CN119604188A

CN119604188A - Milking device comprising a milking unit and a housing in which a vacuum component is located

Info

Publication number: CN119604188A
Application number: CN202380054983.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·特罗普曼; M·奥伯格; U·费德曼; J-A·兰姆克; A·麦特
Original assignee: Kiyie Animal Husbandry Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Kiyie Animal Husbandry Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-22
Filing date: 2023-07-18
Publication date: 2025-03-11
Also published as: WO2024017882A1; DE202022104168U1; AU2023312199A1; EP4557941A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a milking device comprising a milking unit, at least one vacuum element connected to the milking unit and having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a housing (10) having an inner space defined by a wall, wherein the housing (10) has a first and a second opening. An inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2) with a passage extends through the first opening, partly into the interior space. An outlet sleeve (23.1,23.2) having a passageway extends through the second opening, partially into the interior space. The vacuum member is disposed in the interior space. The inlet port projects into the inlet sleeve and the outlet port projects into the outlet sleeve.

Description

Milking device comprising a milking unit and a housing in which a vacuum element is located

The subject matter of the present invention relates to a milking device having a milking unit.

Hereinafter, the present invention is described in connection with a milking apparatus for milking cows. It should be noted that the subject matter of the present invention also relates in particular to milking devices for milking sheep, goats, llamas, camels, dromedaries, buffaloes, mares, donkeys or yaks. The invention can be used for fully automatic and semi-automatic milking apparatuses.

In milk farms, a number of systems important for cow feeding and milk production are used. The dairy farm may include a milking device having a plurality of milking stalls. Each milking parlour is equipped with milking devices. The milking device has a milking unit. The milking unit comprises at least one teatcup connected to the milk transfer line via a milk tube. Milking units are also known in which at least two teat cups are each connected via a short milk tube to a milk collection tank, wherein the milk collection tank is connected via a long milk tube to a milk transfer line, optionally with a measuring container connected between them. The milking unit is operated under predetermined operating conditions, such as the frequency of the milking vacuum or pulsator.

The milking device has at least one so-called claw. The claw is connected to the milk pipe system. The claw is also connected to a vacuum system. The expressed milk flows from the teat cup to the collector. The milk collector has an outlet which is connected to the pump such that the expressed milk is expelled from the milk collector by means of the pump. In this respect, the milking device may be substantially divided into two areas, a first area carrying vacuum and a second area carrying milk. In this case, the transition is formed by the claw.

Raw milk is an important raw material for food and food industry. In order to protect the consumer and for technical workability, it is necessary for the milk to meet national and international quality requirements. For this purpose, there are corresponding national or international regulations which have to be complied with. Thus, for example, milk must not exhibit any abnormal organoleptic characteristics. To achieve this, the udder of the animal from which milk is taken for consumption must be cleaned at the beginning of the milking process. Here, thorough and complete cleaning is necessary.

It is also important to meet regulatory hygienic standards to ensure high quality milk. Thus, not only the udder and nipple of the animal, but also the components of the milking device need to be cleaned. Cleaning may also include disinfecting the milking device components. The cleaning process may be carried out by means of a fluid, in particular by means of water and cleaning and disinfecting or other additives.

It is known to clean the milking unit again with fresh water, with a disinfectant, and optionally with compressed air after each milking of a cow. This is a so-called intermediate cleaning.

Both the milking itself and the cleaning process are carried out with the aid of a vacuum. Thus, the milking device has a number of vacuum elements which have to be controlled accordingly. The vacuum component may in particular be a pulsator or a valve, including an electrically operated valve.

Since there are many vacuum components that are prone to wear, it is necessary to replace these components at least periodically in order to maintain the functionality of the milking device and thus of the milking device having a plurality of milking devices.

It is therefore known to install vacuum components in a manner that is relevant for a stable. This means that each milking stall considered individually has vacuum components that may require periodic maintenance and/or replacement. This involves a lot of work.

In view of this background, the present invention is based on the object of specifying a mounting system for a milking device which allows for faster and in particular tool-free replacement and/or installation of vacuum components.

