Milking system with central utility system

Abstract

The invention relates to a milking system comprising: two or more milking devices for extracting a milking volume from a dairy animal; a central utility system connected with each of the milking devices in the milking system and comprising a cleaning unit for cleaning the milking devices and milk carrying parts of the central utility system, wherein the cleaning unit comprises at least one fluid transport line for transporting a cleaning fluid, wherein each of the milking devices is fluidly connected with the fluid transport line, a buffer unit for receiving and temporarily storing the extracted milk, wherein the buffer unit is fluidly connected with each of the milking devices by a milk line, a control unit for controlling at least the central utility unit, wherein the milking system further comprises a milk transport line connecting the buffer unit with a bulk milk storage device, and wherein the cleaning unit separately cleans each of the milking devices and the respective milk line during a cleaning cycle, wherein at least one of the milking devices is available for extracting milk from a dairy animal during the cleaning cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a milking system for milking animals, particularly dairy cows, wherein the milking system includes a central utility system. Background Technology

[0002] Known milking systems include milking devices for extracting milk from dairy animals such as cows, goats, and sheep. In dairy farms, such systems use milking robots and milking carousels to (semi-)automatically milk cows. Each milking robot or carousel can only milk a limited number of cows per day. For herds exceeding the maximum number of cows per milking robot, additional milking robots are required. Therefore, larger herds require multiple milking devices. Furthermore, the required barn area increases with the size of the herd, which increases the distance the extracted milk needs to be transported, potentially affecting milk quality. The longer the transport distance and time, the more likely the milk quality is to be degraded by factors such as turbulence in the transport pipelines.

[0003] Furthermore, milking units in such large barns require regular and timely cleaning. In known milking systems, a cleaning unit can be used for each milking unit or for each pair of milking units and their associated milk lines. Additionally, for multiple milking units, the associated milk lines are shared, for example, each pair of milking units shares its associated milk lines. In the case of more than two milking units, a cluster of cleaning units is provided, where each cleaning unit is connected to a central control system that controls the cleaning units in the cluster. Based on the hygiene requirements of the milking system, the central control system signals all cleaning units in the cluster to simultaneously clean all milking units and their associated milk lines during a planned cleaning cycle. Therefore, all milking units will be in cleaning mode simultaneously, and none of them will be available for milking from dairy cows; that is, cleaning of the cluster is synchronous. Due to the herd hierarchy and the habits of each cow in the herd, even a temporary halt to milking can be detrimental to milk production. Furthermore, synchronous cleaning is disadvantageous because when the control system marks all milking units as clean, all milking units are released for milking. If the control system detects that at least one milking unit in the cluster is not ready, for example due to an error in the cleaning cycle, then no other milking unit will be released for milking. In these known systems, during the separation cleaning period, the (shared) associated milk lines are not cleaned, and therefore milking can continue using one or more milking units that are not in separation cleaning mode. However, in known milking systems, it is impossible to continue milking during a planned cleaning cycle because all milking units in such a system will be in cleaning mode and therefore unavailable for milking.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a milking system that at least alleviates some of the perceived inconveniences of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a milking system is provided, the milking system comprising:

[0006] - Two or more milking devices, which are used to extract milk from dairy animals;

[0007] - A central utility system, which is connected to each milking unit in the milking system and includes...

[0008] A cleaning unit for cleaning milking units and milk-carrying components of a central utility system, wherein the cleaning unit includes at least one fluid transport line for transporting cleaning fluid, wherein each of the milking units is fluidly connected to the fluid transport line.

[0009] A buffer unit, used to receive and temporarily store the extracted milk, wherein the buffer unit is fluidly connected to each of these milking devices via milk lines, and

[0010] The control unit is used to control at least the central utility unit.

[0011] The milking system further includes a milk transport pipeline that connects a buffer unit to a large-capacity milk storage device.

[0012] The cleaning unit individually cleans each of the milking devices and their corresponding milk lines during the cleaning cycle, wherein at least one of these milking devices is capable of extracting milk from dairy animals during the cleaning cycle.

