Milking device with a cleaning unit

Description

[0001] The subject matter of the invention relates to a milking device with a cleaning device.

[0002] Raw milk is an important foodstuff and a raw material for the food industry. To protect consumers and ensure its suitability for technical processing, milk must meet both national and international quality standards. Corresponding national and international regulations exist that must be adhered to. For example, milk must not exhibit any abnormal sensory characteristics. To achieve this, the udders of animals from which milk is obtained for human consumption must be cleaned at the beginning of the milking process. This cleaning must be thorough and complete.

[0003] Adherence to prescribed hygiene standards is also crucial to ensuring high milk quality. Therefore, it is necessary not only to clean the animal's udder and teats, but also the components of the milking equipment. Cleaning can also include disinfection of the milking equipment components. The cleaning process can be carried out using a fluid, particularly water, with or without cleaning, disinfecting, or other additives. A fluid will be referred to as "fluid" in the following. It is particularly important to clean and disinfect the milking equipment of any milk residue. Disinfection of the milking system or milking equipment is not mandatory during every cleaning process. Cleaning can also take place after each milking or after a specific number of milkings.

[0004] It is known that after each cow is milked, the milking equipment is cleaned with water, a disinfectant solution, and then water again, and possibly dried with compressed air. This is known as an intermediate cleaning.

[0005] WO 2010 / 052250 A2 discloses a cleaning unit for cleaning at least one head section of a milking cup. To perform a cleaning process, the head section of the teat liner is positioned in the cleaning unit. When the head section is inserted, a wall section of the cleaning unit is expanded circumferentially, thus facilitating insertion. This also creates a certain seal between the cleaning unit and the head section. To clean the head section, a fluid is supplied via a feed line to a rinsing candle extending into the milking cup, which has outlet openings. The fluid can then flow through the milking cup or through multiple milking cups to a milk collection point. From there, the fluid flows via a milk gate to a milk tank or a drain.If the fluid flows in a rinsing container, it can return to the head section of the teat cup via a rinsing line connected to the cleaning unit. A vacuum, which is also applied during milking, allows the fluid to be drawn in.

[0006] This satisfactory cleaning method, however, requires a vacuum to be present in the milking cups to introduce the fluid into the milking unit. Furthermore, an operator must position the milking cups correctly within the cleaning unit. A problem arises from the potential loss of vacuum in the milking unit during the transition from milking to cleaning.

[0007] A device with comparable disadvantages is also known from WO 2013 / 081534A1.

[0008] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a milking device in which vacuum losses are at least reduced by coupling the milking cups to a rinsing system. A further aim of the invention is to reduce the effort required to carry out the cleaning process.

[0009] This problem is solved by a milking device according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The milking device according to the invention comprises a milking unit which has milking cups connected to a milk collection piece. The number of milking cups depends on the type of animal to be milked.

[0011] The milking device also includes a milk lock, a milk tank and a cleaning system.

[0012] The milk lock is connected to an outlet of the milk collection unit via a milking line. The milk lock has an outlet that can be connected to a milk tank via a milk line.

[0013] A milk lock is a component that separates the milk into its liquid state. The standard milk lock also has a connection to a vacuum source.

[0014] The cleaning device includes a fluid source, a rinsing line which can be connected to the fluid source and the milking line in terms of flow technology, and a secondary line which can be connected to the milking line and the milk line in terms of flow technology.

[0015] To ensure that vacuum losses are reduced, a first valve unit is provided, which, viewed in the direction of milk flow, is located in the milk line upstream of the milk lock.

[0016] Furthermore, a second valve unit is provided, which is connected to the milk line and the secondary line. The first and second valve units are controlled by a control unit via signal signals.

[0017] To perform a cleaning cycle, the first valve unit is switched to a position that interrupts the flow path from the milk collection point to the milk lock. Fluid supplied by the fluid source is introduced into the milking line via the flushing line. The fluid flows through the milking line into the milk lock and from there into the milk line. Depending on the switching state of the second valve unit, the fluid can flow back from the milk line, for example, into the fluid source, thus achieving fluid circulation. During this cleaning cycle, there is no flow through the milking cups. This allows for higher flow velocities during a cleaning cycle. Higher flow velocities also lead to improved cleaning results. This can manifest itself in two ways: firstly, the cleaning time can be reduced, and secondly, fluid consumption can be reduced.

