Nursing cup

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a breast cup (2) comprising a housing (10), a replaceable cartridge (12) arranged in the housing (10), and an outlet member (14). The outlet member (14) comprises a resilient sealing portion (38) and a rigid tubing portion (40) configured for connection to a milk tube. The outlet member (14) extends through a through-hole (32) of the housing and the resilient sealing portion (38) surrounds the through-hole (32), wherein the rigid tubing portion (40) is arranged partly inside the resilient sealing portion (38) and partly outside the housing (10). A radially outer surface portion (42) of the resilient sealing portion (38) seals against the housing (10). An inner surface portion (44) and / or an axial end surface portion (46) of the resilient sealing portion (38) seals against the replaceable cartridge at a milk outflow opening (20) of the replaceable cartridge (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a milk cup comprising a housing, a replaceable cylindrical body disposed within the housing, and an outlet member. The replaceable cylindrical body includes: an inner liner defining a nipple space; a milk outlet opening arranged in fluid communication with the nipple space; a pulsating space arranged around and spaced apart from the nipple space by the inner liner; and a sleeve extending circumferentially around the inner liner to form the pulsating space between the inner liner and the sleeve. The housing has a longitudinal central axis, and the replaceable cylindrical body is insertable into the housing at a first end portion. The housing has a through-hole at a second end portion, which, when viewed along the longitudinal central axis, is arranged opposite to the first end portion, wherein the outlet member defines a milk outflow channel. Background Technology

[0002] EP 2793559 discloses a milk cup and a cylinder included in the milk cup. The milk cup is configured to attach to the teat of an animal to be milked. The cylinder includes: a sleeve having an upper end and a lower end; and a milk cup liner installed in the sleeve and having an internal space for receiving the teat. A pulsating space or chamber is disposed between the inner side of the sleeve and the outer side of the milk cup liner. The milk cup liner includes an upper end portion located at the upper end of the sleeve, a barrel portion, and a lower end portion extending beyond the lower end of the sleeve. The lower end portion forms an end nozzle extending beyond the lower end of the sleeve. The end nozzle has a tapered outer shape configured to be received in a milk conduit for conveying milk from the cylinder to the milk conduit.

[0003] Since the container includes the cup liner, the liner in the milk cup can be replaced by replacing the entire container. Therefore, replacing the container does not require separate handling of the liner. Consequently, liner replacement in milk cups that include a container is more convenient compared to liner replacement in conventional milk cups.

[0004] The milk conduit disclosed in EP 2793559 is a so-called short milk conduit or tube, that is, a short milk tube extending between the milk cup and the milk collection device of the milking cup assembly. The milking cup assembly is constructed for routine milking of all udder sections (such as all udder areas of a dairy cow). Therefore, milking of the udder is controlled based on, for example, the milk flow from the udder as a whole. In conventional / ordinary milk cup liners, the short milk tube may form part of the milk cup liner, but due to the construction of the cylinder in EP 2793559, the short milk conduit or tube is separately disposed from the cylinder including the milk cup liner, as described above.

[0005] When milking is controlled individually for each udder section of an animal (such as each udder region of a dairy cow), a gentler and more efficient milking process can be achieved compared to conventional milking of all udder sections. Therefore, in the case of milking dairy cows, the so-called zone milking is referenced. Control of zone milking is based, for example, on the milk flow from each udder region individually. Individual zone milking is provided in automated milking systems. After attaching the corresponding milk cups to each teat, milking begins for each udder region. Milking of each udder region can have different durations and can depend particularly on the milk volume in that udder region. As a result of zone milking, each milk cup is individually removed when milking of a udder region is complete. Furthermore, the milking vacuum and pulsation of each teat can be automatically controlled (regulated).

[0006] The normal method for providing zoned milking is to supply milking vacuum to each milking cup individually, and to guide milk from each cup via a long milk tube connected to each cup. The long milk tube is also accompanied by a long pulse tube for providing pulsating vacuum to the milking cup.

[0007] In some automated milking systems, flexible or bendable tubing is further provided between the (relatively rigid) long tube and each milk cup to facilitate attachment / removal and handling during milking of individual areas of the cow.

