Hoof boot system comprising a hoof boot with a sensor system and electronic hoof component

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hoof boot system (15, 25) which comprises: a hoof boot (15) having at least one sensor system (1) and a hoof boot wall (15c) with a hoof component holder (15h); and an electronic hoof component (25) which is held by the hoof component holder (15h) and is designed to read the sensor system (1) of the hoof boot (15). The hoof boot system (15, 25) according to the invention is characterized in that the electronic hoof component (25) is received in a receptacle, preferably in an interior, of the hoof component holder (15h) and is held there, wherein the hoof component holder (15h) has a rear-side through-opening (15m) which is designed such that the electronic hoof component (25) can be inserted through the rear-side through-opening (15m) into the receptacle, preferably into the interior, of the hoof component holder (15h), wherein the rear-side through-opening (15m) of the hoof component holder (15h) with the electronic hoof component (25) received therein is closed partially, preferably entirely, on the rear side by the hoof boot wall (15c).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Hoof boot system with hoof boot featuring sensors and electronic hoof component

[0003] The invention relates to a hoof boot system comprising a hoof boot with sensor technology, preferably with a reaction force measuring plate for determining a planar reaction force distribution when a hoof of a hoofed animal hits the ground, and with an electronic hoof component.

[0004] For the gait and health analysis of a horse or other hoofed animal (e.g., camel), it is desirable to record the reaction forces generated when the animal strikes the ground not just at a single point, but with a certain resolution across the impact area of ​​the hoof. The measured values ​​should allow conclusions to be drawn about the animal's state of health, e.g., regarding lameness or overloading of the gait.

[0005] While there are numerous solutions for corresponding tasks in the fields of medical diagnostics, training status analysis, and rehabilitation in humans, the availability of suitable systems for hoofed animals is limited. There is one commercially available product from the company Tekscan, as well as systems with a similar purpose, but these are based on measuring accelerations rather than reaction forces.

[0006] From GB 2 482 192 B, it is known to attach force sensors to a horseshoe for such purposes and to store their signals locally and / or transmit them via a wireless transmitter to a remote receiving and evaluation station. According to DE 10 2011 016 344 A1, force sensors are integrated into an elastomer body for a corresponding purpose. The elastomer body, which is to be inserted into a hoof boot, is intended to enable the use of commercially available resistive force sensors with their limited force measuring range for reaction force analysis in horses with their relatively high ground pressure.

[0007] US patent 2020 / 319044 A1 describes another system for the area-resolved measurement of reaction forces on the hooves of a hoofed animal, which transmits the sensor signals via a wireless transmitter to a remote evaluation unit. This system has a complex construction consisting of a base plate and a bottom plate, which are precisely aligned relative to each other. Between these plates are several force application cylinders and a number of resistive force sensors, as well as a microprocessor unit, a communication unit, and a battery to power the components. The function of the "force application cylinders" is not explained in the patent, nor is the method of attachment to the hoof described.

[0008] DE 102021 211 795 A1 describes a reaction force measuring plate for recording the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact area of ​​the foot of a hoofed animal or the foot of a person when it steps onto the ground, comprising a rigid support plate with a first surface facing the ground in use and a second surface facing the hoof or foot, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors fixed in position to the first surface of the support plate and several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, of elastic force transmission studs which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors.The disadvantage here is that, with the current state of the art, the electronics either have to be connected directly to the horse via complex wiring, or only acceleration signals are recorded, so that no special external interfaces to an external sensor need to be provided in the design.

[0009] German patent DE 102023203 348.8 (unpublished) describes a hoof boot system comprising a hoof boot with at least one sensor and a hoof boot wall with a hoof component holder and an electronic hoof component, which is held by the hoof component holder and is configured to read the sensor data of the hoof boot. The electronic hoof component is received and held in a receptacle, preferably within an interior space of the hoof component holder. The hoof component holder has an elastically hinged protective rim to protect the gap between the received electronic hoof component and the hoof component holder from contamination.

[0010] Accordingly, the electronic hoof component is designed to be inserted into the holder's receptacle or interior by a single person from above, with the protective rim of the hoof component holder folded up or back. Once in place, the protective rim of the hoof component holder can be folded over the electronic hoof component to hold it vertically during use.

[0011] The connection element of the reaction force measuring plate's sensor is then connected to the lower end of the electronic hoof component by passing the connection element through a connection opening in the hoof boot wall, preferably directly above the sole of the hoof boot and / or laterally, and connecting it to the electronic hoof component. A disadvantage of this method is that this connection is only made after the electronic hoof component has been mounted in the hoof component holder, which complicates the process.

[0012] A further disadvantage is that the raised or folded-back protective edge of the hoof component holder, due to its foldable design, cannot guarantee an absolutely secure hold of the electronic hoof component, as comparatively high forces can act along the vertical axis during use.

