Milking device comprising housing in which milking unit and vacuum component are located

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] The subject matter of the invention relates to a milking device having a milking unit.

[0002] In the following, the invention is described in conjunction with a milking device for milking cows. It should be noted that the subject matter of the invention also relates in particular to a milking device for milking sheep, goats, llamas, camels, dromedaries, buffaloes, mares, donkeys or yaks. The invention can be used in fully automatic and semi-automatic milking devices.

[0003] In a dairy farm, many systems are used that are important for dairy cow husbandry and milk production. A dairy farm may include a milking installation with a plurality of milking stalls. Each milking stall is equipped with a milking device. The milking installation has a milking unit. The milking unit comprises at least one milking cup connected to a milk delivery line via a milk pipe. Also known are milking units in which at least two milking cups are each connected to a milk collecting tank via a short milk pipe, wherein the milk collecting tank is connected to the milk delivery line via a long milk pipe, optionally with a measuring container connected therebetween. The milking unit operates under predetermined operating conditions, such as the milking vacuum or the frequency of the pulsator.

[0004] The milking device has at least one so-called milk collector. The milk collector is connected to the milk pipe system. The milk collector is also connected to the vacuum system. The milked milk flows from the milking cups to the milk collector. The milk collector has an outlet which is connected to a pump so that the milked milk is discharged from the milk collector by means of the pump. In this respect, the milking device can be divided essentially into two areas: a first area carrying the vacuum and a second area carrying the milk. In this case, the transition is formed by the milk collector.

[0005] Raw milk is an important food and raw material for the food industry. For the protection of consumers and for technical processability, it is necessary that the milk meets national and international quality requirements. For this purpose, there are corresponding national or international regulations that must be observed. Thus, for example, the milk must not show any abnormal organoleptic characteristics. In order to achieve this, the udder of the animal from which the milk is obtained for consumption must be cleaned at the beginning of the milking process. Here, a thorough and complete cleaning is necessary.

[0006] Compliance with the prescribed hygiene standards is also important in order to ensure high quality milk. Therefore, it is necessary not only to clean the udders and teats of the animals, but also the parts of the milking apparatus. Cleaning can also include disinfection of the parts of the milking apparatus. The cleaning process can be carried out by means of fluids, in particular by means of water as well as cleaning and disinfecting or other additives.

[0007] It is known that after each milking of a cow, the milking unit is cleaned again with clean water, disinfectant and optionally dried with compressed air. This is the so-called intermediate cleaning.

[0008] Both the milking process itself and the cleaning process are carried out with the aid of a vacuum. Therefore, a milking device has a number of vacuum components which must be controlled accordingly. The vacuum components can in particular be pulsators or valves, including electric valves.

[0009] Since there are many vacuum parts that are subject to wear, it is necessary to replace these parts at least regularly in order to maintain the functionality of the milking device and therefore of a milking device having a plurality of milking devices.

[0010] It is therefore known to install vacuum components in a stall-related manner. This means that each milking parlor considered individually has vacuum components that may need regular maintenance and / or replacement. This involves a lot of work.

[0011] Against this background, the invention is based on the object of specifying a mounting system for a milking apparatus which allows a faster and, in particular, tool-free replacement and / or mounting of vacuum components.

[0012] This object is achieved by a milking device according to the independent claim. Further advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0013] The milking device according to the invention comprises a milking unit. As mentioned at the beginning, the milking unit has at least one milking cup, which is directly or indirectly connected to the milk supply line. The number of milking cups depends on the type of animal to be milked. The milking cups can each be connected via a short milk pipe to a milk collecting tank, which is connected to the milk supply line via a long milk pipe.

[0014] The teatcup itself has a teatcup shell in which a teat rubber is arranged. The intermediate space between the teatcup and the teat rubber is connected to a vacuum component, which is preferably a pulsator. The space between the rigid teatcup shell and the elastic teat rubber is alternately subjected to negative pressure and atmospheric pressure. As a result, an alternation between suction phases and release phases is achieved. A vacuum is present in the milk tube connected to the teat rubber.

