Animal brushing arrangement

Abstract

An animal brushing arrangement for attachment to a suspension structure by a support part. The animal brushing device comprises a brush rotated by an electric motor and is supported by a suspension structure with three members. The first member is an arm connected at its ends to the support part and the second member. The second member connects the first and third members at specific axes that are non-parallel and non-intersecting, forming a first angle Φ and separated with an offset.

Description

[0001] ANIMAL BRUSHING ARRANGEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an animal brushing arrangement, such as a rotating brush for brushing of livestock animals.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Animal brushing arrangements and devices of various kinds are known.

[0006] One kind of animal brushing arrangement includes a rotatable cylindrical brush that is mounted to a fixed support structure, such as a wall or a post. The rotatable brush is suspended hanging downwardly like a pendulum that can swing back and forth, often in more than one direction. This kind of animal brushing arrangement is used for brushing livestock animals, such as cows, cattle, sheep, goats and horses.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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 preferably rotating motion by a drive unit. The motion is initiated by the animal engaging in contact with the brush. By means of a flexible element in the carrying means, the brush can swivel from a vertical to a substantially horizontal orientation upon a force acting on it.

[0010] WO 2010 / 040631 and WO 2013 / 176596 disclose further developments of this kind of animal brushing arrangement.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] It would be advantageous to provide an animal brushing arrangement that has improved animal interaction characteristics. It would be desirable to increase the reach of a rotatable brush on an animal and / or to reduce a force required to displace the rotatable brush. To better address one or more of these concerns, an animal brushing arrangement having the features defined in the independent claim is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal brushing arrangement for attaching to a support structure. The animal brushing arrangement comprises a support part configured to be attached to the support structure, a brush, an electric motor arranged to rotate the brush about a rotational axis, and a suspension structure for suspending the brush and the electric motor from the support part. The suspension structure comprises a first member, a second member, and a third member suspending the brush. The first member has an elongated extension, in the form of an arm, having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the first member is rotatably connected to the support part at a support interface, around a support interface axis. The second member is connected to the second end portion of the first member at a first interface, such that the second member is rotatable around a first interface axis. The first interface axis is extending in the direction of the elongated extension of the first member at the first interface. The third member is connected to the second member at a second interface, such that the third member is rotatable a second interface axis. The second member is configured such that the first and second interface axes are arranged at a first angle <t> and separated at an offset with respect to each other, such that they are non-parallel and non-intersecting. The offset is a lateral displacement of the second interface axis with respect to the first interface axis. The angle provides an angular displacement of the second interface axis with respect to the first interface axis.

[0013] In other words, there is provided an animal brushing device for attachment to a support structure by a support part. The animal brushing device comprises a brush rotated by an electric motor and is supported by a suspension structure with three members. The first member is an arm, or a cantilever-shaped element, rotatably connected at its ends to the support part and the second member. The second member connects the first and third members at specific rotation axes that are non-parallel and non-intersecting, forming a first angle <t> and separated with an offset. The provided angle and separation attributes to an improved motion characteristics of the support structure of the brush.

[0014] When an animal engages with the brush the motor starts rotating and the brush climbs up on the side or back of the animal. Thanks to the claimed suspension structure it provides brushing of animals with different heights. The orientation of the axes provides for a free- swinging brush in all lateral directions from the neutral position. The invention may also provide for a stable and smooth suspension structure which provides improvements to animal welfare, mechanical integrity and cleanability The support interface axis may be substantially horizontal when the suspension structure is attached to the support structure. Thereby the brush may be provided at an appropriate distance from the support structure to provide sufficient reach to provide brushing at the animals back and sides.

[0015] At the support interface, the first axial end portion of the first member may be supported only on one axial side of the support interface. Thereby the interface enables a rotation around an axis that is aligned with the elongated extension of the first member.

[0016] The support interface axis and the first interface axis may be arranged at a second angle o with respect to each other, wherein the second angle o is in the range of 10-80 degrees, preferably 20-70 degrees, more preferably 30-50 degrees or 30-45 degrees. Thereby different movement behaviours of the suspension structure may be obtained to fit the requirements of movement of the brush. According to one example the second angle o is about 45 degrees (± 10 degrees, ± 5 degrees, ± 2 degrees etc.). The support interface axis and the first interface axis may be intersecting, i.e. in the same plane and not parallel.

[0017] The second interface axis may be extending in a direction having a component out of the plane formed by the first interface axis and the support interface axis. Thereby the free movement of the brush when pushed by an animal during use is improved, for different directional forces by the animal.

