Milking apparatus and milking chambers for animals

Abstract

This invention relates to a milking apparatus (1) and a milking chamber, the milking apparatus including a support structure (2) for a milking cup assembly (3), the milking cup assembly being able to be positioned at an upper position (U) relative to the support structure (2). P ) and lower position (L) P The support structure (2) includes a fixed support arm (4) having a projecting length (4) as seen in the horizontal direction (H). L ) and suspension point (5), the milking cup assembly (3) is arranged such that when it is in the upper position and the lower position (U) P ,L P When moving between the two, it is suspended from the suspension point in the rope (6). The support structure (2) includes an inclined cup group sliding surface (7) located below the fixed support arm (4), wherein the inclined cup group sliding surface (7) is configured with a horizontal extension (7). H ), as seen in the horizontal direction (H) below the fixed support arm (4), vertically below the suspension point (5), such that when the milking cup assembly (3) is in the upper position (U) P ) and the lower position (L) P When moving between the milking cups (3), the milking cup group (3) will slide along the sliding surface (7) of the inclined cup group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a milking apparatus for animals, comprising a support structure for a milking cup assembly, wherein the milking cup assembly is movable relative to the support structure between an upper position and a lower position. Therefore, the support structure includes a fixed support arm having a projecting length as seen in the horizontal direction and a suspension point from which the milking cup assembly is arranged to be suspended in a rope when it moves between the upper and lower positions. The invention also relates to a milking chamber comprising a plurality of milking compartments arranged on a platform, wherein each milking compartment includes a milking apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] US6450118 discloses a known milking apparatus comprising a support structure on a rotatable platform located within a rotating milking chamber. The support structure includes an automatic cup removal device for automatically separating the teat cups of the milking cup assembly from the animal's teats upon completion of milking. The milking cup assembly is raised to an upper position by the automatic cup removal device, where it is suspended from a suspension point in a fixed support arm above the rotatable platform, and then lowered to a lower position below the rotatable platform. While the milking cup assembly is suspended in the lower position, a cleaning operation (backwashing) is performed. The lower position also keeps the milking cup assembly away from and prevents animals from entering / leaving the rotating platform. Animals enter / leave via a fixed bridge that provides a small gap between the rotating platform and the milking cup assembly. The milking cup assembly is thus suspended in the lower position by a rope passing through the small gap between the fixed bridge and the rotating platform. However, in this known support structure, there is a risk that the milking cup assembly may become stuck on the platform and never reach the lower position when it is lowered to the bottom. If the milking cup assembly gets caught on the edge of the rotating platform, it may be crushed by the fixed bridge or otherwise damaged. Furthermore, animals entering / leaving the rotating platform may damage the milking cup assembly by stepping on or standing on it if it is stuck to the platform floor.

[0003] EP1553818 discloses another known milking apparatus having a support structure on a rotatable platform located within a rotating milking chamber. The support structure therefore includes a pivoting (non-fixed) support arm for suspending the milking cup assembly in upper and lower positions. More precisely, the pivoting support arm includes a suspension point for the milking cup assembly, which is movable between a downward vertical orientation in the lower position and a horizontal orientation in the upper position. The horizontal orientation of the pivoting support arm prevents the milking cup assembly from impacting the platform, while the vertical orientation brings the milking cup assembly's rope close to the edge of the rotating platform to keep the rope of the milking cup assembly safely away from the fixed bridge. However, the mechanism of the pivoting support arm for extending and retracting the suspension point of the milking cup assembly is more complex than that of a fixed support arm with no moving parts. Furthermore, the mechanism of the pivoting support arm involves the risk of failure of worn parts, making it less reliable in operation than a fixed support arm. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to provide an improved milking apparatus comprising a reliable support structure that prevents the milking cup assembly from becoming stuck on the platform of the milking chamber when the milking cup assembly moves between an upper and lower position. This is achieved by the milking apparatus as claimed in claim 1. Therefore, the support structure of the originally defined milking apparatus thus includes an inclined cup assembly sliding surface located below a fixed support arm. The inclined cup assembly sliding surface is configured with a horizontal extension, as seen in the horizontal direction below the fixed support arm, positioned vertically below the suspension point, such that the milking cup assembly slides along the inclined cup assembly sliding surface when moving between the upper and lower positions.