[0013] One object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for receiving or mounting an electronic hoof component on the hoof boot and preferably in its hoof component holder. This should be achieved in a way that is particularly simpler, faster, easier to install, and / or more durable or robust than previously known methods. At the very least, an alternative to the known methods should be provided.

[0014] The object of the invention is achieved by a hoof boot system, a hoof boot, and an electronic hoof component with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] The invention thus relates to a hoof boot system with a hoof boot having at least one sensor and a hoof boot wall with a hoof component holder and with an electronic hoof component which is held by the hoof component holder and is designed to read the sensor of the hoof boot.

[0016] The hoof boot system is characterized in that the electronic hoof component is received and held in a receptacle, preferably in an interior, of the hoof component holder, wherein the hoof component holder has a rear through-opening designed so that the electronic hoof component can be inserted through the rear through-opening into the receptacle, preferably into the interior, of the hoof component holder, wherein the rear through-opening of the hoof component holder with the electronic hoof component is closed at least partially, preferably completely, by the hoof boot wall. The electronic hoof component is thus permanently and only destructively separable by the hoof component holder, for example by means of a rivet connection between the hoof component holder and the hoof boot wall.This can represent a particularly robust and durable connection that can withstand the high stresses on the foot of a hoofed animal.

[0017] According to the invention, and in contrast to the hoof component holder of DE 10 2023 203 348.8, the assembly is designed such that the electronic hoof component is pushed from behind through the rear through-opening into the receptacle, preferably into the interior, of the hoof component holder and preferably rests there in a form-fitting manner against an opposite mounting edge, as will be described in more detail below. This can significantly improve the hold, since the rear through-opening is subsequently sufficiently closed from behind by the hoof boot wall to hold the electronic hoof component in place.

[0018] Likewise, the hoof component holder with the electronic hoof component already attached can then be mounted on the hoof boot wall without having to establish the connection between the reaction force measuring plate and the electronic hoof component.

[0019] The electronic hoof component can, in particular, enable one-way or unidirectional or two-way or bidirectional, preferably wireless, communication. The electronic hoof component can, in particular, include an electrical energy storage device, preferably rechargeable, for powering and operating the electronic hoof component and, preferably, also the sensor system.

[0020] In any case, the electronic hoof component can accommodate electronic components such as data acquisition units, data processing units (e.g., for signal filtering), data processing units, and / or data transmission units (also known as ECUs or Electronic Control Units), either as individual components or as combined components. This allows these components to be used on the hoof itself, rather than being located underneath it, thus avoiding the associated stresses. This also applies to the aforementioned optional electrical energy storage device. A radio module of a data transmission unit can protrude from the electronic hoof component, at least by means of an antenna.

[0021] In addition to the sensors in the hoof boot, the electronic hoof component can also incorporate further sensors, such as a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and / or a temperature sensor. This allows for the acquisition of additional sensor information at the hoof.

[0022] In any case, the information collected by the sensors of the hoof boot itself and, if applicable, additionally by the sensors of the electronic hoof component, can be used to analyze the movement or health status of the hoofed animal, as will be described in more detail below using specific sensors as an example.

[0023] As a complete system, up to four such electronic hoof components can be used on hoofed animals, communicating wirelessly with a smartphone. The hoof boot wall can also include a so-called "upper" of the hoof boot, which can be a textile combination (fabric, leather, plastic, etc.) that can be attached to the sole.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the hoof component holder has a retaining edge opposite the rear through-opening, which is designed to hold the electronic hoof component in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle, preferably in the interior, of the hoof component holder.

[0025] This can significantly improve the secure retention of the electronic hoof component in the holder, preferably inside the hoof component holder, as it allows for a positive-locking hold or stop along the vertical axis where the main loads occur during use. Accordingly, a resiliently hinged protective rim, such as that found in the hoof component holder of DE 10 2023 203 348.8, can be eliminated or avoided altogether, thus preventing potential weak points.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof component holder is designed to be first connected to the electronic hoof component and then attached to the hoof boot wall. This simplifies the handling and assembly of the electronic hoof component in the hoof component holder, as the hoof boot itself does not need to be handled.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has at least one charging port, preferably a pair of charging contacts. This can make it possible or simplify the placement of a charging clip, preferably U-shaped, on the electronic hoof component in order to electrically recharge it.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has an externally accessible control element, preferably an on / off switch, preferably located laterally and facing away from the hoof during use. This allows at least simple or basic operating actions, such as switching on and off, to be performed directly on the electronic hoof component. Preferably, for example, querying the charge level, connecting a wireless data connection, and the like may also be possible.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has at least one display element visible to the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof during use. This makes it possible to display at least simple information such as the condition or status directly on the electronic hoof component. When using several hoof boot systems according to the invention on one hoofed animal, the display element can show the configured assignment between the hoof component and the hoof. For this purpose, four display elements can be used per hoof component, which can be arranged appropriately so that a user can directly and intuitively identify, based on an activated or illuminated display element, the hoof on which exactly this hoof component is to be used. Accordingly, the hoof component can be attached to the appropriate hoof.be configured on the correct hoof so that the assignment of hoof component and hoof is correct, for example in an app.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, further display options such as battery level, charging indication during electrical charging, pairing mode of a wireless communication connection, and the like may be provided. According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has four display elements visible externally, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof during use, which are arranged and configured to indicate the respective hoof in use. This can simplify the user's application of the respective hoof boot system to the corresponding hoof of the hoofed animal.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot has a sole that completely encloses the sensor element against the ground, and the boot wall is formed integrally with the sole and encloses the sensor element and, in use, at least partially, preferably at least substantially, the hoof. This can represent a simple and at the same time particularly protective way of implementing the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the hoof boot wall has a sole profile facing away from the support plate. This can improve traction on the ground.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component is electrically connected to the sensor of the reaction force measuring plate by means of a connecting element, wherein the connecting element passes through a connection element opening in the hoof boot wall, preferably directly above the sole of the hoof boot and / or laterally. Thus, a sensor output near the base of the sole can be routed through an opening into the outer surface of the hoof boot. This can protect the connection from stresses, particularly from walking on the ground.