[0018] The first member may be in the form of a bent arm. Thereby the arm is shaped such that the support interface axis and the first interface axis is be arranged at a second angle o with respect to each other. It provides that the first member may have a first elongated portion aligned with the support axis and a second elongated portion aligned with the first interface axis. The bent arm may be tube-shaped, and / or may comprise an elongated beam element, such as a bent metal beam having a X-shaped cross-section. The bent arm may be providing a continuous bend, a V-shaped elbow bend, or something in between.

[0019] At the first interface, the first and second members may be rotatably connected to each other around the first interface axis, such that the first member is suspended only on a first axial side of the first interface, and the second member is suspended only on a second axial side of the first interface. Thereby, the first interface enables a rotation around an axis that is aligned with the elongated extension of the first member, and the second member at the first interface. At the second interface, the second and third members may be being rotatably connected to each other around the second interface axis, such that the second member is supported only on a first axial side of the second interface, and the third member is supported only on a second axial side of the second interface. Thereby the second interface enables a rotation around an axis that is aligned with the extension of the second member and the third member at the second interface.

[0020] The first angle <t> may be in the range of 45-90 degrees, preferably 50-85 degrees, more preferably 60-80 degrees. The offset d may be 2-40 cm, preferably 7-30 cm, more preferably 10-20 cm. The first angle <t> may be about 74 degrees (± 10 degrees, ± 5 degrees, ± 2 degrees etc.) and the offset may be 14 cm (± 5 cm, ± 3 cm, ± 2 cm, etc.). Thereby, different movement behaviours of the suspension structure may be obtained to fit the requirements of movement of the brush. The combination of the angle and the offset in the second part allows for that the second interface axis extends out of a plane formed by the other interface axes in the suspension structure when suspended in a neutral position, thereby improving the free movement of the brush when pushed by an animal during use.

[0021] The first and second interface axes may both have a respective horizontal component, such that they are not purely vertical when the brush arrangement is attached to the support structure and suspended in a neutral, free-hanging state. Thereby it is provided that the brush, by means of gravity, finds itself back to the same orientation when suspended and free hanging in a neutral orientation subject to gravity.

[0022] The suspension structure may be tube-shaped, to provide a smoothly curved shape with minimal sharp corners or edges. Thereby an animal friendly arrangement is provided, that provides a safe and pleasant interaction with the animal if it is in contact. Also, the overall cleanability and resistance to dirt of the arrangement is improved.

[0023] The second member may have a first and second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the second member is provided at the first interface, and wherein the second end portion of the second member is provided at the second interface, and wherein the second member is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the first end portion and the second end portion such that the first and second interface axes are arranged with the first angle <t> and at the offset d with respect to each other. The second member may comprise a tube-shaped shell following, or formed as an extrusion along, a curved path from the first interface to the second interface where the curved path extends orthogonally from the first interface to the second interface. The second member may thus form a twisted or screw- shaped portion providing the first angle <t> and offset between the first and second interface axes. The shell may be formed as a round or circular cross-section extruded along the curved path.

[0024] The second member may be tube-shaped with a tube radius r and wherein the tube is curved along a path which has a smallest radius R, wherein R > r, preferably where r<R<2r. Thereby a compact but smoothly curved part may be designed to provide the first angle <t> and offset d between the first and second interface axes. The radius R of the curve may be constant along the extension of the curve. The smoothly curved part provides a safe and pleasant interaction with the animal if it is in contact.

[0025] The tube-shaped member may comprise two shell parts. Thereby a simple manufacturing and mounting of the second member is provided, while enabling the smoothly curved outside of the member. The two shell parts may be identical. Thereby production of the brush arrangement is further facilitated.

[0026] The two shell parts may comprise a reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure may comprise reinforcement ribs or other structural elements, preferably on the inside of the shell parts, and is configured to provide the shell parts with mechanical reinforcement. Thereby a second member may be produced, such as by casting, which is well suited for manufacturing, while still providing necessary mechanical strength of the second member.

[0027] The second member may comprise an elongated V-shaped member connecting the first and second end portions and providing the first angle <t> and the offset between the first and second interface axes. Thereby a simple way to provide the first angle <t> and the offset between the first and second interface axes can be found. The V-shaped member may be a bent sheet metal element extending from the first to the second interface and may be made of an elongated sheet metal element provided with a bend along a diagonal direction of the element. The diagonal direction is a slanted line from a first end portion and a first side of the element to a second end portion and a second side of the element. Thereby a simple but strong connection between the first and the second interface axis may be provided, having the desired physical relationship.