[0005] In this way, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface ensures that the milking cup assembly slides over the edge of the milking chamber platform, preventing it from getting stuck. In other words, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface ensures that the milking cup assembly reaches its lower position, keeping it away from the animal and preventing damage during operation. The tilting cup assembly sliding surface also allows for the use of a more reliable fixed support arm. Therefore, a fixed support arm with a tilting cup assembly sliding surface does not require a mechanism for pivoting the support arm to extend and retract the suspension point. Additionally, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface allows for the use of a relatively short fixed support arm. Therefore, the fixed support arm with its suspension point does not need to extend significantly beyond the platform to ensure proper milking cup assembly descent. This is advantageous because the fixed support arm does not obstruct the way during operation. Furthermore, if the support arm and its suspension point extend too far, there is a risk of premature rope wear due to the rope being forced or guided into the gap between the fixed bridge and the rotating platform. Therefore, a fixed support arm with a tilting cup assembly sliding surface provides a simpler, more economical, and reliable way to ensure that the milking cup assembly is correctly positioned below the platform, thereby protecting the milking cup assembly from damage during operation.

[0006] In embodiments of the milking apparatus, the inclined cup assembly sliding surface extends relative to the horizontal direction at an angle α ranging from 30° to 70°. The angle is at least 30° to ensure the milking cup assembly slides downwards on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface. However, the angle should not be too steep (not exceeding 70°) to ensure the milking cup assembly is adequately guided outwards and past the platform edge. Therefore, an angle exceeding 70° would require an impractical (high) vertical extension on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface to ensure adequate outward guidance of the milking cup assembly. The angle α is preferably in the range of 45° to 65°. The inclined cup assembly sliding surface is preferably flat. However, the inclined cup assembly sliding surface may have recessed and / or convex extensions in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. In this case, the angle α is defined as the angle α of a chord (imaginary straight line), as seen in the longitudinal section (longitudinal) of the recessed and / or convex inclined cup assembly sliding surface, extending between the upper and lower endpoints of the recessed and / or convex inclined cup assembly sliding surface. It should also be noted that the sliding surface of the tilting cup assembly may have V-shaped extensions in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. Therefore, in the same manner as described above, the tilt angle α is defined by the recessed and / or convex extensions of the tilting cup assembly sliding surface.

[0007] In another embodiment of the milking apparatus, the horizontal extension on the sliding surface of the tilting cup assembly is at least 60% of the protruding length on the fixed support arm. Therefore, the sliding surface of the tilting cup assembly does not need to extend along the entire protruding length of the fixed support arm, only that it ensures the milking cup assembly slides over the edge of the platform. The fixed support arm may, for example, extend beyond the edge of the platform by a short distance, while the sliding surface of the tilting cup assembly extends to (or near) the edge of the platform. Furthermore, if the suspension point is located inside the outer end of the fixed support arm, the sliding surface of the tilting cup assembly also does not need to extend along the entire protruding length of the fixed support arm. The fixed support arm may, for example, form an outer protective cover portion surrounding and protecting the suspension point of the milking cup assembly, whereby the suspension point is arranged inside the outer end of the fixed support arm.

[0008] In another embodiment of the milking apparatus, the horizontal extension on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface is at most 100% of the protruding length on the fixed support arm. In other words, the inclined cup assembly sliding surface does not extend beyond the protruding length of the fixed support arm. Therefore, to ensure proper milking cup assembly descent, it is not necessary to extend the inclined cup assembly sliding surface beyond the protruding length. In most cases, the horizontal extension of the inclined cup assembly sliding surface appropriately extends to the location of the suspension point on the fixed support arm. Thus, if the suspension point of the milking apparatus is located at the outer end of the fixed support arm, the horizontal extension on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface is advantageously provided along the entire protruding length of the fixed support arm.

