Dispenser device for a teat cup set

Abstract

A dispenser device (111) for dispensing fluid to teat cups (1) of a cluster of milking cups (102) is provided, the dispenser device comprising an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, a drain outlet (49), a fluid path configured to convey fluid from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold, and a first valve and a second valve arranged in series along the fluid path. The first valve and the second valve have a closed configuration in which the first valve prevents fluid flow from the inlet manifold, the second valve prevents fluid flow to the outlet manifold and allows fluid flow to the drain outlet. The first valve and the second valve have an open configuration in which the first valve allows fluid flow from the inlet manifold to the intermediate portion, the second valve allows fluid flow to the outlet manifold and prevents fluid flow to the drain outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser device for distributing fluid to milk cups in a milking cup assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, milking equipment installed in a milking parlor includes milking points located in each animal pen within the parlor. Each milking point includes a milking cup assembly consisting of multiple milking cups for connecting the milking equipment to the teats of the animal to be milked. For example, for dairy cows, each milking cup assembly has four milking cups. The assembly also includes a claw or clawpiece that connects short pulsating tubes and short milk tubes extending from the milking cups to a long pulsating tube connected to the pulsator and a long milk tube connected to the milk collection system, respectively. Each milking cup includes a rigid hollow shell supporting a resilient or flexible bushing with a barrel-shaped portion for engaging the teat and a head with a spout at the upper end of the bushing through which the teat engages with the barrel-shaped portion of the bushing. At the opposite discharge end of the milking cup, the bushing communicates with a short milk tube that delivers milk drawn from the animal's teat to the milk tube, where the milk is collected and delivered to the long milk tube. One end of the short pulsating tube is connected to the annular space or pulsating chamber between the housing and the bushing, while its opposite end is connected to the long pulsating tube and the pulsator via a device on the emulsion collector.

[0003] At the start of milking, a vacuum is applied to the milk cups of the milking cup assembly at each milking point via long milk tubes, milk collectors, and short milk tubes to draw milk from the cups. This vacuum also leaks between the barrel section of each bushing and the engaged teat, and is applied to the gap formed around the teat in the bushing head to adhere the milk cup to the teat. Milking is performed automatically and alternately by applying vacuum and atmospheric pressure pulses generated by a pulsator to the pulsation chamber of each milk cup to bend the bushing and stimulate the engaged teat to expel milk. These pneumatic pulses are typically applied alternately to a pair of milk cups in the cup assembly. After a milking cycle, the teats are sterilized, the inside of the milk cup bushings is rinsed with a treatment fluid such as disinfectant and water, and dried with compressed air. For this purpose, as described in WO 2005 / 043986, the milk cups may be equipped with injection nozzles for injecting the treatment fluid into the bushing head. The treatment fluid is supplied to the injection nozzles via a distributor on the milk collector of the milking cup assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the processing fluid can be supplied to each milk cup via a backwash valve located at the discharge end of the milk cup. In either case, when the milking cup assembly is removed from the livestock, the assembly is designed to allow a short milk tube to hang from the central line of the assembly, so that the milk cup is inverted and suspended head-down in the resting position of the milk collector. The processing fluid can be injected via a dispenser while the milk cup is in this resting position. Therefore, liquid overflows from the head of the milking cup.

[0004] In cases where processing fluid is injected into the liner of the milk cups after milking, such as as described in WO 2005 / 043986 above, the processing fluid is delivered to different milk cups in the milking cup assembly via a distributor on the milk collector, which includes a safety valve to prevent processing fluid from entering the liner and contaminating the milk in the event of a control system failure. As described in WO 2014 / 016596 A1, the distributor assembly may incorporate a safety valve that cuts off the flow of processing fluid through the distributor in the resting position and discharges it into the atmosphere during the milking cycle.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispenser device with additional safety features to further prevent malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a dispenser device is provided for distributing fluid to milk cups in a milking cup assembly. The dispenser device includes an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, a discharge outlet, a discharge passage leading to the discharge outlet, a fluid path configured to transfer fluid from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold, and a first valve and a second valve arranged in series along the fluid path. The first valve includes a first movable valve body, and the second valve includes a second movable valve body, wherein the fluid path includes an intermediate portion between the first valve and the second valve. The first and second valves have a closed configuration, wherein the first movable valve body is positioned to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet manifold to the intermediate portion, and the second movable valve body is positioned to prevent fluid from flowing from the intermediate portion to the outlet manifold and to allow fluid to flow from the intermediate portion to the discharge passage. The first and second valves also have an open configuration, wherein the first movable valve body is positioned to allow fluid from the inlet manifold to the intermediate portion, and the second movable valve body is positioned to allow fluid from the intermediate portion to the outlet manifold and to prevent fluid from flowing from the intermediate portion to the discharge passage.

[0007] The valve can move to a closed configuration during the milking cycle and to an open configuration when processing fluid is to be delivered to the milk cups. Providing a distributor assembly with a first and second valve in series and a discharge outlet between them enhances the safety of the distributor assembly and makes it less likely that fluid delivered to the milk cups via the distributor assembly will enter the milk cups during the milking cycle. If a failure occurs upstream of the distributor assembly during the milking cycle, causing fluid to be delivered to the distributor assembly, the fluid will be blocked by the first valve. Even if the first valve fails, the fluid passing through the first valve will be directed to the discharge outlet by the second valve. The discharge outlet is open to the atmosphere, allowing any fluid leaving the discharge valve to fall onto the floor from the discharge outlet, and providing a visual indication of the first valve failure, thus enabling repair or replacement of the distributor assembly and inspection of upstream equipment.

