.

[0093] As mentioned above, and according to some embodiments, in order to determine the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption, the control arrangement 30 may be configured to determine a voltage of the electric motor 10.

[0094] Thus, the sensor 40 may comprise a voltage sensor.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the control arrangement 30 may comprise a timer 42 and may be further configured to:

[0096] - start the timer 42 in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and

[0097] - perform the stopping of the electric motor 10 when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the timer 42 was started provided that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

[0098] In other words, the performing of a stopping of the electric motor 10 if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value may be carried out by: starting the timer 42 in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and perform the stopping of the electric motor when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the timer was started if said value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period. Thus, the motor in such embodiments would be stopped only if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption does not rise above the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

[0099] Thus, the stopping of the rotation of the brush 8 may be delayed from the instance it in the comparison has been determined that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value. Accordingly, if an animal that is currently being brushed, temporarily does not engage with the brush 8 for a duration shorter than the predetermined time period, the rotation of the brush 8 may continue.

[0100] Thus, unnecessary stopping and restarting of the electric motor 10 by one and the same animal may be avoided. Such unnecessary stopping could annoy the animal being brushed and could cause it to knock the brush 8 about in order to restart it, which could damage the animal brushing arrangement.

[0101] Purely mentioned as an example, the predetermined time period could be set within a range of 1 - 5 seconds.

[0102] The momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 may be continued to be monitored during counting up of the time period. Should meanwhile, the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 raise above the threshold value, the timer 42 may be stopped and reset to zero, and brushing of the animal continues. Namely, the threshold value increasing above the threshold value means that the animal again engages with the brush 8.

[0103] The timer 42 may be implemented as a program loop in the calculation unit 32.

[0104] As discussed above with reference to Fig. 1, the suspension structure of the brushing arrangement may provide for the brush 8 to pivot in at least one direction from a rest position of the brush 8. According to such embodiments, the control arrangement 30 may comprise an inclination sensor 44 configured to determine whether the brush 8 is in a rest position of the brush 8 and a time counter 46, and the control arrangement 30 may be further configured to:

[0105] - start the time counter 46 when the brush 8 reaches its rest position, and

[0106] - stop the electric motor 10 when a set time limit has lapsed since the time counter 46 was started. In this manner, a backup stopping of the rotation of the brush 8 may be provided by the control arrangement 30 in case the stopping based on the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 should fail.

[0107] A rest position of the brush 8 is defined as a position, at which the brush 8 orients itself when suspended from the suspension structure with no external force, other than gravity, acting on the brushing arrangement. In a rest position of the brush 8 when no animal is being brushed by the brushing arrangement, the brush 8 may be hanging with its rotational axis extending substantially vertically. The brush 8 may have a rest position, in which the brush 8 is hanging with its rotational axis inclined in relation a vertical direction.

[0108] The inclination sensor 44 may be configured to sense only the rest position of the brush 8. Alternatively, the inclination sensor 44 may directly or indirectly sense varying degrees of inclination of the rotational axis of the brush 8 e.g., in relation to a vertical direction. For instance, data from accelerometers in three dimensions may be utilised for calculating the direction of the rotational axis. In the latter case the rest position / s of the brush 8 may be one or more predetermined directions of its rotational axis.

[0109] The time counter 46 may be implemented as a program loop in the calculation unit 32.

[0110] According to some embodiments, the control arrangement 30 comprises an inclination sensor 44 configured to determine an inclination of the rotational axis 12 in relation to a reference direction, and the control arrangement 30 is further configured to:

[0111] - stop the electric motor 10 if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, a limit value, wherein the limit value is higher than the threshold value and if the inclination of the rotational axis 12 is equal to, or lower than a threshold inclination. In this manner, stopping of the electric motor 10 and rotation of the brush 8 may be improved under certain operating conditions of the brushing arrangement.

[0112] For instance, if during brushing of an animal, the animal causes the brush 8 to frequently pivot back and forth, the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 and its relationship to the threshold value, alone, may not be a fully reliable indicator relating to the use of the animal brushing arrangement.