[0009] In this milking apparatus implementation, the protruding length on the fixed support arm ranges from 10cm to 30cm. This implementation thus provides a relatively short fixed support arm that does not protrude significantly beyond the platform edge. Consequently, the fixed support arm does not obstruct operation during use and provides a more ergonomic position for the milking cup assembly, which is closer to the animal's udder. Furthermore, the suspension point does not extend significantly beyond the platform edge. Therefore, the outer end of the fixed support arm, the suspension point, and the ropes of the milking cup assembly can be advantageously positioned closer to the platform edge, thereby reducing the risk of premature rope wear, as the ropes do not need to be guided or forced into the gap between the fixed bridge and the rotating platform.

[0010] In another embodiment of the milking apparatus, the sliding surface of the tilting cup assembly has a lower end located vertically below the suspension point on the fixed support arm. In other words, a horizontal extension on the sliding surface of the tilting cup assembly extends to the suspension point of the milking cup assembly to ensure that the milking cup assembly slides over the edge of the platform and prevents the milking cup assembly from getting stuck on the platform.

[0011] In another embodiment of the milking apparatus, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface has an upper end located at a certain vertical distance below the fixed support arm. Therefore, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface does not extend vertically all the way to the fixed support arm, but terminates at a certain vertical distance below the fixed support arm. In this way, the support structure provides more space below the fixed support arm for the milking cup assembly to be suspended in the upper position. However, the lower portion of the milking cup assembly can contact (and be supported by) the tilting cup assembly sliding surface. The support structure may also include a display and / or input devices / buttons in a control console disposed between the fixed support arm and the tilting cup assembly sliding surface, thereby allowing, for example, operation of an automatic cup assembly removal device via the control console.

[0012] In another embodiment of the milking apparatus, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface has a vertical extension between its lower and upper ends, as seen in the vertical direction. This vertical extension is 30% to 50% of the total height of the support structure between the lower end of the tilting cup assembly sliding surface and the fixed support arm, as seen in the vertical direction. Therefore, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface is positioned at the lower portion of the total height of the support structure, at 30% to 50%. This provides suitable space below the fixed support arm for suspending the milking cup assembly in an upper position, while providing sufficient vertical extension on the tilting cup assembly sliding surface to ensure proper milking cup assembly descent. It should also be noted that it is not necessary to provide a vertical extension all the way to the fixed support arm, as the milking cup assembly suspended from the fixed support arm will never reach or slide to the uppermost portion of this extended tilting cup assembly sliding surface.

[0013] In another embodiment of the milking apparatus, the support structure forms a cabinet with a cleaning device for the milking cup assembly disposed inside the cabinet. A sliding surface for tilting the cup assembly forms a cabinet door that is rotatable between a first closed position and a second open position to access the cleaning device for the milking cup assembly. The cleaning device is, for example, a so-called sprayer, disposed within the cabinet support structure, and the nipple cups of the milking cup assembly can be placed thereon for cleaning. Therefore, after a milking session, the operator can open the cabinet door or tilt the sliding surface of the cup assembly for compact and convenient access to the cleaning device (sprayer) disposed inside the cabinet.

[0014] In some milking apparatus implementations, the support structure is part of the sidewall of the milking compartment. More precisely, the support structure is part of the end posts of the sidewall of the milking compartment. In this way, the support structure forms an integral, compact part of the sidewall within the milking compartment, which further provides the milking cup assembly in a suitable location that is easily accessible to the operator connecting the milking cup assembly to the animal's teats.