[0015] In order to produce an alternation between negative pressure and atmospheric pressure in the intermediate space of the milking cups, each milking cup is connected to a so-called pulse line, in which the two pressures are switched by means of a corresponding valve. The valve is preferably an electronic switching valve which switches in the desired rhythm. It is known, for example, that a plurality of pulsators are connected to a central control device in terms of signals so that the pulsators operate synchronously. In milking devices of this type, the pulsators operate synchronously, which is associated with considerable fluctuations in the negative pressure in the vacuum system of the milking device.

[0016] Furthermore, alternating pulsators are known. In this type of pulsator, the teat cup intermediate spaces of the two teat cups of the milking unit are each under vacuum, while atmospheric pressure is introduced into the teat cup intermediate spaces of the other two teat cups. These so-called alternating pulsators are preferred, because in this case the risk of the milking device, in particular the teat cups, falling off is significantly reduced, because the two teat cups are each firmly connected to the teats of the cow.

[0017] Furthermore, it is known that the milking process itself is essentially carried out individually for each animal. This is connected with the fact that the vacuum components contained in the milking unit must be provided individually, in particular for each milking parlor. This also means that the installation effort for installing the milking device is considerable. Furthermore, the vacuum components, which are susceptible to wear, must be replaced at predetermined intervals or as required. It is also necessary to replace the vacuum components as quickly as possible in the event of a malfunction of the vacuum components, in order to avoid, for example, a serious vacuum malfunction.

[0018] The vacuum component has an inlet port and an outlet port. The terms inlet port and outlet port are used here and below to distinguish the ports. This does not define the flow direction of the fluid (particularly air). The use of the terms inlet sleeve and outlet sleeve is also the same. They are intended to express that the sleeve assigned to the inlet port is called the inlet sleeve. The same is true for the outlet sleeve. Where the term port is used, the information provided about the port relates to the inlet port and / or the outlet port. Where the term sleeve is used, the information provided about the sleeve relates to the inlet sleeve and / or the outlet sleeve.

[0019] The milking device according to the invention has a housing with a defined interior space. The wall of the housing has a first opening. An inlet sleeve with a passage extends through the first opening. The inlet sleeve partially protrudes into the interior space of the housing. In addition, an outlet sleeve with a passage is provided, which partially protrudes into the interior space through a second opening in the housing. The vacuum component arranged in the interior space is connected to the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve. This is in particular a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection between the inlet port and the inlet sleeve and between the outlet port and the outlet sleeve.

[0020] The port is inserted into the sleeve. The configuration of the sleeve and the port is selected such that a vacuum-tight connection between the sleeve and the port is achieved. In particular, it is proposed here that the sleeve is formed in an elastic manner at least in the region where the port projects. This configuration of the milking device according to the invention has the advantage that a vacuum component mounting system which preferably does not require tools, is quick and easy to operate is provided. The possibility of carrying out maintenance and repairs with minimal interruption of the use of the milking device is also created.

[0021] Preference is given to a milking unit in which the inlet sleeve and / or the outlet sleeve has a recess which projects into the edge of the first opening or the second opening. As a result, the inlet sleeve and / or the outlet sleeve can be positioned. Preferably, the opening has an asymmetrical cross section. The sleeve has a correspondingly shaped cross section in the region of the recess. As a result, the sleeve can be mounted in the opening in a precise position. The pairing of the first opening and the inlet port and the pairing of the second opening and the outlet port can have different cross-sectional shapes from one another, thereby improving the allocation of the inlet and outlet ports to the openings, which is advantageous for mounting a vacuum component with the inlet and outlet sleeves.

