Device comprising a juicing device and a measuring device for measuring the mass flow of the juice

Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising a juice squeezing device and a measuring device for measuring the mass flow rate of the squeezed juice. The measuring device has a housing (1) comprising: an inlet (2) connected to the juicing device; an outlet (6); and a channel connecting the inlet (2) and the outlet (6). The channel has a first portion, a transition region (8) and a second portion (9) in the direction towards the outlet (6). The first portion, the transition region (8) and the second portion (9) have a common base (10) which extends uniformly downward to the outlet (6). In the transition region (8), the flow-through cross-section of the first portion decreases towards the second portion (9). A measuring device comprises a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12) positioned spaced apart from each other. At least one electrode (11, 12) is positioned inside the second portion (9) and downstream of and at a distance from the transition region (8) with respect to the flow direction (S). A voltage source (17) is connected to two regions of the first electrode (11) that are distant from each other. A detection device (18) is electrically connected to the first electrode (11) and the second electrode (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device which comprises a milking device and a measuring device for measuring the mass flow rate of the milked milk.

[0002] The result of the milk measurement during the milking operation represents a variable of relevant parameters on the dairy farm. First, the knowledge of the current milk flow rate is relevant for the control of the milking process in order to, for example, determine the transition from the stimulation phase to the main milking phase, or determine the milking-off point (usually the end of the milking operation), or adjust other parameters during the milking operation.

[0003] The result of the milk quantity measurement is also important for evaluating the milk production capacity of the individual animal to be milked. The animal to be milked can be, for example, a cow, a sheep, a goat, a buffalo, a llama, a camel, a dromedary. The listing of individual animal types is not exhaustive. If a milking cow is mentioned hereinafter, this mention is exemplary.

[0004] One basic problem during the milk quantity measurement during the milking operation is that the milk is conveyed through the teat tube in a drop-by-drop manner by the milking operation itself. As a result, it is difficult to determine the current milk flow rate.

[0005] In addition, there is the problem that the milk is a foaming fluid. As a result, a multiphase liquid is also mentioned, namely a liquid phase and a foam phase.

[0006] These basic problems have been recognized. Many different methods, devices and measuring equipment for measuring the mass flow rate of the milked milk have been proposed.

[0007] WO 2006 / 037589 A1 discloses a measuring device for measuring the mass flow rate of the milked milk. The measuring device is based on the following basic idea: mixing the foam content with the liquid content of the milk. To achieve this, the housing of the measuring device is formed in such a way that the inlet introduces the interior of the housing substantially tangentially. The axis of a part of the housing is inclined by at least 30° with respect to the vertical direction upstream of the sensor for determining the mass flow rate. The part of the housing upstream of the sensor is at least substantially rotationally symmetric inside. Due to the construction of the housing, the existing foam is mixed into the liquid phase of the milk. This produces a liquid, namely the milk, which is substantially free of standing foam at the liquid level.

[0008] Starting from this, the present invention is based on the purpose of further improving the measurement accuracy.

[0009] This object is achieved by a device which comprises a milking device and a measuring device for measuring the mass flow rate of the milked milk, the device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous improvements and refinements of the device are the subject of the independent claims.

[0010] The device according to the invention comprises a juice extraction device and a measuring device for measuring the mass flow rate of the extracted juice. The measuring device has a housing which has an inlet connected to the juice extraction device, an outlet, and a channel connecting the inlet and the outlet. In the direction towards the outlet, the channel has a first part, a transition region, and a second part. The first part, the transition region, and the second part have a common base which slopes monotonically downwards towards the outlet. This includes that, based on the vertical direction, the inlet is at a higher level than the outlet. The channel may also have a part extending substantially horizontally.

[0011] In the transition region, the flow cross-section of the first part decreases towards the second part.

[0012] The measuring device of the device according to the invention comprises a first electrode and a second electrode arranged at a distance from each other. At least one electrode is arranged within the second part and, when viewed in the flow direction, is arranged downstream of the transition region and at a distance from the transition region. This includes that the at least one electrode is arranged within the second part downstream of the transition region and is arranged at a distance from the transition region. The second part has a region formed of a non-conductive material. When viewed in the flow direction of the juice, this region is formed upstream of the at least one electrode. This configuration avoids the foam accumulating in the transition region coming into contact with the at least one electrode arranged in the second part. In this way, an improvement in the measurement accuracy is achieved.