This object is achieved by a milking device according to the independent claim. Further advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The milking device according to the invention comprises a milking unit. As mentioned at the outset, the milking unit has at least one teat cup which is connected directly or indirectly to the milk delivery line. The number of teatcups depends on the type of animal to be milked. The teat cups may each be connected via a short milk pipe to a milk collection tank, which is connected via a long milk pipe to a milk transfer line.

The teatcup itself has a teatcup shell in which a teat rubber is arranged. The intermediate space between the teatcups and the teat rubber is connected to a vacuum member, which is preferably a pulsator. The space between the rigid teat cup shell and the resilient teat rubber is alternately subjected to sub-atmospheric pressure and atmospheric pressure. As a result, an alternation between the suction phase and the release phase is achieved. A vacuum exists in the milk tube connected to the teat rubber.

In order to create an alternation between negative pressure and atmospheric pressure in the teat cup intermediate space, each teat cup is connected with a so-called impulse line, wherein both pressures are switched by means of corresponding valves. The valve is preferably an electronic switching valve that switches at a desired rhythm. It is known, for example, for a plurality of pulsators to be signally connected to a central control device such that the pulsators operate synchronously. In this type of milking device, the pulsators work synchronously, which is associated with considerable fluctuations in the vacuum system of the milking device.

Furthermore, pulsators are known which work alternately. In this type of pulsator, the teat cup intermediate spaces of two teat cups of the milking unit are each under vacuum when atmospheric pressure is introduced into the teat cup intermediate spaces of the other two teat cups. These so-called alternating pulsators are preferred because in this case the risk of the milking device, in particular the teat cups, falling out is significantly reduced, because the two teat cups are firmly connected to the teats of the cow, respectively.

Furthermore, it is known that the milking process itself is essentially carried out individually for each animal. This is related to the fact that the vacuum components comprised by the milking units have to be provided individually, in particular for each milking stall. This also means that the installation effort for installing the milking device is considerable. Furthermore, the easily worn vacuum components must be replaced at predetermined intervals or as needed. It is also desirable to replace the vacuum components as quickly as possible in the event of a failure of the vacuum components, in order to avoid, for example, serious vacuum failures.

The vacuum member has an inlet port and an outlet port. The terms inlet port and outlet port are used herein and hereinafter to distinguish ports. This does not define the direction of flow of the fluid, in particular air. The same applies to the use of the terms inlet sleeve and outlet sleeve. The sleeves they are intended to express assigned to inlet ports are called inlet sleeves. As does the outlet sleeve. Where the term port is used, the information provided about the port relates to an ingress port and/or an egress port. Where the term sleeve is used, the information provided about the sleeve relates to the inlet sleeve and/or the outlet sleeve.

The milking device according to the invention has a housing with a defined inner space. The wall of the housing has a first opening. An inlet sleeve having a passageway extends through the first opening. The inlet sleeve projects partly into the interior space of the housing. Furthermore, an outlet sleeve is provided with a channel, which protrudes partly into the interior space through a second opening in the housing. A vacuum member disposed in the interior space is connected to the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve. This is in particular a form-and/or force-fitting connection between the inlet port and the inlet sleeve and between the outlet port and the outlet sleeve.

The port is inserted into the sleeve. The configuration of the sleeve and the port is selected such that a vacuum tight connection between the sleeve and the port is achieved. In particular, it is proposed here that the sleeve is formed in an elastic manner at least in the region of the port projection. This configuration of the milking device according to the invention has the advantage that a vacuum component mounting system is provided which preferably requires no tools, is fast and easy to operate. The possibility of achieving maintenance and repair without interrupting the use of the milking device as much as possible is also created.

Preferably a milking unit is provided wherein the inlet sleeve and/or the outlet sleeve has a recess protruding into the edge of the first opening or the second opening. As a result, the inlet sleeve and/or the outlet sleeve may be positioned. Preferably, the opening has an asymmetric cross section. The sleeve has a correspondingly shaped cross section in the region of the recess. As a result, the sleeve can be mounted in the opening in a precise position. The pairing of the first opening and the inlet port and the pairing of the second opening and the outlet port may have different cross-sectional shapes from each other, thereby improving the inlet and outlet port to opening allocation, which is advantageous for mounting a vacuum component with an inlet and an outlet sleeve.