[0022] A further advantage of this configuration of the inlet and / or outlet sleeve can be considered that the pressure generated during installation, i.e. during the connection of the vacuum component to the inlet and / or outlet sleeve, is introduced into the wall portion via the edge, thereby avoiding slipping of the sleeve. This also applies when the vacuum component is removed from the housing. In this case, the tensile forces acting on the inlet and / or outlet sleeve are introduced into the wall portion.

[0023] Particularly preferred is a configuration in which the recess is defined by an inner surrounding collar extending in the radial direction and an outer surrounding collar extending in the radial direction, wherein the inner collar is arranged in the inner space. This results in the effective thickness of the sleeve not being reduced by the recess. Furthermore, the inner collar and / or the outer collar can be provided with a chamfer, thereby making it easier to mount the inlet and / or outlet sleeve.

[0024] In order to increase the operational reliability, another advantageous configuration provides that the ratio of the radial extension of the outer collar to the radial extension of the inner collar is greater than 1, preferably greater than 1.1, particularly preferably greater than 1.25. As a result, a relatively large outer collar contact surface is provided, so that when the vacuum component is removed from the sleeve, the tensile forces exerted by the vacuum component on the sleeve during extraction of the port from the sleeve are transmitted into the wall portion.

[0025] A configuration is preferred in which the outer collar has an annular portion that is inclined toward the inner collar. This configuration has the advantage that the sleeve is arranged in the opening of the wall with a certain preload. Furthermore, manufacturing tolerances in the wall and the sleeve itself can be compensated, so that the sleeve can be firmly held at the opening and on the wall.

[0026] In particular, a milking device is proposed, wherein the inlet sleeve has a first end located outside the interior space and a second end located inside the interior space. The inlet sleeve has a channel extending from one end to the other end. The internal channel has a radially inward surrounding flange at least at the second end. This improves the safety of the vacuum-tight connection between the inlet port and the inlet sleeve. Here, such a configuration is also preferred, wherein the outlet sleeve has a first end located outside the interior space and a second end located inside the space, wherein the channel has a radially inward surrounding sleeve at least at the second end. The channel preferably has a stopper, which creates a distance limit at which the port can be introduced into the channel. As a result, a defined installation position is also achieved. In particular, with respect to the defined positioning of the vacuum component in the housing, it is proposed that the latter has a positioning element that determines the position of the vacuum component in the housing. For this reason, the wall portion with the opening preferably has at least one projection that forms a stopper, so that when the vacuum component is installed, when the port is inserted into the sleeve, the sleeve will not be pushed out of the opening.

[0027] In order to simplify installation, it is proposed that the inlet port and / or the outlet port have a circumferential groove formed in a manner corresponding to the flange. This also allows the operator to feel the locking of the flange in the groove during installation or during maintenance and / or repair work, thereby ensuring that the vacuum component has been technically perfectly installed.

[0028] In order to improve the operational reliability, in particular to improve the vacuum tightness, another advantageous configuration proposes that the outlet or inlet port passes through an imaginary plane defined by the surface of the wall facing the interior space. This means that the inlet or outlet port, as seen in the cross-sectional plane, extends into the wall. This results in the outlet or inlet port pushing the wall portion of the outlet or inlet sleeve against the edge of the first or second opening, thereby achieving effective clamping. This increases the tightness.

[0029] The vacuum component is preferably a pulsator.

[0030] Different vacuum components may be arranged in the housing. The vacuum components may be arranged in such a way that they are grouped according to their function.

[0031] Here too, a configuration is preferred in which the vacuum component is a vacuum distributor having an inlet port and at least two outlet ports. In this case, the vacuum distributor can have connections for valves, for example, by means of which the inlet port and / or the two outlet ports can be opened or closed, i.e. actuated, individually or in groups.

[0032] If the vacuum component has more than two ports, the ports are preferably arranged such that at least one port is arranged in an offset manner relative to the other ports.Offset here means that not all ports are located on an imaginary straight line.

[0033] Particularly preferred is a configuration in which the sleeve is formed from an elastic material. As a result, and in particular due to the configuration of the connection between the sleeve and the port, an acoustic decoupling is achieved. This is particularly advantageous when the vacuum component is a pulsator.