[0013] The measuring device has a voltage source which is connected to the first electrode through two regions spaced apart from each other.

[0014] Furthermore, the measuring device comprises a detection device which is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The detection device is adapted and configured to measure the voltage potential between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0015] If juice having a foam phase flows into the housing, the foam content is mixed with the liquid content of the juice. The housing is appropriately configured.

[0016] In order to achieve a higher measurement accuracy and thus also a higher reliability and independence from the mixing of the juice foam content and the liquid content, the housing and the measuring device are designed such that at least one electrode is arranged inside the second part and, when viewed in the flow direction, is arranged downstream of the transition region and at a distance from the transition region. In this way, the influence of the "standing" foam on the juice flowing in the region of the measuring device is reduced. This is particularly advantageous when the flow rate of the juice is low. A low juice flow rate may particularly occur at the start and / or near the end of the juice extraction operation.

[0017] By virtue of this configuration of the device according to the invention, a higher accuracy in the measurement of the mass flow rate of the extracted juice is achieved.

[0018] The device according to the invention has a measuring device with a housing, wherein the housing has a first part, a transition region, and a second part, which have a common base that monotonically descends towards the outlet. This enables the squeezed juice to flow through the housing in a pressureless manner. Pressureless in the sense of the present invention means that the flow operation occurs due to the main gravity.

[0019] Due to the construction of the device according to the invention, high measurement accuracy can be achieved even in the case of a low juice flow rate. In this way, it is also possible to provide, for example, the possibility of measuring the milk-duct juice in the case of cows. Thus, for each milk duct of a cow, the amount of juice squeezed out from each milk duct can be determined. This also has the advantage that during the juice-squeezing operation in which a juice-squeezing device adapted to operate individually for each milk duct is provided, in the case of a reduction in the amount of juice, a single milk duct will not continue to be squeezed.

[0020] To reduce the accumulation of foam, in an advantageous refinement of the present invention, it is proposed that the flow cross-section of the first part continuously decreases towards the second part. In this way, a flow interruption in the transition region is to be avoided. If, in the case where it completely fills the free volume above the liquid phase in the housing, foam that is generated and does not flow out of the housing will exert a certain pressure on the liquid phase, thereby accelerating the flow of the liquid phase. This results in a change in the flow rate, which can be avoided by the advantageous construction of the housing.

[0021] The housing itself is preferably made entirely of a non-conductive material. In particular, the housing can be made of a non-conductive plastic. It is proposed that the second part, i.e., the part where the electrodes are located, is detachably connected to the other constituent parts of the housing. The electrodes are preferably an integral constituent part of the second part.

[0022] In particular, it is proposed that the electrodes have an L-shaped or U-shaped cross-section. If the electrodes have an L-shaped part, one leg of the electrode is provided with an opening so that during the manufacture of the second part, the electrode can be introduced into the mold and then the mold can be filled with plastic. The plastic penetrates the opening in the leg of the L-shaped electrode, thereby achieving a firm hold of the electrode. In a corresponding manner, during the manufacture of the second part, the process can also be the same. Here, in the case of an electrode with a U-shaped cross-section, the two legs of the U-shaped electrode can have corresponding openings. It goes without saying that the ends of the electrodes protrude from the housing. This end of the electrode forms a connection possibility.

[0023] To further improve the accuracy of the juice amount measurement, it is proposed that, seen from the base, the distance between the electrodes increases in the vertical direction, which corresponds to a V-shaped opening between the electrodes through which the juice flows.

[0024] Other advantageous refinements of the present invention are explained using the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, without imposing any limitations on this specific exemplary embodiment. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 : A perspective view of a housing with a measuring device for measuring mass flow is shown,

[0026] Figure 2 : It shows along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0027] Figure 3 : It shows along Figure 1 An enlarged view of a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in

[0028] Figure 4 : It shows a first exemplary embodiment of an electrode,

[0029] Figure 5 : It shows a second exemplary embodiment of an electrode, and

[0030] Figure 6 : It shows an equivalent circuit of the measuring device.

