Device and method for monitoring a milking process

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for monitoring a milking process. By providing and using monitoring elements, various operating scenarios, in particular accidental removal of the milking cups during the milking process, can be detected, and corresponding measures can be taken to prevent the milking cluster and the harvested milk from being contaminated. In addition, a long-term unnecessary drop in vacuum in the milking system is also prevented. For this purpose, the monitoring unit comprises a flow element (3), which is arranged in the housing in a position-adjustable manner. The position of the flow element can be continuously detected by a sensor (4). From the location state, it may be determined whether the milking process is running as intended.

Description

[0001] The subject matter of the invention relates to a device and a method for monitoring a milking process. The milking process can thereby be advantageously monitored and, if necessary, can be influenced by it.

[0002] Although the invention is described below in connection with a milking system for milking cows, it should be noted that the subject matter of the invention is particularly applicable to milking systems for milking sheep, goats, llamas, camels, dromedaries, buffaloes, mares, donkeys, yaks and other dairy livestock. The invention can be used in robot-assisted and fully automatic, semi-automatic or conventional milking systems.

[0003] The milking system comprises a plurality of milking stations. Each milking station is equipped with a milking device having a milking set with at least one milking cup. The milking cup is intended to be attached to the teat of a lactating dairy animal in order to extract milk therefrom. The milking cup comprises a milking cup sleeve into which an elastically deformable nipple rubber is inserted. The nipple rubber does not necessarily have to be made of rubber. Other elastic materials are also suitable for forming the nipple rubber. The nipple rubber made of silicon is particularly hygienic and durable.

[0004] The teat cup is open at its protruding end to accommodate the teat and is connected to a milk tube at its opposite end to extract the collected milk. The milk tube may be a short milk tube connected to a milk collector. The outlet of the milk collector has a fluid connection with the milk pipe system. The teat rubber may also be formed in one piece with the short milk tube. This one-piece design of the teat rubber and the milk tube is also called a monobloc.

[0005] The milking process is carried out by alternately applying a vacuum to the gap between the teat cup and the teat rubber. For this purpose, the gap is connected to a pulsator via a pulsation line. A pulsating vacuum is generated by switching the vacuum valve of the pulsator at a predefinable clock frequency, which then prevails in the gap.

[0006] The milking vacuum is predominant in the milk ducts or milk canals. The milk ducts have air inlets below the milking cups. The inflowing air supports the removal of the harvested milk. The milking system has a corresponding vacuum system for generating the necessary vacuum.

[0007] During milking, the milking vacuum is continuously applied to the milk line system up to the teat rubber. The milk line system comprises at least one milk line, a milk collecting tube and possibly milk tubes and milk collectors.

[0008] The pulsating vacuum is modified at a predefinable frequency. The clock cycle of the pulsating vacuum consists of four phases: an emptying phase, a vacuum phase, a ventilation phase and a pressure phase. The emptying phase and the vacuum phase together form the suction phase. The ventilation phase and the pressure phase together form the rest phase. The pulsating vacuum, which interacts with the vacuum prevailing in the nipple rubber, ensures a cyclical opening and closing of the nipple rubber. This is carried out by alternately applying a vacuum to the gap and ventilating the gap. As a result, the nipple rubber opens in the suction phase and milk flows out of the nipple. Since the nipple rubber collapses in the rest phase, i.e. lies tightly against the nipple, the teat duct is closed by the nipple rubber and almost no milk flows out.

[0009] After this phase change, no continuous milk flow occurs in the milk ducts. Intervals of milk flow alternate with intervals without milk flow. Intervals of milk flow are also called milk flow phases.

[0010] The change of phases with and without milk flow occurs essentially in sync with the clock frequency of the pulsating vacuum. The length of the milk flow phase depends on the clock frequency and the ratio of the clock period occupied by the vacuum phase. For milking cows, milk flow phases of 400 to 600 milliseconds are normal at a clock length of 800 to 1200 milliseconds.

[0011] If the teat cup is not attached to the teat during the continuously acting milking vacuum, but lies, for example, on a dirty surface, there is a risk of dirt being sucked in due to the continuously applied milking vacuum. This would present a risk of contaminating the already harvested milk and the milking cluster. Furthermore, this could lead to a long-term, undesirable drop in the vacuum in the milking system. For example, further teat cups of the milking cluster could also fall off the respective teat.

[0012] It is therefore important to be able to detect a fault, such as the accidental detachment of at least one teatcup, and in this case to interrupt the application of the milking vacuum to the teatcup sleeve.

[0013] If the animal is irritated by insects, for example, and tries to drive them away by kicking the udder area, one or more teat cups may be knocked off by the animal during a milking process. If the animal's activities cause the teat cups to fall from the teats, contaminants may penetrate into the teat cups and the tubes and lines that deliver the milk.

[0014] A further problem is that vacuum failure may occur in the milking system, resulting in further impairment of the milking process and the milking system.