[0113] Namely, the electric power consumption may vary as the brush 8 pivots back and forth and the animal occasionally presses with varying force against the brush 8 and occasionally does not press against the brush 8 while still remaining at the brushing arrangement for continued brushing.

[0114] Thus, if e.g. the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor is represented by an average value of the electric power consumption over a recent time period, the average value may be misleading. Accordingly, when the average value of the electric power consumption is utilised, the immediately above discussed condition with the limit value and the threshold inclination may be more reliable.

[0115] The limit value is a value related to an electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 and may be e.g., 10 - 20% higher than when the electric motor 10 is driven in an unloaded state i.e. , a state in which no animal is engaging with the rotating brush 8. Thus, the limit value is higher than the threshold value.

[0116] According to embodiments, the electric motor 10 may be of a stepper motor kind, the rotational speed of which is determined by a frequency of supplied electric power to the electric motor 10.

[0117] In this manner, an electric motor 10 may be provided, the rotational speed of which is precisely controllable by the control arrangement 30 by supplying electric current to the electric motor 10 at one or more suitable frequencies, i.e. by supplying input pulses of electric current to the electric motor 10.

[0118] For instance, the control arrangement 30 may drive the electric motor 10 to run with a substantially constant rotational speed by providing an electric current at a constant frequency to the electric motor 10. When an animal leans against the brush 8, the load thereof will require the supply of a higher electric current to maintain the rotational speed of brush 8 than with the brush 8 in an unloaded state. Thus, the determined value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 as compared to the threshold value provides a measure of whether the brush 8 is currently used by an animal, or not. According to some embodiments, the control arrangement 30 may comprise a duration timer 48, and the control arrangement 30 may be further configured to:

[0119] - start the duration timer 48 when the electric motor 10 starts, and

[0120] - stop the duration timer 48 when the electric motor 10 stops.

[0121] Thus, a function may be provided that keeps track of the total operational time of the electric motor 10 and accordingly, of the animal brushing arrangement.

[0122] The duration timer 48 may be implemented as a program loop in the calculation unit 32.

[0123] Either the duration timer 48 may be implemented as a timer showing the total operational time by starting timing from a stored present timer value to increment the timer value every time the electric motor runs, or by the duration timer 48 measuring the duration of each run of the electric motor 10 and adding that value to a duration stack in the memory unit 34, which will contain the total operational time of the electric motor 10.

[0124] Fig. 3 illustrates a method 100 for controlling an animal brushing arrangement.

[0125] The method 100 may be applied in a brushing arrangement 2 as discussed above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Accordingly, in the following reference is also made to Figs. 1 and 2 and the related descriptions. The control arrangement 30 discussed above may be configured for performing steps of the method 100.

[0126] For corresponding features of the method 100 and the configuration of the control arrangement 30 herein, corresponding advantages and discussions apply.

[0127] The method 100 is a method 100 for controlling an animal brushing arrangement 2, wherein the animal brushing arrangement comprises a brush 8 and an electric motor 10 arranged to rotate the brush 8 about a rotational axis 12.

[0128] The method 100 comprises steps of:

[0129] - determining 102 a value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 while the electric motor 10 is running,

[0130] - comparing 104 the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a threshold value, and either

[0131] - stopping 108 the electric motor 10 if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, or - continuing 110 to run the electric motor 10 if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is higher than the threshold value.

[0132] As discussed above, the method 100 thus, ensures that unnecessary energy consumption is avoided.

[0133] According to embodiments, the step of determining 102 the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 while the electric motor 10 is running may comprise a step of:

[0134] - determining 112 an electric current consumed by the electric motor 10.

[0135] According to embodiments, the step of determining 102 the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 while the electric motor 10 is running may comprise a step of:

[0136] - determining 114 a voltage of the electric motor 10.