[0008] Optionally, the distributor device may have an additional discharge channel leading to a discharge outlet or another discharge outlet. In the closed configuration, a first movable valve body may be positioned to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet manifold to the intermediate section, and also allow fluid to flow from the inlet manifold to another discharge channel. Then, if a fault exists upstream of the distributor device during a milking cycle that causes fluid to be sent to the distributor device, fluid will flow into the other discharge channel and exit from the discharge outlet or another discharge outlet, thus providing the user with a visual indication of the fault.

[0009] Each valve may include a valve orifice, along which a corresponding movable valve body may slide to switch the valve between an open and closed configuration. A fluid path may include the valve orifice, and the valve may have a valve port extending from the valve orifice. The movable valve body may be configured to block or open the valve port to prevent or allow fluid to flow out of the valve orifice.

[0010] Each valve port may include an O-ring seal and a valve seat. When the valve port is closed, the O-ring seal is compressed between the movable valve member and the valve seat to prevent fluid flow. Each O-ring seal may be fixedly mounted around the corresponding movable valve member or fixedly mounted around the corresponding valve seat.

[0011] The second valve may include a first valve port and a second valve port, the first valve port leading to an outlet manifold and the second valve port leading to a discharge passage. The second movable valve body can slide in one direction to block the first valve port and open the second valve port in a closed configuration, and slide in the opposite direction to open the first valve port and close the second valve port in a closed configuration. The first valve port may be a distal valve port, and the second valve port may be a proximal valve port, with the distal valve port being closer to the distal end of the second movable valve body than the proximal valve port.

[0012] The fluid path through the first valve extends from the inlet manifold through the valve orifice and valve port of the first valve to the intermediate section, and the fluid path through the second valve extends from the intermediate section through the valve orifice of the second valve and valve port of the first valve to the outlet manifold.

[0013] The first and second valves may include one or more springs that push the first and second movable valve bodies into a closed configuration, such that the valves, for safety reasons, default to preventing fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet manifold. The movement of the first and second movable valve bodies can be controlled by a single control input, which will cause both valves to move to either the closed or open configuration. Therefore, the first and second valves are not controlled independently of each other, saving any need for additional control inputs and simplifying distributor control.

[0014] These valves are preferably pneumatically controlled and can be provided with a single pneumatic control inlet to receive compressed air to move the first and second movable valve bodies to an open configuration. When compressed air is no longer supplied to the pneumatic control inlet, the first and second movable valve bodies can, for example, move back to a closed configuration under spring bias. Pneumatic control is generally less prone to failure than electric control because the wiring is prone to breakage due to repeated bending when the milking cup assembly is moved from one place to another.

[0015] The first and second movable valve bodies may include one or more piston surfaces configured to be pneumatically driven to control the movement of the first and second movable valve bodies. This provides a simple and effective way to control the valve state.

[0016] The dispenser device can dispense more than one type of fluid into the milking cups of the milking cup assembly, such as a teat bath for treating the animal's teats after milking and a disinfectant / rinsing solution for cleaning the cups after removal from the teat. Therefore, the inlet manifold may include two inlets connected to two corresponding inlet channels, one for the teat bath and the other for the disinfectant / rinsing solution. The teat bath inlet may be fitted with a check valve to ensure that the teat bath remains pre-filled until the dispenser is reached.

[0017] Two inlet channels can lead from the inlet to the valve orifice of the first valve. The desired design is for the dispenser device to be lightweight and compact, suitable for installation on the milk collector of the milking cup assembly, while also being cost-effective in manufacturing. Therefore, the inlet manifold may include a first valve channel that is transverse to and intersects the valve orifice of the first valve, wherein both inlet channels are connected to the first valve channel. The two inlet channels may be transverse to the first valve channel and each intersect the first valve channel. Therefore, the two inlet channels may be parallel to the valve orifice of the first valve, adjacent to the valve orifice of the first valve.

[0018] These two inlet channels can be connected to the first valve channel on opposite sides of the first valve, and the valve orifice of the first valve can be between these two inlet channels, thus providing a compact structure. Each inlet channel preferably begins at an inlet connector extending from outside the dispenser assembly, to which a fluid line for conveying fluid can be connected. The outlet manifold preferably also has one or more similar outlet connectors for connecting a fluid line leading to the milk cup.

[0019] The intermediate section guides fluid from the first valve to the second valve. To provide a compact structure, the first valve can be located next to the second valve, for example, one above the other. The first and second valves can be positioned so that one is directly above the other, parallel to each other, and the two inlet fittings can be positioned on opposite sides of the valves.

[0020] Ideally, the inlet connector should be located away from the outlet connector to facilitate the connection and exit of the fluid line to and from the distributor. Therefore, in the case where the first and second valves are arranged side by side, the intermediate section may include one or more connection channels that guide fluid from the first valve in the direction of returning to the inlet connector to the second valve.

[0021] The valve orifice of the first valve leads to the upstream channel of the intermediate section, and the downstream channel of the intermediate section leads to the valve orifice of the second valve. One or more connecting channels extend from the upstream channel to the downstream channel. One or more connecting channels may extend laterally to the upstream and downstream channels to provide a compact intermediate section.

[0022] In one example, there can be two connection channels, each extending from an upstream channel to a downstream channel, with the two connection channels located on opposite sides of a first valve and on opposite sides of a second valve. Therefore, fluid can flow through the distributor via both connection channels, reducing the flow rate of the fluid through the distributor.

[0023] The upstream channel may be transverse to and intersect the valve orifice of the first valve, and the downstream channel may be transverse to and intersect the valve orifice of the second valve, so as to provide a compact interface between the valve and the intermediate section.

[0024] The upstream passage may intersect the valve orifice of the first valve at a location along the upstream passage, between the intersections of the two connecting passages and the upstream passage. This allows fluid to exit the valve orifice on both sides of the valve orifice via the valve port, reducing the flow of fluid out of the first valve.

[0025] Similarly, the downstream passage may intersect the valve orifice of the second valve at a location along the downstream passage, between the intersections of the two connecting passages and the downstream passage. This allows fluid to enter the valve orifice on both sides, reducing fluid flow into the second valve.