[0008] WO 00 / 12924 discloses a flexible or easily bendable conduit for conducting two separate fluids, liquid (milk) and gas (pulsating vacuum), between a milk cup and a long milk tube / long pulse tube. The flexible conduit comprises two laterally spaced flexible tubes separated by a flexible connecting member extending between them. On opposite sides of the flexible conduit, transverse, spaced recesses are provided in the wall of each flexible tube, arranged side-by-side at intervals along each flexible tube in a corresponding row. At one end of the flexible conduit, it is configured to connect to a milk cup. At the opposite ends, the flexible conduit is configured to connect to a long milk tube and a long pulse tube. Therefore, the flexible conduit is intended for use in setting up an automated milking system for regional milking, i.e., where milking of each udder region of an animal is individually controllable. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of this invention is to provide a milk cup for milking in individual udder sections (such as zone milking), wherein the milk cup liner is easily replaceable. Specifically, it is desirable to enable a milk cup comprising a replaceable cylinder to be used in an automated milking system designed for milking in individual udder sections. To better address one or more of these problems, a milk cup is provided having the features defined in the independent claims.

[0010] Therefore, according to the present invention, a milk cup is provided, comprising a housing, a replaceable cylindrical body disposed within the housing, and an outlet member. The replaceable cylindrical body includes: an inner liner defining a nipple space; a milk outlet opening arranged in fluid communication with the nipple space; a pulsating space arranged around the nipple space and spaced apart by the inner liner; and a sleeve extending circumferentially around the inner liner to form the pulsating space between the inner liner and the sleeve. The housing has a longitudinal central axis, and the replaceable cylindrical body is insertable into the housing at a first end portion. The housing has a through-hole at a second end portion, which, when viewed along the longitudinal central axis, is arranged opposite to the first end portion, wherein the outlet member defines a milk outflow channel. The outlet component includes a resilient sealing portion and a rigid conduit portion configured to connect to a flexible milk tube. The outlet component extends through the through-hole, and the resilient sealing portion surrounds the through-hole. The rigid conduit portion is partially disposed inside the resilient sealing portion and partially disposed outside the housing. A radially outer surface portion of the resilient sealing portion abuts against the housing for sealing, and an inner surface portion and / or an axial end surface portion of the resilient sealing portion abuts against the housing for sealing at the milk outlet opening of the cylinder, such that the nipple space of the cylinder is in fluid communication with the milk outlet channel of the outlet component.

[0011] In this way, the milk cup liner can be easily replaced via a replaceable cylinder that can be inserted into the housing of the milk cup. The milk cup thus provides an airtight and liquid-tight connection between the replaceable cylinder, outlet member, and housing via the radially outer surface portion and the inner surface portion and / or axial end surface portion of the resilient sealing portion, which seals (adjacent to) the housing, and abuts (adjacent to) the cylinder at the milk outlet opening of the cylinder, thereby creating fluid communication between the nipple space of the cylinder and the milk outlet channel of the outlet member. The outlet member of the milk cup also provides a liquid-tight connection to a flexible milk tube via a rigid conduit portion and is therefore configured for use in automated milking systems that provide milking of individual udder sections / regions of an animal.

[0012] This milk cup is a two-chamber milk cup, wherein the nipple space forms one of the chambers, which holds the nipple to be milked during milking and is subjected to milking vacuum. The pulsating space forms the second (pulsating) chamber of the two chambers and is subjected to pulsating pressure changes during milking of the nipple. The operating principle of a two-chamber milk cup is well known. The pulsating space (chamber) of the milk cup of the present invention is formed inside a replaceable cylinder, between an inner liner and an outer sleeve on the replaceable cylinder, as also described in EP2793559. The sleeve of the replaceable cylinder thus includes a through-hole configured to allow the application of pulsating vacuum in the pulsating space (chamber) of the replaceable cylinder.

[0013] The replaceable inner lining of the cylinder is flexible, allowing it to move during use through the interaction between the milking vacuum in the nipple space and the pulsating vacuum in the pulsating space.

[0014] Therefore, milking of a single teat of an animal can be performed using any automated milking algorithm suitable for use with a milking cup. By way of example only, such a milking algorithm may vary one or more of the milking vacuum, pulsating vacuum, pulsation ratio, and / or rate based on one or more of the current milk flow rate from the teat, the duration of the current milking operation, and historical milking data of the individual animal.

[0015] The replaceable milk cup (which may alternatively be referred to herein as the milk cup) is easily replaced manually without the use of any tools. In contrast, replacing the liner in today's automated milking systems is time-consuming and difficult, requiring tools and experienced maintenance personnel. On the other hand, the milk cup of the present invention provides significantly faster and easier liner replacement. However, this disclosure also covers milk cup replacements that are easier to perform using tools than by hand, or milk cup replacements that may require tools.