Another advantage of this configuration of the inlet and/or outlet sleeve may be considered to be that during installation, i.e. during connection of the vacuum component to the inlet and/or outlet sleeve, the pressure generated is introduced into the wall portion by the rim, thereby avoiding slipping of the sleeve. This also applies when the vacuum component is removed from the housing. In this case, a tensile force acting on the inlet and/or outlet sleeve is introduced into the wall.

Particularly preferred is a configuration in which the groove is defined by a surrounding inner collar extending in the radial direction and a surrounding outer collar extending in the radial direction, wherein the inner collar is arranged in the inner space. This results in the effective thickness of the sleeve not being reduced by the grooves. Furthermore, the inner collar and/or the outer collar may be provided with a bevel, so that the inlet and/or outlet sleeve is easier to install.

In order to increase the operational reliability, another advantageous configuration proposes that the ratio of the radial extension of the outer collar to the radial extension of the inner collar is greater than 1, preferably greater than 1.1, particularly preferably greater than 1.25. As a result, a relatively large outer collar contact surface is provided, and therefore, when the vacuum member is removed from the sleeve, the tensile force exerted by the vacuum member on the sleeve during the extraction of the port from the sleeve is transferred into the wall portion.

A configuration is preferred in which the outer collar has an annular portion that is inclined towards the inner collar. An advantage of this construction is that the sleeve is arranged with a certain preload in the opening of the wall. Furthermore, manufacturing tolerances in the wall and the sleeve itself can be compensated for, so that the sleeve can be held firmly at the opening and on the wall.

In particular, a milking device is proposed, wherein the inlet sleeve has a first end located outside the inner space and a second end located inside the inner space. The inlet sleeve has a passage extending from one end to the other. The inner passage has a radially inward encircling flange at least at the second end. This improves the safety of the vacuum tight connection between the inlet port and the inlet sleeve. A configuration is also preferred here in which the outlet sleeve has a first end located outside the interior space and a second end located inside the space, wherein the channel has a radially inward encircling sleeve at least at the second end. The channel preferably has a stop that creates a limit on the distance that the port can be introduced into the channel. As a result, a defined mounting position is also achieved. In particular, with regard to a defined positioning of the vacuum component in the housing, it is proposed that the latter has a positioning element which determines the position of the vacuum component in the housing. For this purpose, the wall portion with the opening preferably has at least one projection forming a stop, so that the sleeve is not pushed out of the opening when the port is inserted into the sleeve when the vacuum component is installed.

In order to simplify the installation, it is proposed that the inlet port and/or the outlet port have a circumferential groove formed in a corresponding manner to the flange. This also allows the operator to perceive a snap-in of the flange in the groove during installation or during repair and/or repair work, thereby ensuring that the vacuum component is already technically perfectly installed.

In order to increase the operational reliability, in particular in order to increase the vacuum tightness, another advantageous configuration proposes that the outlet or inlet port passes through an imaginary plane defined by the surface of the wall facing the interior space. This means that the inlet or outlet port, as seen in the cross-sectional plane, extends into the wall. This causes the outlet or inlet port to push the wall portion of the outlet or inlet sleeve against the edge of the first or second opening, thereby achieving an effective grip. This increases the tightness.

The vacuum member is preferably a pulsator.

Different vacuum components may be arranged in the housing. The vacuum components may be arranged in such a way that they are grouped according to their function.

Also preferred herein is a configuration wherein the vacuum component is a vacuum distributor having one inlet port and at least two outlet ports. In this case, the vacuum distributor may have connections for, for example, valves by means of which the inlet ports and/or the two outlet ports can be opened or closed individually or in groups, i.e. actuated.

