Short milk tube vent plug for dairy claw unit

Abstract

A vent plug assembly and a short milk tube (38) for a milking unit, the short milk tube having a vent plug assembly to improve milk flow characteristics through the short milk tube. The short milk tube includes a wall (106) having an upstream end and a downstream end and defining a milk channel hole (112) extending between the upstream end and the downstream end. The wall defines a vent plug mounting hole (120). A vent plug (140) extends through the vent plug mounting hole and includes a cap, a shaft engaging with the cap, and a barbed end (148) engaging with the shaft, the vent plug defining a venting passage to at least partially vent the milk channel hole. A flow recess (160) is defined in the barbed end and disposed in the milk channel hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to milking machine units for milking dairy animals, and more specifically to a milking machine unit with a short milk tube having an improved vent plug to maintain a proper vacuum in the short milk tube and reduce interference with the milk flow through the short milk tube. Background Technology

[0002] A milking unit for milking dairy animals includes teat cup assemblies for attachment to the teats of the animals. In the case of dairy cows, there are four teat cup assemblies, each connected to a common milk collector and collection bowl assembly via a short milk tube. Each teat cup assembly includes a housing (teat cup) with a flexible bushing. These are the basic components of the milking unit. The milking unit connects to a long milk tube through which milk flows to the central milk collection system of the dairy farm.

[0003] In the teat cup assembly, a bushing is mounted within a housing, defining a vacuum chamber between the housing and the bushing. A pulsating vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber to cause the bushing to move in and out of compressive (massaging) contact with the dairy cow's teat within the bushing. The pulsating vacuum in the pulsating chamber counteracts a constant vacuum within the bushing. The pulsating vacuum is applied via a pulsating connector on the housing side, while the constant vacuum is applied via a milk delivery tube connected to the bushing. The milk delivery tube vacuum also draws milk from the bushing into short milk tubes, milk collectors, and collection bowls, through long milk tubes, and into the milk collection system. Vacuum systems are energy-intensive and should be maintained and operated as efficiently as possible.

[0004] The housing and bushing are mounted together in a coaxial relationship, with the bushing's interface / sleeve fitting mounted on top of the housing, such that the interface fitting, rather than the housing, contacts the animal. The interface fitting provides a vacuum seal relative to the teats of the milked animal. The vacuum seal and the constant vacuum through the bushing secure the teat cup assembly to the animal and allow the constant vacuum to draw milk down. The bushing also includes a cylinder that engages with the interface fitting, into which the animal's teats are inserted during milking. The teats are massaged by the bushing cylinder through a pulsating vacuum. Various cylinder designs have been developed to improve animal comfort and milking efficiency, but other factors, such as vacuum level, can affect animal comfort and even milking time.

[0005] The bushing is securely fastened within the housing because the upper interface of the bushing engages with the upper end of the housing, and the locking ring of the bushing engages with the lower end of the housing. In a typical housing and bushing assembly, the bushing may even be slightly tensioned in the axial direction due to the relative engagement at the top and bottom of the housing.

[0006] The short milk tube extending from the bottom of the liner typically includes a vent to balance or limit the vacuum applied to the liner, thus ensuring the dairy animal's comfort and improving milk flow through the short tube. Typically, the vent is drilled or formed in the relatively soft material of the short tube. Softer materials can bend and become clogged during use, so a vent plug made of a relatively rigid or strong material is inserted into the vent to ensure reliable ventilation. Milk collectors usually also have a vent, but the advantage of a liner milk tube vent is that it is closer to the teat end, thus improving and stabilizing milk flow and providing redundancy in case of vent blockage.

[0007] In the milk-producing environment, each plug is subjected to torsional and impact forces that can damage, dislodge, or tear the bushing orifice. Clearly, this damage limits the lifespan of short milk tubes, increasing capital and maintenance costs.

[0008] The vent plug is relatively rigid and includes a venting channel formed to a predetermined size to ensure adequate and predictable ventilation. The venting channel should be appropriately sized to avoid excessive vacuum on the animal's teats and thus ensure the animal's comfort. However, excessive ventilation can cause milk to foam, create turbulence in the milk flowing through short milk tubes, and break down fat globules in the milk. Breakdown of fat globules in milk leads to rancidity and shortens the milk's shelf life.

[0009] Importantly, over-ventilation through the aeration tubes wastes the vacuum that the central vacuum pump must generate. Even a slight increase in vacuum demand will increase the energy costs of operating the vacuum pump. Vacuum energy costs are a major expense in milk production operations. Therefore, while aerating short milk tubes can improve dairy animal comfort, it also leads to wasted vacuum pump energy, milk foaming, and damaged milk fat.