[0016] For example, the cylinder can be secured to the housing via a bayonet coupling. Therefore, a maintenance worker can loosen the used cylinder from the housing by twisting it relative to the housing about its longitudinal central axis, and subsequently pull the used cylinder out of the housing. A new cylinder is inserted into the housing at its first end portion through an opening in the housing. The new cylinder is twisted in the opposite direction about its longitudinal central axis to secure it within the housing.

[0017] The axial and radial references used in this paper are viewed relative to the longitudinal central axis.

[0018] As mentioned above, because the inner surface portion and / or the axial end surface portion of the elastic sealing part abut against the cylinder at the milk outlet opening of the cylinder for sealing (adjacent) contact, the nipple space of the cylinder and the milk outlet channel of the outlet component are not in fluid communication. Therefore, without negatively impacting the hygienic properties of the milk cup, milk extracted from the relevant nipple can flow from the nipple space through the outlet channel of the outlet component into the flexible milk tube connected to the rigid pipe portion.

[0019] At the end opposite the milk outflow opening, the cylinder is provided with a nipple receiving opening, around which a lip extends. During milking, the animal's nipple extends through the nipple receiving opening into the nipple space. The lip abuts against the nipple and / or udder for sealing.

[0020] The outlet component, as defined above, having its resilient sealing portion and rigid pipe portion, serves at least two purposes: to seal against the cylinder at its milk outlet opening and to provide a connection between the flexible milk tube and the milk cup.

[0021] The flexible milk tube can preferably be configured as a bendable conduit as disclosed in WO 00 / 12924, but can alternatively be configured as a long milk tube leading from the milk cup to, for example, a milk metering or milk receiving unit of an automated milking system.

[0022] Therefore, milk cups can be used in automated milking systems designed for milking individual udder sections (such as zone milking in the case of milking cows).

[0023] According to the implementation scheme, as viewed along the longitudinal central axis, a portion of the resilient sealing portion overlaps with a portion of the rigid pipe portion, thereby providing a sealed abutment between the resilient sealing portion and the rigid pipe portion. In this way, an impermeable fluid transition is provided between the resilient sealing portion and the rigid pipe portion. Therefore, the milk outflow channel of the outlet component is at least partially formed by a channel passing through the resilient sealing portion and the rigid pipe portion.

[0024] According to the implementation scheme, the rigid conduit portion includes a first end portion disposed within the housing, and the first end portion of the rigid conduit portion has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole. In this way, the outlet member is securely positioned within the housing.

[0025] More specifically, the first end portion of the rigid pipe section is disposed within the housing and has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through-hole of the housing, meaning that the first end portion of the rigid pipe section cannot pass through the through-hole. In other words, when the outlet component is assembled in the mounting position, it cannot shift out of the through-hole of the housing beyond the mounting position. Furthermore, as discussed above, the inner surface portion and / or axial end surface portion of the resilient sealing portion abuts against the cylinder for sealing. This means that when the cylinder is installed in the housing, the outlet component is securely fixed and further cannot move axially in the direction toward the first end portion of the housing.

[0026] According to the embodiment, viewed along the longitudinal central axis, the rigid pipe section includes a second end portion opposite to its first end portion, and the second end portion has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the through-hole of the housing. In this way, the outlet member can be removed from the housing after the cylinder has been removed by pushing the outlet member in a direction toward the first end portion of the housing. Therefore, the outlet member is replaceable, for example, if necessary or if the maintenance interval of the milk cup should be specified in this way.

[0027] According to the embodiment, the second end portion of the rigid pipe section is disposed outside the housing, and the rigid pipe section has a circumferentially extending external beaded edge at its second end portion configured for engagement with the flexible milk tube. In this way, a more robust engagement is provided between the flexible milk tube and the outlet member.

[0028] For example, this robust connection between the flexible milk tube and the outlet component allows for the handling of the milk cup by combining automated (robotic) milking of the animal with reduced risk of the flexible milk tube becoming loose from the milk cup.

[0029] According to the embodiment, the inner surface portion and / or axial end surface portion of the resilient sealing portion that abuts against the replaceable cylinder seal at the milk outlet opening of the replaceable cylinder includes a first funnel-shaped portion. In this way, it is ensured that when the cylinder is placed in the housing, the inner surface portion and / or axial end surface portion of the resilient sealing portion reliably seals against the cylinder at the milk outlet opening. The milk outlet opening of the cylinder is preferably formed as an end nozzle with a tapered external shape, which is configured to be received in the first funnel-shaped portion. Therefore, the tapered end nozzle of the cylinder provides a very reliable seal with the first funnel-shaped portion of the resilient sealing portion, allowing milk to flow reliably from the milk cup liner into the outlet member of the milk cup.

