A milking plant

Abstract: A milking plant for cows is provided with a milk­ ing machine comprising teat cups (2), which can be connected separately to the teats of an animal. The milk obtained from each udder quarter is conveyed through a separate line (3) to a milk measuring device (4). The milk measuring device (4) includes four milk meters (7), whose separate discharge lines (8) are coupled to a common discharge line (9) terminating in a milk cooling tank (6). The milking plant further comprises a rinse line system (56, 57, 58, 59, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 60, 61) and a circular line (5), to which the discharge lines (9) of the milk measuring devices (4) are connected and which circular line (5) comprises the cooling tank (6).

Description: The present invention relates to a milking plant for milking cows, which plant comprises teat cups that are connectable to respective teats of a cow's udder, while the milk obtained from each udder quarter with the aid of the said teat cups is conveyed through a separate line to a milk measuring device, said milk measuring device includes four milk meters, whose separate discharge lines are coupled to a common discharge line terminating in a milk cooling tank. Such a milking plant is known from DD-A-41115; the milk meter described therein comprises four milk receptacles each provided with a separate measuring pipe, whereby the whole milk yield per udder quarter is catched and measured, whereafter the milk from the four receptacles and measuring pipes is pumped in a common discharge line. Such a measurement of the whole milk yield per udder quarter is relatively inaccurate. In order to improve the milking plant in this respect, the milking plant is characterized in that each milk meter includes a milk receptacle which is subjected to a partial vacuum, a measuring chamber which can be connected to a partial vacuum whereby the milk flows from the milk receptacle into the measuring chamber, and in that compressed air suppy means are provided, connected to the measuring chamber and the measuring chamber is provided with a valve and an aperture for supplying compressed air from the compressed air supply means, this compressed air operates the valve which disconnects the measuring chamber from the milk receptacle after this measuring chamber has been filled with a defined quantity of milk, the milk is pumped by this compressed air from the measuring chamber into the relevant separate discharge line and from the separate discharge line into the common discharge line. From US-A-3.919,975 a milk meter is known, which includes a milk receptacle and a measuring chamber. The milk flows under a partial vacuum from the milk receptacle into the measuring chamber, whereafter each time the level of the milk in the measuring chamber has reached a certain value, the measuring chamber is closed and a defined quantity of milk is pumped to a milk receiver by means of a pressure difference over the space above the milk level in the measuring chamber and a collector line connected to the output of the measuring chamber. The measuring chamber is closed by a solenoid lift system. By using compressed air this solenoid lift system is superfluous; the same compressed air for pumping the milk from the measuring chamber into the discharge lines can be used for closing the measuring chamber after the level of milk in the measuring chamber has reached a certain level. In addition, according to the invention, the air sucked along by the partial vacuum together with the milk from the relevant teat cup is separated therefrom in the milk meter. Consequently, milk containing air is passed from the teat cup into the milk meter, whereas it is only the milk that is discharged therefrom to the milk cooling tank; in this respect it should be noted that so far it usually has been the custom to effect the milk-air separation not earlier than in the milk cooling tank. In a specific embodiment in accordance with the invention, the milk meter is provided with a valve rod which, in a first position under a partial vacuum, leaves the aperture between the milk receptacle and the measuring chamber open, and, in a second position by means of compressed air, closes same. More specifically, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a switching element, with the aid of which, in a first switching position thereof, the partial vacuum is applied to cause the valve rod to be brought to its first position, and, in a second switching position thereof, compressed air is admitted to cause the valve rod to be brought to its second position. Furthermore, according to the invention, the measuring chamber is provided with a milk level sensor, by means of which it is established when a defined quantity of milk is contained therein, after which it produces a control signal to cause the switching element to be adjusted from its first position to its second position. Also, in accordance with the invention, the switching element may be adjusted from its second position to its first position after a fixed period of time. However, this might also be effected by means of a sensor which senses that all the milk has been pumped from the measuring chamber , or by means of a flow sensor provided in the line beyond a teat cup. Furthermore, according to the invention, each time when a defined quantity of milk has been established in the measuring chamber, the milk level sensor may produce a control signal intended for a computer, in which the quantity of milk obtained from each udder quarter is recorded for each individual cow. In particular, the recording of this quantity and hence also that of the total quantity of milk obtained from each cow per unit of time, e.g. per day, may be kept on the basis of a progressive average calculated over a defined number of days. According to the invention, the measuring chamber, when empty, is closed by a spherical body. Preferably, this spherical body is of such a design that, when the milk flows from the milk receptacle into the measuring chamber, it floats on the milk contained therein. Hereby it is achieved that each time a predetermined quantity of milk contained in the measuring chamber is pumped off by means of the compressed air admitted thereinto for the purpose. Furthermore, according to the invention, a non-return valve is included in the separate discharge pipe beyond the aperture in the measuring chamber, which aperture can be closed by the spherical body. Via this non-return valve the milk is passed from the measuring chamber, but only under the influence of compressed air. In the opposite direction, the non-return valve blocks any milk flow, which