[0015] The object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus with which at least the known disadvantages can be overcome. In particular, the risk of contamination of the milking system, in particular of the harvested milk, after a milking cup has been knocked off or dropped can be reduced. Another object is to provide an apparatus of simple design.

[0016] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims focus on advantageous developments of the invention.

[0017] A device for monitoring the milking process of dairy livestock, in particular dairy cows, is proposed. The device has at least one milking cup. The harvested milk is removed from the milking cup via a milk line. A milk line within the meaning of the invention also includes a milk duct, in particular a short milk duct and / or a long milk duct. A milk line is part of a milk line system in which the milking vacuum prevails. For example, a milk line can flow into a milk collecting line, into which milk lines from other teats also flow.

[0018] The monitoring unit is arranged as an intermediate element between the two parts of the milk line. The element has a housing with an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle. The harvested milk flows through the housing of the monitoring unit in the direction from the inlet nozzle to the outlet nozzle.

[0019] The flow element is arranged in the flow path of the milk inside the housing so that its position is changeable. For example, the flow element can be designed as a sphere. The flow element can also be installed flat and can pivot around an axis. The range of motion of the flow element is preferably limited by the housing.

[0020] The monitoring unit has a sensor with a defined detection area. The flow element can be detected by the sensor. In particular, it can be determined by means of the sensor whether the flow element is located inside or outside the detection area. The sensor has a signal connection to the control unit.

[0021] If no fluid flows through the milk pipe, the flow element is in a rest position outside the detection area of ​​the sensor. During milking, milk and / or an air flow (multiple streams) also flow through the milk line and thus also through the monitoring unit. If mainly air flows through the milk line, this leads to a change in the position of the flow element. The force of the air flow on the flow element is large enough to change the position of the flow element into the detection area of ​​the sensor. In particular, the flow element can be moved out of the rest position because the flow force acting on the flow element is greater than the flow resistance of the flow element.

[0022] The duration of the presence of the flow element in the detection area is measured. If the duration of the presence of the flow element in the detection area exceeds a predefined reference duration, a signal is sent to the control unit. The period of time for which the flow element is present in the detection area of ​​the sensor is an indicator of the duration of the air flow. If the teat cup is not located on the teat or if the teat cup is not correctly attached to the teat, the air acting on the flow element flows through the teat cup.

[0023] The mass and geometry of the flow element are chosen so that it does not float in the milk. Therefore, no substantial changes in the position of the flow element occur due to different milk levels in the milk line or housing.

[0024] During the milking process, a change occurs between phases with and without milk flow, which change depends essentially synchronously on the clock frequency of the pulsating vacuum. For milking cows, the length of the milk flow phase is typically 400 to 600 milliseconds. During the milk flow phase, due to the flow of the milk / air mixture, with a sufficiently high milk flow, the -induced- forces acting on the flow element can be so great that the position of the flow element changes, causing it to move into the detection area of ​​the sensor. Outside the milk flow phase, almost no milk flows through the monitoring unit and therefore does not lead to a change in the position of the flow element, causing it to enter the detection area. At the transition to the next milk flow phase, the flow element changes its position again, causing it to enter the detection area. Thus, even in the case of correctly attached milking cups and a correctly running milking process, the flow element can be moved out of the detection area and back into the detection area during the clock cycles of the pulsating vacuum.

[0025] The invention is based on the recognition that if a large amount of ambient air penetrates into the teat cup, for example due to an incorrectly attached or detached cup, the teat rubber remains more or less in the open position because the pressure inside the teat rubber increases so that the teat rubber no longer collapses. In the case of an incorrectly attached teat cup, a milk / air mixture then flows permanently into the milk line system instead of periodically, or in the case of an unattached or detached teat cup, only air.

[0026] According to the above description, the detection area of ​​the sensor is selected so that the flow element is located in a rest position in which it is located outside the detection area and moves into the detection area when a movement occurs due to flow-induced forces. The detection area can alternatively be selected so that the flow element is located inside the detection area in its rest position (without the influence of flow-induced forces) and moves out of the detection area when a movement occurs due to flow-induced forces.

[0027] With the proposed device, the milking process can be monitored with particularly simple means. In particular, only a minimum of equipment is required to prevent contamination of the milk and the milking set. In addition, the risk of failure of the milking vacuum is reduced, since a detached teat cup can be detected quickly. Measures such as, for example, closing the vacuum valve can then be initiated in order to seal the associated teat cup. In addition, the monitoring device is particularly easy to maintain.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device has a vacuum valve. The vacuum valve is arranged on the milk line and is intended to be able to block the line, thereby preventing the flow of milk and air. The vacuum valve has a signal connection to the control unit. The vacuum valve is activated by the control unit via a corresponding signal. Thus, one milk line can be disconnected from the milking vacuum without affecting the milking process on other milking cups.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a vacuum generator, which has a signal connection to the control unit. Similar to the activation of the vacuum valve, the vacuum generator can also be activated directly to influence the process. In particular, if a plurality of monitoring units indicate that the milking process is not running correctly, the system can first be checked before continuing the milking process.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the sensor is selected from a group of sensors comprising optical sensors, inductive and capacitive proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors and Hall effect sensors.