[0030] According to the embodiment, the rigid pipe portion is provided with a radially outer annular shoulder, and the resilient sealing portion abuts against the radially outer annular shoulder in the axial direction. In this way, reliable positioning of the resilient sealing portion on the rigid pipe portion is provided. That is, the radially outer annular shoulder prevents the resilient sealing portion from sliding on the rigid pipe portion toward its second end portion.

[0031] According to the embodiment, the resilient sealing portion is sleeve-shaped and has a circumferentially extending groove, and the housing has an annular edge portion that extends around the housing at the through-hole and enters the circumferentially extending groove. In this way, through the engagement of the annular edge portion in the circumferentially extending groove, the outlet member is more securely positioned relative to the housing along the longitudinal central axis.

[0032] According to the implementation scheme, when viewed along the longitudinal central axis, the diameter of the inner surface of the housing at its second end portion tapers towards the through-hole, such that the diameter towards the through-hole is smaller than the diameter towards the first end portion of the housing. In this way, the outlet member is more securely positioned within the tapered second end portion of the housing.

[0033] More specifically, the radially outer surface portion of the resilient seal (which preferably tapers in a corresponding manner) is guided and securely positioned by the taper of the inner surface of the second end portion of the housing to position the outlet member relative to the through-hole of the housing. This embodiment also provides a more reliable seal (adjacency) between the tapered radially outer surface portion of the resilient seal and the corresponding tapered inner surface of the housing. The positioning and sealing effect are further enhanced by the axial and radial pushing of the mounted cylinder against the resilient seal.

[0034] According to the implementation plan, the outlet component can be manually removed from the housing by pushing it in the direction toward the first end portion of the housing. In this way, the replacement of the outlet component can also be easily performed by maintenance personnel, such as when replacing the casing.

[0035] According to the embodiment, the housing includes an injection-molded plastic portion and an outer metal sleeve extending at least partially along the injection-molded plastic portion. In this way, a robust milk cup is provided by the outer metal sleeve, thereby protecting the inner injection-molded plastic portion from damage. The inner injection-molded plastic portion can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner, including all internal surfaces (interfaces) for connecting the cylinder and the outlet component. During milking, the milk cup may accidentally fall off due to, for example, being kicked away by an animal. Therefore, the outer metal sleeve ensures the integrity and dimensional stability of the inner injection-molded plastic portion (preventing, for example, deformation of its basic circular shape).

[0036] According to the embodiment, the milk cup includes an elastic band arranged circumferentially around the outer side of the housing at a first end portion. The elastic band is separate from the cylinder and forms an impact-absorbing component. In this way, the milk cup is protected by the elastic band when, for example, it impacts the ground or a part of the milking compartment. The milk cup is intended for use in automated milking systems, such as the DeLaval autonomous milking system (VMS). During milk cup disassembly, the milk cup may accidentally impact the ground or a part of the milking compartment. Conversely, if the milk cup comes into contact with the milked animal, the elastic band reduces the impact and prevents discomfort to the animal.

[0037] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the appended claims and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Various aspects and / or embodiments of the invention, including their specific features and advantages, will be readily understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An example of a milk cup according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 An example is shown of a longitudinal section along the longitudinal central axis of the milk cup, and...

[0041] Figures 3a to 3c Individual longitudinal sections of the replaceable cylinder, shell, and outlet components of the milk cup are illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The various aspects and / or embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully. The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the text. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions are not necessarily described in detail.

[0043] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An example of milk cup 2 according to the implementation plan is shown. Figure 1a and Figure 1b The image shows milk cup 2 in two different perspective views.

[0044] Milk cup 2 is designed for milking the teats of animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and buffalo.

[0045] Milk cup 2 forms the milk extraction section of an automated milking system designed for milking animals. Milk cup 2 is included in a set of milk cups. The number of milk cups in this set is adapted to the species of animal intended to be milked, and more specifically, to the number of teats or udder compartments of the relevant species of animal. For example, in the case of a cow, the set of milk cups includes four milk cups 2.

[0046] The milk cup 2 has a teat receiving opening 4. When using the milk cup 2, the teat of the animal to be milked is inserted into the teat receiving opening 4. A milking vacuum is applied at the second end of the milk cup 2 opposite to the teat receiving opening 4, and milk is guided from the milk cup 2 via a flexible milk tube (not shown). A pulsating vacuum is also applied to the milk cup 2 at the second end opposite to the teat receiving opening 4.