[0026] The downstream passage preferably intersects the valve orifice of the second valve at a position along the valve orifice between the first and second valve ports of the second valve, allowing fluid flowing into the valve orifice of the second valve to flow along the valve orifice to the first or second valve port depending on the position of the second movable valve member.

[0027] The outlet manifold may include a second valve passage that is transverse to and intersects the valve orifice of the second valve, wherein a first valve port of the second valve opens into the second valve passage. The transverse direction of the second valve passage provides space for multiple outlet passages extending from the second valve passage.

[0028] The outlet manifold may include two outlet channels that intersect with the second valve channel, and the intersection of the second valve channel and the valve orifice of the second valve may be between the intersection of the second valve channel and the two outlet channels, which helps to keep the distributor assembly compact.

[0029] Each outlet channel can lead to at least one connector for connecting the tubing to the milk cup. For example, two outlet connectors can be drawn from each of the two outlet channels, providing a total of four outlet connectors for connecting to four corresponding milk cups.

[0030] The two outlet channels can be transverse to and intersect the second valve channel, and the outlet connectors can extend laterally from the two outlet channels, leading out from the side of the distributor unit. The inlet connector can be at one end of the distributor unit, so the inlet connector and the outlet connector are in different areas outside the distributor unit.

[0031] The distributor assembly may include a first monolithic block of material defining an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, and an intermediate portion. Various channels may be formed, for example, by molding, or drilled from the monolithic block to provide economical manufacturing. Advantageously, the ends of the molded or drilled channels may be terminated by pressing ball bearings into their ends. The first monolithic block may also define a portion of the valve orifice of a first valve and a second valve. The first monolithic block may, for example, be a block of plastic material.

[0032] The dispenser assembly may include a second integral material block fitted into a first integral material block, wherein the second integral material block at least partially accommodates a first movable valve body and a second movable valve body. When the first and second movable valve bodies are assembled together, they can be held between the first and second integral material blocks, thereby allowing for economical assembly of the dispenser assembly. The second integral material block may, for example, be a plastic material block. The first and second integral material blocks may be threaded or bolted together, allowing them to be disassembled when needed, such as to replace the first or second movable valve body.

[0033] The first valve may be located above the second valve, and the discharge passage may extend from the second valve port of the second valve to an opening on the lower surface of the distributor assembly, which serves as the discharge outlet. Therefore, once the valve has been moved to the closed configuration, any residual fluid remaining in the intermediate section can be discharged from the discharge outlet under gravity.

[0034] The desired outcome is to provide a method for flushing the discharge outlet to prevent any contaminants from accumulating and causing blockages. Therefore, when transitioning from a closed to an open configuration, a first movable valve body can be configured to allow fluid to flow from the inlet manifold to the intermediate section, after which a second movable valve body moves to a position sufficient to prevent fluid from flowing from the intermediate section into the discharge passage. Thus, a portion of the stroke of the second movable valve body allows fluid delivered to the distributor to flow under pressure through the first valve and out of the discharge outlet. When the valve is pneumatically controlled, the movable valve body moves rapidly, and there is only a short time interval between the opening of the first valve's port and the closing of the second valve's port, resulting in a very short flushing time for the discharge outlet.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention, a milking apparatus is provided comprising a dispenser device and a control device as described in the first aspect. The control unit can be configured to control the position of a first movable valve body and a second movable valve body, for example, by sending compressed air to a pneumatically controlled inlet when the valve is about to open. The control device can also be configured to control fluid, such as a disinfectant or rinsing fluid, such as water, delivered to the inlet manifold. The control device can be configured to deliver fluid to the inlet manifold while repeatedly circulating the valve between an open configuration and a closed configuration, for example, at a circulation rate of at least 1 Hz.

[0036] In each cycle, the discharge outlet is repeatedly flushed for short periods by the fluid supplied to the distributor, so that once multiple cycles are completed, the discharge outlet has been thoroughly flushed and any contaminants removed. The circulation rate can be greater than 5 Hz, allowing for faster flushing of the discharge outlet.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the invention, a milking cup assembly is provided, comprising a milk collector and milk cups connected to the milk collector, wherein a dispenser device of the first aspect is mounted on the milk collector, and wherein a fluid line is connected from the outlet manifold of the dispenser device to the milk cups for conveying fluid to the milk cups. Mounting the dispenser device on the milk collector prevents the dispenser device from moving around or being damaged. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a milking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 1b A dispenser device is shown. Figure 1a A schematic exploded view of a part of the milking equipment; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1b A schematic perspective view of the distributor device; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1b A schematic plan view of the distributor device; Figure 4 It shows Figure 1b A schematic side view of the distributor device; Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of XSH1 marked above, in which the distributor device is in the closed configuration; Figure 6 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the XSH2 marked above, with the distributor device in the closed configuration; Figure 7 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of XSV1 marked above, in which the distributor device is in the closed configuration; Figure 8 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of XSV2 marked above; Figure 9 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of XSH1 marked above, in which the distributor device is in the open configuration; Figure 10 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the XSH2 marked above shows the distributor device in an open configuration; and Figure 11 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of XSV1 marked above, in which the distributor device is in the open configuration.

[0039] Where the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar features. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1a The schematic diagram shows the milking equipment 100 installed in the milking parlor of a dairy cow. Figure 1a The milking parlor shown includes five dairy cow pens, each with a milking point 101. The milking point 101 includes a milking cup assembly 102 consisting of four milk cups and pen control equipment 103.

[0041] Each pen control unit may include a pulser 103a, a control valve 103b, and a control mechanism 103c. Each pulser 103a may receive vacuum from a common vacuum source 116 and output differential pressure pulses to the corresponding control valve 103b. Each control valve 103b may be connected to a common electrical control unit 109 via cable 110. During milking, the electrical control unit 109 may control the control valve 103b to output differential pressure pulses to the corresponding milking cup assembly 102 along pulse lines 114, 115.