[0028] The elongated V-shaped member may be provided with two shell parts as described earlier to provide the smoothly curved outside shape of the second member, and further strengthen the member mechanically. The third member may be configured to provide a third angle 5 between the second interface axis and the rotational axis. The third angle 5 may be in the range of 30-60 degrees, preferably 40-50 degrees, more preferably 45 degrees.

[0029] Any one of the first, second and / or third member may be tube shaped. Such tube-shaped members may comprise two shell portions as disclosed herein, with a shell manufactured in one piece, or moulded in a tube shape. Such tube-shaped members may also comprise a central beam shaped member for mechanical strength, as further disclosed herein.

[0030] The animal brushing arrangement may comprise an electrical connection extending from the motor through the suspension structure, wherein the electrical connection comprises slip rings in the second interface, the first interface, and / or the support interface, and / or electrical cables centrally through the second interface, the first interface, and / or the support interface. If the electrical connection comprises an electrical cable centrally through one or more of the second interface, the first interface, and / or the support interface, the relevant rotation in that interface also needs to be limited such that it can only be rotated e.g. 360 degrees, 270 degrees etc. to ensure the integrity of the cable.

[0031] Thereby the electrical connection of the motor to an external power source is facilitated, while providing the brush with the required flexibility. The electrical connection of the motor to an external power source is also safe from mechanical interaction from the animals.

[0032] FIGURES

[0033] Fig. 1 shows two views of a first example of a brush arrangement according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows another view of the first example of a brush arrangement.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows an example of such a brush arrangement in use.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a second example of a brush arrangement according to the invention.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows an example of parts of the second member of the suspension structure.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows another example of parts of the second member of the suspension structure.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows yet another example of part of the second member of the suspension structure. LIST OF FEATURES

[0040] 2 Animal brushing arrangement

[0041] 4 Support structure

[0042] 6 Support part

[0043] 8 Brush

[0044] 10 Electric motor

[0045] 11 Rotational axis of the brush

[0046] 12 Suspension structure

[0047] 14 First member of suspension structure

[0048] 13, 15 First and second end portions of the first member of suspension structure

[0049] 16 Second member of suspension structure

[0050] 17, 19 First and second end portions of the second member of suspension structure

[0051] 18 Third member of suspension structure

[0052] 20 First interface

[0053] 22 Second interface

[0054] 24 Support interface

[0055] 26 First interface axis

[0056] 28 Second interface axis

[0057] 30 Support interface axis

[0058] 32, 34 First and second shell

[0059] 40 Reinforcement structure

[0060] 50 V-shaped member

[0061] 60 Electrical cable

[0062] <t> First angle between first and second interface axes d Offset between first and second interface axes o Second angle between support interface axis and first interface axis

[0063] 5 Third angle between rotational axis of the brush and second interface axis r Radius of tube-shaped element

[0064] R Radius of curve DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] With reference to Fig. 1 a first example of an animal brushing arrangement for attaching to a support structure is described. Fig. 1 (a) and (b) show two different views of the animal brushing arrangement according to the example. The animal brushing arrangement 2 comprises a support part 6 configured to be attached to the support structure 4. The support structure 4 may be e.g. a post, a wall, a bracket, or similar, in a place where the animals stay, such as in a barn for livestock animals. The animals may be various kinds of livestock animals, such as cows, beef cattle, calves, sheep, goats, etc. The brushing arrangement comprises a rotatable brush 8 and an electric motor 10 arranged to rotate the brush about a rotational axis 11. A suspension structure 12 is provided for suspending the brush and the electric motor from the support part. The suspension structure 12 comprises a first member 14, a second member 16, and a third member 18. The brush is free hanging and suspended hanging downwardly by the third member, like a pendulum. The third member is suspending the brush 8 and the electrical motor 10. As shown in the figure, the suspension structure is formed as a smoothly curved tubular structure, without sharp corners. The tubular structure may have a constant radius r along the whole length of the suspension structure.