[0031] A sensor which is designed as an optical sensor which is able to distinguish between colors is particularly preferred. Such sensors are already known for the purpose of milk analysis in milking systems. If blood or pus is present in the milk, this is detected according to the prior art by a color sensor which is sensitive to red or pus coloring components and measures can be initiated in order to remove milk contaminated with blood or pus. In order to be able to utilize color sensors which may already be present for purposes other than milk analysis, the flow element can at least partially have a color which cannot occur in the harvested milk, for example blue. In addition to detecting red and pus coloring components, the same sensor can therefore be used to detect the presence or absence of a (blue) flow element.

[0032] In the case of the embodiment of the device with a color sensor, elements which are already present in many cases for the purpose of milk analysis in milking systems are used, which has the advantageous effect with regard to an overall minimal device requirement.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment, the flow element is provided by a sphere arranged so that its position can be changed.The sphere is particularly advantageous in terms of cleaning and sterilizing the flow element, since its surface is free of edges and indentations.

[0034] According to an alternative advantageous embodiment, the flow element is arranged pivotably about an axis of rotation in the housing of the monitoring unit. The pivotably mounted flow element advantageously has a flat protruding geometry and extends from a first limit to a second limit of the housing. If gravity is intended to act as a restoring force for the flow element, the axis of rotation is to be aligned horizontally and orthogonally to the flow direction of the milk.

[0035] The term "pivotable" in this context is intended to mean in particular that the flow element has no translational freedom, but is capable of rotational movement around an axis. The axis of rotation passes through one end of the flow element, so that upon pivoting, the end situated on the axis does not move any distance, but only rotates. At the same time, the opposite end of the flow element travels the furthest distance along a circular path. The possible pivoting is limited by the geometry of the housing to a partial circular path.

[0036] A pivotable flow element that operates using gravity as the restoring force is particularly advantageous because no additional elements are required to provide the restoring force and no substantial pressure losses are expected to occur in the flow element and associated elements to provide the restoring force.

[0037] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the monitoring unit can have at least one magnet. A predefinable attraction force which draws the flow element into a specific position and thus ensures a return to the rest position can be provided by means of the magnet. A magnet can be provided in a specific position of the housing or on the housing, which interacts with at least a part of the flow element. Alternatively, a magnet can be provided on the flow element and a magnetic counterpart can be provided on the housing. In each case, it is also possible to arrange the magnet on the housing and on the flow element. This embodiment can be advantageously used if a specific alignment of the monitoring unit is not feasible, for example due to space restrictions.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring unit can have a tension spring or a compression spring in order to bring the flow element into its rest position.

[0039] According to another inventive concept, a method for monitoring the milking process of dairy livestock, especially dairy cows, is proposed. In this method, a milking cup is attached to the nipple of the animal in order to extract milk therefrom. Then, the milk harvested from the nipple is removed through the milking cup sleeve and the milk tube connected to the milking cup sleeve. The milk flows through a monitoring unit, which is arranged as an intermediate element between two parts of the milk tube. The monitoring unit comprises a housing, a flow element and a sensor. The flow element is arranged inside the housing so that its position is changeable. The sensor has a specific detection area. The flow element can be moved by the force caused by the flow during the milking process. In particular, the flow element can be moved into and out of the detection area of ​​the sensor.

[0040] During the milking process, a milking vacuum, which also acts in the milk lines and the monitoring unit, is applied to remove the milk.

[0041] The method comprises the following steps:

[0042] First, a reference duration is provided. The reference duration can be selected based on specific process parameters. The reference duration is related to the clock frequency of the pulsating vacuum that is periodically applied in the gap between the teatcup and the teat.

[0043] Detect whether the flow element is inside or outside the detection zone of the sensor. First measure the duration for which the flow element is uninterruptedly inside or outside the detection zone. This can be achieved by continuous measurement.

[0044] The determined duration is compared with a provided reference duration. An evaluation unit is provided for this purpose. The difference between the determined duration and the reference duration is calculated. If the difference exceeds a predefined value, a signal is sent to the control unit.

[0045] The time period during which the flow element can be present in the detection area of ​​the sensor due to the process depends on the clock frequency and can be quantified as a specific proportion of the pulse clock period. For a cow, milk flow phases in the range of 400 to 600 milliseconds are normal, with a total clock length of, for example, 1100 milliseconds. Therefore, the presence of a flow element in the detection area during the time with milk flow can be associated with the milking process. Therefore, the presence of a flow element in the detection area can be tolerated up to a predefined reference duration of, for example, 500 milliseconds. If the measured duration of the presence of the flow element in the detection area exceeds the reference duration, this indicates that the milking cup is attached to the teat in an unplanned or incorrect manner, so that ambient air can be sucked into the milking cup for a longer period of time. It may be that the milking cup is located on a dirty surface and, due to the continuously applied milking vacuum, contaminants can enter the milking cup and the line that delivers the milk. A signal is sent to the control unit to prevent this from happening.