[0013] Two or more milking devices extract milk from dairy animals, such as cows, female goats, female sheep, mares, camels or dromedary camels, female donkeys, or any other animal from which milk can be extracted. Milking devices are particularly suitable for dairy cows and are preferably implemented as automated milking devices, such as rotary milking machines, but most preferably as automated milking robots, especially automated milking robots capable of freely moving cows within a barn. Milking devices may include teat cups and milk jugs for collecting milk from a single milking session. Milk volume is defined as the amount of milk extracted from a single cow during a single visit of the milking device. The volume of the milk jug may be limited to the maximum expected volume of milk extracted during a single milking session.

[0014] The central utility system provides the infrastructure for temporarily storing extracted milk via buffer units and for cleaning milk-carrying components of the milking system, such as milking units, milk lines, and buffer units. For this purpose, the central utility system includes a cleaning unit. The central utility system is connected to each of these milking units, for example, via milk lines with buffer units and fluid transport lines with cleaning units.

[0015] The fluid transport lines connect each milking unit to the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit supplies cleaning fluid to the milking units via the fluid transport lines. During the cleaning of the milking unit, the cleaning fluid is removed from the fluid transport lines. This also occurs if the milking unit unexpectedly needs to be cleaned again (e.g., due to a malfunction).

[0016] During use, milking equipment can be cleaned in several ways. During incidental cleaning, only one milking unit in the milking system undergoes localized cleaning. After localized cleaning, the cleaning fluid flows to the discharge point, bypassing the milk line. This incidental cleaning occurs, for example, during the start-up of a milking unit, after a prolonged period of inactivity, or after spoiled milk separation (often referred to as separation cleaning). Conversely, cleaning cycles constitute the primary cleaning of the milking equipment and milk-carrying components. Cleaning cycles involve the periodic cleaning of all milking units in the milking system. During such cleaning cycles, each milking unit and the associated milk line connecting the milking unit to the buffer unit are cleaned individually. The cleaning fluid can be a gas or liquid, such as water (e.g., tap water) or a diluted chemical solution.

[0017] Regardless of the cleaning method, the milking unit will be in cleaning mode and request cleaning fluid from the cleaning unit. The milking unit will then be unusable for milk extraction. Because localized cleaning is occasional and applies to one milking unit at a time, other milking units can continue milking the dairy animals. In known art, all milking units are in cleaning mode simultaneously during a cleaning cycle. In contrast, the central communal system of the present invention allows the milking system to have at least one milking unit, and preferably more than one milking unit available for milking during a cleaning cycle in the case of more than two milking units, wherein each milking unit and associated milk line are cleaned individually. In other words, the central cleaning unit is configured such that during a cleaning cycle, the milking units are cleaned and available for parallel milking. It is possible to have multiple milking units and associated milk lines in cleaning mode simultaneously, or for the time to at least partially overlap due to such individual cleaning, and to have at least one additional milking unit available for milking the dairy animals.

[0018] In this embodiment, the control unit controls only the central utility system, and thus controls at least the buffer unit and the cleaning unit. The vacuum system can be controlled by a separate second control unit. Preferably, the control unit and the second control unit have a connection for exchanging data. Furthermore, the large-capacity milk storage device does not need to be controlled by the control system of the central utility system, but can be controlled by a third control system, which preferably has a connection for exchanging data with the control system of the central utility system.

[0019] In another embodiment, the control system of the central utility system also controls at least one of the large-capacity milk storage device, the milking device, and the vacuum system.

[0020] Preferably, the cleaning unit cleans each milking unit and its associated milk lines multiple times within a 24-hour cleaning cycle, for example, three times within 24 hours, thus averaging once every 8 hours. Preferably, the cleaning cycle has a predetermined duration or schedule within which all milking units and associated milk lines are cleaned individually. The duration can be between 30 and 120 minutes, preferably 60 minutes.

[0021] Specifically, the duration of the cleaning cycle is divided into multiple time slots. These time slots are preferably continuous, minimizing the duration of the cleaning cycle. Within each time slot, one or more milking units are in cleaning mode, while other milking units are available for milking. Milking units in the milking system can be grouped within a time slot, such that two or more milking units are cleaned simultaneously within each time slot. For example, in a milking system with six milking units distributed in pairs (first milking units and second milking units) on the barn, during the first time slot, all first milking units can be in cleaning mode and all second milking units can be used for milking dairy animals, and vice versa during the second time slot.