[0034] Further advantages of the invention are explained by means of the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, without the subject matter of the invention being restricted to this exemplary embodiment.

[0035] In the attached picture:

[0036] Figure 1 : schematically shows a milking parlour with a milking device,

[0037] Figure 2 : shows a perspective rear view of the housing,

[0038] Figure 3 :shows the Figure 1 Front view of the housing without the cover,

[0039] Figure 4 : shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a housing without a cover,

[0040] Figure 5 : shows a perspective view of a vacuum distributor with a valve,

[0041] Figure 6 :shows the Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum distributor,

[0042] Figure 7 : shows a perspective view of the inlet sleeve,

[0043] Figure 8 :shows the Figure 7 Cross-section of the inlet sleeve,

[0044] Fig. 9 : shows the arrangement of the inlet sleeve in the housing and in the wall, and

[0045] Fig.10 :shows the Fig. 9 Arrangement with vacuum components.

[0046] Figure 1 Schematically a milking parlour 1 for milking animals, in particular cows, is shown. The milking parlour 1 can be a single milking parlour, a group milking parlour or a milking parlour on a milking carousel. The milking device 1 is defined by a grid structure 2. The construction of this grid structure 2 is independent of whether it is a milking parlour or a milking parlour on a milking carousel, or a single milking parlour or a milking parlour in a group milking parlour.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the grid structure has uprights 3.1, 3.2 extending in the vertical direction. Further uprights (not shown) may also be present. Pipes 4.1, 4.2 extending substantially horizontally are connected to the uprights 3.1, 3.2. The pipes 4.1, 4.2 define the milking stall in the longitudinal direction of the milking stall and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the milking stall if necessary. Such a grid structure can also be used as a fastening device for fastening other components located in the milking stall.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the milking parlor 1 has a milking unit 5. The milking unit 5 has teat cups 6.1, 6.2. In this respect, the milking parlor is a milking parlor for milking cows, of which only two of four teat cups are shown. The teat cups 6.1, 6.2 are each connected to a milk collecting piece 8 via a short milk tube 7.1, 7.2. The milk collecting piece 8 or the milk collecting tank is connected to a milk delivery line (not shown) via a milk tube 9.

[0049] Reference numeral 12 identifies the housing of an electronic controller, which is located in the housing, for a milking parlor, in particular for a milking device. The housing 12 of the electrical controller is fastened to the pipe 4.1. For operating the milking parlor, an operator terminal 13 is provided. The operator terminal 13 is connected to a controller arranged in the housing 12 via signal lines 14.1, 14.2. The operator terminal 13 has operating keys 15, by means of which commands can be input to the controller and / or information can be retrieved from the controller. The operating keys can also be keys by means of which individual operations are started and ended during the milking process. Thus, for example, there can be an operating key for operating the milking process, which is used to activate an automatic cup remover so that the attached milking cups are removed from the teats of the animals. For displaying information, the operator terminal has a display 16.

[0050] The electrical controller located in the housing 12 is connected via cables 11.1, 11.2 to the vacuum component or components arranged in the housing 10. For the sake of clarity, the lines or pipes carrying the vacuum or air are not shown. The housing 10 is arranged on the pipe 4.1.

[0051] From the basis Figure 1 As can be clearly seen in the figure, electronic controls are provided for the individual milking parlors. This is also the case for the vacuum components.

[0052] Figure 2 A perspective view of the housing 10 is shown, looking towards the rear wall section 17. The rear wall section 17 is connected to a surrounding rim 18. The rim 18 is connected to a cap-like cover 19. In order to releasably connect the cap-like cover 19 to the rim or rear wall section 17, corresponding connecting means 20 are provided, so that the cover 19 is releasably connected to the rear wall section 17.

[0053] The rear wall portion 17, the edge 18 and the cover 19 define an inner space in which at least one vacuum component is arranged.