[0015] In another embodiment of the milking apparatus, the support structure and the sidewalls of the milking compartment house an automatic cup removal device for automatically removing milking cups from the animal's teats upon completion of milking. The automatic cup removal device is arranged to move the entire milking cup assembly between upper and lower positions. Accordingly, the automatic cup removal device is integrated and protected within the sidewalls and support structure. The automatic cup removal device typically includes a cylinder connected to a rope of the milking cup assembly and a control unit for automatically actuating the cylinder to retract the rope and remove the milking cup assembly upon completion of the milking period. In this embodiment, the cylinder is preferably disposed within a side rail of the sidewall, with the rope extending horizontally toward and within a support arm arranged flush with the side rail. In this way, the cylinder can exhibit an extended length (extended stroke length) within the side rail, with the rope extending linearly to the suspension point (without any pulley device located within the support structure or sidewall). Additionally, the support structure of this embodiment preferably includes a control unit with an input device (button) for the automatic cup removal device.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, this objective is also achieved by a milking chamber comprising a plurality of milking compartments arranged on a platform, wherein each milking compartment includes a milking apparatus according to any of the embodiments described above. A support structure is thus located on the platform for suspending milking cup assemblies in an upper position above the platform and a lower position below the platform, wherein a sliding surface for the inclined milking cup assemblies extends to the edge of the platform. In this way, the inclined sliding surface ensures that the milking cup assemblies slide past the edge of the platform, thereby preventing the milking cup assemblies from getting stuck on the platform. The inclined sliding surface preferably extends upward to the edge of the platform, and as long as the inclined sliding surface extends within a few centimeters of the platform edge, it will still provide proper milking cup assembly descent. In other words, the inclined sliding surface does not need to extend precisely upward to the edge. Furthermore, the inclined sliding surface obviously also prevents the platform from getting the milking cup assemblies stuck when it extends beyond the platform edge, but this further extension is not necessary to ensure proper milking cup assembly descent. The benefits of embodiments of milking apparatus relating to a milking chamber including a platform have been described above.

[0017] In an embodiment of the milking chamber, the platform is a rotatable platform forming the rotating milking chamber, and the inclined cup group sliding surface extends to the outer edge of the rotatable platform. Although the milking apparatus can be used in any type of milking chamber with a (fixed) platform, as mentioned above, the milking apparatus with the inclined cup group sliding surface is advantageously used in a rotating milking chamber with a rotating platform.

[0018] In another embodiment of the milking chamber, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface has a lower end that is vertically aligned with the edge of the platform. Therefore, the lower end of the tilting cup assembly sliding surface neither extends beyond the platform edge nor retracts from it (extends within it). In this way, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface effectively guides the milking cup assembly across the edge of the platform, while the milking cup assembly ropes can be suspended near the edge of the platform. As previously mentioned, this reduces the risk of premature rope wear because the ropes do not need to be guided or forced into the gap formed between the fixed bridge and the edge of the rotating platform.

[0019] In another embodiment of the milking parlor, the suspension points on the fixed support arms are vertically aligned with the edge of the platform. In this way, the ropes of the milking cup assembly also remain close to the edge of the platform, thereby further reducing the risk of premature rope wear as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will be explained in more detail by way of detailed embodiments given as examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 A milking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figures 2A to 2B A milking apparatus having an embodiment having milking cups suspended in an upper and lower position respectively is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 The supporting structure of an embodiment forming a cabinet is shown, which houses cleaning devices for milking cup sets.

[0024] Figure 4 A perspective view of an embodiment of a milking apparatus including a milking compartment on a rotating milking chamber is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A perspective view of an embodiment of a milking apparatus including multiple milking compartments arranged on a rotating milking chamber is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A milking apparatus 1, including a support structure 2 for a milking cup assembly 3, is shown according to a detailed embodiment of the invention. The milking cup assembly 3 is shown with its teat cups attached to the teats of the animal (cow) during the milking period. Thus, the operator (dairy farmer) has attached the milking cup assembly 3 to the teats of the animal (cow) present in the milking compartment 9 arranged on the platform 12. The milking apparatus includes an automatic cup assembly removal device 10 (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 2B When the milking period is completed, the automatic cup removal device automatically removes the milking cup set 3 from the nipple.