[0018] To clean the milking cups or milking unit, a fluid flows through the auxiliary line from the milk line to the milking line. For this purpose, at least the second valve unit is preferably switched sequentially so that partial volumes of the fluid can flow to and through the milking unit.

[0019] The milking device according to the invention prevents vacuum losses because the first valve unit interrupts the flow path from the milking unit to the milk lock. This is the case throughout the entire cleaning cycle.

[0020] Furthermore, the effort required for the cleaning process is reduced, as the milking cups no longer need to be positioned in a cleaning unit. The fluid exiting the milking cups can, for example, be directed into a suitable drain.

[0021] The cleaning time for the milking cups and / or other components in the device can be determined based on the results of an analysis of the circulating fluid. Appropriate sensors can be provided for this purpose. These are then connected to the control unit via a signal connection.

[0022] However, it is also possible to determine the duration and cycles of the cleaning process based on historical data.

[0023] The first and second valve units are preferably designed in such a way that they are multi-way valve units. Multi-way valve units have the advantage of reducing the overall equipment complexity.

[0024] The second valve unit can be connected via a suitable line to a fluid source, such as a reservoir. The flushing line is also connected to the reservoir. The reservoir itself can also consist of several containers holding different fluids, so that, depending on the cleaning requirements, alkaline, neutral, or basic fluids, for example, can be supplied during the cleaning process.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the milking device according to the invention, it is proposed that the second valve unit comprises two valves arranged one behind the other in the direction of milk flow. A first valve is provided that opens or closes a flow path to the bypass line. The second valve closes the flow path to the rinsing line.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if the control device is designed so that the second valve unit opens a flow path from the milk line to the secondary line at predetermined intervals and for a predetermined duration. This has the advantage that not all of the fluid has to flow through the milking cups.

[0027] To ensure that, in the event of malfunctions, the milk line or the system through which milk flows is not contaminated by cleaning agents, it is advantageous for the rinsing line to have a first safety valve. This first safety valve also prevents milk from flowing into the rinsing line.

[0028] The secondary line preferably has a second safety valve, thus ensuring that the milk-carrying parts are not contaminated with a cleaning agent or fluid during milking. The safety valve is preferably a check valve.

[0029] The milking device according to the invention allows for different cleaning cycles. For example, it is possible to clean the milk-carrying parts without the milking cups or milking unit. It is also possible to carry out the cleaning process in such a way that the milking unit is intensively cleaned by allowing variably determined cleaning volumes to flow through it. For example, the entire fluid can exit the milk-carrying parts through the milking unit, thus achieving intensive cleaning of the milking unit.

[0030] Further advantages and details of the device according to the invention are explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing, without the subject matter of the invention being limited to these exemplary embodiments.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1: schematically an embodiment of a milking device with a cleaning device, Fig. 2: a milking unit and a first valve unit of a milking device with a cleaning device, Fig. 3: a further embodiment and design of a first valve unit, Figs. 4, 5: embodiments and variants of the valve unit of the milking device with a cleaning device.

[0032] Fig. 1Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a milking device with a cleaning unit. The milking device comprises a milking unit 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the milking unit 1 has four milking cups 2.1-2.4. Each milking cup 2.1-2.4 is of a conventional design. The milking cup includes a cup sleeve in which a teat liner is arranged. The outlet of the milking cup 2.1-2.4 is connected via a short hose 3.1-3.4 to a milk collector 4. The outlet of the milk collector 4 is connected via a milking line 5 to a milk lock 6. The milk lock 6 is connected via a milk line 7 to a milk tank 8.

[0033] Within the milking line 5, a flow unit 9 is shown schematically. This is not strictly necessary, but advantageous.