[0054] Figure 3 1 shows an internal view of the housing 10. As can be clearly seen from the figure, four vacuum components 21.1-21.4 are arranged in the housing 10. The vacuum component 21.1 is a pulsator. The pulsator is connected to two inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2. In addition, the pulsator is connected to two outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2. The inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2 and the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2 form a vacuum pump composed of Figure 2 The dashed line in FIG. 4 shows the group G4. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2 are formed differently from the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2. This need not be the case. The inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2 and the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2 can also be formed identically. Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the outlet sleeves 23.1, 23.2 are oriented differently from the inlet sleeves 22.1, 22.2, with the result that the risk of mixed connections at the rear wall section 17 is avoided.

[0055] The vacuum components 21.2, 21.3 and 21.4 are vacuum distributors 28.1, 28.2 and 28.3 respectively. Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the vacuum distributors 28.1 form a group G1, the vacuum distributors 28.2 form a group G2 and the vacuum distributors 28.3 form a group G3 of possible connections. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each vacuum distributor 28.1-28.3 is connected to three outlet sleeves 24.1-24.3. In addition, the vacuum distributor 28.1 is connected to the inlet sleeve 25. Figure 2 The diagram and basis Figure 3 As can be clearly seen in the figures, the outlet sleeves 24.1-24.3 are located substantially in one line. The inlet sleeve 25 is arranged in a spaced manner therefrom. Each vacuum distributor 28.1, 28.2 and 28.3 has a corresponding inlet sleeve 25. Further groups G2 and G3 of vacuum components 21.2 and 21.3 are also formed in a corresponding manner.

[0056] In particular, from Figure 4 Perspective drawing and Figure 5 and Figure 6It can be clearly seen in the figure of the vacuum component 21.2 in FIG. 1 that, in addition to the vacuum distributor 28.1, the vacuum component 21.2 also has a plurality of (in this case three) valves 26.1-26.3. The number of valves here is exemplary. The valves 26.1-26.3 are electric valves. The valves have corresponding contacts, which are connected to corresponding signal lines, which pass through the housing 10 as cable bundles 27.1, 27.1 and 27.3. The same is true for the vacuum component 21.1, which is called a pulsator.

[0057] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A preferred configuration of the vacuum component 21.2 is shown. The vacuum component 21.2 has a vacuum distributor 28.1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, valves 26.1, 26.2 and 26.3 are connected to the vacuum distributor 28.1.

[0058] The vacuum distributor 28.1 has an inlet port 28. The inlet port 29 is connected to a channel 30. From the channel 30 extend feed lines 31.1-31.3, each of which can be in fluid communication with an outlet port 32, wherein at Figure 5 Only the outlet port 32 is shown in FIG. The feed lines 31.1 - 31.3 can be closed and opened by means of respective valves 26.1 to 26.3.

[0059] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of an inlet sleeve 24 . 1 is shown.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet sleeve 24.1 is formed such that it has a deflection angle of approximately 90°. The inlet sleeve 24.1 has a surrounding groove 33. The surrounding groove 33 is defined by a surrounding inner collar 34 extending in the radial direction and a surrounding outer collar 35 extending in the radial direction. In the installed state of the inlet sleeve 24.1, the inner collar 34 is located in the housing. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the inner collar 34 has a mounting bevel 36, which makes it easier to introduce one end of the sleeve into the housing.

[0061] The outer collar 35 has an annular portion 37 which is inclined toward the inner collar 34 so that a certain support is generated between the outer collar 35 and the wall of the housing.