[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This illustrates how the milking cup assembly 3 is positioned at an upper position U relative to the support structure 2 and platform 12 via an automatic cup assembly removal device. P With lower position L P The support structure 2 therefore includes a fixed support arm 4, which has a projecting length 4 as seen in the horizontal direction H. L The fixed support arm 4 is also equipped with a suspension point 5, and the milking cup assembly 3 is arranged such that when it is in the upper position U... P With lower position L P When moving between them, they are suspended from the suspension point in the rope 6. The support structure 2 therefore includes an inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 located below the fixed support arm 4. The inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 is configured with a horizontal extension 7. H As seen in the horizontal direction H below the fixed support arm 4, the position is vertically below the suspension point 5, so that when the milking cup assembly 3 is in the upper position U P With lower position L PDuring movement, the milking cup assembly 3 will slide along the inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7. The inclined milking cup assembly sliding surface 7 ensures that the milking cup assembly 3 slides over the edge 12a of the platform 12, thereby preventing the milking cup assembly 3 from getting stuck on the platform 12. Accordingly, the inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 thus ensures that the milking cup assembly 3 reaches the lower position L. P This protects the milking cup assembly 3 from damage during milking chamber operation.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2B As can be seen, the inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 extends at an angle α relative to the horizontal direction H. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface is approximately 60°. The angle α can be large or small, but should be at least 30° to ensure that the milking cup assembly 3 slides effectively downwards on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7. Furthermore, the angle α should not exceed 70°, as this would require an impractical (high) vertical extension on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7. The angle α is preferably in the range of 45° to 65°. The inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 of this embodiment is flat (see also...). Figures 4 to 5 However, as previously stated, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7 may alternatively have (slightly) concave and / or convex extensions in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. The tilt angle α is thus measured as a chord (imaginary straight line) tilt angle α, as seen in the longitudinal section (longitudinal) of the concave and / or convex tilting cup assembly sliding surface, extending between the upper endpoint 7b and the lower endpoint 7a of the concave and / or convex tilting cup assembly sliding surface. Furthermore, as previously stated, the tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7 may have V-shaped extensions in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions, wherein the tilt angle α is measured in the same manner as in the case of the tilting cup assembly sliding surface with concave and / or convex extensions.

[0029] In addition, if Figure 2A As can be seen, the horizontal extension 7 on the sliding surface 7 of the tilted cup assembly in the illustrated embodiment H Not along the entire protruding length 4 of the fixed support arm 4 L Extension. Conversely, the horizontal extension 7 on the sliding surface 7 of the tilting cup assembly. H The protruding length 4 on the fixed support arm 4 L Approximately 70%. The tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7 is therefore provided with a lower end 7a, which is located vertically below the suspension point 5 on the fixed support arm 4. More precisely, both the lower end 7a of the tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7 and the suspension point 5 of the fixed support arm 4 are vertically aligned with the edge 12a of the platform 12 (see also...). Figure 2B In this way, the milking cup assembly 3 is effectively guided through the edge 12a of the platform 12, while the rope 6 of the milking cup assembly 3 can be suspended near the edge 12a of the platform 12. A horizontal extension 7 on the tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7...H It can vary, but it is preferably the protruding length 4 on the fixed support arm 4. L At least 60% and at most 100%. Horizontal extension 7 H This depends on the position of the suspension point 5 on the fixed support arm 4 and / or how far the fixed support arm 4 extends beyond the edge 12a of the platform 12. In this detailed embodiment, the suspension point 5 is located slightly inward on the fixed support arm 4 because the fixed support arm 4 forms an outer shield protecting or surrounding the suspension point 5 of the milking cup assembly 3, thus the suspension point 5 is located at the aforementioned short distance within the outer end of the fixed support arm 4. Furthermore, as can be seen, the protruding length 4 of the fixed support arm 4... L It is quite short, and it does not extend significantly beyond the edge 12a of the platform 12. In this embodiment, the protruding length 4 of the fixed support arm 4... L It is approximately 20cm. The protruding length is 4. L Based on this, the milking cup assembly 3 is constructed to provide sufficient width or space for hanging in the upper position U. P Protruding length 4 L Preferably, the fixed support arm 4 and its suspension point 5 are positioned within a range of 10cm to 30cm, so that they do not extend significantly beyond the edge 12a of the platform 12. As previously mentioned, the suspension point 5 of the milking cup assembly 3 and the rope 6 can be advantageously positioned near the edge 12a of the platform in this way, while also providing an ergonomic location close to the animal.