If the vacuum component has more than two ports, the ports are preferably arranged such that at least one port is arranged in an offset manner with respect to the other ports. The offset here means that not all ports are located on an imaginary straight line.

Particularly preferred is a construction in which the sleeve is formed of an elastomeric material. As a result, and in particular due to the construction of the connection between the sleeve and the port, acoustic decoupling is achieved. This is particularly advantageous when the vacuum component is a pulsator.

Other advantages of the present invention are explained by the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, to which the subject matter of the present invention is not limited.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 schematically shows a milking stall with a milking device,

Figure 2 shows a perspective rear view of the housing,

Figure 3 shows a front view of the housing according to figure 1 without a cover,

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a second exemplary embodiment of the housing without the cover,

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a vacuum dispenser with a valve,

Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the vacuum distributor according to figure 5,

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the inlet sleeve,

Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the inlet sleeve according to figure 7,

FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of the inlet sleeve in the housing and in the wall, and

Fig. 10 shows the arrangement according to fig. 9 with vacuum components.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a milking stall 1 for milking animals, in particular cows. The milking stall 1 may be a single milking stall, a group milking stall or a milking stall on a milking turntable. The milking device 1 is defined by a grating structure 2. The construction of such a grating structure 2 is independent of whether it is a milking stall or a milking stall on a milking turntable, or whether it is a single milking stall or a milking stall in a group of milking parlours.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the grid structure has uprights 3.1, 3.2 extending in a vertical direction. Other posts (not shown) may also be present. The substantially horizontally extending pipes 4.1, 4.2 are connected to the uprights 3.1, 3.2. The ducts 4.1, 4.2 define the milking parlour in a longitudinal direction of the milking parlour and in a longitudinal direction transverse to the milking parlour, if desired. Such a grating structure may also be used as a fastening device for fastening other components located in the milking parlour.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the milking parlour 1 has a milking unit 5. The milking unit 5 has teat cups 6.1, 6.2. In this respect, a milking stall is a milking stall for milking cows, of which only two of the four teat cups are shown. The teat cups 6.1, 6.2 are each connected to a milk collection piece 8 via a short milk tube 7.1, 7.2. The collecting member 8 or the collecting tank is connected via a milk pipe 9 to a milk transfer line (not shown).

Reference numeral 12 identifies a housing of an electronic controller, which is located in the housing for a milking stall, in particular for a milking device. The housing 12 of the electrical controller is fastened to the pipe 4.1. For operating the milking parlour, an operator terminal 13 is provided. The operator terminal 13 is connected via signal lines 14.1, 14.2 to a controller arranged in the housing 12. The operator terminal 13 has operation keys 15 by means of which commands can be input to the controller and/or information can be retrieved from the controller. The operating keys may also be keys by means of which the respective operation is started and ended during milking. Thus, for example, there may be an operating key for operating the milking process for activating the automatic cup remover such that the attached teat cups are removed from the teats of the animal. For displaying information, the operator terminal has a display 16.

The electrical controller located in the housing 12 is connected via cables 11.1, 11.2 to the vacuum component or components arranged in the housing 10. For clarity, the lines or pipes carrying vacuum or air are not shown. The housing 10 is arranged on the pipe 4.1.

As is clear from the diagram according to fig. 1, an electronic controller is provided for a single milking stall. As does the vacuum component.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the housing 10, looking towards the rear wall 17. The rear wall portion 17 is connected to a surrounding edge 18. The rim 18 is connected to a cap-like cover 19. For releasably connecting the cap-like cover 19 to the rim or rear wall portion 17, corresponding connecting means 20 are provided, so that the cover 19 is releasably connected to the rear wall portion 17.

The rear wall 17, the rim 18 and the cover 19 define an interior space in which at least one vacuum element is arranged.

Fig. 3 shows an internal view of the housing 10. As is evident from the figures, four vacuum elements 21.1-21.4 are arranged in the housing 10. The vacuum member 21.1 is a pulsator. The pulsator is connected to two inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2. Furthermore, a pulsator is connected to both outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2. The inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2 and the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2 form a group G4 shown by the dashed lines in fig. 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2 are formed differently from the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2. This need not be the case. The inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2 and the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2 may also be formed identically. As is clear from the illustration according to fig. 2, the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2 are oriented differently from the inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2, with the result that the risk of confusion of the connection at the rear wall 17 is avoided.