[0042] Each control unit 103c may have a solenoid valve that selectively controls the delivery of various fluids, such as high-pressure compressed air, nipple bath solution, and rinsing solution, from the manifold assembly 104 to the milking cup assembly 102. The manifold assembly 104 can deliver these fluids from a common supply source provided by a fluid control unit 105 connected to the manifold assembly to the individual milking points 101. High-pressure compressed air is typically at least 200 kPa higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0043] The power for the control mechanism 103c can be supplied by the common electrical control unit 109 via cable 110. Each control mechanism 103c may have two fluid delivery lines 112, 113 connected to the inlet connector of the distributor device 111, and the distributor device 111 may be installed on the milk collector 106 of each milking cup group 102. Delivery line 112 may supply teat bath solution, such as iodine and emollient, for disinfecting the cow's teats, while delivery line 113 may supply fluids, water, and high-pressure compressed air for rinsing or disinfecting the milk cups.

[0044] Each milk cup 1 of the milking cup assembly 102 can be connected to the milk collector 106 of the milking cup assembly via a flexible short milk tube 11. At the milk collector 106, milk drawn from the animal's nipple can be collected by a flexible long milk tube 107 and transported to the milk collection line 108 leading to the collection container of the equipment.

[0045] like Figure 1b As shown in the exploded view, each dispenser device 111 may be accompanied by a cavity dispenser 111a, which is connected to each other on the milk collector 106. The dispenser device 111 can receive fluid from delivery lines 112, 113 and may have four outlets that distribute fluid to the four milk cups 1 of the cup set via flexible short fluid lines 16. The dispenser device 111 can also be connected to a corresponding control mechanism 103c via a pneumatic control line 118. For clarity, in... Figure 1a Not shown in the diagram. Pneumatic control line 118 can be used to control the valve of distributor device 111, which controls the flow of fluid from delivery lines 112, 113 to short fluid line 16.

[0046] Each milking cup 1 of the milking cup assembly 102 can be connected to the outlet of the cavity distributor 111a via a flexible short air tube 12. The cavity distributor 111a receives differential pressure pulses or low-pressure compressed air from pulsation lines 114, 115 and has four outlets that distribute the differential pressure pulses or low-pressure compressed air to the four milking cups 1 of the device via the flexible short air tubes 12. The control valve 103b can be controlled by the common electrical control unit 109 via cable 110 to send differential pressure pulses from the pulsator 103a or low-pressure compressed air from the fluid control unit 105 through line 117 to the pulsation lines 114, 115.

[0047] When the milk cups of cup assembly 102 are attached to the cow's udder and the milking equipment is running in a milking cycle, a vacuum can be applied to each short milk tube 11 via the long milk tube 107 and milk collector 106 to draw milk from the associated milk cup, which is being discharged from the engaged teat into the bushing. Control valve 103b can be configured to apply differential pressure pulses via flexible short air tube 12 to help stimulate milk release from the cow's teat.

[0048] Once the milk flow decreases, indicating that the udder has been substantially milked, control valve 103b can switch to applying low-pressure compressed air from line 117 to the milk cup 1 via flexible short air tube 12, instead of differential pressure pulses, and control mechanism 103c can apply nipple bath solution to the milk cup via delivery line 112, dispenser 111, and short fluid tube 16. The low-pressure compressed air can seal the milk cup liner to reduce any risk of disinfectant reaching the short milk tube 11, and the nipple bath solution can remain at the head of the liner for application to the nipple when the nipple is removed from the liner.

[0049] Once the milk cup 1 has been removed from the breast, they fall into... Figure 1a The inverted position is shown, and any excess teat bath solution is drained from the head of the liner from the milk cup. The pen control equipment 103 then applies rinsing fluid to the milk cup via delivery line 113, dispenser 111, and short fluid line 16 to rinse the liner of the milk cup in preparation for the next animal to be milked. The rinsing fluid can be supplied in pulses, alternating with pulses of high-pressure compressed air.

[0050] Now refer to Figures 2 to 11 The distributor device 111 is described in more detail. Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a dispenser device 111 is shown. The dispenser device 111 can be formed as a single block having a front side 250 with an inlet connector and opposing sides 252, 254 with outlet connectors. The front side 250 can extend in the width dimension Wd and height dimension He of the device, and each side 252, 254 can extend in the length dimension Ln and height dimension He of the device.

[0051] The inlet fittings may include a nipple bath fluid fitting 212 for connection to delivery line 112 and a flushing fluid fitting 213 for connection to delivery line 113. The front side 250 may also have a pneumatic control fitting 218 for connection to pneumatic control line 118. The outlet fittings on opposite sides 252, 254 may include four fittings 216 for connection to four short fluid lines 16, respectively. Preferably, there are two outlet fittings 216 on each of the two sides 252, 254. The inlet fittings 212, 213 may extend perpendicular to the outlet fittings 216.

[0052] The dispenser device 111 may include a first integral material block 140 and a second integral material block 130, the second integral material block 130 being fitted into the first integral material block and secured, for example, using screws 135, 136, and 137. The first integral material block may hold inlet connectors 212 and 213 and outlet connector 216, and the second integral material block may hold a pneumatic control connector 218. For ease of manufacture, the first integral material block 140 and the second integral material block 130 may be, for example, plastic or resin material blocks. A hole 49 extends perpendicularly through the first integral material block 140 along its height dimension He and may be used to secure the dispenser 111 to the milk collector 106.

[0053] Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows a plan view from above the distributor unit 111, in which all four outlet connectors 216 can be seen. Figure 4 A schematic side view of the dispenser device 111 is shown.