[0066] The first member 14 has an elongated extension, in the form of an arm, having first 13 and second 15 end portions. The first end portion 13 of the first member is rotatably connected to the support part 6 at a support interface 24, around a support interface axis 30. The support interface axis is substantially horizontal when the suspension structure is attached to the support structure. As indicated in Fig. 2, the support interface axis and the first interface axis are arranged at a second angle o with respect to each other. In this example the second angle o is 45 degrees. The support interface axis and the second interface axis are intersecting, i.e. they are in the same plane and non-parallel. The first member is in the form of a bent arm. In the example shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 this arm is tube-shaped, with a circular cross-section. Alternatively, as shown in Fig 4, the arm may comprise an elongated beam element, such as a bent metal beam having a X-shaped cross-section. The elongated beam element may be provided with a cover, such as a tubular shaped cover to give a tubular-shaped outer surface.

[0067] The second member 16 is connected to the second end portion 15 of the first member 14 at a first interface 20, such that the second member is rotatable around a first interface axis 26. The first interface axis is extending in the direction of the elongated extension of the first member 14 at the first interface 20, thus aligned with the elongated extension of the first member at the first interface.

[0068] The third member 18 is connected to the second member 16 at a second interface 22, such that the third member is rotatable around a second interface axis 28. The second member 16 is configured such that the first 26 and second 28 interface axes are arranged at a first angle <t> and at an offset d with respect to each other, such that they are non-parallel and nonintersecting. The second member has a first and second end portion, 17 and 19, wherein the first end portion 17 of the second member is provided at the first interface 20, and wherein the second end portion 19 of the second member is provided at the second interface 22, and wherein the second member is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the first end portion and the second end portion such that the first and second interface axes are arranged with the first angle <t> and at the offset d with respect to each other. The angle <t> may be in the range of 45-90 degrees, preferably 50-85 degrees, more preferably 60-80 degrees. In the examples shown herein the first angle <t> is 74 degrees. The offset between the first and second interface axes may be within the range of 2-40 cm, preferably 7-30 cm, more preferably 10-20 cm. In the examples shown herein, the lateral offset between the first and second interface axes is 14 cm.

[0069] The third member 18 is configured to provide a third angle 5 between the second interface axis 28 and the rotational axis 11. The third angle 5 may be in the range of 30-60 degrees, preferably 40-50 degrees, more preferably 45 degrees.

[0070] As visible e.g. in Fig. 1 (b), the second interface axis 28 is extending in a direction having a component out of the plane formed by the first interface axis 26 and the support interface axis 30. Both the first and the second interfaces are formed in the tubular shaped suspension structure such that the first and second interface axes are aligned with the extension of the suspension structure. In other words, the first and second interfaces extend perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the suspension structure. The tubular cross-section is preferably circular. Thus, a rotation around any of those axes will still maintain the smoothly curved tubular structure of the suspension structure.

[0071] Further to this, the first 26 and second 28 interface axes both have a respective horizontal component, such that they are not purely vertical when the brush arrangement is attached to the suspension structure and suspended in a neutral, free-hanging state, as shown in the figures. At the first interface 20, the first and second members, 14 and 16, are being rotatably connected to each other around the first interface axis 26, such that the first member is supported only on a first axial side of the first interface, and the second member is supported only on a second axial side of the first interface. At the first interface, the first and second members 14, 16 have a respective end face extending perpendicularly to the first interface axis 26 and facing one another.

[0072] At the second interface 22, the second and third members, 16 and 18, are being rotatably connected to each other around the second interface axis 28, such that the second member is supported only on a first axial side of the second interface, and the third member is supported only on a second axial side of the second interface. At the second interface, the second and third members 16, 18 have a respective end face extending perpendicularly to the second interface axis 28 and facing one another.

[0073] In each interface there is provided a bearing device, such as a ball bearing device or a needle bearing device. Such a ball bearing device may comprise two ball bearings positioned side by side along the interface axis. The ball bearing device is arranged on a shaft extending between the two adjacent members.

[0074] The solution is based on the following features, and provided that the interface axes are extending in the direction of the suspension structure at each interface. Firstly, all three interface axes are not in the same plane. Two of them may be in the same plane, but there is least one interface axis extending in a direction having a component out of the plane formed by the other two axes. As shown in Fig. 1 (b) this is provided by the second member of the brush. The second member provides that there is no position of the brush where all pivot axes are aligned in one plane. This results in a free-swinging behaviour of the brush in all directions of forces in the horizontal plane.

[0075] Secondly, all interface axes have a directional component in the horizontal direction. This means that gravitational force will act to rotate the suspension structure around the axis. Thereby the brush will find itself back to a neutral position where each of the interfaces provides the brush with the lowest potential energy. Therefore, the interfaces have one neutral rotational position for which the whole brush arrangement is in a neutral position, seen e.g. in Fig. 1. When attached to the support structure and in a neutral position where only gravity is acting on the brush, the brush is in a substantially vertical orientation, wherein; all rotational interfaces are aligned in a respective neutral rotational position, the first and second interface axes are non-horizontal and non-vertical, and the first and second interface axes have a horizontal and a vertical directional component.