[0010] As mentioned above, milk turbulence flowing through short milk tubes (and other parts of the milking equipment) should be kept to a minimum to avoid foaming and damaging the fat globules in the milk. Excessive foam is unacceptable because it can enter and contaminate the vacuum system and affect the efficiency of the milk pump downstream of the milking system.

[0011] Foam in milk can also interfere with various sensors that monitor milk quantity and quality. The effectiveness of capacitive, inductive, and optical sensors is reduced due to the presence of foamy milk.

[0012] The dimensions of the venting channel are not always intuitive or easily determined. First, the vent plug must be molded to fairly tight tolerances, and needles are typically used within the plastic molding die to create the venting channel. In some molding operations, the needle diameter cannot be less than approximately 0.6 mm to avoid the risk of breaking the molding needle. Of course, increasing the needle diameter may result in an excessively large venting channel, leading to excessive vacuum in the short milk tube.

[0013] Furthermore, the length of the ventilation channel has a significant impact on the amount of air that can pass through such a small ventilation channel. For example, if the ventilation channel is too long, its length relative to its small diameter will restrict airflow.

[0014] The barbed end of the vent plug can cause turbulence, but this is necessary because the vent plug must be installed through the vent hole of the short milk tube and must be securely held in place without tearing the short milk tube. Therefore, the vent plug includes a barbed end that is pushed through the vent hole, causing the short milk tube to extend outwards, and then engages with the vent plug shaft once the barbed end has passed through the vent hole. Of course, the vent plug is located in the milk flow path, so it will indeed cause the problems described above.

[0015] Simply reducing the profile of the barbed end in the milk flow path may lead to further problems, because, as mentioned above, the length of the vent can have a significant impact on the airflow through the vent.

[0016] Another problem is that, in the harsh milk-producing environment, vent plugs become clogged with dust and debris. Clogged plugs can be cleared, but this wastes valuable operator time. The bushings are replaced regularly, but vent plugs should not cause premature bushing failure.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need for a relatively inexpensive short milk tube and air plug device that provides adequate airflow, is robust, resistant to clogging, and minimizes interference with milk flow. Summary of the Invention

[0018] This invention relates to a vent plug that reduces interference with milk flowing through a short milk tube while controlling vacuum balance within the tube. The vent plug of this invention includes a barbed end that minimizes its profile in the milk flow path and reduces turbulence as the milk flows over the barbed end. The reduced flow profile and improved flow characteristics of the barbed end reduce milk foaming and damage to milk fat. This invention also maintains controlled venting of the short milk tube to balance the need for venting the tube without wasting vacuum pump energy. Furthermore, milking efficiency can be improved by maintaining an appropriate vacuum level close to the animal's teat end during milking. In this case, milking efficiency can include shortening milking time without increasing the energy demand of the vacuum pump.

[0019] The short milk tube according to the invention comprises a short milk tube having a wall having an upstream end and a downstream end to define a milk channel orifice extending between the upstream end and the downstream end. The wall also defines a vent plug mounting hole extending into the milk channel orifice. The vent plug extends through the vent plug mounting hole and includes a cap, a shaft engaging with the cap, and a barb end engaging with the shaft, defining a venting channel to at least partially vent the short milk tube orifice. The barb end defines at least one flow recess that allows the barb end to pass through the vent hole in the short milk tube, securing the vent plug in place and resulting in an increased milk flow rate through the barb end.

[0020] The short milk tube may also include a vent plug lip extending outward to a first dimension above the short milk tube body wall and at least partially surrounding the vent plug cap. The cap may include a debris barrier at least partially surrounding the vent passage and extending away from the cap to the first dimension. This arrangement limits debris accumulation between the lip and the cap and provides a barrier against debris clogging the vent passage. The outwardly extending vent cap debris barrier may also define a portion of the vent passage that can be used to improve airflow through the vent passage.

[0021] In some embodiments of the invention, the flow recess is an elliptical recess extending radially with a rounded shoulder. A second flow recess spaced apart from the first flow recess may also be included. The space between the flow recesses provides a smooth surface that can slide on the short milk tube wall when the barbed end is pushed through the vent plug mounting hole during installation.

[0022] The shaft of the vent plug preferably includes a rounded corner adjacent to the cap to reduce wear on the short milk tube during vent plug installation and during use when the short milk tube flexes, bends, and abuts against the rounded corner and shaft.

[0023] The short milk tube wall may also include an internal vent seat located in the inner wall surface, and the barbed end of the vent plug is at least partially disposed in the vent plug recess to further reduce milk flow interference. An external vent plug seat may be included, and the external vent plug seat may be recessed into the outer surface of the wall to at least partially receive the vent plug cap.