[0047] According to the illustrated embodiment, the milk cup 2 is configured for manipulation by a robotic arm; that is, the milk cup 2 forms part of an automated milking system, wherein the milk cup of the automated milking system is automatically attached to the animal's teat by the robotic arm. In a known manner, the milk cup 2 is provided with a handle 8 for gripping by the gripper of the robotic arm.

[0048] Milk cup 2 can also be manually attached to the animal's teats. For example, if the animal is new or being milked for the first time in an automated milking system, or if the animal has difficult teat anatomy for an automated milking system, and / or the robotic arm exhibits attachment problems, milk cup 2 can also be manually attached in the manual mode of the automated milking system.

[0049] The milk cup 2 includes a housing 10, a replaceable cylinder 12 disposed within the housing 10, and an outlet component 14, as further described below. Figures 2 to 3c .

[0050] Figure 2 Examples are shown along Figure 1a and Figure 1b The longitudinal section of the longitudinal central axis 15 of the milk cup 2 shown.

[0051] As mentioned above, the milk cup 2 includes a housing 10, a replaceable cylinder 12 arranged in the housing 10, and an outlet member 14. The housing 10 has a longitudinal central axis 15.

[0052] The cylinder 12 includes an inner liner 16 defining a nipple space 18, a milk outlet 20 arranged in fluid communication with the nipple space 18, and a pulsating space 22 arranged around the nipple space 18 and separated from it by the inner liner 16. The cylinder 12 includes a sleeve 24 extending circumferentially around the liner 16. The pulsating space 22 is formed between the liner 16 and the sleeve 24.

[0053] Viewed along the longitudinal central axis 15, the nipple receiving opening 4 and the milk outflow opening 20 are arranged at opposite ends of the cylinder 12.

[0054] A flexible lip 26 extends around the nipple receiving opening 4. The flexible lip 26 ensures that the milk cup 2 seals against the udder and / or nipple of the milked animal. Furthermore, the liner 16 is flexible to ensure proper cyclic opening and closing of the milk cup 2 and proper milking function. On the other hand, the sleeve 24 is rigid, such that during use of the milk cup 2, pulsating vacuum in the pulsating space 22 will affect the flexible liner 16, and that the sleeve 12 can be secured within the housing 10. For the latter purpose, a bayonet coupling 28 may be provided between the sleeve 24 and the housing 10.

[0055] During use of the milk cup 2, a fluid connection is formed to the nipple space 18 via the milk outflow channel 36 of the outlet member 14 for applying a milking vacuum and causing the extracted milk to flow out. Another pulsating channel 37 for pulsating connection to the pulsating space 22 in the cylinder 12 is formed in and through the housing 10.

[0056] Figures 3a to 3c An example is shown by referring to Figure 1 above and Figure 2 The respective individual longitudinal sections of the cylinder 12, shell 10, and outlet component 14 of the milk cup 2 under discussion.

[0057] exist Figure 3a The cylinder 12 is shown separately, which makes the lining 16, milk outlet 20, sleeve 24, and part of the bayonet connector 28 particularly clear.

[0058] refer to Figure 3b An opening 29 is provided at the first end portion 30 of the housing 10. A through hole 32 is provided at the second end portion 34 of the housing 10. Viewed along the longitudinal central axis 15, the second end portion 34 is arranged opposite to the first end portion 30.

[0059] The housing 10 includes at least one part.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 includes an injection-molded plastic portion 11 and an outer metal sleeve 13 extending at least partially along the injection-molded plastic portion 11 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). The injection-molded plastic part 11 can be made of, for example, nylon, PA66, PBT-HI, and it can be fiber-reinforced. The outer metal sleeve 13 can be made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0061] like Figure 2 As can be seen, the replaceable cylinder 12 can be inserted into the housing 10 at the first end portion 30. That is, the cylinder 12 fits into the housing 10 through the opening 29.

[0062] refer to Figure 3cThe outlet component 14 defines a milk outflow channel 36. The outlet component 14 includes a resilient sealing portion 38 and a rigid conduit portion 40. The rigid conduit portion 40 is configured to connect to a flexible milk tube (not shown).

[0063] The resilient sealing portion 38 may be made of, for example, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber. The rigid conduit portion 40 may be made of metal such as stainless steel or rigid plastic material such as nylon, PA66, or PBT-HI, and may be fiber-reinforced.