[0076] Fig 3 is an illustration of a brush arrangement in use by a cow. As shown in the picture, the rotating brush has climbed up the side of the animal to a position where the brush reaches the back of the cow. This position is reached by rotations in the support interface and the first and second interfaces of the suspension structure. The brushing arrangement provides a high flexibility in how it is able to reach the back of cows of different size, both smaller cows and bigger cows in the herd.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows an example of a brush arrangement wherein the second member may comprise an elongated V-shaped member 50. The suspension structure comprises a first member 14, a second member 16, and a third member 18 suspending the brush. The first member 14 is in the form of a X-shaped cross beam. The first end portion of the first member is rotatably connected to the support part at the support interface 24, around the support interface axis 30. The second member 50 is connected to the first member at a first interface 20, such that the second member is rotatable around the first interface axis 26. The first interface axis is extending in the direction of the elongated extension of the first member at the first interface. The third member 18 is connected to the second member 50 at a second interface 22, such that the third member is rotatable a second interface axis 28. The elongated V-shaped member 50 is providing the first angle <t> and the offset d between the first and second interface axes. The V-shaped member may be a bent sheet metal element extending from the first to the second interface. It is configured such that the first and second interface axes are non-parallel and non-intersecting. The offset is a lateral displacement of the second interface axis with respect to the first interface axis. The angle provides an angular displacement of the second interface axis with respect to the first interface axis.

[0078] As indicated in Fig. 4, the animal brushing arrangement comprises an electrical connection extending from the motor through the suspension structure. The electrical connection may comprise slip rings in the second interface, the first interface, and / or the support interface, and / or electrical cables centrally through the second interface, the first interface, and / or the support interface. In Fig. 4, an electrical cable 60 is provided centrally through the first and second interface. To ensure the integrity of the cable in such solutions, the support interface, the first and second rotational interfaces are provided with rotational stops to make sure that the cable is not twisted to such an extent that it breaks. Typically, these rotational stops allow for rotation up to about 360 degrees.

[0079] Fig 5 shows further details of an example wherein the second member may comprise an elongated V-shaped member connecting the first and second end portions and providing the first angle <t> and at the offset d between the first and second interface axes. The V-shaped member comprises a bent sheet metal element extending from the first to the second interface which is made of an elongated sheet metal element provided with a bend along a diagonal direction of the element. As shown, the V-shaped bend of the member provides for the first angle <t> between the first and second interface axes, and the elongation of the member provides for the lateral offset d between the first and second interface axes. The V- shaped member is connected to the bearing devices of each of the first and second interface axes.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows one example of the second member being formed by as a tube-shaped part, providing a mechanical connection between the first end portion 17 and the second end portion 19 of the second member 16 such that the first and second interface axes 26, 28 are arranged with the first angle <t> and at the offset d with respect to each other. As shown in the figure, the second member comprises a tube-shaped shell following a curved path from the first interface to the second interface. This results in the second member taking the form of a twisted or screw-shaped element. The second member is tube-shaped with a radius r and wherein the curved path has a smallest radius R, wherein R > r, preferably where r<R<2r. As one example, the radius of the tube may be selected to 66 mm (r=66 mm), and the constant radius of the curve may be selected to 98 mm (R=98 mm). With these parameters, the part as exemplified in Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 is the result. The curve (and the outer shape of the tubular second member) may be calculated using parametric design or drawn in conventional 3D CAD software. The tube-shaped shell comprises two shell parts, 32 and 34. These two shell parts are preferably identical, such that they can be rotated and fitted together to form the tube-shaped shell curved path from the first interface to the second interface. At each end of the member there is provided means to fasten bearings. The second member may further include the V-shaped member as shown in Fig. 4.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 7, the two shell parts may comprise a reinforcement structure 40 to provide the second member with the required strength. The reinforcement structure comprises reinforcement ribs or other structural elements, on the inside of the shell parts, and is configured to provide the shell parts with mechanical reinforcement. In Fig. 7 the ribs are provided in a direction along the curve, and orthogonally across the curve. The second member may be provided without a V-shaped member as shown in Fig. 4, since the physical strength may be provided by the tubular outer shape and reinforcement structure, while still providing the angle <t> between the first and second interface axes, and lateral offset d between the first and second interface axes. These shell parts may be manufactured by moulding, such as for example by aluminium moulding. These two shell parts are preferably identical, such that they can be rotated and fitted together to form the tube-shaped shell curved path from the first interface to the second interface.