[0024] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the venting channel includes a first portion having a first flow diameter and a second portion having a second flow diameter. The first portion is adjacent to the cap end and is relatively small to reduce the chance of debris entering the venting channel, while the second flow diameter, extending toward the barb end, is relatively large, allowing any debris entering the venting channel to pass through or at least not completely block the venting channel.

[0025] The short milk tube may also include a lip that engages with and extends away from the wall, and at least partially surrounds the vent plug mounting hole, wherein a lip cover portion engages with and at least partially extends above the vent cap. The cap may also define a debris dome that extends outward from the cap to a degree matching the outward extension of the lip, such that any debris accumulating within the lip is unlikely to block the vent passage in the vent plug.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a vent plug that can be used with a variety of different short milk tube designs. In this embodiment, the present invention relates to a vent plug for a short milk tube wall having an upstream end and a downstream end, and the wall defining a vent plug mounting hole for access to a milk channel orifice, and the vent plug comprising: a cap, a shaft engaging with the cap, and a barbed end engaging with the shaft, defining a venting channel for at least partially venting the milk channel orifice, and the barbed end defining a flow recess at least partially disposed in the milk channel orifice.

[0027] The vent plug may include a debris dome extending away from the axis, through which a venting channel extends. The debris dome reduces the chance of debris entering the venting channel.

[0028] Furthermore, the flow recess may be at least partially defined by the rounded shoulder. Additional flow recesses may be included, and the barbed end may include a portion of the inner vent seat to be disposed in the short milk tube.

[0029] The short milk tube shaft may also include a rounded corner adjacent to the cap to better fit with the short milk tube vent and reduce stress concentration that may damage the short milk tube wall.

[0030] The venting channel of the vent plug may include a first portion having a first flow diameter and a section portion having a second flow diameter, wherein the first diameter is preferably smaller and the second diameter helps to keep the venting channel open in the event of debris entering the vent plug channel.

[0031] Furthermore, the features and advantages of the present invention will be described below and depicted in the text. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a milking unit with a vent plug device according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the nipple cup assembly housing bushing with a vent plug device according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view of the housing bushing with the vent plug device of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a short milk tube with a vent plug mounting hole;

[0036] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a short milk tube with a lip and a venting reinforcement hole for mounting the venting plug;

[0037] Figure 6 A perspective view of an external vent plug seat for receiving the vent plug of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A front view of the external vent plug seat;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a front view of the vent plug device according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is an upper perspective view of the internal vent plug seat according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A front view of the internal vent plug seat;

[0042] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional side view of a short milk tube with a vent plug device;

[0043] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional side view of the short milk tube and the air plug;

[0044] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional end view of the bushing with a short milk tube vent plug device;

[0045] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the bushing and vent plug assembly;

[0046] Figure 15 This is a top perspective view of the vent plug according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The lower perspective view of the vent plug;

[0048] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 Side view of the vent plug;

[0049] Figure 18 yes Figure 15 A top view of the vent plug;

[0050] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 A bottom view of the vent plug;

[0051] Figure 20 It is a side cross-sectional view of a short milk tube with a vent plug and milk flow lines;

[0052] Figure 21 This is a side cross-sectional view of a short milk tube vent plug of the prior art, showing the milk flow line. Detailed Implementation

[0053] In the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements in the drawings.

[0054] For ease of understanding, Figure 1 The diagram generally illustrates a conventional milking unit 30, which (from upstream to downstream) comprises a housing 32, a teat cup bushing 34 disposed within the housing 32, short milk tubes 38 integrated with or combined with the teat cup bushing 34, a milk collector 42, and a milk bowl 44 located at its downstream end 118. Each teat of the dairy animal has a housing 32, a bushing 34, and a short milk tube 38 (teat cup assembly 36). The milk collector 42 and the milk bowl 44 collect milk from all the short milk tubes 38. The purpose of the milking unit 30 is to draw milk from the dairy animal's teats, through the milk bowl outlet 45, and into a central milk production line (not shown), reducing the amount of milk flowing back to the teats and reducing the amount of air drawn into the central milk production line when a vacuum is applied through the milking unit 30. All these objectives must be achieved while ensuring the comfort of the dairy animal. Once the milk reaches the central milk production line, it is pumped into a storage tank (not shown) via a cooler.