[0022] The advantage of cleaning all milking units and associated milk lines during a predetermined duration is that the cleaning units can be configured efficiently for energy and cleaning fluid usage. This may result in shorter or smaller diameter pipes for cleaning fluids and / or vacuum, and, for example, lower pressure differentials within the pipes. Furthermore, the cleaning cycle, and particularly the grouping of milking units during the cleaning cycle, allows for predictable cleaning patterns over time. This can benefit the herd behavior and habits of dairy animals, especially cows, and thus improve milk yield, and is also beneficial for large dairy farms where the timing of the planned cleaning cycle is part of the farm's (daily) routine.

[0023] The milking system may further include a large-capacity milk storage device for storing the extracted milk, and milk transport lines connecting the buffer unit to the large-capacity milk storage system. Preferably, the large-capacity milk storage device includes one or more large-capacity milk tanks. Alternatively, the large-capacity milk storage device includes milk tanks that collect milk in the tanks of a truck. The truck is replaceable and is not part of the milking system or a central utility system.

[0024] In one embodiment, milk flows at a constant flow rate from the buffer tank to the large-capacity milk storage unit. Alternatively, milk flows continuously from the buffer unit to the large-capacity milk storage unit, and this continuous flow is (temporarily) terminated only when the milk transport line is being cleaned or for any other reason why milk flow is not possible or desired through the milk transport line. The large-capacity milk storage unit may be part of the milking system but is not part of the central utility system. Alternatively, the large-capacity milk storage unit may be part of the central utility system.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the cleaning unit has a separate connection to each milking unit via a fluid transport line for supplying liquid fluid for each cleaning (whether it is an incidental cleaning or a major cleaning during a cleaning cycle). The milking unit can then individually draw cleaning liquid from the fluid transport line.

[0026] Preferably, the cleaning unit includes at least a first cleaning fluid container, wherein the fluid transport line includes a first loop line connected to the first cleaning fluid container. The loop line allows the cleaning fluid to circulate and / or be available for extended periods within the milking apparatus.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the cleaning unit includes a second cleaning fluid container, and the cleaning fluid line includes a second loop line fluidly connected to the second cleaning fluid container, wherein the first cleaning fluid container contains a first cleaning fluid, and the second cleaning fluid container contains a second cleaning fluid. The first and second cleaning fluids may differ in temperature, pressure, and / or composition, for example, hot versus cold or warm, pressurized versus atmospheric pressure, or water versus a diluted chemical solution.

[0028] The cleaning unit may further include a third cleaning fluid container fluidly connected to each of the first and second cleaning fluid transport lines, wherein the third cleaning fluid container contains a third cleaning fluid. The third cleaning fluid may differ from the first and second cleaning fluids in temperature, pressure, and / or composition.

[0029] The first and / or second loop lines may include a supply line and a return line, wherein the supply line supplies cleaning fluid upwards to a connection line to each of these milking units, and wherein, if at least a portion of the cleaning fluid remains unused, the return line returns that portion of the cleaning fluid to a corresponding cleaning fluid container. The cleaning fluid circulates in the loop line, a portion of which serves as a supply line supplying cleaning fluid to the milking units, and another portion serving as a return line returning any remaining cleaning fluid in the loop line to a corresponding cleaning fluid container. The cleaning fluid may be drawn from the supply line via a connection line connecting the loop line to the milking units. For this purpose, a valve or valve unit may be provided at the end of the connection line connected to the milking units. During cleaning, the milking units may draw cleaning fluid from either the first or second loop line via the supply line.

[0030] As is well known, the milk-carrying components of a milking system undergo several cleaning steps, such as pre-rinsing, main cleaning, and post-rinsing. When the cleaning unit comprises two or more cleaning fluid containers, these steps can be performed subsequently because the cleaning fluids required for these steps are readily available in one of the cleaning fluid containers (and preferably in the associated loop line).

[0031] The milking system may further include a vacuum system for providing a continuous vacuum to each of the milking units, wherein the vacuum system is connected to each of the milking units to individually provide a vacuum for milking the dairy animals for each milking unit. Preferably, the vacuum system includes a vacuum line and a vacuum unit having at least two vacuum pumps, wherein the vacuum line connects the vacuum unit to each of the milking units. The vacuum pumps may be connected in parallel. The vacuum system may be included in a central utility system.

[0032] Alternatively, each of the milking units may be equipped with a vacuum pump for providing a vacuum within the milking unit.