[0082] The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only and should not be used in a limiting sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. The naming of features as “first”, “second”, “third” etc. should only be interpreted to distinguish one part from another. Modifications to the exemplary embodiments, set forth above, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An animal brushing arrangement (2) for attaching to a support structure (4), the animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a support part (6) configured to be attached to the support structure (4), a brush (8), an electric motor (10) arranged to rotate the brush (8) about a rotational axis (11), and a suspension structure (12) for suspending the brush (8) and the electric motor (10) from the support part (6), wherein the suspension structure (12) comprises a first member (14), a second member (16), and a third member (18), wherein the first member has an elongated extension, having first and second end portions (13, 15), wherein the first end portion of the first member is connected to the support part (6) at a support interface (24), such that the first member is rotatable around a support interface axis (30), wherein the second member (16) is connected to the second end portion of the first member (14) at a first interface (20), such that the second member is rotatable around a first interface axis (26), and wherein the third member (18) is connected to the second member (16) at a second interface (22), such that the third member is rotatable around a second interface axis (28), wherein the second member is configured such that the first and second interface axes (26, 28) are arranged at a first angle (T>) and at an offset (d) with respect to each other, such that they are non-parallel and non-intersecting.

2. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the support interface axis (30) is substantially horizontal when the suspension structure is attached to the support structure (4).

3. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support interface axis (30) and the first interface axis (26) are arranged at a second angle (o) with respect to each other, wherein the second angle (o) is in the range of 10-80 degrees, preferably 20-70 degrees, more preferably 30-50 degrees or 30-45 degrees.

4. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 3 wherein the support interface axis (30) and the first interface axis (26) are intersecting.

5. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 4 wherein the second interface axis (28) is extending in a direction having a directional component out of the plane formed by the first interface axis (26) and the support interface axis (30).

6. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of claims 3-5 wherein the first member (14) is in the form of a bent arm.

7. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, at the first interface (20), the first and second members (14, 16) are being rotatably connected to each other around the first interface axis (26), such that the second member is supported only on one axial side of the first interface.

8. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, at the second interface (22), the second and third members (16, 18) are being rotatably connected to each other around the second interface axis (28), such that the third member is supported only on one axial side of the second interface.

9. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first angle (T>) is in the range of 45-90 degrees, preferably 50-85 degrees, more preferably 60-80 degrees.

10. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the offset (d) is 2-40 cm, preferably 7-30 cm, more preferably 10-20 cm.11 . The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first (26) and second (28) interface axes both have a respective horizontal component, such that they are not purely vertical when the brush arrangement is attached to the support structure and suspended in a neutral, free- hanging state.

12. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second member (16) has a first and second end portion (17, 19), wherein the first end portion (17) of the second member (16) is provided at the first interface (20), and wherein the second end portion (19) of the second member (16) is provided at the second interface (22), and wherein the second member is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the first end portion and the second end portion such that the first and second interface axes are arranged with the first angle <t> and at the offset (d) with respect to each other.

13. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 12 wherein the second member (16) comprises a tube-shaped shell following a curved path from the first interface to the second interface.

14. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 13 wherein the second member (16) is tube-shaped with a radius r and wherein the curved path has a smallest radius R, wherein R > r, preferably where r<R<2r.

15. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of claims 13 or 14 wherein the tube-shaped shell comprises two shell parts (32, 34).

16. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 15 wherein the two shell parts (32, 34) comprises a reinforcement structure (40).

17. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of claims 12-16 wherein the second member (16) comprises an elongated V-shaped member (50) connecting the first and second end portions and providing the first angle (T>) and at the offset (d) between the first and second interface axes.

18. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 17 wherein the V-shaped member (50) is a bent sheet metal element extending from the first to the second interface axis.

19. The animal brushing arrangement according to claim 18 wherein the bent sheet metal element is made of an elongated sheet metal element provided with a bend along a diagonal direction of the element.

0. The animal brushing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electrical connection extending from the motor (10) through the suspension structure (12), wherein the electrical connection comprises slip rings in the second interface (22), the first interface (20), and / or the support interface (24), and / or electrical cables (60) centrally through the second interface (22), the first interface (20), and / or the support interface (24).

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