[0055] During milking, the dairy animal's teat is inserted through the upper teat opening 96 of the teat cup bushing 34. Just before and during milking, a constant vacuum is applied within the milking unit 30 to attach the bushing 34 and housing 32 to the teat. Milk is then drawn through the bushing 34, short milk tube 38, milk collector 42, and bowl 44, and flows out from the bowl outlet 45. Due to the constant vacuum applied within the milking unit 30, the weight of the milking unit 30 is supported by the teat. Nevertheless, excessive vacuum in the milking unit 30 can cause discomfort to the dairy animal and even damage its teats.

[0056] The housing 32 (sometimes referred to in the art as a “nipple cup”) is a relatively rigid cup, typically made of stainless steel or other suitable material. A nipple cup bushing 34 is disposed within the housing 32 and defines a pulsation chamber in the space between the housing 32 and the bushing 34. A vacuum distribution manifold mounted on the milk collector 42 connects a vacuum supply source from a long pulsation hose to a short pulsation hose 50 connected to each nipple housing (cup) 32. Pulsations acting on the pulsation chamber cause the bushing 34 to move in and out of contact with the animal's nipple for milking. A hanger 60 is also provided on the milk collector 42 to support the milker unit 30 from a milker unit disassembly mechanism (not shown) when not milking.

[0057] Figure 2A perspective view of the housing bushing 34 (sometimes simply referred to herein as the "bushing") is shown. The housing bushing 34 includes an interface member 74 that defines a nipple opening 96. Figure 1 The bushing body 80 is connected to the interface member 74 and extends downward as shown; an upper locking ring 84; and a lower locking ring 88, spaced apart from the upper locking ring 84 to define a housing engagement annular recess 86 and a lower locking ring 88. The upper locking ring 84 defines a plurality of alignment recesses 90, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0058] The bushing 34 may also include an integral short milk tube 38, which is coupled to the cylinder 80 and has a nipple claw connection end 70. The short milk tube 38 is an optional extension of the bushing 34, and in other embodiments, the short milk tube 38 may be a separate object extending between the bushing 34 and the milk collection bowl 44.

[0059] For example, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the interface member 74 of the bushing 34 can be of the type and shape described and depicted in U.S. Patent 8,113,145, which is incorporated herein by reference, but the present invention may use other interface member shapes and sizes. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the interface 74 generally includes an upper surface 94 that interfaces with the teats and udders of dairy animals to form a comfortable seal, thereby minimizing the vacuum loss from the inside of the bushing 34 through the teat opening 96, so that the bushing 34 and other components do not detach prematurely during milking.

[0060] The interface 74 also includes a downwardly extending skirt 98 that extends downward and is spaced apart from the bushing body 80, such that when assembled, the upper end of the housing 32 (described below) can fit between the bushing body 80 and the interface skirt 98 (see [link]). Figure 2 The interface skirt 98 may also include alignment marks to aid assembly.

[0061] Preferably, and as shown, the nipple claw connector 70 includes an end connector 72 of the type described and depicted in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 946,646, which is incorporated herein by reference, but other types of short milk tube connector ends may be used in this invention.

[0062] The bushing body 80 defines the longitudinal axis 82 ( Figure 2 and 3 The bushing 80 itself can have any desired cross-sectional shape, including, for example, circular, elliptical, triangular, square, and the shape shown in the figure. Typically, the shape of the bushing 80 is chosen to optimize animal comfort and milking efficiency. The bushing 80 shown herein (the portion within the housing 32) may have walls and corners (e.g., see...). Figure 1 The cylinder can have a uniform or varying thickness to control collapse of the cylinder wall during pulsation and milking, thereby providing comfort for dairy animals or simplifying manufacturing. This invention can use any desired cylinder cross-sectional shape.

[0063] Bushing body 80, particularly the locking ring 84 of bushing 34, preferably defines two pairs of alignment recesses 90. Figure 2 ), to engage with a housing key (not shown) formed in the housing 32. Although a locking ring 84 is preferably included, it is not necessary, and the alignment recess 90 can be formed at any part of the bushing body 80, but is preferably formed in the lower end of the bushing body 80.

[0064] Once the bushing 34 is installed, it is preferably slightly tensioned along the longitudinal axis 82 due to the relative dimensions of the housing 32 and the bushing cylinder 80. This is sometimes referred to as "pre-tensioning," and it improves bushing performance. A second alignment feature may be formed in the lower locking ring 88 or elsewhere to prevent twisting of the bushing cylinder 80 during installation.