[0034] Preferably, the sensor cable can exit the shoe laterally through an opening in the side wall, which can provide further relief or protection compared to positioning the opening at the tip of the hoof. In any case, the sensor cable can exit on the outer side of the shoe (right hoof shoe, right exit; left hoof shoe, left exit) to prevent contact between the connection and, in particular, the electronic hoof component with the other hoof. The electronic hoof component can be connected to the hoof shoe's sensor as an electronic unit and positioned laterally, on the outside of the hoof shoe.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the opening of the connecting element is at least partially, and preferably completely, closed by a connecting element clamp. This can prevent or at least hinder the ingress of contaminants and liquids into the interior of the hoof boot in the area between the underside of the hoof and the sensor at this point. In any case, external influences or environmental factors such as dirt, mud, moisture or water, small stones, and the like can be kept away from the sensor to ensure its functionality and / or improve its durability.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, the hoof component holder is designed to be first connected to the electronic hoof component and then attached to the hoof boot wall when the electronic hoof component is already electrically connected to the sensor of the reaction force measuring plate by means of the connecting element.

[0037] This also makes it possible, in contrast to the hoof component holder of DE 10 2023 203 348.8, for the electronic hoof component to first be connected to the reaction force measuring plate without the hoof component holder, which is significantly easier for the person to do in this way, and only then to be inserted into the hoof component holder. According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component is arranged on the outside of the hoof boot wall, wherein the hoof boot wall has a hoof component guard that surrounds the hoof component holder at least from below, preferably also at least on one side, and particularly preferably on both sides. Thus, a holder for the hoof component holder can be provided, which wraps around the hoof component holder to protect it from damage and / or to fix it to the outer wall of the boot.Furthermore, a protective edge can be formed from the sole and / or the wall, which at least partially encloses the hoof component holder and thus protects it from impact and dirt. Alternatively, the hoof component protection can be manufactured as part of the sole, which is subsequently folded up and attached to the outer wall of the shoe.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the sensor is a reaction force measuring plate for detecting the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact area of ​​the foot of a hoofed animal when it steps onto the ground, comprising a, preferably rigid, carrier plate with a first surface facing the hoof in use and a second surface facing the ground opposite, or vice versa, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors fixed in position to the first surface of the carrier plate, and several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, elastic force transmission studs fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors.

[0039] This aspect of the invention is based on the idea of ​​using a reaction force measuring plate as the sensor of the hoof boot to detect the ground reaction force distribution. This measuring device of the hoof boot can be formed with a carrier plate that is essentially both rigid and incompressible (but optionally elastically flexible), on one surface of which a plurality of force measuring sensors are attached, and whose other surface is placed on the underside of the hoof during use and is in any case in effective contact with the underside of the hoof.

[0040] As explicitly stated and described above, the support plate can be positioned with its first surface facing the ground and its second, opposite surface facing the hoof. However, the arrangement can also be reversed, with the first surface facing the hoof and the second, opposite surface facing the ground. This can increase the possibilities for use and design.

[0041] In particular, arranging the carrier plate with its first surface facing the hoof during use is advantageous because the force sensors and elastic force transmission studs then act against the hoof. Accordingly, the carrier plate does not need to be directly connected to the hoof or the horseshoe. Instead, it can be fixed, for example, using a hoof boot, which can also be formed by a protective element of the reaction force measuring plate itself, as will be described in more detail below. In any case, the force sensors and elastic force transmission studs can then act towards the underside of the hoof, and a cable exit from the force sensors can be routed directly above the sole of the hoof boot, without any relative movement between the cable entry clamp and the cable, and electrically connected to the electronic hoof component there.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention includes the concept of assigning a force transmission stud, adapted to the sensor's effective area, to each of the force measuring sensors on its free surface. In principle, a configuration is also possible in which force transmission studs with a larger base area are used, which are not assigned to a single force measuring sensor, but rather to two or more sensors jointly, and which transfer the resulting ground reaction forces into them. In the extreme case, the measuring plate could even have only a single force transmission stud whose base area covers all force measuring sensors, provided that this force transmission stud, by virtue of its construction and its mounting on the support plate, enables differentiated force transmission to the various sensors.