[0046] According to the above description, if the flow element stays in the sensor detection area for longer than a reference duration, a signal is sent. The method can also be applied by measuring the duration of time the flow element is outside the sensor detection area and comparing it with a reference duration, based on which a signal can be sent to the control unit.

[0047] In the case of goats, sheep and other dairy animals, the reference duration or interval may be advantageously modified.

[0048] The proposed method makes it possible to reliably monitor and control the milking process at an individual milking cup without influencing the milking process at other milking cups. This is achieved using particularly simple means and components that are already available. The knocking off or falling of individual milking cups can be directly detected. Contamination of the milk and the milking group can thus be prevented.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the switching of a vacuum valve arranged on the milk line is initiated by a signal. This can be realized with a vacuum valve having a signal connection to a control unit. The vacuum supply to the relevant milk line and the associated milking cups can thus be interrupted. The relevant milk line can be checked or the milking cups can be reattached in order to prevent contamination of the milk or the milking set or failure of the milking vacuum.

[0050] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method, the milking process can be terminated at least temporarily by a signal initiation. In particular, this can be done if a plurality of monitoring units indicate an increase in the difference between the measured duration and the reference duration. In this case, the system can first be checked before continuing the milking process.

[0051] The invention and the technical environment are explained in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings show particularly preferred exemplary embodiments, but the invention is not limited thereto. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, so that, where appropriate, descriptions from other drawings may also be used additionally. In the drawings:

[0052] Figure 1 The time characteristics of the clock cycle of the pulsating vacuum and the resulting opening state of the nipple rubber 12 are shown;

[0053] Figure 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0054] Figure 2b Shown from Figure 2a A second schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0055] Figure 2c Shows a view taken along line AA from Figure 2a Another schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0056] Figure 3a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0057] Figure 3b The image from the direction F is shown. Figure 3a A schematic top view of an embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0058] Figure 3cShows a view taken along line BB from Figure 3a Another schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0059] Figure 4a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0060] Figure 4b shows a view taken along line CC from Figure 4a A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0061] Figure 4c Shown from Figure 4a Another schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0062] Figure 4d Shows a view taken along line DD from Figure 4a A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0063] Figure 5a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0064] Figure 5b Shown from Figure 5a A second schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0065] Figure 5c shows a view taken along line EE from Figure 5a Another schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a monitoring unit;

[0066] Figure 6a shows a schematic diagram of an arrangement comprising a monitoring unit;

[0067] Figure 6b A second schematic diagram of an arrangement comprising a monitoring unit is shown.

[0068] The following description applies to all figures unless specific reference is made to one of them.

[0069] Figure 1The time characteristics of the clock cycle of the pulsating vacuum and the resulting opening state of the teat rubber 12 are shown. The curve 18 indicates the level of vacuum over time. The length of the clock cycle is predefinable and adjusted according to the animal to be milked. A clock length of 500 milliseconds is common for goats and sheep. For the milking of cows, the usual clock length is 800 to 1200 milliseconds. The clock cycle includes four phases: an emptying phase a, a vacuum phase b, a ventilation phase c and a pressure phase d. The emptying phase a and the vacuum phase b together form the suction phase. The ventilation phase c and the pressure phase d together form the static phase. The curve 18 relates to the pulsating vacuum generated and released in the milking cup gap 14, that is, between the milking cup sleeve 13 and the teat rubber 12. The teat rubber 12 is connected to the milk line. The milk line has an air inlet below the milking cup 11. A small amount of air, in particular about 3 liters / minute, flows into the milk line system through the air inlet. The inflowing air supports the removal of the harvested milk from the milking cup. However, the flow forces caused by this amount of air are not strong enough to deflect the flow element.

[0070] By removing the air by means of the pulsation line 13.1, a vacuum is created in the emptying phase a. The pressure in the teat cup gap 14 is equal to the pressure inside the teat rubber 12, inside which the milking vacuum is continuously applied. This leads to a release of the tension in the teat rubber 12. During the vacuum phase b, the pressure in the teat cup gap 14 is substantially equal to the pressure inside the teat rubber 12. Milk can be harvested at this phase, since the opened teat rubber no longer exerts any mechanical pressure on the teat canal of the teat, and the teat is therefore open.

[0071] In the ventilation phase c, the vacuum in the teatcup gap 14 is released by supplying air to the teatcup gap 14 via the pulsation line 13.1. Since the pressure in the teatcup gap 14 then increases while remaining constant inside the teat rubber 12, the teat rubber 12 begins to collapse. In the pressure phase d, due to the pressure difference, the teat rubber 12 collapses and sticks tightly to the teat 10 and thus closes the teat canal of the teat so that no milk can flow.

[0072] After this phase change, no continuous milk flow occurs in the milk circuit. Intervals of milk flow alternate with intervals without milk flow. Intervals of milk flow are called milk flow phases.