Vacuum components 21.2, 21.3 and 21.4 are vacuum distributors 28.1, 28.2 and 28.3, respectively. As is clear from the illustration according to fig. 2, the vacuum distributors 28.1 form a group G1, the vacuum distributors 28.2 form a group G2, and the vacuum distributors 28.3 form a group G3 of possible connections. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each vacuum distributor 28.1-28.3 is connected to three outlet sleeves 24.1-24.3. Furthermore, a vacuum distributor 28.1 is connected to the inlet sleeve 25. As is clear from both the drawing according to fig. 2 and the drawing according to fig. 3, the outlet sleeves 24.1-24.3 lie substantially in a line. The inlet sleeve 25 is arranged in a spaced-apart manner therefrom. Each vacuum distributor 28.1, 28.2 and 28.3 has a corresponding inlet sleeve 25. Further groups G2 and G3 of vacuum elements 21.2 and 21.3 are also formed in a corresponding manner.

As is apparent in particular from the perspective view of fig. 4 and from the views of the vacuum part 21.2 in fig. 5 and 6, the vacuum part 21.2 has a plurality (in this case three) of valves 26.1-26.3 in addition to the vacuum distributor 28.1. The number of valves is exemplary herein. Valves 26.1-26.3 are electrically operated valves. The valves have corresponding contacts which are connected to corresponding signal lines which pass out of the housing 10 as cable bundles 27.1, 27.1 and 27.3. The same is true of the vacuum element 21.1 called pulsator.

Fig. 5 and 6 show a preferred construction of the vacuum element 21.2. The vacuum part 21.2 has a vacuum distributor 28.1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, valves 26.1, 26.2 and 26.3 are connected to a vacuum distributor 28.1.

The vacuum distributor 28.1 has an inlet port 28. The inlet port 29 is connected to a channel 30. From the channel 30 feed lines 31.1-31.3 extend, which are each capable of fluid communication with an outlet port 32, of which only the outlet port 32 is shown in fig. 5. The feed lines 31.1-31.3 can be closed and opened by means of the respective valves 26.1 to 26.3.

Fig. 7 and 8 show an exemplary embodiment of the inlet sleeve 24.1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet sleeve 24.1 is formed such that it has a deflection angle of about 90 °. The inlet sleeve 24.1 has a circumferential groove 33. The circumferential groove 33 is defined by a circumferential inner collar 34 extending in the radial direction and a circumferential outer collar 35 extending in the radial direction. In the mounted state of the inlet sleeve 24.1, the inner collar 34 is located in the housing. As is apparent from the figures according to fig. 7 and 8, the inner collar 34 has a mounting chamfer 36, so that it is easier to introduce one end of the sleeve into the housing.

The outer collar 35 has an annular portion 37, which annular portion 37 is inclined towards the inner collar 34, so that the outer collar 35 is in a certain support with the wall of the housing.

The inlet sleeve 24.1 has a continuous channel 38. The channel 38 has a first portion 39.1 in the end region of the inlet sleeve. Furthermore, the channel 38 has a second portion 39.2 at the opposite end. Each specific portion 39.1 and 39.2 is shaped so that it matches the shape and form of the port engaged in the specific area, in particular so that there is substantially no additional flow resistance in the installed state. The channel 38 has stops 40.1, 40.2 in each particular portion 39.1, 39.2, which create a limit on the distance a port can be introduced into the channel 38. As a result, a defined mounting position is also achieved. In particular, the outlet sleeve is preferably formed in a corresponding manner to the inlet sleeve, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

Fig. 9 shows the inlet sleeve 24.1 in an installed state in the housing. As is clear from the illustration according to fig. 9, the edges of the opening protrude into the recess 33. Preferably, the groove 33 is formed such that it has a width that is less than the thickness of the corresponding wall portion, resulting in a support and thus a force-and form-fitting connection between the sleeve and the wall portion.