[0043] For common practical applications, a number of 3 to 8 force sensors, and in particular 5 to 7 sensors, is currently sufficient. Preferably, at least five force sensors can be used. Preferably, at least seven force sensors can be used, and especially preferably exactly seven, which can be arranged along the perimeter. In any case, the force sensors can be arranged at equal intervals around the circumference. This can enable representative measurement of the force values ​​while keeping costs down.

[0044] Such a reaction force measuring plate has a simple design and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture, robust in practical use, and easy to handle. It also allows for sufficiently high-resolution measurement of reaction forces across the hoof surface with minimal force interference and therefore high accuracy. Furthermore, its flat and lightweight construction makes it not only easy to use but also easy to transport.

[0045] In any case, the relevant properties and advantages can be integrated into a hoof boot. For this purpose, the reaction force measuring plate can be fixed inside a hoof boot and thus come into contact with the underside of the hoof of the hoof during use.

[0046] The sole of the hoof boot can be formed integrally with the side wall of the hoof boot, largely in a semi-oval shape, and laterally position and guide the reaction force measuring plate. The hoof boot wall or collar can preferably comprise at least % of the sole and preferably be fully circumferential. In any case, the side wall of the hoof boot, i.e., the hoof boot wall, can be at least as high as the reaction force measuring plate. The sole of the hoof boot, i.e., the hoof boot sole, can preferably be formed largely in a semi-oval shape with one or more bulges to prevent rotation of one or more of the elements of the reaction force measuring plate. This can preferably be in the form of two "fins" in the heel area.

[0047] The invention also relates to a hoof boot for use with a hoof boot system as described above. Thus, a hoof boot can be provided to implement and utilize the properties and advantages described above.

[0048] The invention further relates to an electronic hoof component for use in a hoof boot system as described above. Thus, an electronic hoof component can be provided to implement and utilize the properties and advantages described above.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot also has an inner protective element which runs parallel to the carrier plate and encloses at least the sensors or force-measuring sensors from the hoof. This allows the sensors or force-measuring sensors to be better protected from dirt and moisture.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner protective element has a seal at its edge, which seals against the inside of the hoof boot wall. This can improve the protective effect. According to another aspect of the invention, the hoof boot further comprises at least, preferably exactly, a rigid load distribution plate, which is arranged parallel to the support plate and facing away from the support plate, on the elastic force transmission studs, and facing the hoof. Thus, the rigid load distribution plate spans several to all force measuring sensors or the spaces between them. This allows force transmission to occur at each force measuring sensor without force bypass, which can improve the quality of the force measurements.

[0051] Preferably, the rigid load distribution plate can be made of a material with very high strength and stiffness combined with good maximum elongation. Polyamide with an additional reinforcing layer is preferably used for this purpose. Particularly preferably, the rigid load distribution plate can be implemented as an organosheet made of polyamide with glass fiber reinforcement.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot also comprises at least one, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element, which is fixed in a positional manner parallel to the carrier plate and away from the first surface, and which is fixed to the force measuring sensors, wherein the elastic force transmission studs are fixed directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors on the free surface of the force transmission surface element. The force transmission surface element is also arranged between the carrier plate and the load distribution plate.

[0053] This aspect of the present invention is based on the understanding that, as described in DE 10 2021 211 795.3, the ground contact forces can be transmitted to the respective force sensors by means of force transmission studs, each of which is arranged directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors. In addition, by having a force transmission surface element accommodate the force transmission studs and thus position them relative to each other and to the force measuring sensors, any offset between the force transmission studs and the force measuring sensors during operation can be avoided or at least sufficiently reduced to prevent or at least sufficiently reduce any change or influence on the characteristics or calibration curve of the force sensors, thus ensuring sufficiently accurate force measurement.

[0054] The force transmission surface element can also be referred to as a pressure-guiding element. In any case, the force transmission surface element can be designed as a thin, planar plane, which can preferably be bonded to a carrier film by means of a material bond, in particular by vulcanization, as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] Furthermore, the force transmission surface element can also serve as a thin protective layer and, for this purpose, be designed in such a way as to cover the force measuring sensors or their sensor carrier film at least largely and thereby protect them.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission lugs and / or the force transmission surface element are made of an elastomeric material. This can effect or enable elastic force transmission. The hardness of the elastomer or the elastomeric material of the force transmission lugs and / or the force transmission surface element can, in particular, be between 30 and 85 Shore A.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, the power transmission lugs are formed integrally with the power transmission surface element. Thus, the power transmission lugs and the power transmission surface element are formed as a single unit. This can be achieved with the same material or with different materials, the latter potentially increasing both the manufacturing effort and the design possibilities.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission lugs have a linear or trapezoidal contact surface with the ground and / or the respective force sensor. Preferably, a linear or elongated contact surface is preferred on the side facing away from the force sensor, and a larger, wider contact surface is preferred in the direction of the force sensor. This can be achieved, for example, by a trapezoidal shape, but also by a vertically straight design of the force transmission lugs. In any case, this can influence the force transmission.