[0073] This variation occurs synchronously with the clock frequency of the pulsating vacuum. The length of the milk flow phase depends on the clock frequency and the ratio of the clock cycles occupied by the vacuum phase b. For milking cows, the length of the milk flow phase is typically 400 to 600 milliseconds.

[0074] Different possible embodiments of the device according to the invention are described below.

[0075] Figure 2a to Figure 2c A first embodiment of a monitoring unit 1 is shown. The monitoring unit 1 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 comprises an intermediate region 2.4 between a cylindrical inlet nozzle 2.1 and a cylindrical outlet nozzle 2.2, which similarly has a cylindrical cross section. The diameter in this region is greater than the diameter in the region of the inlet nozzle 2.1 and the outlet nozzle 2.2. The flow element 3 is arranged inside the intermediate region 2.4.

[0076] In this embodiment, the flow element 3 is formed by a sphere. The flow element 3 is located in a rest position 301 at one end of the middle region 2.4, to which the inlet nozzle 2.1 adjoins. Figure 2a Shown in.

[0077] In the deflected position 302, the flow element 3 is located at one end of the middle region 2.4, to which the outlet nozzle 2.2 adjoins. Figure 2b Shown in.

[0078] Since gravity is of functional relevance in this embodiment, the monitoring unit 1 is mounted in a predefined substantially vertical alignment. The inlet nozzle 2.1 and the outlet nozzle 2.2 should overlap each other as vertically and concentrically as possible, wherein the inlet nozzle 2.1 is to be arranged below the outlet nozzle 2.2.

[0079] The monitoring unit 1 includes a sensor 4, according to which Figure 2a to Figure 2c , the sensor 4 is to be arranged so that the ball is located at a rest position 301 outside its detection area. The sensor 4 can be arranged so that the ball is located inside the detection area of ​​the sensor 4 at the rest position 301 .

[0080] like Figure 2c As shown, it shows that along Figure 2a In the cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2 , three ribs 2.3 are arranged in the middle region 2.4 inside the housing 2 , which limit the cross section so that the flow element 3 is located above them in the rest position 301 ( Figure 2a ), or the flow element 3 is adjacent to them at the deflected position 302 ( Figure 2b The movable range of the flow element 3 is limited by the ribs 2.3. The harvested milk can flow through the flow openings 19 between the ribs 2.3.

[0081] Figure 3a to Figure 3cAnother embodiment of a monitoring unit 1 according to the invention is shown. This comprises a housing 2 having an inlet nozzle 2.1 and an outlet nozzle 2.2. The harvested milk flows through the housing 2 in the direction from the inlet nozzle 2.1 to the outlet nozzle 2.2. The housing 2 has a first part of a bayonet lock on its outlet nozzle 2.2. By means of this bayonet lock, the outlet nozzle 2.2 can be connected to a milk line, which has a second part of the bayonet lock. The inlet nozzle 2.1 is designed to be essentially cylindrical with a tapered end. It can be connected to the milk line, for example, by means of a plug-in connector.

[0082] The inlet nozzle 2.1 may also be designed with a bayonet lock.Alternatively or additionally, the inlet nozzle 2.1 and the outlet nozzle 2.2 may also be connected to parts of the milk circuit by means of tube clamps or other connecting means.

[0083] A flow element 3, in this embodiment formed as a sphere, is arranged in the housing 2. The flow element 3 is located in the flow path of the harvested milk. Figure 3a The flow element 3 is shown in a rest position and in a deflected position. The rest position is indicated by reference numeral 301 and the deflected position is indicated by reference numeral 302. These two states are mutually exclusive and are shown here in a single figure for illustration purposes only.

[0084] The monitoring unit 1 has a sensor 4 with a detection area. The detection area of ​​the sensor 4 is located inside the housing 2. The flow element 3 can be detected by the sensor 4. Figure 3a In FIG. 3 , the flow element 3 is located outside the detection range in the rest position 301 and is located inside the detection range of the sensor 4 in the deflected position 302 .

[0085] In order to limit the range of movement of the balls 301, 302, the housing 2 has a plurality of stops 20, 21. The stops 20, 21 are formed in one piece with the housing 2.

[0086] Figure 3b Shown along Figure 3a 1 . A view of the monitoring unit 1 in the viewing direction F of FIG. 1 . In this view, the sensor 4 can be seen from below. The sensor 4 can have a signal connection to a control unit (not shown) using a transmission device (eg a cable).

[0087] Figure 3c Shown along Figure 3a The first embodiment of the monitoring unit 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. The flow element 3 is shown here adjacent to the lower stop 20 in the rest position 301. The flow element 3 is located outside the detection area of ​​the sensor 4. In this view, the detection area is located behind the flow element 3.

[0088] Figures 4a to 4dA schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a monitoring unit 1 according to the invention is shown. The monitoring unit 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 comprises a cylindrical inlet nozzle 2.1 and a cylindrical outlet nozzle 2.2. Milk harvested from an animal and fed to a milk container flows through the monitoring unit 1. The monitoring unit 1 is designed as an intermediate element between two parts of a milk line (not shown here).