[0054] During the milking cycle, the dispenser device 111 can be configured in a closed configuration to prevent any fluid introduced into the inlet joints 212, 213 from reaching the outlet 216, thereby avoiding contamination of the milk. Figures 5 to 7 A cross-sectional view of the distributor 111 in its off configuration is shown, and it will now be described.

[0055] Figure 5 The diagram shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shown is taken from line XSH1, which lies in a roughly horizontal plane passing through inlet joints 212 and 213. (See diagram below.) Figure 5As shown, a first integral material block 130 and a second integral material block 140 can together provide a valve bore 35 extending along the length dimension Ln, and a first movable valve body 30 can be positioned in the valve bore 35 and slidable longitudinally along the valve bore, thereby defining a first valve. The first movable valve body 30 includes a head end that can be fitted with an O-ring seal 31 and a tail end that can be fitted with a piston 36a. The piston 36a is secured to the movable valve body by a nut 36. Between the head end and the tail end, the first movable valve body 30 can be provided with an O-ring seal 34 for abutting against and sealing the inner surface of the valve bore 35. The first movable valve body may include a shaft having a spherical head at the head end.

[0056] The second integral material block 130 can define three distinct portions of the valve orifice 35: a first portion accommodating the piston 36a, a second, narrower portion that can be sealed by the O-ring seal 34, and a third portion wider than the second portion that accommodates the spring 33, which is wound around the movable valve body 30. The spring 33 can be compressed between the second, narrower portion of the valve orifice and the spherical head of the first movable valve body 30, thus allowing it to... Figure 5 As shown, pushing the first movable valve body 30 to the right puts it into a closed configuration. The O-ring seal 32 can be positioned at the entrance of the portion of the valve orifice 35 formed within the second integral material block 130, and the O-ring seal 32 can be positioned around the spring 33.

[0057] The first portion of the valve port 35 and the piston 36a together define a closed cavity 39, and the passage 38 connects the closed cavity 39 to the pneumatic control inlet 218. The piston 36a may include an O-ring seal 35a sealing the inner surface of the first portion of the valve port 35. Compressed air may enter the closed cavity 39 to overcome the bias of the spring 33, driving the piston 36a and causing the first movable valve body 30 to... Figure 5 Move to the left in the direction shown.

[0058] The distributor assembly 111 may include an inlet manifold defined by two inlet channels 21, 22 and a first valve channel 23. The two inlet channels 21, 22 may extend along their length on opposite sides of the valve orifice 35 and receive two inlet fittings 212, 213, respectively. The first valve channel 23 may extend transversely to the valve orifice 35 and the two inlet channels 21, 22 in a width direction, and may intersect the valve orifice 35 and the two inlet channels 21, 22 to allow fluid to be transferred from the two inlet fittings 212, 213 to the valve orifice 35. The inlet channel 22 is preferably fitted with a pressure-actuated check valve 22a to prevent backflow of fluid from the distributor assembly into the inlet fitting 212. The check valve 22a may be used to maintain the delivery line 112 pre-filled with nipple bath solution.

[0059] The first valve passage may be formed as a hole passing through the second integral body 140 between sides 252, 254, and closed at either end by a ball bearing 23b. The second integral body 140 may also define an upstream passage 40 in the middle portion. The upstream passage 40 may extend along the width dimension Wd of the distributor device and may be parallel to the first valve passage 23 and transverse to the valve orifice 35. The upstream passage 40 may also be formed as a hole passing through the second integral body 140 between sides 252, 254, and closed at either end by a ball bearing 40b. The upstream passage 40 may intersect the valve orifice 35 to allow fluid to be transferred from the valve orifice 35 to the upstream passage 40.

[0060] The spherical head of the first movable valve body may include a sealing element in the form of an O-ring 31 at one end of the spherical head, and a sealing element in the form of a sealing surface 32a at the opposite end of the spherical head. A portion of the valve orifice 35 leading to the upstream passage 40 may include a sealing element in the form of the sealing surface 31a. A proximal valve orifice may be defined between the sealing element of the O-ring seal 32 and the sealing surface 32a, and a distal valve orifice may be defined between the sealing element of the O-ring seal 31 and the sealing surface 31a. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing elements may vary; for example, the two sealing elements of the spherical head may be O-rings, or the two sealing elements of the spherical head may be sealing surfaces. The proximal valve orifice controls fluid flow from the first valve passage 23 to a third portion of the valve orifice 35, and the distal valve orifice controls fluid flow from the first valve passage 23 to the upstream passage 40.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, when the first movable valve body 30 is in the closed configuration, the ball head of the first movable valve body 30 can open the proximal valve port and close the distal valve port. If the first movable valve body 30 moves to the open configuration, it can close the proximal valve port and open the distal valve port, for example, as... Figure 9 As shown. The O-ring 32 and the sealing surface 32a can be spaced apart in the closed configuration to allow fluid to flow through the proximal valve port, and the O-ring seal 31 and the sealing surface 31a can be closed together in the closed configuration to prevent fluid from flowing through the distal valve port.

[0062] If the second movable valve body 50 is moved to the open configuration, it can close the proximal valve port and open the distal valve port, for example, Figure 10 As shown. The O-ring 32 and sealing surface 32a can be closed together in the open configuration to prevent fluid flow through the proximal valve port, and the O-ring seal 31 and sealing surface 31a can be spaced apart in the open configuration to allow fluid flow through the distal valve port. It should be understood that during the movement of the first movable valve body 30 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, there are points where both the proximal and distal valve ports are open.