[0059] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element is bonded to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film facing away from the force transmission studs. This can represent a connection method that allows for a direct connection between the force measuring sensors and the force transmission surface element. If the force measuring sensors are arranged on a sensor carrier film, in particular printed on it, as will be described in more detail below, the force transmission surface element can also cover and protect the sensor carrier film.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element is vulcanized to a carrier film facing away from the force transmission studs, and the carrier film is bonded to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film. Thus, the carrier film provides a surface to improve the adhesive effect against the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film. The carrier film is preferably made of a material chemically similar to the sensor carrier film to enable or promote a material-bonded connection. In any case, the carrier film is preferably made of a thermoplastic or elastomeric material (e.g., TPE, NR, EPDM) that can be material-bonded to the sensor carrier film, preferably by a vulcanization process or an injection molding process.

[0061] According to another aspect of the invention, in geometric configurations adapted for use in various ungulates or other vertebrates (including humans), the support plate has the shape of a closed horseshoe, ring, U, or polygon with a recess in the central area.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, in a technologically advantageous embodiment, the force measuring sensors together with associated sensor signal lines and optional power supply lines are realized on a continuous sensor carrier film which is fixed on the first surface of the carrier plate.

[0063] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors or the sensor carrier film are bonded to the carrier plate and / or the force transmission studs are bonded to the force measuring sensors. This can represent a simple and readily implementable embodiment of the force measuring sensors or the aforementioned sensor carrier film to the carrier plate.

[0064] According to a further aspect of the invention, the effective area of ​​the force measuring sensors is in the range between 0.5 cm² and 10 cm², in particular between 2 cm² and 5 cm². It is understood that when using a relatively large number of sensors, and especially in configurations of the measuring plate intended for animals with a relatively small hoof area, the effective area may be relatively small, whereas in configurations with a relatively small number of sensors and for animals with a large detection area, it may be closer to or even above the upper limit mentioned as preferred.

[0065] According to another aspect of the invention, in the interest of technologically easy and cost-effective manufacturing of the sensors and configurability of different designs of the measuring plate, all force measuring sensors have essentially the same geometric shape and effective surface.

[0066] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors are resistive-dielectric sensors, which in particular comprise a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer on top of this first conductive layer, which is surrounded and delimited by a spacer that determines the shape of the force measuring sensor, and a second conductive layer on top of the dielectric layer and the spacer. Besides the structure mentioned here as a variant, such resistive force sensors can also have a different, i.e., known, structure. In principle, in addition to resistive-dielectric sensors, piezoelectric, capacitive, or inductive sensors, or electroactive polymers, can also be used in the reaction force measuring plate.

[0067] According to a further aspect of the invention, material embodiments may include the following: the support plate may be made of organosheet, spring steel, or plastic; and / or the force transmission lugs may be made of elastomer; and / or the load distribution plate may be made of organosheet, spring steel, or plastic, preferably polyamide with a reinforcing layer, preferably glass fiber reinforcement. The hardness of the elastomer of the force transmission lugs may specifically be between 30 and 85 ShA.

[0068] An exemplary embodiment and further advantages of the invention are explained below in connection with the following figures. Figure 1 shows the setup of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate in a perspective top view of the force measuring sensors;

[0069] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the inner protective element of the reaction force measuring plate;

[0070] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a section of Fig. 2 as an exploded view showing the underside of a hoof boot according to the invention;

[0071] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through the hoof boot with the reaction force measuring plate of Figs. 1 to 3;

[0072] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a known electronic Huf component;

[0073] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a hoof boot system according to the invention, comprising a hoof boot with sensors and a hoof component holder with an integrated electronic hoof component, cut from an oblique angle above; and

[0074] Fig. 7 shows a side view of the hoof component holder with the electronic hoof component installed.

[0075] The above figures are described in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and a vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse direction Y as width Y, and the vertical direction Z as height Z. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X, Y, which can also be referred to as the horizontal plane X, Y. The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y, and the vertical direction Z together can also be referred to as spatial directions X, Y, Z, or as Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z.

[0076] Fig. 1 shows the construction of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate 1 in a perspective top view of the force measuring sensors 5. Fig. 2 shows a top view of the inner protective element 14 of the reaction force measuring plate 1. Fig. 3 shows a perspective exploded view of a section of Fig. 2 with an underside of a hoof boot 15 according to the invention. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through the hoof boot 15 with the reaction force measuring plate 11 of Figs. 1 to 3.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective top view, the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate 1 as sensor 1 with a closed horseshoe-shaped rigid support plate 3, which has a first surface 3a and a second surface 3b. Seven resistive force measuring sensors 5 with a uniformly rectangular base shape are attached to the first surface 3a at equal intervals. The free surfaces of each of the force measuring sensors 5 point upwards in the direction of a horse's hoof, cf. Fig. 4, and thus away from the substrate (not shown). The force measuring sensors 5 can also be referred to as force sensors 5 or force sensor elements 5.