[0089] The milk flows through the monitoring unit 1 in the direction from the inlet nozzle 2.1 to the outlet nozzle 2.2. The flow element 3 is arranged in the flow path of the milk inside the housing 2. Figures 4a to 4d In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flow element 3 is designed as a flat plate having two regions 3.2 and 3.3. A bend is formed between the first region 3.2 and the second region 3.3. In the first region 3.2, the width of the flow element 3 extends more or less over the entire width of the interior space of the housing 2 of the monitoring unit 1. In the second region 3.3, the flow element 3 has a significantly smaller width. Figure 4b and Figure 4d This narrowing can be particularly clearly seen in .

[0090] The flow element 3 is pivotally mounted around the axis 3.1. The movement radius of the flow element 3 is limited by the housing 2. Figures 4a to 4d In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the flow element 3 can be pivoted through an angle of approximately 20°. Figures 4a to 4d Differences in the geometry of the housing 2 shown in FIG. 2 may result in varying pivot angles.

[0091] Because according to Figures 4a to 4d The monitoring unit 1 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is operated by means of gravity, so it is functionally important to align it during operation so that the flow element does not move into the detection area 4.1 solely due to gravity. Therefore, due to gravity, the flow element 3 is located in the rest position 301 on the lower edge of the housing 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, as long as no flow-induced forces act on the flow element 3 .

[0092] The monitoring unit 1 has a sensor 4. The sensor 4 can in particular be a color sensor, which recognizes the color of the milk flowing through the detection area 4.1 of the sensor 4. The sensor 4 can also be designed as an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive or inductive proximity sensor, a Hall effect sensor or a photoelectric sensor. The flow element 3 can be detected by the sensor 4. If the sensor 4 is designed as a color sensor, the flow element 3 can have a color at least in the second area 3.3. For example, the flow element 3 can have a blue coloring in the second area 3.3. This color should be distinguished from all colors that may occur in the harvested milk. The harvested milk may contain blood or pus components. Therefore, red or pus-like coloring of the flow element 3 must be ignored in order to prevent malfunctions in the detection of the flow element 3.

[0093] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The monitoring unit 1 is shown, in which the flow element 3 is in a rest position 301 . In the rest position 301 , the flow element 3 is completely outside the detection range 4 . 1 of the sensor 4 . Figure 4c and Figure 4d The monitoring unit 1 is shown with the flow element 3 in a deflected position 302 . In this case, the flow element protrudes into the detection region 4 . 1 of the sensor 4 .

[0094] The arrangement of the sensor 4 in the lower region, as shown here, is particularly advantageous if the sensor 4 is a color sensor which, in addition to its function as a component of the monitoring unit 1, can also be used for milk analysis purposes. Even with a low milk flow, blood and pus components can be reliably detected in the milk, since they flow directly past the sensor 4.

[0095] When air flows through the monitoring unit 1 as a result of this process, the flow element 3 can thereby be moved momentarily from the rest position 301 into the deflected position 302 and thus into the detection region 4 . 1 . Figure 4c and Figure 4d This state is shown in . If this state persists, it can be inferred that the teat cup 11 has been knocked off and the flow element 3 is deflected by the continuously flowing air.

[0096] Figure 5a to Figure 5c Another embodiment of the monitoring unit 1 is shown. Figure 2a to Figure 2c Similar to the embodiment of , the housing 2 of this embodiment has three cylindrical parts, the diameter of the central part of which is larger than the diameters of the inlet nozzle 2.1 and the outlet nozzle 2.2 forming the remaining two parts.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the flow element 3 is formed by two substantially cylindrical parts of different diameters. The transition between the two parts is provided with a curve. The end of the flow element 3 has a hemispherical shape. The flow element 3 has a magnet 5.1. An annular magnet 5.2 is arranged on the housing 2.

[0098] According to Figure 2a to Figure 2c Similar to the embodiment of , the housing 2 has three ribs 2.3 on its inner side, which are perforated by flow openings 19 in order to allow the harvested milk to flow through. The ribs 2.3 have the function of limiting the freedom of movement of the flow element 3.

[0099] The flow element 3 can be moved from the static position 301 (at Figure 5a and Figure 5c ) moves to a deflected position 302 (in Figure 5b ) and thus moves into the detection region 4.1 of the sensor 4. The restoring force is provided by the two magnets 5.1 and 5.2, which in this embodiment moves the flow element 3 out of the detection region 4.1 of the sensor 4. In principle, according to Figure 5a to Figure 5c The monitoring unit 1 is therefore not dependent on gravity and therefore functions independently of the selected alignment.

[0100] Another alternative for providing the restoring force is to install a tension spring or a compression spring between the flow element 3 and the housing 2 .