[0034] The milking device after Fig. 1The device features a cleaning unit composed of several components. A fluid source 10 is provided. The fluid source 10 can be a container holding a fluid suitable and intended for cleaning the milking device. The fluid source can also comprise several containers holding different fluids, so that different fluids carry out the cleaning process depending on the progress of the cleaning.

[0035] The fluid source 10 is connected to the milking line 5 via a flushing line 11. Furthermore, a secondary line 12 is provided, which can be connected to the milking line 5 and the milk line 7 in terms of flow direction.

[0036] From the Fig. 1It is evident that, viewed in the direction of milk flow, a first valve unit 13 is provided in the milking line 5 between the auxiliary line 12 and the rinsing line 11. The cleaning device further comprises a second valve unit 14, which in the exemplary embodiment is connected to the milk line 7 and the auxiliary line 12. (From the illustration) Fig. 1 It is further evident that the second valve unit 14 is also connected to the milk tank 8 and the fluid source 10. Reference numeral 15 denotes a drain that is connected to the second valve unit 14 via a pipe.

[0037] The cleaning device also includes a control unit (not shown) which is connected to the first and second valve units 13, 14. The control unit can also be part of a milking parlor control system.

[0038] During milking, milk flows from the milking cups 2.1-2.4 through the short milk hoses 3.1-3.4 into the milk collection unit 4. The milk from the individual milking cups 2.1-2.4, collected in the milk collection unit 4, flows through an outlet of the milk collection unit into the milking line 5 and into the milk lock 6. The first valve unit 13 is designed to open the flow path from the milk collection unit to the milk lock 6 in the milking line 5.

[0039] During milking, not only milk (as a liquid) but also foam and air flow through milking line 5. The flow in milking line 5 during milking can be described as a plug flow.

[0040] The milk flows from the milking line 5 into a so-called milk lock 6. In the milk lock 6, the milk is separated from any air it carries. The milk lock can be designed as a container with a connection at its lower end, through which the milk, in liquid form, can be discharged to the milk tank 8. For this purpose, the milk line 7 connects the milk lock 6 to the tank 8. The milk lock 6 is also connected to a vacuum system (not shown).

[0041] The section of the milking system from the milking cups to the milk lock can also be described as a vacuum section of the milking system. In the milk lock, milk is conveyed to the milk tank 8, for example, by means of a milk pump (not shown).

[0042] If the milk obtained is unusable, it can be directed, for example, into the drain 15 or a container for unusable milk. A second valve unit 14 is provided in the milk line 7, designed such that the flow path from the milk lock 6 to the milk tank 8 is open during the milking process. The other connections of the second valve unit 14 to the fluid source 10, the drain 15, and the auxiliary line 12 are closed in this operating condition.

[0043] A cleaning process for the milking unit can be divided into several phases. A pre-rinse is intended to flush out any milk residue from the milking unit. The pre-rinse itself can be time-dependent. This means that, based on historical data such as duration and knowledge of the cleaning fluids, the milking unit can be made "milk-free." The pre-rinse process can also be monitored by analyzing the fluid during the pre-rinse. To carry out the pre-rinse, the first valve unit 13 is configured to block the flow path in the milking line 5 to the milk collection point 4. The second valve unit 14 is configured to connect the milk line 7 to the drain 15. A fluid, for example water, flows from the fluid source 10 through the rinse line 11 into the milking line 5.The fluid flows through the flow unit 9, the milk lock 6 and the second valve unit 14, and leaves the milking device via the drain 15.

[0044] Depending on the purity of the fluid and / or the duration of the pre-rinse, the second valve unit 14 is switched so that the fluid flows via the milk line 7 and the second valve unit 14 into the secondary line 12. The secondary line 12 opens into the milk line 5, with the point of entry in the illustrated embodiment being above the first valve unit 13. Since the first valve unit 13 blocks the flow path in the milk line 5, the fluid flows through the milk collection container 4 and the short milk hoses 3.1-3.4 into the individual milking cups 2.1-2.4 and from there exits the milking device. The fluid rinses the milking cups 2.1-2.4 free of milk residue.