[0033] Vacuum systems allow for a centralized and energy-efficient vacuum to be provided to milking units to extract milk from dairy animals, while also allowing for a stable vacuum. In known milking systems, typically two milking units share a single vacuum pump. When the vacuum in one milking unit malfunctions, for example due to a valve failure, the shared vacuum pump lacks sufficient capacity to provide the required vacuum level for the other milking unit. In this situation, neither milking unit can extract milk. According to the invention, using a centralized vacuum system will at least overcome the described situation, as only the milking unit with the faulty vacuum valve will be affected.

[0034] In this embodiment, the milking system includes a cooling device for cooling the extracted milk. Additionally, the milking system may include a filtration system for filtering the extracted milk. The cooling device and / or filtration system may be located within a central utility system. Preferably, the cooling device and / or filtration system is located downstream of a buffer unit, for example, in a milk transport line. In this case, the milk is cooled during transport from the buffer unit to the large-capacity milk tank.

[0035] In another embodiment, the buffer unit includes a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank, a first buffer line and a second buffer line, and two or more valve units. In a first mode, the first valve unit provides a first fluid connection between the first milking device and the first buffer tank. In a second mode, the first valve unit provides a second fluid connection between the first milking device and the second buffer tank, and the second valve unit provides both a first fluid connection and a second fluid connection between the second milking device and the respective first and second buffer tanks. Additionally, in a third mode, the valve units can provide a fluid connection to a discharge device, allowing milk or cleaning fluid to be discharged into a sewer or other suitable discharge device.

[0036] Preferably, the number of valve units is equal to the number of milking devices in the milking system. Alternatively, more than one milking device can be connected to one valve unit; that is, two or more milking devices can be grouped to share a milk line and connected to one valve unit. In this case, the number of valve units is less than the number of milking devices in the milking system.

[0037] Valve units allow milking units to operate independently of each other. Because each valve unit is associated with a milking unit or group thereof, the flow rate of fluid from each milking unit or group thereof can be controlled individually and independently.

[0038] Preferably, the milk pump is located in the milk transport line between the buffer unit and the large-capacity milk storage device. This milk pump enables the milk to be transported over a longer distance without mechanical loading, thus reducing milk quality. In a particular embodiment, a milk pump is located downstream of each buffer tank. Each pump pumps milk from its corresponding buffer tank to the large-capacity milk storage device. A third milk pump may be located in the milk transport line to facilitate milk flow to the large-capacity milk storage device.

[0039] The advantage of using two buffer tanks in the buffer unit is that the buffer unit remains available for milk collection when one of these tanks is used during a cleaning cycle (e.g., for collecting cleaning fluid and / or being cleaned) or is no longer used for another reason. Preferably, each valve unit includes at least two valves, particularly three valves. The use of a third valve in the valve unit allows for the discharge of cleaning fluid into the sewer or the discharge of milk during individual cleaning processes.

[0040] Preferably, the number of valves in the valve unit is at least equal to the number of buffer tanks in the buffer unit, and preferably one more. In the case of two buffer tanks, the number of valves in each valve unit is then preferably three. This arrangement facilitates that the buffer units and the milk lines connecting the buffer units to the corresponding milking devices can be cleaned independently of each other.

[0041] The three valves in each valve unit can be configured in a plug-vent-plug arrangement. Preferably, the first valve of each valve unit is connected to a first buffer line, and the second valve of each valve unit is connected to a second buffer line. A third valve can be located between the first and second valves, connecting from the milking device to the milk line. Furthermore, the valves can be two-way valves, but are preferably three-way valves. A preferred valve unit includes three three-way valves in a plug-vent-plug configuration.

[0042] Preferably, the buffer units are configured such that during a cleaning cycle, a first buffer tank collects cleaning fluid from a first milking device being cleaned, and a second buffer tank collects milk from a second milking device capable of extracting milk from dairy animals. In the case of a milking system with more than one milking device, at least one milking device can be used for milking dairy animals at a time during a cleaning cycle. This means that for a milking system with three milking devices, the first and second milking devices and their associated milk lines can be cleaned simultaneously, or have overlapping individual cleaning, and the third milking device can be used for milking dairy animals. The reverse is also possible, where only the first milking device and its associated milk line are cleaned, and the second and third milking devices can be used for milking.