[0078] The force sensors 5 are integrally implemented on a sensor carrier film 9, which also carries sensor signal lines as conductor tracks (not shown) for connecting each sensor. The sensor carrier film 9, together with the force sensors 5 formed on it, can be manufactured using conventional printed circuit board technology methods known to those skilled in the art. The sensor carrier film 9 is applied with its back side to the first surface 3a of the carrier 3. This is done by means of an adhesive or an adhesive layer, such as double-sided adhesive tape.

[0079] Furthermore, an elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 is present, which, like the sensor carrier film 9, corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the rigid support plate 3. The elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 can also be referred to as an elastomeric pressure-guiding element 11. The elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 has a carrier film (not shown) facing the rigid support plate 3 TI or the sensor carrier film 9, which is bonded to the force transmission surface element 11 by vulcanization and also corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the rigid support plate 3. The force transmission surface element 11 is also bonded to the sensor carrier film 9 by means of the carrier film, a bond facilitated or achieved by the corresponding material combination.At the same time, the vulcanized connection between the carrier film and the force transmission surface element 11 allows an elastomeric material to be used for the force transmission surface element 11 and still be bonded to the sensor carrier film 9 by means of the carrier film.

[0080] Several elastomeric force transmission studs 7, which can also be referred to as elastomeric pressure guide studs 7, are formed on the elastomeric force transmission surface element 11. These studs point towards the substrate and away from the force measuring sensors 5 and the sensor carrier film 9, respectively. Each force measuring sensor 5 is assigned exactly one force transmission stud 7, so that the force measuring sensor 5 and its force transmission stud 7 are identically formed and positioned relative to each other. This positioning is ensured by the fact that the force transmission studs 7 are integrally formed with the elastomeric force transmission surface element 11.

[0081] Along the vertical axis Z, facing away from the force transmission surface element 11 and parallel to it in the horizontal X, Y a rigid load distribution plate 13 is arranged, which rests against the force transmission studs 7. Thus, force can be transmitted from the ground via the force transmission studs 7 to the rigid load distribution plate 13, allowing the loads to act on the force measuring sensors 5 without force bypasses. The rigid load distribution plate 13 is made of polyamide organosheet with glass fiber reinforcement. According to the invention, the reaction force measuring plate 1 is arranged or integrated within the interior (not labeled) of a hoof boot 15, which is made of an elastomeric material. The carrier 3 is attached to this underside as the hoof boot sole 15a (see Fig. 3) in a plane parallel to the underside, and further in the vertical direction Z from the edge.The edge of the carrier 3, the sensor carrier film 9, the force transmission surface element 11, and the rigid load distribution plate 13 are enclosed upwards at the edge (not shown in Fig. 3). The hoof boot sole 15a has a sole profile 15b facing downwards, away from the reaction force measuring plate 1. This latter area forms a hoof boot wall 15c, see Fig. 4. This seals off the sensor carrier film 9, including the force measuring sensors 5, and the force transmission surface element 11, including the force transmission studs 7, from the outside and thus protects them from external influences.

[0082] Furthermore, an inner protective element 14 is provided, which connects in the opposite direction to the inside of the hoof boot wall 15c by means of a seal 14a in the form of a sealing lip 14a and surrounds and protects the carrier 3 on the back as described above.

[0083] The force sensors 5 are contacted and readable via the sensor signal lines in printed form, as will be described in more detail below. For this purpose, a connection element 16 in the form of a connector outlet 16 is provided, which terminates in a connector 16a. The connector outlet 16 and an internal part of the connector 16a are enclosed by a cable guard 16b and thus protected from external influences.

[0084] The connector outlet 16 leads outwards through a connection element opening 15d in the form of a cable opening 15d and is otherwise completely closed by a spring-loaded connection element clamp 15e in the form of a cable clamp 15e. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a known electronic Huf component 25.

[0085] The electronic hoof component 25 is fixedly mounted on the outside of the hoof boot 15, facing laterally outwards in the transverse direction Y away from the other hoof (not shown), and is connected to the force sensors 5 via the connector outlet 16. The electronic hoof component 25 is essentially enclosed externally by a housing formed by a front housing half 25a, facing away from the hoof boot wall 15c, and a rear housing half 25b, facing the hoof boot wall 15c. A hoof component holder 15h is formed in one piece. The hoof component holder 15h accommodates the electronic hoof component 25 along a joining direction, as described in more detail below. Then the hoof component holder 15h together with the incorporated electronic hoof component 25 is permanently connected to the hoof boot 15 or to its hoof boot wall 15c by means of screws 15k or rivets (not shown), cf.The embodiment according to the invention is shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0086] The electronic hoof component 25 has four display elements 37 in the form of light guides 37, which are arranged around a symbol of a horseshoe, which symbolizes the orientation of the hooves of the hoofed animal, and can be illuminated in such a way that the hoof on which the respective hoof boot system 15, 25 is used can be displayed.