[0065] For example, such as Figures 5 to 18 As shown, the short milk tube 38 of the present invention includes a short milk tube wall 106 having an outer surface 108, an inner surface 110, and a milk passage hole 112 located between the upstream end 116 and the downstream end 118 of the short milk tube 106. As described above, the short milk tube 38 is ventilated near the teat end to maintain a nearly constant vacuum near the teat end, thereby achieving efficient milking. The degree of ventilation of the short milk tube 38 preferably achieves a constant vacuum to ensure animal comfort and a constant flow of milk through the short milk tube 38, while avoiding over-ventilation that would waste the energy and efficiency of the vacuum pump.

[0066] Breath plug mounting hole 120 ( Figure 4 and 5 It extends through the short milk tube wall 106 to control and limit the amount of vacuum applied to the bushing 34 portion and animal nipple inside the housing 32 (cylinder 80) and to improve milk flow through the short milk tube 38.

[0067] Figure 3 and 4 An example of a short milk tube 38 with a vent plug assembly 138 is shown, wherein the vent plug mounting hole 120 is at least partially surrounded by a vent plug seat 122 according to the invention. The vent plug seat 122 preferably includes an outer vent plug seat 124, an inner vent plug seat 126, and extends outward from the short milk tube 38 by a distance “d”. Figure 4 and 5 The lip 128 may also include a lip overlay 130. Figure 11 and 12The short milk tube 38 and the reinforcing member 132 are used to control localized bending and deformation of the vent plug seat 122. The use of a lip cover 128 helps to hold the vent plug 140 in place. However, the type of material used to mold the short milk tube 38 determines how easily this lip cover 128 can be formed. For example, a lip cover can be formed in a silicone bushing, while it is not used when using block rubber.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the lip 128 and the reinforcement 132 include a discharge gap 136 (e.g., Figure 6 and 7 This is used to drain fluid and solid debris that may accumulate in the internal space of the lip 128 and around the vent plug 140. The vent plug assembly 138 includes at least a vent plug seat 122, a vent plug mounting hole 120, and a vent plug 140, such as... Figure 11 and 12 As shown, there are no reinforcing components.

[0069] In this invention, the vent plug mounting hole 120 is preferably formed simultaneously with the short milk tube 38, and is tapered, such as... Figure 4 and 5 As shown, or drilled after molding. It may include a tapered or circular portion 129 to facilitate molding and assembly. The vent plug mounting hole 120 is preferably located at the region 154 where the short milk tube wall thickness increases (e.g., see...). Figure 12 Other methods for forming the vent plug mounting hole are also possible.

[0070] like Figure 11 , 12 As shown in 13, 14, 20 and 21, the dimensions of the vent plug mounting hole 120 are preferably matched with the vent plug 140 so that the vent plug 140 can be inserted without tearing the wall 106 and still provide a substantially fluid-impermeable seal with the vent plug 140.

[0071] The vent plug 140 includes a cap 144, a shaft 146, and a barbed end 148, through which a defined venting channel 150 is formed. The vent plug 140 ensures that the venting channel 150 remains open and has a predetermined size. Compared to the more flexible material used for the short milk tube 38, the vent plug 140 is made of a relatively rigid or robust material (e.g., Grilamid TR90) to ensure that the venting channel 150 remains open and has a consistent venting opening size. Preferably, the dimensions of the vent plug shaft 146 are substantially matched to the thickness of the short milk tube wall 106, or slightly shorter than the thickness of the wall 106 to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, to reduce stress concentration on the short milk tube wall 106 at the vent plug mounting hole 120, a cap fillet 152 and a barbed end fillet 155 are formed in the shaft 146, as shown.

[0072] As shown in the figure, the vent cap 144 includes a notch 145 formed by a molding process, such as Figures 17 to 19 As shown, however, notch 145 is not necessary for the present invention.

[0073] To further ensure a good fit between the short milk tube 38 and the air plug 140, the air plug seat 122 preferably includes an outer air plug seat 124 whose shape and size match the underside of the air plug cap 144. For example, the outer air plug seat 124 may be a recess with a flat bottom to match the underside of the air plug cap 144 (e.g., Figure 11 Instead of the curved surface of the short milk tube wall 106 mates with the flat plug surface under the vent cap 144 or any other desired part of the vent plug 140.

[0074] Similarly, preferably, such as Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the shape and dimensions of the internal vent plug seat 126 mate with the barbed end 148 on the vent plug 140, providing a reliable bearing surface on which the barbed end 148 can rest and provide a reliable connection with the vent plug 140. Preferably, the internal vent plug seat 126 is also flat. Figure 11 and 12 ), to mate with the barb end 148, and as Figure 9 and 10 As shown, it may include an upstream recessed flow transition channel 156 or a downstream recessed flow transition channel 158 or both located upstream of the vent plug 140 to form a smoother flow transition toward and away from the barb end 148.