[0031] The device according to the invention comprises a juice extraction device and a measuring device for measuring the mass flow of the extracted juice. The juice extraction device is preferably a set of juice cups. The set of juice cups includes the number of juice cups for animals and is indirectly or directly connected to a juice pipeline for carrying away the extracted juice. The juice extraction device itself is known in various embodiments.

[0032] The measuring device for measuring the mass flow of the extracted juice has a housing 1, which is shown perspectively and schematically in Figure 1 . The housing has an inlet 2. The inlet 2 is connected via a non-shown milk tube to a non-shown juice extraction device. The inlet 2 is arranged such that the juice flow basically flows tangentially into the housing part 3.

[0033] In the shown exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the housing part 3 is basically circular. The housing part 3 has a bypass nozzle 4. The bypass nozzle 4 is connected via a non-shown pipeline to a nozzle 5. The nozzle 5 is located in the region of the outlet 6. A pressure balance is created between the inlet 2 and the outlet 6 in a non-shown bypass pipeline. As a result, the measuring device remains pressureless, such that the flow rate of the juice is basically independent of the pressure difference. The juice flowing through the housing 1 flows due to gravity. The housing part 3 is formed such that it is inclined relative to the horizontal line. The housing part 3 abuts against the housing part 7. The housing part 7 can also be inclined relative to the horizontal line.

[0034] A partition can also be provided inside the housing 1, which is formed between the housing part 3 and the housing part 7 and extends from the upper region towards the lower region. It is intended to achieve the dissipation of the juice flow rate through this partition. In addition, an improved mixing of the foam that may be on the liquid is to be achieved.

[0035] The housing 1 has a channel that fluidly connects the inlet 2 to the outlet 6. The channel is formed such that, when viewed in the flow direction of the juice from the inlet 2 to the outlet 6, the channel descends monotonically. This includes the inlet 2 being at a higher level than the outlet 6 relative to the vertical direction. The channel may also have a portion that extends substantially horizontally.

[0036] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line A-A in Figure 2 is shown. The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be seen from the view of Figure 2 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are located in a common imaginary plane. As can be seen from the view of

[0037] The channel includes a first portion and a second portion 9. The second portion 9, when viewed in the flow direction of the juice, follows the first portion and has a free flow cross-section that is smaller than that of the first portion. The transition where the flow cross-section decreases from the first portion to the second portion is referred to as the transition region 8.

[0038] In Figure 3 , the cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line B-B in Figure 3 is shown enlarged. From this view, the transition region 8 can be seen. In the transition region 8, the flow cross-section decreases from the first portion towards the second portion 9. As Figure 3 shown, the decrease in the flow cross-section from the first portion to the second portion 9 in the transition region 8 preferably occurs gradually. There is also the possibility that the cross-sectional change in the transition region 8 occurs suddenly. The flow direction of the juice is identified by the marker S, and the first portion before the transition region 8 is not shown in

[0039] Then, the second portion 9 leads to the outlet 6. The transition region 8 is preferably formed such that the flow of the juice, i.e., the liquid phase and the foam of the juice, preferably does not break down in the transition region, so that the juice flows through the transition region 8 and into the second portion 9. This preferred configuration is used to prevent the possible accumulation of foam that may be located on the liquid phase of the juice.

[0040] The marker D identifies the length of the second part 9 in the flow direction S. Electrodes, namely the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, are arranged within the second part 9. Relative to the theoretical boundary between the transition region 8 and the second part 9, the electrodes 11, 12 are arranged downstream of this boundary and at a distance from it. The distance here is specified by the marker E. The electrodes 11, 12 are arranged within the second part 9 and, when viewed in the flow direction S, are arranged downstream of the transition region 8 and at a distance from the transition region 8. The region 20 of the second part 9 that comes into contact with the juice is formed of a non-conductive material. The region 20 is formed between the transition region 8 and the electrodes 11, 12. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, this region has the extent E. This region forms electrical insulation. This measure in particular achieves at least a reduction in the influence of the standing foam upstream of the second part 9 on the measurement result. The housing 1 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, in particular plastic.