[0043] Each buffer tank is designed to collect multiple subsequent milking volumes from the milking apparatus (e.g., from a milk jug). Furthermore, preferably, the volume of each buffer tank is at least equal to or greater than the volume of milk extracted from the dairy cow by all milking apparatuses in the milking system within a predetermined time period. Preferably, this predetermined time period is at least equal to the time required for a cleaning cycle to clean all milking apparatuses and associated milk lines in the milking system, and preferably equal to a predetermined duration or schedule required or set for the cleaning cycle. The buffer tanks in the buffer unit can have substantially the same volume. This volume can be equal to the amount of milk that the milking apparatus can extract in one hour, 30 minutes, or less. Alternatively, this volume can be fixed at 1000, 1500, 2000 liters, or even larger.

[0044] During the cleaning cycle, the second buffer tank is used to collect all milk extracted by the available milking units, and the first buffer tank is used to collect cleaning fluid from the cleaning cycle. Since all milking units will be available for milking at some point during the cleaning cycle, such as before and after their individual cleaning, all milk extracted during the cleaning cycle needs to be collected in the second buffer tank. Therefore, the second buffer tank needs to have a volume capable of holding all of this milk volume. In the next cleaning cycle, the roles of the first and second buffer tanks are reversed, and the first buffer tank needs to have the same volume as the second buffer tank.

[0045] During the cleaning cycle, the first valve unit for the first milking device is in a first position, wherein the first valve of the first valve unit opens the first fluid connection between the first milk line of the first milking device and the first buffer tank, and the second valve of the first valve unit closes the second fluid connection to the second buffer tank, so that cleaning fluid is collected in the first buffer tank, and wherein, for the second milking device, the second valve unit is in a second position, wherein the first valve of the second valve unit closes the first fluid connection between the second milk line of the second milking device and the first buffer tank, and the second valve opens the second fluid connection between the second milk line and the second buffer tank, so that the extracted milk is collected in the second buffer tank.

[0046] The first and second valve units may include two 2-way valves or three 3-way valves for this configuration and control of the milk flow and the cleaning fluid flow. Alternatively, a single 3-way valve may be used as the valve unit. In the configuration of three 3-way valves, a plug-vent-plug configuration is implemented to prevent milk from contacting the cleaning fluid (and vice versa), as this is due to independent control of the flows of different fluids (e.g., milk and cleaning fluid, or cold water to the drain and hot water to the buffer tank).

[0047] The cleaning fluid collected in the first buffer tank can be reused to clean at least the first buffer tank, and preferably additionally to clean the first buffer line and the first valve in the buffer line. For this purpose, the valve units can together form a valve system, wherein the valve system has a valve device at its end, wherein the valve device is connected to the cleaning unit, and wherein, during a cleaning cycle in a first state, the valve device opens a third fluid connection between the first buffer line and the cleaning unit, and wherein, after a cleaning cycle in a second state, the valve device closes the third fluid connection between the first buffer line and the cleaning unit. In this embodiment, during the cleaning cycle, the valve device is in the first state, and then fluidly connects the cleaning unit and the first buffer tank via the first buffer line, preventing the cleaning unit and the second buffer tank from fluidly connecting, such that the cleaning fluid flows from the cleaning unit through the first buffer line toward the first buffer tank. Therefore, the flow of cleaning fluid toward the second buffer tank where milk is collected is prevented. In this way, each of these first valves in the valve unit and the first buffer line are cleaned with the cleaning fluid, and the milk flowing through the second buffer line is prevented from encountering the cleaning fluid.

[0048] The valve assembly may include multiple valves, the number of which is at least equal to the number of clean fluid transport lines plus the number of buffer tanks (especially buffer tanks to be cleaned), preferably with one additional valve for each buffer tank (especially buffer tanks to be cleaned). The valves may be 2-way valves or 3-way valves.