[0075] The portion of the short milk tube wall 106 in which the vent plug seat 122 is formed may be thicker 154 than other portions of the short milk tube wall 106 to increase strength and provide material for forming the upstream recessed flow transition channel 156 and the downstream recessed flow transition channel 158, and to reduce bending in the vent plug assembly 138 region (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12 , 20 (and 21). The thicker wall of the short milk tube 106 also helps resist material tearing when the barbed end 148 is pushed through the vent plug mounting hole 120 during installation. Once installed, the vent plug 140 is usually not removed.

[0076] like Figure 11 , 12As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the barbed end 148 of the vent plug extends into the milk channel orifice 112 of the short milk tube 38. Any obstruction in the milk channel orifice 112 can interfere with milk flow by slowing flow, causing turbulence, and forming a collection surface for milk residue and backwash fluid. Nevertheless, the barbed end 148 is necessary to secure the vent plug 140 to the short milk tube body wall 106. Without it, the vent plug 140 may detach, and the vent plug mounting hole 120 itself may not be sufficient to maintain a proper vacuum level in the short milk tube 38.

[0077] To reduce interference with milk flow, the present invention includes a barbed end 148, which has at least one, but preferably multiple, flow recesses 160 formed in the surface over which the milk flows. Figures 15 to 19 The flow depression 160 reduces the contact surface exposed during milk flow, thus improving milk flow and reducing turbulence in the milk, such as... Figure 20 As shown. Flow recess 160 is formed on the barbed end 148 at the location where the milk flow through the milk channel hole 112 will be exposed.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow recesses 160 are spaced apart and elliptical in shape, having rounded shoulders 162 with sliding surfaces 164 between them. The flow recesses 160 are preferably evenly spaced, but the number, shape, and spacing of the flow recesses 160 can be modified and remain within the scope of the invention. The flow recesses 160 preferably extend along a barbed end 148 between the vent passage 150 and a corner surface 166, which serves as a transition area between the flow recesses 160 and a recessed ring 170, which is preferably disposed within a recessed internal vent plug seat 126 in the short milk tube wall 106. The recessed ring 170 can fit snugly within the recessed internal vent plug seat 126, or preferably, there is space around the recessed ring 170 so that flushing fluid can reach the recessed ring 170 to improve hygiene. This shape helps prevent milk from accumulating in the internal vent plug seat 126 and near the vent plug 140.

[0079] Additionally, the barbed end 148 must be shaped to be squeezed through the vent plug mounting hole 120 without tearing the short milk tube 106. Therefore, the barbed end 148 must not stretch the short milk tube hole 120 beyond the material's yield point, but must be large enough to hold the vent plug 140 in place. The sliding surface 164 between the flow recesses 160 assists this process by providing a uniform and smooth surface to stretch the vent plug mounting hole 120 without creating stress concentration or high friction. Furthermore, the barbed end 148 is preferably shaped to provide a low profile and not extend into the short milk tube wall 106 and interfere with milk flow. Therefore, the insertion shape and the holding force required to hold the vent plug 140 in place are as shown.

[0080] The flow recess 160 itself is sufficient to improve the flow characteristics of milk flowing through the barbed end 148. Nevertheless, the use of the rounded shoulder 162, the corner surface 166, the recessed ring 170 provided in the internal vent seat 126, the transition channels 156 and 158 individually and in combination with each other, and the flow recess 160 improve the flow characteristics of milk through the short milk tube 34.

[0081] To further enhance flow characteristics, the barbed end can be formed into a lower profile shape, but this will shorten the length of the air passage, thus affecting the air permeability of the short milk tube 34.

[0082] Figure 20 and 21 Existing technology is shown. Figure 21 ) and the present invention ( Figure 20 The difference lies in the flow of milk. In the prior art, the vent plug 200 is disposed in the short milk tube wall 202. The barbed end 210 extends into the milk flow path 214 at a distance D1, disturbing the flow as shown by streamline 216, and inducing turbulence 220 in the thick tail 222 downstream of the barbed end 210.

[0083] This invention ( Figure 20 The flow channel 160 has the aforementioned barbed end 148, which extends only into the milk flow path distance D2 to form a flow path 228. A flow recess 160 generates a turbulent boundary layer 230 above the barbed end 148 and produces only a thin wake 234 with reduced turbulence 236. As described above, this results in increased laminar flow and promotes higher flow rates and milk quality.