[0063] Figure 6 The diagram shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shown is taken from line XSH2, which lies in a generally horizontal plane passing through outlet connector 216. (As shown...) Figure 6 As shown, a first integral material block 130 and a second integral material block 140 can together provide a valve bore 55 extending along the length dimension Ln, and a second movable valve body 50 can be located in the valve bore 55 and is capable of sliding longitudinally along the valve bore, thereby defining a second valve. The second movable valve body 50 includes a head end that can be fitted with an O-ring seal 51 and a tail end that can be fitted with a piston 56a. The piston 56a is secured to the movable valve body by a nut 56. Between the head end and the tail end, the second movable valve body 50 can be provided with an O-ring seal 54 for abutting against the inner surface of the sealing valve bore 55. The second movable valve body 50 may include a shaft having a spherical head at the head end.

[0064] The second integral material block 130 can define three different portions of the valve orifice 55: a first portion accommodating the piston 56a; a second, narrower portion that can be sealed by the O-ring seal 54; and a third portion, wider than the second portion, accommodating the spring 53, which is wound around the movable valve body 50. The spring 53 can be compressed between the second, narrower portion of the valve orifice and the spherical head of the first movable valve body 50, thus allowing it to... Figure 6 The first movable valve body 50 is pushed to the right into a closed configuration. The O-ring seal 52 can be positioned at the entrance of the portion of the valve orifice 55 formed within the second integral material block 130, and the O-ring seal 52 can be positioned around the spring 53.

[0065] The first portion of valve port 55 and piston 56a together define a closed cavity 59, and passage 58 connects the closed cavity 59 to pneumatic control inlet 218. Piston 56a may include an O-ring seal 55a sealing the inner surface of the first portion of valve port 55. Compressed air may enter the closed cavity 59 to overcome the bias of spring 53, driving piston 56a and causing the first movable valve body 50 to move along... Figure 6 Move to the left in the direction shown.

[0066] The distributor assembly 111 may include an outlet manifold defined by two outlet channels 61, 62 and a second valve channel 60. The two outlet channels 61, 62 may extend along their length on opposite sides of the valve orifice 55, and each outlet channel may connect to two outlet connectors 216 located on the side of the distributor assembly. The second valve channel 60 may extend transversely to the valve orifice 55 and the two outlet channels 61, 62 in the width direction, and the second valve channel 60 may intersect the valve orifice 55 and the two inlet channels 61, 62 to allow fluid to flow from the valve orifice 55 to the outlet channels 61, 62.

[0067] The second integral body 140 may also define a downstream passage 45 in the middle section. The downstream passage 45 may extend along the width dimension Wd of the distributor device and may be parallel to the second valve passage 60 and transverse to the valve orifice 55. The downstream passage 45 may intersect the valve orifice 55 to allow fluid to be transferred from the downstream passage 45 to the valve orifice 55.

[0068] The second valve passage 60 can be formed as a hole passing through the second integral body 140 between sides 252 and 254, and closed at either end by a ball bearing 60b. The downstream passage 45 can also be formed as a hole passing through the second integral body 140 between sides 252 and 254, and closed at either end by a ball bearing 45b. Ball bearings 61b and 62b can also respectively close the ends of the two outlet passages 61 and 62.

[0069] The spherical head of the second movable valve body 50 may include a sealing element in the form of an O-ring 51 located at one end of the spherical head, and a sealing element in the form of a sealing surface 52a located at the opposite end of the spherical head. The portion of the valve port 55 leading to the second valve passage 60 may include a sealing element in the form of the sealing surface 51a. The proximal valve port may be defined between the sealing element of the O-ring seal 52 and the sealing surface 52a, and the distal valve port may be defined between the sealing element of the O-ring seal 51 and the sealing surface 51a.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing elements can be varied; for example, the two sealing elements of the ball head can be O-rings, or the two sealing elements of the ball head can be sealing surfaces. The proximal valve port can control fluid flow from the downstream channel 45 to the third portion of the valve orifice 55, and the distal valve port can control fluid flow from the downstream channel 45 to the second valve channel 60.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, when the second movable valve body 50 is in the closed configuration, the spherical head of the second movable valve body 50 can open the proximal valve port and close the distal valve port. The O-ring 52 and the sealing surface 52a can be separated in the middle of the closed configuration to allow fluid to flow through the proximal valve port, and the O-ring seal 51 and the sealing surface 51a can be closed together in the closed configuration to prevent fluid from flowing through the distal valve port.

[0072] If the second movable valve body 50 is moved to the open configuration, it can close the proximal valve port and open the distal valve port, for example, Figure 10 As shown. The O-ring 52 and sealing surface 52a can be closed together in the open configuration to prevent fluid flow through the proximal valve port, and the O-ring seal 51 and sealing surface 51a can be spaced apart in the open configuration to allow fluid flow through the distal valve port. It should be understood that during the travel of the second movable valve body 50 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, there are points where both the proximal and distal valve ports are open.

[0073] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is taken by line XSV1, which runs longitudinally through the center of the device in a generally vertical plane. Figure 7 The intersection of valve orifice 35 and upstream channel 40, and the intersection of valve orifice 55 and downstream channel 60 can be seen. Figure 7 The discharge passage 48 leading to the discharge outlet 49 at the bottom of the device can also be seen. The discharge passage 48 extends downward from the third part of the valve orifice 55, transverse to the valve orifice 55 and the downstream passage 60.

[0074] In this embodiment, the third portion of the valve orifice 35 has no discharge passage leading out from it, so any fluid entering this portion cannot travel forward beyond it. However, in an alternative embodiment, the third portion of the valve orifice 35 may be provided with another discharge passage 48a, similar to discharge passage 48, which leads to another discharge outlet, similar to discharge outlet 49, located at the bottom of the device. This alternative discharge passage 48a is schematically shown in... Figure 7 In the middle. Another emission channel 48a can lead to emission outlet 49, instead of having its own dedicated emission outlet.

[0075] In this embodiment, valve orifices 35 and 55 are arranged one directly above the other, but they can also be offset from each other in width, for example, to make room for a discharge passage that extends vertically downward from the third portion of valve orifice 35.