[0064] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the outlet member 14 is installed and extends through the through-hole 32 of the housing 10. A resilient sealing portion 38 is partially disposed within the housing 10, and a conduit portion 40 is partially disposed outside the housing 10. More specifically, as can be seen, the resilient sealing portion 38 is installed in and surrounds the through-hole 32, wherein the conduit portion 40 is partially disposed within the resilient sealing portion 38 and partially disposed outside the housing 10.

[0065] refer to Figures 2 to 3c The radial outer surface portion 42 of the elastic sealing portion 38 abuts against the inner surface of the housing 10 for sealing. The inner surface portion 44 and / or the axial end surface portion 46 of the elastic sealing portion 38 abut against the cylinder 12 in a fluid-impermeable manner at the milk outlet opening 20, thereby enabling fluid communication between the nipple space 18 of the cylinder 12 and the milk outlet channel 36 of the outlet member 14.

[0066] Therefore, the flexible milk tube of the milking system can be connected to the milk cup 2 via the rigid pipe portion 40. Thus, when used in an automated milking system, the milk cup 2 can be freely manipulated and positioned, for example, during its attachment to the animal's teat. Furthermore, during milking, milk extracted from the teat can flow leak-free from the teat space 18 through the outlet channel 36 of the outlet member 14 into the flexible milk tube connected to the rigid pipe portion 40 of the outlet member 14.

[0067] Viewed along the longitudinal central axis 15, a portion of the resilient sealing portion 38 overlaps with a portion of the rigid conduit portion 40, thus providing a sealed abutment between the resilient sealing portion 38 and the rigid conduit portion 40.

[0068] Therefore, an impermeable fluid outlet member 14 is provided, which includes an elastic sealing portion 38 and a rigid pipe portion 40 and forms a milk outflow channel 36.

[0069] The rigid pipe portion 40 includes a first end portion 48. In the milk cup 2, the first end portion 48 of the rigid pipe portion 40 is disposed within the housing 10. The first end portion 48 of the rigid pipe portion 40 has an outer diameter d1 that is larger than the diameter D of the through hole 32 of the housing 10.

[0070] The diameter difference between the diameter d1 of the first end portion 48 of the rigid pipe section 40 and the diameter D of the through hole 32 of the housing 10 will prevent the outlet member 40 from being forcibly passed through the through hole 32. Therefore, the cylinder 12 can be fixed and positioned in a sealed adjacent manner with the outlet member 14 without the risk of the outlet member 14 being pushed out of the housing 10.

[0071] If the outlet component 14 is to be removed from the housing 10, this is done through the opening 29 at the first end portion 30 of the housing 10.

[0072] Viewed along the longitudinal central axis 15, the rigid pipe portion 40 includes a second end portion 50 opposite to its first end portion 48. The second end portion 50 has an outer diameter d2 smaller than the diameter D of the through hole 32 of the housing 10.

[0073] Therefore, the outlet member 14 engages with the second end portion 50 of the rigid pipe portion 40 through the through hole 32 so that the rigid pipe portion 40 can access the flexible milk tube to connect to the milk cup 2.

[0074] Furthermore, the smaller diameter d2 of the second end portion of the rigid pipe section 40 allows the outlet component 14 to be removed from the housing 10 after the cylinder 12 has been removed from the housing 10.

[0075] The second end portion 50 of the rigid tube portion 40 is disposed outside the housing 10. The rigid tube portion 40 has a circumferentially extending outer bead 52 at its second end portion 50, which is configured to engage with a flexible milk tube.

[0076] When the flexible milk tube is connected to the outlet member 14, the bead 52 can provide a locally increased frictional engagement between the rigid pipe portion 40 and the flexible milk tube. Therefore, a strong engagement can be provided between the milk cup 2 and the flexible milk tube.

[0077] The outer diameter d2 of the second end portion 50 of the rigid pipe portion 40 can be the outer diameter of the circumferentially extending outer bead 52.

[0078] The inner surface portion 44 and / or axial end surface portion 46 of the elastic sealing portion 38 that abuts against the milk outlet opening 20 of the replaceable cylinder 12 includes a first funnel-shaped portion 54.

[0079] Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, an impermeable fluid channel is provided between the nipple space 18 of the cylinder 12 and the milk outflow channel 36 of the outlet member 14.