[0084] See Figure 12 and 14 The ventilation channel 150 preferably includes a first portion 151 adjacent to the cap 144 and a second portion 153 adjacent to the barbed end 148. A tapered transition portion 157 is preferably used to ease the flow transition between the first portion 151 and the second portion 153. Preferably, the transition portion 157 is tapered at approximately 60°, but other angles are also possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 151 has a relatively small diameter, while the second portion has a relatively large diameter, but this arrangement can be reversed or both portions can have the same diameter.

[0085] The airflow rate and velocity depend on the length and diameter of the venting channel 150, particularly the first portion 151. For example, a preferred venting channel 150 is approximately 9.6 mm long from the top of the cap 144 to the bottom of the barbed end 148. The main airflow control portion is the first portion 151, which preferably has a diameter of approximately 0.6 mm and a length between approximately 0.99 mm and approximately 2.5 mm, more preferably between approximately 1.6 mm and approximately 2.5 mm. The second portion 153 preferably has a diameter of approximately 0.9 mm and occupies the remaining length of the venting channel 150. Furthermore, the second portion 153 preferably tapers slightly outward as it extends through the barbed end 148 to facilitate molding, other airflow characteristics described herein, and anti-clogging features. In one embodiment, the taper of the open end is approximately 0.9 mm to approximately 1.00 mm.

[0086] The term "about" is used in this article to allow for variations in molding operations and material properties. For example, a diameter of 0.60 mm can have a fluctuation of ±0.1 mm.

[0087] The first section 151 can limit the size and amount of debris entering the ventilation passage 150, while even if some debris enters the second section 153, the second section 153 can still provide sufficient ventilation. In addition, small debris entering the first section 151 will pass more easily through the larger second section 153, thus making it less likely to block the ventilation passage 150.

[0088] As described above, the external vent seat 124 may also include a distance d extending outward from the short milk tube cylinder wall 106. Figure 11 and 12 The lip 128 of the vent plug 140 is preferably slightly spaced from the vent plug mounting hole 120, such that when the vent plug 140 is inserted into the vent plug mounting hole 120, the cap 144 of the vent plug 140 contacts the lip 128. The lip 128 protects the vent plug 140 from impact forces and helps to retain the vent plug 140 if the short milk tube is twisted.

[0089] Preferably, the lip 128 may further include a covering portion 130. Figure 11 and 12 The cover portion 130 extends above the cap 144 and enhances the protection and retention of the vent plug 140. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that dust and debris may become trapped around the vent plug 140. The cross-sections of the lip 128 and the lip cover portion 130 are preferably matched to the shape of the vent plug 140, such as... Figure 11 and 12 As shown.

[0090] Preferably, a debris dome 174 extending outward from the cap 144 is added to the cap 144, such that the overall size of the cap 144 and the debris dome 174 is substantially the same as the distance d, which is the distance the lip 128 extends from the short milk tube wall 106. Therefore, the debris dome 174 minimizes the chance of dirt and debris accumulating around the vent plug mounting hole 120 and the vent plug 140. The debris dome 174 can extend outward greater or less than the distance d while still serving its function.

[0091] like Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the illustrated vent seat 122 includes an optional reinforcement 132 that extends away from the vent seat 122 to at least partially control the degree and direction of localized deflection of the short milk tube wall 106 during installation and use. Preferably, the reinforcement 132 extends away from the vent seat 122 in at least one direction. As shown, the reinforcement 132 extends more in the lateral direction than in the longitudinal direction to provide some flexibility to the lip 128 in the longitudinal direction while resisting more lateral deflection. Resistance to lateral deflection improves protection of the vent plug seat 122 and the vent plug 140. The greater degree of deflection in the longitudinal direction allows for greater longitudinal bending of the short milk tube 38 during use and installation, and allows dust and debris to escape from the interior around the vent plug mounting hole 120.

[0092] The debris dome 174 has also been shown to be an extension to the venting channel 150, which can offset the loss of venting channel length caused by the use of the barbed end 148 with a reduced profile (shorter) in the milk flow path.

[0093] The reinforcing member 132 may extend above the surface of the short milk tube 38, whether on the inner or outer surface, as shown. The reinforcing member 132 may also be flush with the surface of the short milk tube 38 and made of a different and more rigid material than that used in the short milk tube 38.

[0094] The reinforcing member 132 can be of any desired shape to conform to the shape of the vent or vent plug, or to accommodate the forces expected to act on the short milk tube 38 and to control bending as needed. It can even have multiple sections or multiple rows of lips, or lips of varying heights, to protect the vent plug mounting hole 120 and the vent plug 140 from impacts from different directions. The reinforcing member 132 can even help resist twisting of the short milk tube 38 around its longitudinal axis 82.