[0045] The fluid volume flowing into the milking cups 2.1-2.4 via the secondary line 12 also depends on the duration of the position of the second valve unit 14. For example, the fluid used for pre-rinsing can be completely emptied via the milking cups 2.1-2.4. However, it is also possible, by appropriately switching the flow paths in the second valve unit 14, for the fluid used for pre-rinsing to be partially discharged via the milking cups 2.1-2.4 and partially via the drain 15 from the milking unit.

[0046] Once the desired level of cleanliness of the milking equipment has been achieved through pre-rinsing, a main cleaning can be carried out. This main cleaning can also be divided into different phases; for example, depending on the chemicals used, such as alkaline or acidic chemicals, intermediate rinses can be performed to prevent chemical reactions.

[0047] For the main cleaning process, the first valve unit 13 is configured so that the flow path in the milking line 5 from the milk collection point 4 to the milk lock 6 is blocked. To start the main cleaning process, the second valve unit 14 is configured so that the milk line 7 is fluidically connected to the rinsing line 11 via the fluid source 10. The other outlets of the second valve unit 14, which lead to the secondary line 12, the drain 15, and the milk tank 8, are blocked.

[0048] A fluid flows from the fluid source 10, which can be a rinsing tank containing a defined volume of fluid, via the rinsing line 11 into the milk line 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid flows through the flow unit 9, the milk lock 6, and into the milk line 7, from where it returns to the fluid source 10 via the second valve unit 14. From there, the fluid flows back into the rinsing line 11, thus achieving fluid circulation.

[0049] Based on predefined criteria or measurements of the fluid flowing in the piping system, the circulation time can either be predetermined or terminated depending on the measurement result. In this case, the fluid can then be drained to the outlet 15 via a corresponding switching operation of the second valve unit 14.

[0050] In this procedure, parts of the milking unit undergo a main cleaning. To integrate the milk collection unit 4 and the milking cups 2.1-2.4 into the main cleaning process, two variants can be carried out independently or in combination. In the first variant, the second valve unit 14 is switched for a predetermined period of time so that the fluid exits the milking unit via the auxiliary line 12, through the milk collection unit 4, the short hoses 3.1-3.4, and the milking cups 2.1-2.4. This also achieves a main cleaning of the milk collection unit 4, the short hoses 3.1-3.4, and the milking cups 2.1-2.4. The milking unit 1 can be flushed several times during the main cleaning period. The remaining fluid is then used to clean the milk collection unit 4, the short hoses 3.1-3.4, and the milking cups 2.1-2.4.The remaining fluid is then drained via outlet 15 at the end of the cleaning process.

[0051] In the second variant, the fluid is not drained via drain 15 but completely via milking unit 1.

[0052] If chemicals are used during the main cleaning process, it is necessary to remove them from the milking unit. This is done by rinsing, which removes any remaining chemical compounds from the milking unit. The rinsing process essentially follows the same procedure as a pre-rinse. For example, water from fluid source 10 is supplied to the milking line via the rinsing line 11. The milking line 5 is rinsed. This also applies to the flow unit 9 and the milk lock 6. The second valve unit 14 is configured so that the fluid used for rinsing can flow to the milking unit 1 via the auxiliary line. By appropriately configuring the second valve unit 14, circulation of the rinsing fluid can also be achieved, whereby at least some of the rinsing fluid is discharged through the milking unit 1.

[0053] A cleaning process can immediately follow a milking operation. During milking, the vacuum section of the milking unit is in operation. This section comprises the milking cups 2.1-2.4, the short hoses 3.1-3.4, the milk collection unit 4, the flow unit 9, the milking line 5, and the milk lock 6. After milking, when the first valve unit 13 is switched to interrupt the flow connection between the milking unit 1 and the milk lock 6, a vacuum is created between the first valve unit 13 and the milk lock 6. This vacuum also affects line 11, allowing liquid to be drawn into the milking line 5. An additional advantage is the reduction of vacuum losses that can occur due to the empty milking cups 2.1-2.4.

[0054] From the milk lock 6, the milk is conveyed to the tank 8 in the milk line 7 by means of a milk pump. If the second valve unit 14, which is not shown, is located downstream of the milk pump in the milk line 7, the milk pump can be used to convey the fluid during a cleaning process.