Fig. 10 shows an arrangement in which the inlet port projects into the portion 39.1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the portion 39.1 and the portion 39.2 each have a circumferential flange 41.1, 41.2 which projects radially inwards into the channel 38. As shown in fig. 10, the port has a correspondingly formed recess into which the flange 41.1 projects. The port preferably extends far enough into the sleeve to pass through an imaginary plane of the wall portion.

List of reference numerals

1. Milking platform

2. Grille structure

3.1, 3.2 Upright post

4.1, 4.2 Pipelines

5. Milking unit

6.1, 6.2 Teat cups

7.1, 7.2 Short milk tube

8. Milk collecting piece

9. Milk tube

10. Shell body

11.1, 11.2 Cable

12. Shell body

13 Operator terminal

14.1, 14.2 Signal lines

15. Operating key

16. Display device

17. Rear wall portion

18. Around the edge

19. Cover for a container

20. Connecting device

21.1-21.4 Vacuum parts

22.1, 22.2 Inlet sleeves

23.1, 23.2 Outlet sleeve

25 Inlet sleeve

26.1-26.3 Valve

27.1-27.3 Cable bundle

28.1-28.3 Vacuum distributor

29. Inlet port

30. Channel

31.1-31.3 Feed lines

32. Outlet port

33. Groove

34. Inner collar

35. Outer collar

36. Mounting inclined plane

37. Part of the

38. Channel

39.1, 3.2, End regions

40.1, 40.2 Stops

41.1, 41.2 Flanges

42 Outlet port

Claims

1. A milking device, comprising:

Milking unit (1),

at least one vacuum component (21.1-21.4) connected to the milking unit (1) and having an inlet port (28) and an outlet port (31.1),

A housing (10) having an inner space defined by a wall, wherein the housing (10) has a first opening and a second opening,

an inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2) having a passage (29) and extending partially into the interior space through the first opening, and

an outlet sleeve (23.1, 23.2) having a passage (29) and extending partially into the interior space through the second opening,

wherein the vacuum components (21.1-21.4) are arranged in the inner space, and

The inlet port (28) protrudes into the inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2), and the outlet port (31.1) protrudes into the outlet sleeve (23.1, 23.2).

2. The milking device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2) and/or the outlet sleeve (21.1-21.4) has a groove (33), into which an edge of the first opening or the second opening protrudes.

3. A milking device according to claim 2, wherein the groove (32) is defined by a surrounding inner collar (34) extending in a radial direction and a surrounding outer collar (35) extending in a radial direction, wherein the inner collar (34) is arranged in the inner space of the housing (12).

4. The milking device according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the radial extension of the outer collar (35) to the radial extension of the inner collar (34) is greater than 1.0, preferably greater than 1.1, particularly preferably greater than 1.25.

5. A milking device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the outer collar (35) has an annular portion (37) which is inclined towards the inner collar (34).

6. A milking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2) and/or the outlet sleeve (24.1-24.2) has a first part (39.2) of an end region located outside the interior space and a second part (39.1) of the other end region located inside the interior space of the housing (10), wherein the channel (38) has a radially inwardly circumferential flange (38.1) at least on the second part (39.2).

7. A milking device according to claim 6, wherein the inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2) and/or the outlet sleeve (23.1-23.3) has a first end located outside the interior space and a second end located inside the interior space, wherein the channel has a radially inward surrounding flange (41.1, 41.2) at least at the second end.

8. Milking device according to claim 6 and/or 7, wherein the inlet port and/or the outlet port has a groove formed in a corresponding manner to the flange (41.1, 41.2).

9. Milking device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outlet port (42) passes through an imaginary plane defined by a surface of the wall portion facing the inner space.

10. The milking device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vacuum member comprises a pulsator.

11. Milking device according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vacuum component is a vacuum distributor (28.1-28.3) having an inlet port (29) and at least two outlet ports (32).