[0076] Figure 7 A dispenser device in a closed configuration is shown, wherein the proximal valve port is open and the distal valve port is closed; however, Figure 11 The diagram shows the situation when the distributor device is moved to the closed configuration, where the proximal valve port is closed and the distal valve port is open.

[0077] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown by line XSV2 is longitudinally along inlet channel 21 in a generally vertical plane. The intermediate portion of the fluid path through the distributor device can provide two distinct branches for fluid flow from valve orifice 35 to valve orifice 55. Specifically, the intermediate portion may include an upstream channel 40, a downstream channel 45, and two connecting channels that may be transverse to the upstream and downstream channels. One branch may be formed by half of the upstream channel, one of the connecting channels, and half of the downstream channel; the other branch may be formed by the other half of the upstream channel, the other connecting channel, and the other half of the downstream channel.

[0078] exist Figure 8A connecting channel 42 can be seen, which connects to the downstream channel 45 from the upstream channel 40 on one side of the valve holes 35 and 55. Another connecting channel 43 (see...) Figure 6 Parallel to connecting channel 42, and also connected from upstream channel 40 to downstream channel 45, but on the other side of connecting channel 42 for valve orifices 35, 55. Providing two separate branches for fluid flowing through the middle section helps to alleviate fluid flow; however, in an alternative embodiment, only one branch may be implemented if desired.

[0079] Each connecting channel 42, 43 may extend diagonally in both length and height dimensions to make the dispenser assembly more compact. Each connecting channel 42, 43 may extend from the upstream channel to the downstream channel and slope downward toward the front 250, which helps to reduce the overall length of the dispenser assembly. The connecting channels may be formed by molding from the bottom surface 256 of the dispenser assembly into the first integral body 140 and enclosing their ends at the bottom surface 256 with ball bearings 42b.

[0080] During milking cycles, the teat bath delivery line 112 is kept pre-filled by check valve 22a, and no fluid is delivered to the dispenser device via delivery line 113 or pneumatic control line 118. Therefore, the dispenser device can be held in a closed configuration by springs 33 and 53 that drive movable valve bodies 30 and 50, sealing the distal valve port and opening the proximal valve port. In this state, if any fluid is mistakenly delivered to the dispenser device along delivery line 112 or 113, for example due to a control system malfunction, the fluid will be prevented from entering the upstream channel 40 by movable valve body 30. With a discharge channel and outlet provided in the third part of valve orifice 35, fluid will be discharged from the outlet, providing a visual indication to the user that fluid was mistakenly delivered along delivery line 112 or 113 during a milking cycle.

[0081] If fluid is mistakenly delivered to the distributor device along delivery line 112 or delivery line 113 during a milking cycle, and if the first valve fails to close properly for any reason, fluid may reach valve orifice 55 through the intermediate section. Here, the second movable valve body in closed configuration prevents fluid from flowing forward through the distal valve port into the outlet manifold, providing additional safety. Instead, fluid flowing into valve orifice 55 can be directed to discharge passage 48 and discharge outlet 49, thus providing the user with a visual indication of a malfunction.

[0082] At the end of the milking cycle, the pen control equipment 103 can send compressed air along the pneumatic control line 118 to move the distributor device to an open configuration. Compressed air enters the distributor device through the pneumatic control inlet 218 and can be delivered to the closed chambers 39 and 59 through channels 38 and 58, respectively. The rising pressure in the closed chambers forces pistons 36a and 56a, as well as the first movable valve body 30 and the second movable valve body 50, to overcome the bias of springs 33 and 53, thereby moving the first movable valve body 30 and the second movable valve body 50 to the open configuration.

[0083] In the open configuration, the proximal valve is closed while the distal valve is open, allowing fluid sent along delivery line 112 or delivery line 113 to the distributor device from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold and out of outlet connector 216, proceeding forward to the milk cups. Because the proximal valve is closed, fluid does not escape through one or more discharge channels. Typically, teat bath solution is delivered to the milk cups via the distributor, followed by flushing fluid and compressed air. During this process, pen control equipment 103 can switch the distributor device between open and closed configurations by sending compressed air via pneumatic control line 118.

[0084] For example, the dispenser can be moved to the open configuration while dispensing nipple bath solution to the feeding cups; then, as the feeding cups are removed from the animal, the dispenser can be moved to the closed configuration; next, it can be moved to the open configuration while dispensing rinsing solution, followed by compressed air, to the feeding cups; then it can be moved to the closed configuration; then it can be moved back to the open configuration while dispensing another round of rinsing solution, followed by compressed air, to the feeding cups; then it can be moved back to the closed configuration. Further cycles of rinsing solution followed by compressed air can be performed, including switching between the open and closed configurations.

[0085] Since the discharge outlet leads to the external environment, the discharge outlet and discharge passage should be cleaned to prevent the entry of any dust or debris that could cause blockages or enter the milk cup. When the dispenser device is in the open or closed configuration, the discharge passage and discharge outlet cannot be flushed with fluid for cleaning because in the closed configuration, when the proximal valve port (of the second valve) leading to the discharge passage is open, the distal valve port (of the first valve) leading to the first valve port is closed, so no fluid can flow through the intermediate portion to the second valve and thus to the discharge passage. As previously mentioned, during the movement of the movable valve body from the closed configuration to the open configuration, there is a point where the proximal and distal valve ports of each valve open simultaneously, resulting in a brief period during which fluid entering the dispenser can pass through the distal valve port of the first valve and then out through the proximal valve port of the second valve to reach the discharge passage. Performing repeated flushing fluid circulation as described above helps to clean the discharge passage and discharge outlet with flushing fluid.

[0086] The distributor device can also cycle repeatedly between open and closed configurations while continuously passing flushing fluid through the distributor to clean the discharge channel and discharge outlet with flushing fluid, for example at a circulation rate of at least 1 Hz.