[0101] Figure 6a and Figure 6b is a representation of a device for monitoring the milking process. The device is greatly simplified here and is not shown to scale. Figure 6a and Figure 6b Shows that according to Figures 4a to 4d A particularly preferred embodiment of the monitoring unit 1 is arranged. Figure 6a and Figure 6b The relevant description can be transferred accordingly to the Figure 2a to Figure 2c , Figure 3a to Figure 3c and Figure 5a to Figure 5c The arrangement of the monitoring unit and the corresponding flow elements. Figure 6a The device of a teat cup 11 attached to a teat 10 is shown.

[0102] The milk is harvested from the teat 10 of the animal. For this purpose, a teat cup 11 is provided, which is equipped with a teat cup sleeve 13 and a teat rubber 12. Figure 1As described above, pulsating vacuum and ventilation are applied alternately to the gap 14 between the milking cup 13 and the teat rubber 12 via the pulsating line 13.1. For this purpose, a vacuum supply (not shown here) is connected to the pulsating line 13.1. The harvested milk is removed from the milking cup 13 via a first section of the milk line 15. An inlet nozzle 2.1 of the monitoring unit 1 is connected to this first section. The second section of the milk line 15 is connected to the outlet nozzle 2.2. After the harvested milk initially passes through the first section of the milk line 15 and then through the monitoring unit 1, it flows through the outlet nozzle 2.2 into the second section of the milk line 15. The milking vacuum is continuously applied to the interior of the milk line 15, the monitoring unit 1 and the teat rubber 12. A vacuum valve 16 is arranged on the milk line 15. The milking vacuum can be switched on or off by the vacuum valve 16.

[0103] The harvested milk is initially fed to a milk separator (not shown here) via the milk line 15. There the milk is separated from the air which is present in the milk line 15 due to the process. The milk is finally fed to a milk container 17 and stored there for further processing.

[0104] The milking process can be monitored by means of the monitoring unit 1 . Figure 6a A scenario is shown in which the teat cup 11 is attached and the flow element 3 is in the rest position 301 . Figure 6b A scenario is shown in which the teat cup 11 is not attached and the flow element 3 is in the deflected position 302 .

[0105] The flow element 3 is arranged in the flow path of the milk inside the housing 2 of the monitoring unit 1 so that its position is changeable. In this representation, the flow element 3 is designed to be flat and pivotable about an axis. The range of motion of the flow element 3 is limited by the housing 2.

[0106] The monitoring unit 1 has a sensor 4 with a defined detection area 4.1. The flow element 3 can be detected by the sensor 4. In particular, it can be determined by means of the sensor whether the flow element 3 is located outside the detection area 4.1 ( Figure 6a ) or internal ( Figure 6b ). The sensor 4 has a signal connection to a control unit (not shown here).

[0107] The mass and the geometry of the flow element 3 are chosen so that it does not float in the milk. Therefore, no substantial changes in the position of the flow element 3 occur due to different milk levels in the housing 2. During milking, milk and / or an air flow (s) also flow through the milk line 15 and thus also through the monitoring unit 1. If it is mainly air that flows, this leads to a change in the position of the flow element 3. The force of the air flow onto the flow element 3 is large enough to change the position of the flow element 3 so that it enters the detection area 4.1 of the sensor 4. In particular, since the flow forces acting on the flow element 3 are greater than the flow resistance of the flow element 3, the flow element 3 can be moved out of the rest position 301.

[0108] According to the above description, the detection area 4.1 of the sensor 4 is selected so that the flow element 3 is located outside the detection area in the rest position 301 and moves into the detection area 4.1 in the event of a movement due to flow-induced forces. The detection area 4.1 can alternatively be selected so that the flow element 3 is located inside the detection area 4.1 in the rest position (without the influence of flow-induced forces) and moves out of the detection area 4.1 in the event of a movement due to flow-induced forces.

[0109] For a cow, milk flow phases in the range of 400 to 600 milliseconds are normal, with a total clock length of, for example, 1100 milliseconds. Therefore, the presence of the flow element 3 in the detection area 4.1 during the time with milk flow can be attributed to the milking process and the changes in phases with and without milk flow. Therefore, the presence of the flow element 3 in the detection area 4.1 can be tolerated to a predefined reference duration of, for example, 500 milliseconds.

[0110] If this duration is exceeded, this indicates that the teat cup 11 is not attached or is not attached correctly. In this case, air (or milk / air mixture in case the teat cup is not attached correctly) is sucked through the teat rubber 12 of the teat cup 11 due to the continuously applied milking vacuum. Detecting incorrectly attached teat cups 11 is essential, in particular for performing a hygienic milking process. In addition, long-term undesirable vacuum drops in the milking system are prevented.

[0111] In this case, a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown).The vacuum valve 16 arranged on the milk line 15 can then be actuated in order to disconnect the respective milk line 15, the monitoring unit 1 and the teat cups 11 from the applied milking vacuum.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, the entire milking process may be interrupted.This may be advantageous if a signal is sent by a plurality of monitoring units 1 indicating that the associated teat cup 11 is not attached or is not attached correctly.