[0080] According to some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the rigid pipe portion 40 is provided with a tapered portion 56 at its first end portion 48, wherein the tapered portion 56 is arranged to seal adjacent to a second funnel-shaped portion 58 at the inner surface portion of the resilient sealing portion 38. In this way, the rigid pipe portion 40 and the resilient sealing portion 38 are arranged relative to each other in a fluid-impermeable manner. This further ensures that the milk outflow channel 36 through the outlet member 14 is fluid-impermeable.

[0081] The rigid pipe portion 40 is provided with a radially outer annular shoulder 60, and the resilient sealing portion 38 abuts against the radially outer annular shoulder 60 in the axial direction.

[0082] Therefore, the resilient sealing portion 38 is reliably connected to and positioned on the rigid pipe portion 40.

[0083] For example, combining the tapered portion 56 of the rigid pipe portion 40 and the second funnel-shaped portion 58 of the resilient sealing portion 38 (which may bias the resilient sealing portion 38 in the direction toward the second end portion 50 of the rigid pipe portion 40), the annular shoulder 60 prevents the resilient sealing portion 38 from sliding along the rigid pipe portion 40 toward the second end portion 50.

[0084] According to some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the replaceable outer surface 62 of the cylinder 12 has a tapered shape at its milk outlet opening 20 facing the outlet member 14. In this way, a more reliable seal is formed between the cylinder 12 and the inner surface portion 44 and / or the axial end surface portion 46 of the resilient sealing portion 38.

[0085] Therefore, in some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 62 of the milk outlet 20 of the replaceable cylinder 12 has a tapered shape and is sealed against the first funnel-shaped portion 54 of the resilient sealing portion 38.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the resilient sealing portion 38 is made of one or more of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber. In this way, the resilient sealing portion 38 provides a sealing property against the cylinder 12 and the rigid conduit portion 40.

[0087] From a regulatory perspective, it may be preferable that the resilient sealing portion 38 is made of silicone.

[0088] The elastic sealing portion 38 is sleeve-shaped and has a circumferentially extending groove 64, and the housing 10 has an annular edge portion 66 that extends around the housing 10 at the through hole 32 and enters the circumferentially extending groove 64.

[0089] Therefore, the engagement between the edge portion 66 and the groove 64 ensures that the outlet member 14 is securely positioned in the housing 10 along the longitudinal central axis 15.

[0090] Viewed along the longitudinal central axis 15, the diameter of the inner surface 68 of the housing 10 at its second end portion 34 tapers toward the through hole 32, such that the diameter toward the through hole 32 is smaller than the diameter toward the first end portion 32 of the housing 10.

[0091] Therefore, the radial outer surface portion 42 of the resilient sealing portion 38 can be positioned by the tapering of the inner surface 68 of the housing 10 at its second end portion 34.

[0092] The outlet component 14 can be manually removed from the housing 10 by hand.

[0093] For example, in the absence of a flexible milk tube connected to the outlet member 14 and with the cylinder 12 removed from the housing 10, applying axial pressure or pushing the second end portion 50 of the rigid pipe portion 40 causes the resilient sealing portion 38 to disassemble from the housing 10, such that when the first end portion 30 of the housing 10 tilts downward, the outlet member 14 can fall out of the housing.

[0094] refer to Figure 2 The milk cup 2 includes an elastic band 70, which is arranged circumferentially around the outer side of the housing 10 at a first end portion 30. The elastic band 70 is separate from the cylinder 12. Furthermore, the elastic band 70 is separate from the housing 10. The elastic band 70 forms an impact-absorbing member.

[0095] For example, the elastic band 70 may be made of one or more of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber. The fact that the elastic band 70 is separate from the cylinder 12 means that the elastic band 70 is a separate part from the cylinder 12 and can be attached to the housing 10 independently of connecting the cylinder 12 to the housing 10.

[0096] It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various exemplary embodiments, and the invention is defined solely by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and different features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined to create embodiments different from those described herein.