[0041] The electrodes 11, 12 are preferably an integral constituent part of the second part 9.

[0042] Figure 4 The L-shaped electrode 11 is shown in. The electrode 11 can be the first electrode or the second electrode in the measuring device. One leg 14 of the L-shaped electrode 11 is provided with an opening 15. At the opposite end of the leg 14, a connection piece 16 for connection to an electrical conductor is provided. The housing, in particular the second part, and possibly the second part and the transition region, together form a structural unit made of non-conductive plastic. During the manufacture of the second part, the plastic can flow through the opening 15, thus achieving a firm connection between the second part and the electrode 11.

[0043] Another variant of the electrode is shown in Figure 5 The basic principle corresponds to the Figure 4 construction, where the electrode in the embodiment according to Figure 5 is substantially U-shaped. The legs 14.1, 14.2 are formed with corresponding openings 15 and connection pieces 16.

[0044] It goes without saying that it is not absolutely necessary for the electrodes to have connection pieces 16 at their respective ends (when viewed in the longitudinal direction). However, this has the advantage that the circuit connected to the electrodes can be placed in different positions.

[0045] The equivalent circuit of the measuring device according to the invention is schematically shown in Figure 6

[0046] In Figure 6In the exemplary embodiment shown, the voltage source 17 is connected to the first electrode 11. The first electrode 11 has electrical connection points 16.1, 16.2 that are spaced apart from each other. The detection device 18 is connected to the second electrode 12 and the first electrode 11. The connecting members 16.2, 19 of the second electrode 12 are selected such that these connecting members are preferably at the same level. The electrodes, namely the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, are measured by the detection device 18. The measured potential depends on the filling level of the juice between the two electrodes 11, 12. The electrodes 11, 12 extend into the base 10 such that the potential of the juice liquid phase is always measured there.

[0047] List of Reference Numerals

[0048] 1 Housing

[0049] 2 Inlet

[0050] 3 Housing Component

[0051] 4 Bypass Nozzle

[0052] 5 Nozzle

[0053] 6 Outlet

[0054] 7 Housing Component

[0055] 8 Transition Region

[0056] 9 Second Part

[0057] 10 Base

[0058] 11 First Electrode

[0059] 12 Second Electrode

[0060] 13 Flow Cross-Section

[0061] 14, 14.1, 14.2 Legs

[0062] 15 Opening

[0063] 16.1, 16.2 Connecting Members

[0064] 17 Voltage Source

[0065] 18 Detection Device

[0066] 19 Connecting Member

[0067] 20 Region

Claims

1. A device, the device comprising a juice extraction device and a measuring device for measuring the mass flow rate of the extracted juice, wherein, The measuring device has a housing (1), and the housing (1) has: an inlet (2) connected to the juice extraction device, an outlet (6), and a channel connecting the inlet (2) and the outlet (6), wherein, in the direction towards the outlet (6), the channel has a first part, a transition region (8) and a second part (9), wherein the first part, the transition region (8) and the second part (9) have a common base (10), and the base (10) monotonically descends towards the outlet (6), wherein, in the transition region (8), the flow cross-section of the first part decreases towards the second part (9), and a measuring device having a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12) arranged at intervals from each other, wherein at least one of the first electrode (11) and the second electrode (12) is arranged in the second part (9) and, when viewed in the flow direction (S), is arranged downstream of the transition region (8) and at a distance from the transition region (8), a voltage source (17) connected to two regions of the first electrode (11) that are away from each other, and a detection device (18) electrically connected to the first electrode (11) and the second electrode (12), wherein the detection device (18) is adapted and intended to measure the voltage potential between the first electrode (11) and the second electrode (12), wherein the second part (9) has a region (20) of non-conductive material, and wherein, when viewed in the flow direction of the juice, the region (20) is formed upstream of the electrode (12).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein In the transition region (8), the flow cross-section of the first part continuously decreases towards the second part (9).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electrodes (11, 12) are integral components of the second part (9).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, At least one electrode (11) has an L-shaped cross-section.

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, At least one electrode (12) has a U-shaped cross-section.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The distance between the electrodes (11, 12) increases in the vertical direction starting from the base (10).

Images