[0055] Fig. 2 schematically shows a detail of the milking device according to Fig. 1 Identical components are marked with the same reference numbers.

[0056] The Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a milking unit 1 connected to a milking line 5. A valve unit 13 is shown within the milking line 5. The valve unit 13 has two switching states. In the switching state shown, the flow path in the milking line 5 from the milking unit 1 towards the tank is blocked. By switching the first valve unit 13, the flow connection between the milking unit 1 and the tank (not shown) can be established.

[0057] From the presentation in the Fig. 2It is evident that, viewed in the direction of milk flow, the flushing line 11 is connected to the milk line 5 via the first valve unit 13. The auxiliary line 12 is connected to the milk line 5 upstream of the first valve unit 13, also viewed in the direction of milk flow. A check valve 16 is located in the auxiliary line 12. The check valve 16 prevents milk from entering the auxiliary line 12 during milking. A corresponding check valve 17 is also located in the flushing line 11. Instead of the check valves 16 and 17, other valves can also be used to ensure that no milk enters the flushing line 11 and / or the auxiliary line 12 during milking. Furthermore, contamination of the milk during milking can be avoided. The valves 16 and 17 are safety valves, which can also be designed in a different configuration.

[0058] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment and configuration of a first valve unit 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve unit 13 is a so-called four-way two-way valve – hereinafter referred to as a 4 / 2-way valve. The commonly known designation 4 / 2-way valve means that the valve has four paths and two switching states.

[0059] In the Fig. 3In the depicted setting of the first valve unit 13, the flushing line 11 is fluidically connected to the milk line 5. This also applies to the auxiliary line 12, although the flow directions are opposite. Thus, a fluid flows through the flushing line 11 and the first valve unit 13 into the milking line 5 towards the milk tank 8, while a fluid flowing through the auxiliary line 12 passes through the first valve unit 13 and flows out through the milking unit 1. The 4 / 2-way valve can also be implemented by a corresponding arrangement of valves.

[0060] In the Figs. 2 and 3 Different embodiments of the first valve unit 13 within the framework of the milking device according to the invention with a cleaning device are shown. Figs. 4 and 5 show designs and variants of the second valve unit 14 of the milking device, wherein in the illustrations according to Figs. 4 and 5Only the parts of the milking device relevant to the second valve unit 14 are shown.

[0061] The second valve unit 14 is arranged in the milk line 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the second valve unit 14 comprises two switchable valves 14.1 and 14.2, which are arranged one after the other in the direction of milk flow. Fig. 4 further shows a milk tank 8, a fluid source 10, a drain 15, as well as the flushing line 11 and the secondary line 12.

[0062] Valve 14.1, which is located in milk line 7, enables a flow connection between milk line 7 and the secondary line 12. This position is in the Fig. 4As shown, a fluid flowing through the milk line 7 passes through the valve 14.1 and enters the auxiliary line 12, from where it can exit the milking machine through the components not shown, in particular the milking unit. The valve 14.1 is preferably controllable, allowing the duration of the connection between the milk line 7 and the auxiliary line 12 to be adjusted. When the valve 14.1 is switched to the second position, the auxiliary line 12 is closed. Depending on the intended use of the valve 14.1, a fluid or milk flows through it.

[0063] Viewed in the direction of flow, a second valve 14.2 is shown downstream of valve 14.1. In the illustrated switching position of the second valve 14.2, fluid can flow through valve 14.2 to the fluid source 10. The connection between valve 14.2 and the outlet 15 is blocked.

[0064] From the Fig. 4 It is evident that the milk tank 8 is not connected to the milk line 7. The end section 7.1 of the milk line 7 is designed such that the outlet of the milk line 7 can be manually connected to the fluid source 10 or the milk tank 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the end section 7.1 of the milk line 7 is connected to the fluid source. Manually switching off or reversing the connection between the fluid source and the milk tank has the advantage that potential malfunctions of valves at the inlet during cleaning do not lead to contamination of the milk in the milk tank 8.

[0065] The dashed line indicates... Fig. 4 The figure shows how the end section 7.1 of the milk line 7 is connected to the tank 8.