Claims

1. A milk cup (2), said milk cup comprising: Housing (10); replaceable cylinder (12) arranged in the housing (10); and export components (14), of which The replaceable cylinder (12) includes: an inner liner (16) defining a nipple space (18); a milk outlet (20) arranged in fluid communication with the nipple space (18); a pulsating space (22) arranged around the nipple space and separated from it by the inner liner (16); and a sleeve (24) extending circumferentially around the inner liner (16) to form the pulsating space (22) between the inner liner (16) and the sleeve (24), wherein The housing (10) has a longitudinal central axis (15), and the replaceable cylinder (12) can be inserted into the housing (10) at a first end portion (30), wherein The housing (10) has a through hole (32) at the second end portion (34) of the housing (10). When viewed along the longitudinal central axis (15), the second end portion (34) is arranged opposite to the first end portion (30), wherein The outlet component (14) defines the milk outflow channel (36). Its features are, The outlet component (14) includes a resilient sealing portion (38) and a rigid conduit portion (40), the rigid conduit portion (40) being configured to connect to a flexible milk tube, wherein The outlet member (14) extends through the through hole (32), and the resilient sealing portion (38) surrounds the through hole (32), wherein the rigid pipe portion (40) is partially disposed inside the resilient sealing portion (38) and partially disposed outside the housing (10), wherein The radial outer surface portion (42) of the resilient sealing portion (38) abuts against the housing (10) for sealing, and wherein The inner surface portion (44) and / or the axial end surface portion (46) of the elastic sealing portion (38) abut against the replaceable cylinder seal at the milk outlet opening (20) of the replaceable cylinder (12), such that the nipple space (18) of the replaceable cylinder (12) is in fluid communication with the milk outlet channel (36) of the outlet member (14).

2. The milk cup (2) according to claim 1, wherein, viewed along the longitudinal central axis (15), a portion of the resilient sealing portion (38) overlaps with a portion of the rigid pipe portion (40), thereby providing a sealed abutment between the resilient sealing portion (38) and the rigid pipe portion (40).

3. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid pipe portion (40) includes a first end portion (48), the first end portion (48) of the rigid pipe portion (40) is disposed within the housing (10), and wherein the first end portion (48) of the rigid pipe portion (40) has an outer diameter (d1) greater than the diameter (D) of the through hole (32).

4. The milk cup (2) according to claim 3, wherein, viewed along the longitudinal central axis (15), the rigid pipe portion (40) includes a second end portion (50) opposite to its first end portion (48), and wherein the second end portion (50) has an outer diameter (d2) smaller than the diameter (D) of the through hole (32) of the housing (10).

5. The milk cup (2) according to claim 4, wherein the second end portion (50) of the rigid tube portion (40) is disposed outside the housing (10), and wherein the rigid tube portion (40) is provided at its second end portion (50) with a circumferentially extending outer beaded edge (52) configured to engage with the flexible milk tube.

6. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface portion (44) and / or the axial end surface portion (46) of the elastic sealing portion (38) of the replaceable cylinder (12) abutting against the milk outlet opening (20) of the replaceable cylinder seal includes a first funnel-shaped portion (54).

7. The milk cup (2) according to any one of claims 6 and 3 to 5, wherein the rigid tube portion (40) is provided with a tapered portion (56) at its first end portion (48), and wherein the tapered portion (56) is arranged to seal adjacent to a second funnel-shaped portion (58) at the inner surface portion of the resilient sealing portion (38).

8. The milk cup (2) according to claim 7, wherein the rigid pipe portion (40) is provided with a radially outer annular shoulder (60), and wherein the resilient sealing portion (38) abuts against the radially outer annular shoulder (60) in the axial direction.

9. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface (62) of the replaceable cylinder (12) has a tapered shape at its milk outlet opening (20) toward the outlet member (14).

10. The milk cup (2) according to any one of claims 9 and 6 to 8, wherein the outer surface (62) of the replaceable cylindrical body (12) having the conical shape is sealed against the first funnel-shaped portion (54) of the resilient sealing portion (38).

11. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic sealing part (38) is made of one or more of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber.

12. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic sealing portion (38) is sleeve-shaped and provided with a circumferentially extending groove (64), and wherein the housing (10) is provided with an annular edge portion (66) extending around the housing (10) at the through hole (32) and entering the circumferentially extending groove (64).

13. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when viewed along the longitudinal central axis (15), the diameter of the inner surface (68) of the housing (10) at its second end portion tapers toward the through hole (32) such that the diameter toward the through hole (32) is smaller than the diameter toward the first end portion of the housing (10).

14. The milk cup (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the outlet member (14) can be manually removed from the housing (10) by pushing the outlet member (14) in a direction toward the first end portion (30) of the housing (10).

15. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) comprises an injection-molded plastic portion (11) and an outer metal sleeve (13) extending at least partially along the injection-molded plastic portion (11).

16. The milk cup (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the milk cup comprising an elastic band (70) arranged circumferentially around the outside of the housing at a first end portion (30) of the housing (10), wherein the elastic band (70) is separate from the replaceable cylinder (12), and wherein the elastic band (70) forms an impact-absorbing member.

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