[0087] The electronic hoof component 25 also has a control element 41 in the form of an on / off switch 41 to turn the electronic hoof component 25 on and off.

[0088] The electronic Huf component 25 also has a charging port 39 in the form of a pair of charging contacts 39, which serve to charge an electrical energy storage device (not shown) of the electronic Huf component 25.

[0089] The known electronic hoof component 25 is inserted from above into the hoof component holder 15h along the vertical axis Z as the insertion direction and held there by a positive and force-fit connection. A gap forming on the inside between the hoof component holder 15h and the rear housing half 25b (not shown) is closed from above along the insertion direction by an elastically hinged protective rim (not shown) in order to protect the gap between the received electronic hoof component 25 and the hoof component holder 15h from contamination.

[0090] Furthermore, a spring-elastic projection (not shown) of the hoof component holder 15h engages in a corresponding pull-out protection 45 of the front housing half 25a of the electronic hoof component 25, which presses perpendicularly to the joining direction onto the rear housing half 25b of the electronic hoof component 25 and can thereby effect a positive locking hold, so that a sufficiently secure hold can be achieved even in the case of strong movement.

[0091] Simultaneously, the front housing half 25a of the electronic hoof component 25 and the hoof component holder 15h form corresponding stop edges 43 as collars 43, which abut or rest against each other, thus improving the hold and also sealing against contamination. This achieves a firm hold of the hoof component holder 15h and the electronic hoof component 25, enabling them to be permanently connected to the hoof boot 15 or its hoof boot wall 15c by means of screws or rivets.

[0092] The protective rim is designed to fold up elastically to allow access to the charging contacts 39 via a U-shaped charging clip (not shown). For this purpose, both the front housing half 25a and the rear housing half 25b have a front charging recess 39a extending along the vertical axis Z, and the rear housing half 25b have a rear charging recess 39b extending along the vertical axis Z. A charging plug (not shown), or its charging connector or charging clip, can be inserted into these recesses to access the charging contacts 39. The elongated extension of the charging clip on the rear housing half 25b serves to grip and thus hold the charging clip in place on the electronic Huf component 25 during the charging process.For this purpose, similar to the original mounting of the electronic hoof component 25 in the hoof component holder 15h, its protective edge is bent backwards in order to reach the rear loading recess 39b of the rear housing half 25b.

[0093] The hoof boot 15 can be opened and closed using a hoof boot fastener (not shown) in order to attach or remove the hoof boot 15 from the hoof.

[0094] Despite all the measures described above to securely and permanently hold the electronic hoof component 25 in the hoof component holder 15h and to ensure the seal of the hoof component holder 15h around the electronic hoof component 25, the insertion of the electronic hoof component 25 from above along the vertical axis Z into the hoof component holder 15h still represents a weak point, particularly due to the large forces acting along the vertical axis Z during use. In particular, the raised or folded-back protective rim of the hoof component holder 15h, which can become loose with each charging process and increasingly lose its holding effect, represents a weak point of the hoof component holder 15h.

[0095] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0096] The hoof boot system with hoof boot 15 with sensor 1 and with hoof component holder 15h with integrated electronic hoof component 25 is shown in a sectional view from a top oblique angle. Fig. 7 shows a side view of the hoof component holder 15h with integrated electronic hoof component 25.

[0097] In the hoof boot 15 according to the invention, the electronic hoof component 25 is received and held in a receptacle formed by the interior of the hoof component holder 15h. For this purpose, the hoof component holder 15h has a rear through-opening 15m, which is designed so that the electronic hoof component 25 can be inserted through the rear through-opening 15m into the receptacle or into the interior of the hoof component holder 15h. Simultaneously, the hoof component holder 15h has a retaining rim 151 opposite the rear through-opening 15m, which is designed to hold the electronic hoof component 25 positively in the receptacle or in the interior of the hoof component holder 15h. This can provide a more secure hold than previously known.

[0098] In this way, the reaction force measuring plate 1 and the electronic hoof component 25 can first be mounted, which can simplify the process. The electronic hoof component 25 can then be picked up by the hoof component holder 15h, and the hoof component holder 15h can then be permanently connected to the hoof boot wall 15c, for example by riveting. The hoof boot wall 15c can then close the rear through-opening 15m of the hoof component holder 15h.