[0049] In subsequent cleaning cycles, when cleaning fluid can be collected in the second buffer tank and milk can be collected in the first buffer tank, the valve device in its first state fluidly connects the cleaning unit and the second buffer tank, and prevents the cleaning unit from fluidly connecting to the first buffer tank. Before and after the cleaning cycle, the valve device prevents the cleaning unit from fluidly connecting to either of these buffer tanks. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a milking system according to the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the milking system according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a milking system 100 is shown, comprising four milking devices 101, shown as a group 110 of milking devices 101. The milking devices 101 extract milk from dairy animals, preferably from cows, and are preferably automated milking robots that facilitate the free movement of cows within the barn. The milking system 100 further includes a central utility system 120 (excluding group 110 of milking devices 101) and milk transport lines 121 for transporting milk to a large-capacity milk storage system. The large-capacity milk storage system, including large-capacity milk tanks 102, may be part of the milking system 100. However, in the case of direct truck loading, the large-capacity milk storage system is not part of the milking system 100.

[0053] The central utility system 120 includes a control unit (not shown) and a buffer unit 140 for temporary storage of extracted milk. Additionally, the central utility system 120 includes a cleaning unit 160 for cleaning the milk-carrying components of the milking system 100, such as the milking apparatus 101, milk line 103, buffer unit 140, and milk transport line 121.

[0054] Vacuum is centrally supplied to milking units 101, i.e., automated milking robots, via a central vacuum system 130 having a vacuum unit 134 comprising three vacuum pumps 131. The vacuum unit 134 is connected to each of the milking units 101 via vacuum lines 132, which have individual vacuum connection lines 133 branching to each of the milking units 101. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the vacuum system 130 is part of the central utility system 120 and is controlled by the control unit of the central utility system 120. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the vacuum system 130 is part of the milking system 100 and operates independently of the central utility system 120. The vacuum system 130 is thus controlled by a separate control unit (not shown). The control unit of the central utility system 120 and the control unit of the vacuum system 130 can be connected so that they can communicate with each other.

[0055] Figure 1 The cleaning unit 160 includes two cleaning fluid containers 161 and 162 and a cleaning fluid delivery line 165 connecting the cleaning fluid containers 161 and 162 to each of the milking apparatus 101. Therefore, the cleaning unit 160 can supply cleaning fluid individually to each of the milking apparatus 101.

[0056] The cleaning fluid transport line 165 is a loop line having a supply line 163 from the cleaning fluid containers 161, 162 to the connection with the milking device 101, and a discharge line 164 from these connections to the cleaning fluid containers 161, 162. Through the loop line 165, the cleaning fluid can be continuously available, for example, during a cleaning cycle.

[0057] The buffer unit 140 includes a first buffer tank 141 and a second buffer tank 142, and a first buffer line 154 and a second buffer line 153 connected to the respective buffer tanks. For each milking unit 101, a valve unit 152 is provided. All valve units 152, together with the valve units 151, form a valve system 150. Each valve unit 152 is disposed in a corresponding milk line 103 that guides the extracted milk from the milking unit 101 to the buffer unit 140.

[0058] Each milking unit 101 obtains milk from dairy animals (e.g., cows), and the obtained milk is guided via an associated milk line 103, a corresponding valve unit 152, and one of buffer lines 153, 154 to a corresponding buffer tank 141, 142 for temporary storage. The milk is transported in a constant or continuous flow from the buffer tanks 141, 142 to the large-capacity milk tank 102 via the milk transport line 121.

[0059] During the cleaning cycle, the first valve unit 152' for the first milking device 101' is in a first state, wherein the first valve 155' of the first valve unit 152' opens the first fluid connection between the first milk line 103' of the first milking device 101' and the first buffer tank 141', i.e., the first valve 155' is in the open position, and the second valve 156' of the first valve unit 152' closes the second fluid connection with the second buffer tank 142, i.e., the second valve 156' is in the closed position, so that the cleaning fluid is collected in the first buffer tank 141 and the cleaning fluid is prevented from contacting the milk. For the second milking device 103", the second valve unit 152 is in a second configuration, wherein the first valve 155 of the second valve unit closes the first fluid connection between the second milk line 103 of the second milking device 101 and the first buffer tank 141, and the second valve 156 opens the second fluid connection between the second milk line 103 and the second buffer tank 142, so that the extracted milk is collected in the second buffer tank 142. A third valve 157 is provided to guide milk from the milking device 101 to either the first valve 155 or the second valve 156. It also provides a plug-and-release-plug configuration for the valve unit 152. Depending on the total number of inlets and outlets of valves 155, 156, and 157, in Figure 1 and Figure 2In this configuration, valves 155, 156, and 157 are configured as three-way valves. The number of valves in valve unit 152 depends on the number of buffer tanks 141 and 142 to be cleaned in the central utility system 120, and therefore on the number of buffer lines 153 and 154.