[0113] The invention relates to a device and a method for monitoring a milking process. By providing and using a monitoring element, different operating scenarios can be detected, in particular the accidental removal of a milking cup during milking, and corresponding measures can be initiated to prevent contamination of the milking set and the harvested milk. For this purpose, the monitoring unit has a flow element, which is arranged inside the housing so that its position is changeable. The position of the flow element can be continuously detected by a sensor. From the position state it can be determined whether the milking process is running as expected.

[0114] Reference numerals list

[0115] 1 Monitoring unit

[0116] 2 Housing

[0117] 2.1 Inlet nozzle

[0118] 2.2 Exit Nozzle

[0119] 2.3 Ribs

[0120] 2.4 Intermediate area

[0121] 3 Flow elements

[0122] 3.1 Axis

[0123] 3.2 First Area

[0124] 3.3 Second Area

[0125] 4 Sensors

[0126] 4.1 Detection Area

[0127] 5.1 The first magnet

[0128] 5.2 Second magnet

[0129] 10 Nipple

[0130] 11 Milking cup

[0131] 12 Nipple Rubber

[0132] 13 Milking cup cover

[0133] 13.1 Pulsating pipeline

[0134] 14 Gap

[0135] 15 Milk tube

[0136] 16 Vacuum valve

[0137] 17 Milk container

[0138] 18 Curve

[0139] 19 Circulation opening

[0140] 20 Lower stop

[0141] 21 Upper stop

[0142] 301 static position

[0143] 302 Deflection position

[0144] a Emptying phase

[0145] b Vacuum stage

[0146] c Ventilation phase

[0147] d. Pressure stage

Claims

1. A device for monitoring the milking process of dairy animals, in particular dairy cows, the device comprising at least one milking cup (11), a milk line (15) connected to the at least one milking cup (11), a monitoring unit (1) and a control unit, the monitoring unit (1) being designed as an intermediate element between two parts of the milk line (15) and having a sensor (4), the sensor (4) having a detection area (4.1) assigned to a flow element (3), wherein: The position of the flow element (3) is changeable, wherein the flow element (3) is located outside the detection area (4.1) of the sensor (4) without the influence of flow-induced forces and is located inside the detection area (4.1) of the sensor (4) under the influence of flow-induced forces, wherein the monitoring unit (1) is suitable and intended to detect the presence of the flow element (3) in the detection area (4.1) by means of the sensor (4) and to measure the duration of the presence of the flow element (3) in the detection area (4.1), Therein, the sensor (4) has a signal connection to the control unit.

2. A device for monitoring the milking process of dairy livestock, especially cows, the device comprising at least one milking cup (11), a milk line (15) connected to the at least one milking cup (11), a monitoring unit (1) and a control unit, the monitoring unit (1) being designed as an intermediate element between two parts of the milk line (15) and comprising a sensor (4) and a flow element (3) arranged in the flow path of the milk, the sensor (4) having a detection area (4.1) assigned to the flow element (3), wherein: The position of the flow element (3) is changeable, wherein the flow element (3) is located inside the detection area (4.1) of the sensor (4) without the influence of flow-induced forces and is located outside the detection area (4.1) of the sensor (4) under the influence of flow-induced forces, wherein the monitoring unit (1) is suitable and intended to detect the absence of the flow element (3) in the detection area (4.1) by means of the sensor (4) and to measure the duration of the presence of the flow element (3) in the detection area (4.1), Therein, the sensor (4) has a signal connection to the control unit.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The milk line (15) has a vacuum valve (16) which has a signal connection to the control unit.

4. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a vacuum system having a signal connection to the control unit.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The sensor (4) is selected from a group of sensors including optical sensors, inductive and capacitive proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors and Hall effect sensors.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein: The sensor (4) is provided by an optical sensor, by means of which blood components and pus components in the harvested milk can be detected.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The flow element (3) is formed by a sphere.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The flow element (3) is arranged to be pivotably mounted in the housing (2).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The housing (2) of the device and / or the flow element (3) has a magnet (5.1, 5.2).

10. A method for monitoring the milking process of dairy livestock, especially cows, wherein: A milking cup (11) is attached to the teat of the animal to remove milk, the milk being drawn from the teat through the milking cup (11) and a milk line (15) connected to the milking cup (11), the harvested milk flowing through a monitoring unit (1), the monitoring unit (1) being designed as an intermediate element between two parts of the milk line (15), wherein during the milking process a milking vacuum is applied in the milk line (15) and the monitoring unit (1) in order to remove the milk, The method comprises the following steps: Provide a reference duration, Detecting two position states of a flow element (3) arranged in the monitoring unit (1) by means of a sensor (4), so that its position can be changed, measuring the duration of the time period during which the flow element (3) remains in at least one position state, · Comparison of the measured duration with a reference duration in the evaluation unit, If a predefinable difference between the measured duration and the reference duration is exceeded, a signal is sent to the control unit.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: The signal initiates the switching of the vacuum valve (16) in the milk circuit (15).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The signal initiates the termination of the milking process.

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