[0062] The inlet sleeve 24.1 has a continuous channel 38. The channel 38 has a first portion 39.1 in the end region of the inlet sleeve. In addition, the channel 38 has a second portion 39.2 at the opposite end. The shape of each specific portion 39.1 and 39.2 is formed so that it matches the shape and form of the port engaged in the specific region, specifically so that there is basically no additional flow resistance in the installed state. The channel 38 has stops 40.1, 40.2 in each specific portion 39.1, 39.2, which create a limit to the distance that the port can be introduced into the channel 38. As a result, a defined installation position is also achieved. In particular, the outlet sleeve is preferably formed in a manner corresponding to the inlet sleeve, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

[0063] Fig. 9 The inlet sleeve 24.1 is shown in the installed state in the housing. Fig. 9 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the edge of the opening protrudes into the groove 33. Preferably, the groove 33 is formed so that it has a width that is smaller than the thickness of the corresponding wall portion, so that a support and thus a force and form fit connection is formed between the sleeve and the wall portion.

[0064] Fig.10 An arrangement is shown in which the inlet port protrudes into portion 39.1.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the parts 39.1 and 39.2 each have a surrounding flange 41.1, 41.2, which protrudes radially inwards into the channel 38. Fig.10 As shown, the port has a correspondingly formed recess into which the flange 41.1 projects. The port preferably extends far enough into the sleeve to allow it to pass through an imaginary plane of the wall.

[0066] Reference numerals list

[0067] 1 Milking Parlor

[0068] 2 Grid structure

[0069] 3.1, 3.2 Column

[0070] 4.1, 4.2 Pipeline

[0071] 5 Milking Unit

[0072] 6.1, 6.2 Milking cup

[0073] 7.1, 7.2 Short milk tube

[0074] 8 Milk collection pieces

[0075] 9 Milk tube

[0076] 10 Housing

[0077] 11.1, 11.2 Cables

[0078] 12 Housing

[0079] 13 Operator Terminal

[0080] 14.1, 14.2 Signal lines

[0081] 15 Operation keys

[0082] 16 Display

[0083] 17 Rear wall

[0084] 18 Wrap Around Edge

[0085] 19 Cover

[0086] 20 Connection device

[0087] 21.1-21.4 Vacuum components

[0088] 22.1, 22.2 Inlet sleeve

[0089] 23.1, 23.2 outlet sleeve

[0090] 25 inlet sleeve

[0091] 26.1-26.3 valve

[0092] 27.1-27.3 Cable harness

[0093] 28.1-28.3 Vacuum distributor

[0094] 29 Entry Port

[0095] 30 channels

[0096] 31.1-31.3 Feeding pipeline

[0097] 32 egress port

[0098] 33 Grooves

[0099] 34 Inner collar

[0100] 35 outer shaft collar

[0101] 36 Mounting bevel

[0102] 37 parts

[0103] 38 channels

[0104] 39.1, Section 3.2, End Region

[0105] 40.1, 40.2 stop

[0106] 41.1, 41.2 flange

[0107] 42 Exit Port

Claims

1. A milking device, comprising: Milking unit (1), at least one vacuum component (21.1-21.4) connected to the milking unit (1) and having an inlet port (28) and an outlet port (31.1), A housing (10) having an interior space defined by a wall, wherein: The housing (10) has a first opening and a second opening, an inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2) having a passage (29) and extending partially into the interior space through the first opening, and an outlet sleeve (23.1, 23.2) having a passage (29) and extending partially into the interior space through the second opening, wherein the vacuum components (21.1-21.4) are arranged in the inner space, and The inlet port (28) protrudes into the inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2), and the outlet port (31.1) protrudes into the outlet sleeve (23.1, 23.2).

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

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

4. The milking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The ratio of the radial extension of the outer collar (35) to the radial extension of the inner collar (34) is greater than 1.0, preferably greater than 1.1, particularly preferably greater than 1.

25.

5. The milking apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The outer collar (35) has an annular portion (37) which is inclined toward the inner collar (34).

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

7. The milking apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The inlet sleeve (22.1, 22.2) and / or the outlet sleeve (23.1-23.3) has a first end outside the interior space and a second end inside the interior space, wherein the channel has a radially inwardly circumferential flange (41.1, 41.2) at least at the second end.

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

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

10. The milking device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The vacuum component includes a pulsator.

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

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