[0137] According to embodiments, the method 100 may comprise further steps of:

[0138] - starting 116 a timer 42 in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and

[0139] - performing 118 the step of stopping 108 the electric motor 10 when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the step of starting 116 the timer 42, provided that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

[0140] Thus, the step of stopping 108 the electric motor 10 if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value may include: starting 116 a timer 42 in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and performing 118 the stopping 108 the electric motor 10 when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the step of starting 116 the timer 42 provided that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

[0141] As discussed above with reference to the control arrangement 30, the stopping 108 of the rotation of the brush 8 may be delayed from the instance it in the step of comparing 104 has been determined that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value. According to embodiments, the method 100 may comprise further steps of:

[0142] - determining 120 whether the brush 8 is in a rest position,

[0143] - starting 122 a time counter 46 if the brush 8 has reached its rest position,

[0144] - determining 124a whether a set time limit has lapsed since the step of starting 122 the time counter, and

[0145] - stopping 124b the electric motor 10 if the set time limit has lapsed.

[0146] As discussed above with reference to the control arrangement 30, in this manner, a backup stopping of the rotation of the brush 8 may be provided in case the stopping 108 based on the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor 10 should fail.

[0147] According to embodiments, the method 100 may comprise further steps of:

[0148] - comparing 126 the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a limit value, the limit value being higher than the threshold value,

[0149] - determining 128 whether the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the limit value,

[0150] - determining 130 whether an inclination of the rotational axis in relation to a reference direction is equal to, or lower than a threshold inclination, and

[0151] - stopping 132 the electric motor 10 if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the limit value and if the inclination of the rotational axis is equal to, or lower than the threshold inclination.

[0152] As discussed above with reference to the control arrangement 30, in this manner, stopping of the electric motor 10 and rotation of the brush 8 may be improved under certain operating conditions of the brushing arrangement, such as, explained above, if during brushing of an animal, the animal might cause the brush 8 to frequently pivot back and forth.

[0153] According to embodiments, the method 100 may comprise further steps of:

[0154] - starting 134 a duration timer 48 when the electric motor 10 starts, and

[0155] - stopping 136 the duration timer 48 when the electric motor 10 stops.

[0156] As discussed above with reference to the control arrangement 30, thus, the total operational time of the electric motor 10 and accordingly, of the animal brushing arrangement may be kept track of. Fig. 4 illustrates embodiments of a computer-readable storage medium 99 comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or calculation unit 32, cause the computer or calculation unit 32 to carry out the steps of the method 100 according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein.

[0157] The computer-readable storage medium 99 may be provided for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing at least some of the steps 102 - 136 according to some embodiments when being loaded into the one or more calculation units 32. The data carrier may be, e.g. a ROM (read-only memory), a PROM (programable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash memory, an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), a hard disc, a CD ROM disc, a memory stick, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device or any other appropriate medium such as a disk or tape that may hold machine readable data in a non-transitory manner. The computer-readable storage medium may furthermore be provided as computer program code on a server and may be downloaded to the calculation unit 32 remotely, e.g., over an Internet or an intranet connection, or via other wired or wireless communication systems.

[0158] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 99 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a tangible electronic, magnetic, optical, infrared, electromagnetic, and / or semiconductor system, apparatus, and / or device.

[0159] The computer-readable storage medium 99 shown in Fig. 4 is a nonlimiting example in the form of a USB memory stick.

[0160] According to a further aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out a method 100 according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein.

[0161] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 100 for controlling an animal brushing arrangement 2, may be implemented by programmed instructions. These programmed instructions are typically constituted by a computer program, which, when it is executed in a computer or calculation unit 32, ensures that the computer or calculation unit 32 carries out the desired control, such as the method steps 102 - 136 according to aspects and / or embodiments of the invention. The computer program is usually part of a computer-readable storage medium which comprises a suitable digital storage medium on which the computer program is stored. It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a support part (6) configured to be attached to a support structure (4), a brush (8), an electric motor (10) arranged to rotate the brush (8) about a rotational axis (12), and a control arrangement (30) for controlling the electric motor (10), wherein the control arrangement (30) is configured to:- determine a value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor (10) while the electric motor (10) is running,- compare the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a threshold value, and- perform a stopping of the electric motor (10) if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value.

2. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to claim 1, wherein in order to determine the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption, the control arrangement (30) is configured to determine an electric current consumed by the electric motor (10).

3. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in order to determine the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption, the control arrangement (30) is configured to determine a voltage of the electric motor (10).

4. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control arrangement (30) comprises a timer (42) and is configured to:- start the timer (42) in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and- perform the stopping of the electric motor (10) when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the timer (42) was started provided that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

5. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a suspension structure (14) extending between the support part (6) and the brush (8), wherein the suspension structure (14) provides for the brush (8) to pivot in at least one direction from a rest position of the brush (8).

6. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to claim 5, wherein the control arrangement (30) comprises an inclination sensor (44) configured to determine whether thebrush (8) is in a rest position of the brush (8) and a time counter (46), and wherein the control arrangement (30) is further configured to:- start the time counter (46) when the brush (8) reaches the rest position, and- stop the electric motor (10) when a set time limit has lapsed since the time counter (46) was started.

7. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control arrangement (30) comprises an inclination sensor (44) configured to determine an inclination of the rotational axis (12) in relation to a reference direction, and wherein the control arrangement (30) is further configured to:- stop the electric motor (10) if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, a limit value, wherein the limit value is higher than the threshold value and if the inclination of the rotational axis (12) is equal to, or lower than a threshold inclination.

8. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (10) is of a stepper motor kind, the rotational speed of which is determined by a frequency of supplied electric power to the electric motor (10).

9. The animal brushing arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control arrangement (30) comprises a duration timer (48), and wherein the control arrangement (30) is further configured to:- start the duration timer (48) when the electric motor (10) starts, and- stop the duration timer (48) when the electric motor (10) stops.

10. A method (100) for controlling an animal brushing arrangement (2), the animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a brush (8) and an electric motor (10) arranged to rotate the brush (8) about a rotational axis (12), wherein the method (100) comprises steps of:- determining (102) a value related to a momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor (10) while the electric motor (10) is running,- comparing (104) the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a threshold value, and either- stopping (108) the electric motor (10) if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, or- continuing (110) to run the electric motor (10) if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is higher than the threshold value.

11. The method (100) according to claim 10, wherein the step of determining the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor (10) while the electric motor (10) is running comprises a step of:- determining (112) an electric current consumed by the electric motor (10).

12. The method (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the step of determining the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption of the electric motor (10) while the electric motor (10) is running comprises a step of:- determining (114) a voltage of the electric motor (10).

13. The method (100) according to any one of claims 10 - 12, comprising steps of:- starting (116) a timer (42) in response to the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption being equal to, or lower than, the threshold value, and- performing (118) the step of stopping (108) the electric motor (10) when a predetermined time period has lapsed since the step of starting (116) the timer (42) provided that the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption has been equal to, or lower than, the threshold value during the whole predetermined time period.

14. The method (100) according to any one of claims 10 - 13, comprising further steps of:- determining (120) whether the brush (8) is in a rest position,- starting (122) a time counter (46) if the brush (8) has reached its rest position,- determining (124a) whether a set time limit has lapsed since the step of starting the time counter (46), and- stopping (124b) the electric motor (10) if the set time limit has lapsed.

15. The method (100) according to any one of claims 10 - 14, comprising further steps of:- comparing (126) the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption with a limit value, the limit value being higher than the threshold value,- determining (128) whether the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the limit value,- determining (130) whether an inclination of the rotational axis (12) in relation to a reference direction is equal to, or lower than a threshold inclination, and- stopping (132) the electric motor (10) if the value related to the momentaneous electric power consumption is equal to, or lower than, the limit value and if the inclination of the rotational axis (12) is equal to, or lower than the threshold inclination.

16. The method (100) according to any one of claims 10 - 15, comprising further steps of:- starting (134) a duration timer (48) when the electric motor (10) starts, and- stopping (136) the duration timer (48) when the electric motor (10) stops.

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