[0095] Although the lip 128 is depicted as being located near the vent, the lip 128 may be spaced apart from the vent plug mounting hole 120 to allow an operator to grasp the vent plug cap 144 for removal if necessary.

[0096] Preferably, the bushing 34 is made of silicone resin and the vent plug 140 is made of Grilamid TR90, but any other suitable bushing material may be used, preferably a material approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

[0097] The above detailed description of the accompanying drawings is for a better understanding of the invention. Nothing herein is intended to unduly limit the scope of the following claims, and unnecessary limitations should not be interpreted into the following claims.

Claims

1. A short milk tube, comprising: A wall having an upstream end and a downstream end and defining a milk channel hole extending between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the wall defining a vent plug mounting hole; A vent plug extending through the vent plug mounting hole and including a cap, a shaft engaging with the cap, and a barbed end engaging with the shaft, and defining a vent passage to at least partially allow air to pass through the milk channel hole; and A flow recess, defined in the barb end and located in and near the venting channel in the milk channel hole, provides no fluid conduction path between the barb end and the cap.

2. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The flow pit is an elliptical recess with a rounded shoulder.

3. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The barbed end also defines a second flow recess, which is spaced apart from the flow recess and disposed in the milk channel hole.

4. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The barbed end also defines a plurality of additional flow recesses disposed in the milk channel hole.

5. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The shaft includes a rounded corner adjacent to the cap.

6. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The ventilation channel includes a first portion having a first ventilation diameter and a second portion having a second ventilation diameter.

7. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The ventilation channel includes a first portion with a first ventilation diameter adjacent to the cap end, and a second portion with a second ventilation diameter adjacent to the barb end, wherein the second ventilation diameter is larger than the first ventilation diameter.

8. The short milk tube according to claim 1, further comprising: The vent plug lip extends outward above the wall to a first dimension and engages at least partially with the vent plug cap.

9. The short milk tube according to claim 1, further comprising: A vent plug lip, which extends outward to a first dimension above the wall and engages at least partially with a vent plug cap, wherein the cap includes a debris barrier that extends at least partially around the vent passage and away from the cap to the first dimension.

10. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The wall is further defined as follows: An internal vent plug recess is defined in the inner wall surface, and the barbed end of the vent plug is at least partially disposed within the internal vent plug recess.

11. The short milk tube according to claim 1, wherein: The wall defines an external vent seat and an internal vent seat, the cap being at least partially disposed in the external vent seat, and the barb end being at least partially disposed in the internal vent seat.

12. The short milk tube according to claim 1, wherein: The wall defines an external vent seat and an internal vent seat, and the cap is at least partially disposed in the external vent seat. The barb end is at least partially disposed within the internal vent seat, and The internal vent seat defines the upstream flow channel.

13. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The wall defines an inner wall surface, and the inner wall surface defines: Upstream transition channels; and An internal vent plug located downstream of the upstream transition channel.

14. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The wall defines an inner wall surface, and the inner wall surface defines: Downstream transition channels; and An internal vent plug located upstream of the downstream transition channel.

15. The short milk tube of claim 1, wherein, The wall defines an inner wall surface, and the inner wall surface defines: Upstream transition channels; Downstream transition channels; and An internal vent plug seat is disposed between the upstream transition channel and the downstream transition channel.

16. A vent plug for a short milk tube body having a wall with an upstream end and a downstream end defining a milk passage orifice, and the wall defining a vent plug mounting hole for accessing the milk passage orifice, the vent plug including a cap, a shaft engaged with the cap, and a barbed end engaged with the shaft, and defining a vent passage for at least partially venting the milk passage orifice, and a flow recess defined by the barbed end and positioned in and near the vent passage in the milk passage orifice, the flow recess not providing a fluid conduction path between the barbed end and the cap.

17. The vent plug of claim 16, wherein, The vent cap includes a debris dome extending away from the axis, and the vent passage extends through the debris dome.

18. The vent plug of claim 16, wherein, The flow depression is defined at least partially by a circular shoulder.

19. The vent plug of claim 16, wherein, The barb end also defines a second flow recess, which is spaced apart from the flow recess and positioned within the milk channel hole.

20. The vent plug according to claim 16, wherein, The barbed end also defines a plurality of additional flow recesses spaced apart from each other.

21. The vent plug according to claim 16, wherein, The shaft includes a rounded corner adjacent to the cap.

22. The vent plug according to claim 16, wherein, The ventilation channel includes a first portion having a first flow diameter and a second portion having a second flow diameter.

23. The vent plug according to claim 16, wherein, The ventilation channel includes a first portion with a first flow diameter adjacent to the cap end and a second portion with a second flow diameter adjacent to the barb end.

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