[0087] Many other variations of the embodiments falling within the scope of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A dispenser device for distributing fluid to milk cups in a milking cup assembly, the dispenser device comprising: An inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, a discharge outlet, a discharge passage leading to the discharge outlet, a fluid path configured to transfer fluid from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold, and a first valve and a second valve arranged in series along the fluid path, the first valve including a first movable valve body, the second valve including a second movable valve body, wherein the fluid path includes an intermediate portion between the first valve and the second valve. The first valve and the second valve have a closed configuration, in which the first movable valve body is positioned to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet manifold to the intermediate portion, and the second movable valve body is positioned to prevent fluid from flowing from the intermediate portion to the outlet manifold and to allow fluid to flow from the intermediate portion to the discharge channel. The first valve and the second valve have an open configuration in which the first movable valve body is positioned to allow fluid to flow from the inlet manifold to the intermediate portion, and the second movable valve body is positioned to allow fluid to flow from the intermediate portion to the outlet manifold and to prevent fluid from flowing from the intermediate portion to the discharge channel.

2. The dispenser device according to claim 1, wherein, The first valve includes a valve orifice, wherein the first movable valve body is slidable along the valve orifice to switch between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

3. The dispenser device according to claim 2, wherein, The first valve includes a valve port that extends from the valve orifice to the intermediate portion, and wherein the first movable valve body is configured to slide along the valve orifice to the valve port to block the valve port in the closed configuration.

4. The dispenser device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The inlet manifold leads to the valve orifice.

5. The dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second valve includes a valve orifice, wherein the second movable valve body is slidable along the valve orifice to switch between the open and closed configurations.

6. The dispenser device according to claim 5, wherein, The second valve includes a first valve port that extends from the valve orifice of the second valve to the outlet manifold, wherein the second movable valve body is configured to slide along the valve orifice to the first valve port to block the first valve port in the closed configuration.

7. The dispenser device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The second valve includes a second valve port that extends from the valve orifice of the second valve to the discharge passage, wherein the second movable valve body is configured to slide along the valve orifice to the first valve port to open the second valve port in the closed configuration.

8. The dispenser device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein, The middle section leads to the valve orifice of the second valve.

9. The dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first valve and the second valve include one or more springs that push the first movable valve body and the second movable valve body to the closed configuration of the valve.

10. The dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first movable valve body and the second movable valve body include one or more piston surfaces configured to be pneumatically driven to control the movement of the first movable valve body and the second movable valve body.

11. The dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pneumatic control inlet configured to receive compressed air for controlling the movement of the first movable valve body and the second movable valve body, and controlling whether the valve is moved to the open configuration or the closed configuration.

12. When at least claim 2 is referenced, the dispenser device according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein, The inlet manifold includes two inlets, which are respectively connected to two corresponding inlet channels, which lead from the inlets to the valve orifice of the first valve.

13. The dispenser device according to claim 12, wherein, The inlet manifold includes a first valve passage that is transverse to and intersects the valve orifice of the first valve, wherein both inlet passages are connected to the first valve passage.

14. The dispenser device according to claim 13, wherein, The two inlet channels are connected to the first valve channel on opposite sides of the first valve.

15. The dispenser device according to any one of claims 4 to 14, when at least claim 3 is referenced, wherein, The valve port of the first valve leads to the upstream channel of the intermediate portion, and the upstream channel is transverse to the valve hole of the first valve and intersects with the valve hole of the first valve.

16. The dispenser device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, when at least claim 8 is referenced, wherein, The intermediate portion includes a downstream passage leading to the valve orifice of the second valve, the downstream passage being transverse to the valve orifice of the second valve and intersecting the valve orifice of the second valve at a position between the first valve port and the second valve port of the second valve.

17. When claim 15 is referenced, the dispenser device according to claim 16, wherein, The intermediate portion includes two connecting channels, each extending from the upstream channel to the downstream channel, wherein the two connecting channels are located on opposite sides of the first valve and on opposite sides of the second valve.

18. The dispenser device according to any one of claims 7 to 17, when at least claim 6 is referenced, wherein, The outlet manifold includes a second valve passage that is transverse to and intersects the valve orifice of the second valve, wherein a first valve port of the second valve leads to the second valve passage.

19. The dispenser device according to claim 18, wherein, The outlet manifold includes two outlet channels that intersect with the second valve channel, wherein the intersection of the second valve channel and the valve orifice of the second valve is located between the intersection of the second valve channel and the two outlet channels.

20. The dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The dispenser device includes a first integral material block that defines the inlet manifold, the outlet manifold, and the intermediate portion.

21. The dispenser device according to claim 20, wherein, The dispenser device includes a second integral material block assembled into a first integral material block, wherein the second integral material block at least partially accommodates the first movable valve body and the second movable valve body.

22. The dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The distributor device includes a first valve and a second valve positioned above each other and arranged in parallel, and two inlet connectors located on opposite sides of the valves.

23. The dispenser device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When switching from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first movable valve body is configured to allow fluid to flow from the inlet manifold to the intermediate section before the second movable valve body has moved sufficiently to prevent fluid from flowing from the intermediate section to the discharge channel.

24. A milking cup assembly, comprising a milk collector and a milk cup connected to the milk collector, wherein, The dispenser device according to any of the preceding claims is mounted on the milk collector, and wherein a fluid line is connected from the outlet manifold of the dispenser device to the milk cup for delivering fluid to the milk cup.

25. A milking apparatus comprising a milking cup assembly according to claim 24 or a dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the milking apparatus further comprising a control device configured to control the positions of a first movable valve body and a second movable valve body and fluid sent to the inlet manifold, wherein the control device is configured to send fluid to the inlet manifold while repeatedly circulating the valves between the open configuration and the closed configuration at a circulation rate of at least 1 Hz.

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