[0066] During the milking process, section 7.1 is connected to the milk tank 8. Valve 14.1 is configured so that the inlet of the bypass line 12 is blocked, allowing milk to flow through valve 14.1. Valve 14.2 has the [unclear] Fig. 4 The position shown is as follows. The end section 7.1 is connected to the milk tank 8.

[0067] For example, if unusable milk is to be discarded, valve 14.2 can be switched to its second position. In this position, the section of milk line 7 is blocked, and the flow connection between milk line 7 and drain 15 is maintained. Valve 14.2 can be switched to the same position if the fluid used for cleaning is to be discarded via drain 15.

[0068] A further embodiment of a second valve unit 14 is described in the Fig. 5As shown. In this embodiment of the valve unit 14, the valve unit 14 comprises a first directional control valve 14.1, which can assume two switching positions. Flow is possible in each switching position. Furthermore, closed positions are possible. The second valve 14.2 of the valve unit 14 is also designed accordingly. In this embodiment of the second valve unit 14, an automatic changeover of the flow path from the milk line 7 to the milk tank 8, as shown in the Fig. 5 as shown, or can be reached at fluid source 10. If the second valve 14.2 is moved to the second switching position, the connection between valve 14.2 and milk tank 8 is blocked. The connection between milk line 7 and fluid source 10 is established.

[0069] When the first valve 14.1 of the second valve unit 14 is moved from the illustrated switching position to the second switching position, a flow path is created between the milk line 7 and the drain 15. The flow path to the milk tank 8 and to the fluid source 10 is blocked.

[0070] In addition to the aforementioned advantages of the invention, by locking the valve unit 13 the system vacuum can be built up more easily before the start of milking or individual rinsing phases.

[0071] The milking device according to the invention is preferably part of a milking system, which may be a group milking parlor and in particular a milking carousel. Reference symbol list

[0072] 1 Milking unit 2.1-2.4 Milking cup 3.1-3.4 Short hose 4 Milk collector 5 Milking line 6 Milk gate 7 Milk line 7.1 End section of milk line 8 Milk tank 9 Flow unit 10 Fluid source 11 Rinse line 12 Branch line 13 First valve unit 14 Second valve unit 14.1 First valve 14.2 Second valve 15 Drain 16, 17 Check valve

Claims

1. Milking device comprising a milking cluster (1) which has teat cups (2.1-2.4) connected to a claw (4), a releaser (6), a milk tank (8), a cleaning unit, wherein a milking line (5) connects an outlet of the claw (4) to an inlet of the releaser (6), and the releaser (6) can be connected via a milk line (7) to the milk tank (8), wherein the cleaning unit has a fluid source (10), a flushing line (11) which can be fluidically connected to the fluid source (10) and to the milking line (5), a secondary line (12) which can be fluidically connected to the milking line (5) and to the milk line (7), and the cleaning unit further has a first valve unit (13) which is arranged in the milking line (5) upstream of the releaser (6) in the milk flow direction, a second valve unit (14) which is connected to the milk line (7) and the secondary line (12), and a control device which is connected by means of signals to the first and second valve units (13, 14).

2. Milking device according to Claim 1, wherein the first or second valve unit () is a multi-way valve unit.

3. Milking device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid source (10) is connected to the second valve unit (14).

4. Milking device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second valve unit (14) comprises two valves (14.1, 14.2) which are arranged one behind the other in the milk flow direction, wherein a first valve (14.1) frees or blocks a flow path to the secondary line (12) and a second valve (14.2) frees or blocks a flow path to the flushing line (11).

5. Milking device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device is configured such that the second valve unit (14) frees a flow path from the milk line (7) to the secondary line (12) at given time intervals and for a predefined period of time.

6. Milking device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the first valve unit (13) is arranged between the secondary line (12) and the flushing line (11) and is connected thereto.

7. Milking device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the flushing line (11) has a first safety valve (16).

8. Milking device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the secondary line (12) has a second safety valve (17).

9. Milking device according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the first or the second safety valve (16, 17) is a check valve.