[0060] In the subsequent cleaning cycle, the roles of the first buffer tank 141 and the second buffer tank 142 can be reversed, so that the first buffer tank 141 is used to collect milk and the second buffer tank 142 is used to collect cleaning fluid from the cleaned milking device 101.

[0061] The cleaning fluid collected in one of the buffer tanks 141 and 142 during the cleaning cycle can be used to clean the buffer tank, and preferably also to clean the associated buffer lines 153 and 154, and more preferably also to clean the milk transport line 121 to the large-capacity milk tank 102.

[0062] Figure 1 The valve assembly 151 shown includes two valves 158 and 159 connected to one of the buffer lines 153 and 154. During a cleaning cycle, preferably after all milking units have been cleaned, the first valve 159 is in a first state and opens upward to the first buffer line 154, thus providing a third fluid connection between the first buffer line 154 and the cleaning unit 140. The second valve 158 is then in a second state and closes the third fluid connection between the second buffer line 153 and the cleaning unit 140, since the second buffer line 153 is used to transport milk to the second buffer tank 142. The second state of the valve assembly 151 can also be used outside the cleaning cycle (i.e., outside the cleaning cycle), where both valves 158 and 159 in the valve assembly 151 are in the second state and close the third fluid connection to the corresponding buffer lines 153 and 154.

[0063] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the milking system 100 is shown. Figure 2 A vacuum system 130, an independent component of the milking system 100, is shown adjacent to the central utility system 120. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 160 includes a first loop line 165' and a second loop line 165'". A first cleaning fluid container 161 contains a first cleaning fluid circulating in the first loop line 165', and a second cleaning fluid container 162 contains a second cleaning fluid circulating in the second loop line 165'. The circulation of cleaning fluid in the loop lines 165 may be limited to cleaning circulation, but preferably, at least one cleaning fluid is permanently circulated in one of the loop lines 165 to facilitate separation of cleaning fluids.

[0064] in addition, Figure 2A milk pump 124, a cooling device 122, and a filter device 123 are shown in a milk transport line 121. The milk pump 124 is positioned between a buffer unit 140 and a large-capacity milk tank 102. The milk pump 124 allows milk to be transported over longer distances without mechanical loading, thus reducing milk quality. The cooling device 122 is configured to cool the milk before it enters the large-capacity milk tank 102. Figure 2 The cooling device 122 is configured as a heat exchanger, but any suitable cooling device can be used for this purpose. Furthermore, Figure 2 The milking system 100 includes a filter device 123 for filtering milk. Both the cooling device 122 and the filter device 123 are located in the milk transport line downstream of the buffer unit 140.

[0065] Parts list

[0066] 100. Milking System 154. First Buffer Line 101. Milking apparatus 155. First valve of valve unit 102. Large-capacity milk tank 156. Second valve of the valve unit 103. Milk line 157. Third valve of valve unit

[0067] 158. The first valve of the valve assembly 110. Milking apparatus assembly 159. Second valve of valve assembly 120. Central Utility System 160. Cleaning Unit 121. Milk transport pipeline 161. First clean fluid container 122. Cooling device 162. Second clean fluid container 123. Filter device 163. Supply pipeline 124. Milk pump 164. Discharge line 125. Emission components 165. Return pipeline 130. Vacuum system