[0030] Figure 2B The diagram shows a sliding surface 7 of an inclined milking cup assembly with an upper end 7b, located at a certain vertical distance D below the fixed support arm 4. Therefore, the support structure 2 provides more space below the fixed support arm 4 for the milking cup assembly 3 to be suspended at the upper position U. P In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, a control console (not shown in the figure) is arranged between the fixed support arm 4 and the tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7 in the support structure 2, thereby allowing operation of the automatic cup assembly removal device 10 via the control console. A vertical extension 7 is provided between the lower end 7a and the upper end 7b of the tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7. V As seen in the vertical direction V. More precisely, the vertical extension 7 in this embodiment. V The total height of supporting structure 2 (vertical distance D+7) V Approximately 45%. The inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 is preferably positioned at the lower part of 30%-50% of the total height of the support structure to provide suitable space or distance D below the fixed support arm 4 so that the milking cup assembly is suspended in the upper position, while providing sufficient vertical extension 7 on the inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7. V To ensure the correct milking cup set falls.

[0031] Figure 3 The supporting structure forming an embodiment of cabinet 2 is shown, the cabinet having a cleaning device 8 for milking cup assembly 3 arranged inside the cabinet 2. It can be seen that the tilting cup assembly sliding surface 7 is a cabinet door, which can be accessed from a first closed position (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 4 (As shown) Rotate to the second open position (as shown) Figure 3 As shown), a cleaning device 8 is used to approach the milking cup assembly 3. The cleaning device 8 has four so-called sprayers on which the four nipple cups of the milking cup assembly 3 are mounted for spray cleaning operations on the milking cup assembly 3.

[0032] Additionally, the support structure 2 is part of the side wall 9a in the milking compartment 9 (see also...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The supporting structure 2 shown is part of the end post of the side wall 9a in the milking compartment 9. Furthermore, as... Figures 2A to 2B As can be seen, the sidewall 9a of the support structure 2 and the milking station 9 accommodates an automatic cup removal device 10, which is used to automatically remove milking cups 3 from the animal's teats at the end of the milking period. The automatic cup removal device 10 is also arranged in an upper position U P With lower position L P The milking cup assembly 3 is moved between the milking cups. The automatic cup assembly removal device 10 is therefore integrated and protected within the side wall 9a and the support structure 2. The automatic cup assembly removal device 10 includes a cylinder connected to the rope 6 of the milking cup assembly 3 and a control unit for automatically actuating the cylinder 10 to retract the rope 6 and remove the milking cup assembly 3 upon completion of the milking period. In this embodiment, the cylinder 10 is disposed within the side rail of the side wall 9a, wherein the rope 6 extends horizontally within the side rail and the support arm 4 arranged flush with the side rail. In other words, the rope 6 extends linearly to the suspension point 5 (without any pulley device located within the support structure 2 or the side wall 9a). Furthermore, the support structure 2 of this embodiment includes a control unit with an input device (button) for the automatic cup assembly removal device 10.

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view of a rotating milking chamber 11 is shown, which includes a plurality of milking compartments 9 arranged on a rotating platform 12. Each milking compartment 9 includes a milking device 1 according to the embodiment described above. Therefore, a support structure 2 is located on the rotating platform 12 for suspending the milking cup assembly 3 at an upper position U above the rotating platform 12. P The lower part L below the rotatable platform 12 PThe inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 extends to the outer edge 12a of the rotatable platform 12. The inclined cup assembly sliding surface 7 thus ensures that the milking cup assembly 3 slides past the outer edge 12a of the rotatable platform 12, thereby preventing the milking cup assembly 3 from getting stuck on the platform 12. As described above, combined with... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The lower end 7a of the sliding surface 7 of the tilting cup assembly is vertically aligned with the outer edge 12a of the rotatable platform 12. Furthermore, the suspension point 5 on the fixed support arm 4 is also vertically aligned with the outer edge 12a of the rotatable platform 12. Therefore, the rope 6 of the milking cup assembly 3 is held near the outer edge 12a of the rotating platform 12 to safely maintain the rope 6 of the milking cup assembly 3 in the lower position L. P The rope 6 is thus safely passed (without being forced or guided) through the gap formed between the fixed bridge and the rotatable platform 12, away from the fixed bridge located in front of the milking cup assembly 3.