[0099] Reference symbol list (part of the description)

[0100] X Longitudinal direction; Depth

[0101] Y transverse direction; width

[0102] Z vertical direction; height

[0103] X, Y Horizontal; horizontal plane

[0104] I Sensor technology; reaction force measuring plate

[0105] 3 Carrier plate

[0106] 3a first surface

[0107] 3b second surface

[0108] 5 force measuring sensor

[0109] 7 (elastomeric) elastic power transmission studs; (elastomeric) elastic

[0110] Pressure tunnel

[0111] 9 Sensor carrier film

[0112] II (elastomeric) force transmission surface element; (elastomeric) pressure-guiding element

[0113] 13 Load distribution plate

[0114] 14 inner protective element

[0115] 14a Seal; sealing lip

[0116] 15 Hoof boot; outer protective element

[0117] 15a Hoof boot sole

[0118] 15b Sole profile

[0119] 15c hoof boot wall

[0120] 15d Connection element opening; cable opening

[0121] 15e Terminal block; cable clamp

[0122] 15h Hoof Component Holder

[0123] 15i Mounting edge of the hoof component holder 15h

[0124] 15k screws of the hoof component holder 15h

[0125] 15m rear through-opening of the hoof component holder 15h 16 connection element; plug outlet; cable outlet

[0126] 16a plug

[0127] 16b Cable protection

[0128] 25 electronic hoof component 25a front housing half

[0129] 25b rear case half

[0130] 37 display elements; light guide

[0131] 39 Charging port; charging contacts

[0132] 39a front loading trough 39b rear loading trough

[0133] 41 Control element; On / Off switch

[0134] 43 Stop edge or collar of the electronic hoof component 25

[0135] 45 Pull-out protection

Claims

Patent claims 1. Hoof boot system (15, 25) with a hoof boot (15) with • at least one sensor (1 ) and • a hoof boot wall (15c) with a hoof component holder (15h) and with an electronic hoof component (25), which is held by the hoof component holder (15h) and is configured to read the sensor (1) of the hoof boot (15), characterized in that the electronic hoof component (25) is received and held in a receptacle, preferably in an interior, of the hoof component holder (15h), wherein the hoof component holder (15h) has a rear through-opening (15m) configured so that the electronic hoof component (25) can be inserted through the rear through-opening (15m) into the receptacle, preferably into the interior, of the hoof component holder (15h), wherein the rear through-opening (15m) of the hoof component holder (15h) with the received electronic hoof component (25) is enclosed on the rear side by the The hoof boot wall (15c) is closed at least in sections, preferably completely.

2. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to claim 1, wherein the hoof component holder (15h) has a retaining edge (151) opposite the rear through-opening (15m), which is designed to hold the electronic hoof component (25) in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle, preferably in the interior, of the hoof component holder (15h).

3. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the hoof component holder (15h) is designed to be first connected to the electronic hoof component (25) and then attached to the hoof boot wall (15c).

4. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has at least one charging port (39), preferably a pair of charging contacts (39).

5. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has an operating element (41) accessible from the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof in use, preferably an on / off switch (41).

6. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has at least one display element (37) visible to the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof during use.

7. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has four display elements (37) visible to the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof in use, which are arranged and configured to indicate the respective hoof in use.

8. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hoof boot (15) has a hoof boot sole (15a) which completely encloses the sensory element (1) against a ground, and wherein the hoof boot wall (15c) is formed integrally with the hoof boot sole (15a) and the sensory element (1) encloses the hoof at least partially, preferably at least substantially, during use, wherein the hoof boot wall (15c) preferably has a sole profile (15b) facing away from the support plate (3).

9. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) is electrically connected to the sensor (1 ) of the reaction force measuring plate (1 ) by means of a connecting element (16), wherein the connecting element (16) passes through a connecting element opening (15d) of the hoof boot wall (15c), preferably directly above the hoof boot sole (15a) and / or laterally.

10. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to claim 9, wherein the connecting element opening (15d) is otherwise at least partially, preferably completely, closed by a connecting element clamp (15e).

11. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the hoof component holder (15h) is designed to be first connected to the electronic hoof component (25) and subsequently attached to the hoof boot wall (15c) when the electronic hoof component (25) is already electrically connected to the sensor (1 ) of the reaction force measuring plate (1 ) by means of the connecting element (16).

12. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) is arranged on the outside of the hoof boot wall (15c), wherein the hoof boot wall (15c) has a hoof component protection which surrounds the hoof component holder (15h) at least from below, preferably also at least on one side laterally, particularly preferably on both sides laterally.

13. Hoof boot system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (1) is a reaction force measuring plate (1) for detecting the ground reaction force distribution over the ground contact area of ​​the foot of a hoofed animal when it enters the ground, with a, preferably rigid, carrier plate (3) having a first surface (3a) facing the hoof (H) in use and an opposing second surface (3b) facing the ground, or vice versa, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors (5) fixed in position on the first surface (3a) of the carrier plate (3), several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors (5), of elastic force transmission studs (7) which are fixed on the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors (5).

14. Hoof boot (15) for use with a hoof boot system (15, 25) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. Electronic hoof component (25) for use in a hoof boot system (15, 25) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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