[0068] 131. Vacuum pump

[0069] 132. Vacuum lines

[0070] 133. Vacuum connector

[0071] 134. Vacuum Unit

[0072] 140. Buffer unit

[0073] 141. First Buffer Tank

[0074] 142. Second Buffer Tank

[0075] 150. Valve System

[0076] 151. Valve device

[0077] 152. Valve Unit

[0078] 153. Second Buffer Line

Claims

1. A milking system (100), the milking system comprising: - Two or more milking devices (101) for extracting milk from dairy animals; - A central utility system (120), which is connected to each milking unit in the milking system and includes... A cleaning unit (160) for cleaning the milking apparatus and the milk-carrying components of the central utility system, wherein the cleaning unit includes at least one fluid transport line (165) for transporting cleaning fluid, wherein each of the milking apparatuses is fluidly connected to the fluid transport line. Buffer unit (140), the buffer unit being used to receive and temporarily store the extracted milk, wherein the buffer unit is fluidly connected to each of the milking apparatus via milk lines (103), and Control unit, the control unit being used to control at least the central utility system, The milking system further includes a milk transport pipeline (121) that connects the buffer unit to a large-capacity milk storage device. The cleaning unit individually cleans each of the milking apparatuses and their respective milk lines during a cleaning cycle, wherein at least one of the milking apparatuses is capable of extracting milk from dairy animals during the cleaning cycle. The buffer unit is characterized in that it includes a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank (141, 142), a first buffer line and a second buffer line (153, 154), and two or more valve units (152). In a first mode, the first valve unit provides a first fluid connection between the first milking device and the first buffer tank; and in a second mode, the first valve unit provides a second fluid connection between the first milking device and the second buffer tank. The second valve unit provides a first fluid connection and a second fluid connection between the second milking device and the corresponding first and second buffer tanks. During the cleaning cycle, the first buffer tank collects cleaning fluid from the first milking device being cleaned, and the second buffer tank collects milk from the second milking device, which is capable of extracting milk from dairy animals.

2. The milking system according to claim 1, further comprising the large-capacity milk storage device for storing the extracted milk.

3. The milking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The large-capacity milk storage device includes one or more large-capacity milk tanks (102).

4. The milking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The milk pump is located in the milk transport pipeline between the buffer unit and the large-capacity milk storage device.

5. The milking system according to claim 1, wherein, The cleaning unit includes at least a first cleaning fluid container (161), and wherein the fluid transport line includes a first loop line fluidly connecting the first cleaning fluid container and each of the milking units.

6. The milking system according to claim 5, wherein, The cleaning unit includes a second cleaning fluid container (162), and wherein the fluid transport line includes a second loop line fluidly connected to the second cleaning fluid container, wherein the first cleaning fluid container includes a first cleaning fluid, and wherein the second cleaning fluid container includes a second cleaning fluid.

7. The milking system according to claim 6, wherein, The cleaning unit includes a third cleaning fluid container fluidly connected to each of the first and second loop lines, wherein the third cleaning fluid container contains a third cleaning fluid.

8. The milking system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The first loop line and / or the second loop line includes a supply line (163) and a return line (164), wherein the supply line supplies the cleaning fluid upward to a connection line to each of the milking units in the milking apparatus, and wherein the return line returns the at least portion of the cleaning fluid to the corresponding cleaning fluid container if at least a portion of the cleaning fluid remains unused.

9. The milking system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a central vacuum system (130) for providing a continuous vacuum to each of the milking apparatus, and wherein, The central vacuum system is connected to each of the milking units to provide a vacuum for milking dairy animals individually to each milking unit.

10. The milking system according to claim 9, wherein, The central vacuum system includes a vacuum line (132) and a vacuum unit (134) having at least two vacuum pumps (131), wherein the vacuum line connects the vacuum unit to each of the milking apparatus.

11. The milking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, During the cleaning cycle, the first valve unit for the first milking device is in a first position, in which the first valve of the first valve unit opens a first fluid connection between the first milk line of the first milking device and the first buffer tank, and the second valve of the first valve unit closes a second fluid connection between the first milk line and the second buffer tank, so that cleaning fluid is collected in the first buffer tank. For the second milking device, the second valve unit is in a second position, in which the first valve of the second valve unit closes the first fluid connection between the second milk line of the second milking device and the first buffer tank, and the second valve of the second valve unit opens a second fluid connection between the second milk line and the second buffer tank, so that the extracted milk is collected in the second buffer tank.

12. The milking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The valve units together form a valve system (150), wherein the valve system is provided with a valve device (151) at an end of the valve system, wherein the valve device is connected to the cleaning unit, wherein in a first state the valve device opens a third fluid connection between at least a portion of the valve system and the cleaning unit, and wherein in a second state the valve device closes the third fluid connection between the at least a portion of the valve system and the cleaning unit.

13. The milking system according to claim 12, wherein, In the first state, the valve device fluidly connects the cleaning unit and the first buffer tank, such that cleaning fluid flows from the cleaning unit toward the first buffer tank through the first buffer line, thereby cleaning the first valve and the first buffer line.

Images