[0034] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description above, but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A milking apparatus (1) for animals, the milking apparatus comprising a support structure (2) for a milking cup assembly (3), wherein the milking cup assembly (3) is configurable relative to the support structure (2) in an upper position (U). P ) and lower position (L) P The support structure (2) includes a fixed support arm (4) that moves between the two sides, the fixed support arm having a projecting length (4) in the horizontal direction (H). L And having a suspension point (5), the milking cup assembly (3) is arranged such that when it is in the upper position and the lower position (U) P ,L P When moving between the points, it is suspended from the suspension point on the rope (6). Its features The support structure (2) includes an inclined cup assembly sliding surface (7) located below the fixed support arm (4), the inclined cup assembly sliding surface (7) being configured with a horizontal extension (7). H ), horizontal extension (7 H ) in the horizontal direction (H) below the fixed support arm (4), the horizontal extension (7) H The milking cup assembly (3) is located vertically below the suspension point (5), such that when the milking cup assembly (3) is in the upper position (U) P ) and the lower position (L) P When moving between the milking cups, the milking cup assembly (3) will slide along the sliding surface (7) of the inclined cup assembly. The supporting structure forms a cabinet with a cleaning device (8) for the milking cup set (3) arranged inside the cabinet. The inclined cup set sliding surface (7) forms a cabinet door that can rotate between a first closed position and a second open position of the cabinet to access the cleaning device (8) for the milking cup set.

2. The milking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sliding surface (7) of the inclined cup assembly extends relative to the horizontal direction (H) at an angle (α) in the range of 30° to 70°.

3. The milking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sliding surface (7) of the inclined cup assembly extends relative to the horizontal direction (H) at an angle (α) in the range of 45° to 65°.

4. The milking apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the horizontal extension (7) on the sliding surface (7) of the inclined cup assembly H ) is the protruding length (4) on the fixed support arm (4). L At least 60% of that.

5. The milking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the horizontal extension (7) on the sliding surface (7) of the inclined cup assembly H ) is the protruding length (4) on the fixed support arm (4). L (up to 100%) 6. The milking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protruding length (4) on the fixed support arm (4) L Within the range of 10cm to 30cm.

7. The milking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inclined cup assembly sliding surface (7) has a lower end (7a) located vertically below the suspension point (5) on the fixed support arm (4).

8. The milking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inclined cup group sliding surface (7) has an upper end (7b) located at a certain vertical distance (D) below the fixed support arm (4).

9. The milking apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inclined cup group sliding surface (7) has a vertical extension (7a) between the lower end (7a) and the upper end (7b) of the inclined cup group sliding surface (7). V ), vertical extension (7 V ) is arranged in the vertical direction (V), wherein the vertical extension (7) V The height of the support structure (2) between the lower end (7a) of the inclined cup group sliding surface (7) and the fixed support arm (4) is 30% to 50% of the total height of the support structure (2).

10. The milking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support structure (2) is part of the sidewall (9a) in the milking compartment (9).

11. The milking apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sidewall (9a) of the support structure (2) and the milking compartment (9) houses an automatic cup removal device (10) for automatically removing the milking cup assembly (3) from the animal's teat upon completion of milking, wherein the automatic cup removal device (10) is arranged in the upper position (U) P ) and the lower position (L) P Move the milking cup assembly (3) between the milking cups.

12. A milking parlor (11), the milking parlor comprising a plurality of milking compartments (9) arranged on a platform (12), Its characteristics It lies in, Each milking compartment (9) includes a milking apparatus (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support structure (2) is located on the platform (12) for suspending the milking cup assembly (3) above the platform (12) at the upper position (U). P ) and the lower position (L) below the platform (12) P The inclined cup assembly sliding surface (7) extends to the outer edge (12a) of the platform (12).

13. The milking chamber of claim 12, wherein the platform (12) is a rotatable platform forming a rotating milking chamber (11), and the inclined cup group sliding surface (7) extends to the outer edge (12a) of the rotatable platform (12).

14. The milking chamber as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the inclined cup assembly sliding surface (7) has a lower end (7a) that is vertically aligned with the outer edge (12a) of the platform (12).

15. The milking chamber as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the suspension point (5) on the fixed support arm (4) is vertically aligned with the outer edge (12a) of the platform (12).

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