might be possible in case the pressure in the relevant discharge pipes would exceed that prevailing in the measuring chamber in front of the non-return valve. This situation might be conceivable, since the milk is discharged from four milk meters to the milk cooling tank through the same common discharge line. The presence of the non-return valve beyond the measuring chamber aperture that is closable by the spherical body implies that, during the milking operation, the first obtained milk fills the separate discharge pipe between the said aperture and the non-return valve, as a result of which, according to the invention, each time a cow is milked, the quantity of milk recorded in a computer is increased only once by the quantity of milk corresponding to the volume of the separate discharge pipe between the measuring chamber aperture that is closable by the spherical body and the non-return valve. In order to ensure the admission of compressed air via the measuring chamber into the discharge lines, in particular when these lines must be cleared of milk thereby e.g. in connection with a subsequent rinsing procedure, in accordance with the invention, the milk meter is provided with a lifting magnet which, by moving the spherical body, has for its object to establish a connection between the closed measuring chamber and the discharge lines. According to the invention, a milk meter is provided with a tube stop valve, with the aid of which the partial vacuum connection of the milk meter can be closed after milking. The end of the milking procedure can be detected by means of sensors, e.g. with the aid of a milk flow sensor which may be incorporated in the line between the teat cup and the milk meter or in the milk meter itself, or with the aid of the afore-mentioned milk level sensor. In accordance with the invention, it is likewise possible to activate the tube stop valve after a milking period of a duration laid down in a computer, e.g. on the basis of the number of times the measuring chamber has been emptied, has ended, i.e. by applying thereto a control signal supplied by the computer. In a specific embodiment, the tube stop valve includes a lifting mechanism to allow air to flow into the milk meter simultaneously with or immediately after closure of the partial vacuum connection of the measuring chamber. This can be effected with a certain amount of overpressure; a simpler method is to have the lifting mechanism be operated, in accordance with the invention, by a valve in the outer wall of the milk meter. The tube stop valve in accordance with the invention renders it possible, in a simple manner, to remove the partial vacuum in a teat cup before the teat cup is removed from the teat or drops down therefrom. For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows schematically an arrangement of a milking plant for milking cows; Figure 2 shows a basic arrangement of the milking plant in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a more detailed representation of the basic structure of a milk meter in the arrangement shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a more detailed representation of the basic structure of a teat cup in the arrangement shown in Figure 2. Corresponding components in the drawings have been denoted by the same reference numerals. Figure 1 shows a schematic arrangement of a milking plant for milking cows. Only two milking parlours are shown by way of illustration, in each of which a cow is present. For each milking parlour there is provided a milking robot 1 having four teat cups 2 at its end. For the matter of that, the invention is completely independent of the manner in which the teat cups are connected; the teat cups may, combined in one single milking claw, be connected together as well as individually and independently of each other to respective teats of a cow's udder. The milk obtained from each udder quarter with the aid of the teat cups 2 can be conveyed through a separate line 3 (see Figure 2) to a milk measuring device 4. From the milk measuring device 4 the milk is conveyed via a circular line 5, to which the discharge lines of the various milk measuring devices in the various milking parlours are connected, to a milk cooling tank 6. The milk measuring device 4 comprises four milk meters 7, only one of which is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 furthermore illustrates the basic arrangement of the milking plant, only one teat cup 2 and only one milk meter 7 having been shown in this arrangement for the sake of simplicity. The individual discharge lines 8 of the milk meters 7 are coupled to a common discharge line 9 which terminates in the milk cooling tank 6. Figure 3 is a more detailed representation of the basic structure of a milk meter as is incorporated in the milking plant shown in Figure 2. The milk meter 7 includes a milk receptacle 10 and a measuring chamber 11, in which connection the milk flows under a partial vacuum via the separate line 3 connected to the teat cup 2 from the milk receptacle 10 into the measuring chamber 11 and is pumped in defined quantities by means of compressed air from the measuring chamber 11 into the separate discharge line 8. The milk meter 7 includes a valve rod 12 which, in a first (shown) position under a vacuum, leaves the aperture 13 between the milk receptacle 10 and the measuring chamber 11 open, and, in a second (non-shown) position by means of compressed air, closes same. At its upper side, the milk meter includes a chamber 14, in which chamber the valve rod 12 has a piston 15. The valve rod 12 is capable of upward and downward movement in and through this chamber 14. In the space below the piston 15 there is provided in the wall of the chamber 14 an aperture 16. Via this aperture 16, the milk meter 7 is connected to a switching element 17 (see Figure 2). In a first position of this switching element 17, a partial vacuum is applied to cause the valve rod 12 and the piston 15 to be moved downwardly to its first position, thereby leaving the aperture 13 open. In a second position of this switching element 17, compressed air is admitted into the space below the piston 15 to cause the valve rod 12 and the piston 15 to be moved upwardly to its second position, thereby closing the aperture 13. The milk meter 7 furthermore includes a tube 18 which, via relatively narrow apertures 19 and 20, is connected to the space in the chamber 14 below the piston and to the measuring chamber 11, respectively. When compressed air is admitted into the space below the piston 15, the aperture 13 is closed immediately and the air is forced into the measuring chamber 11 via the aperture 19, the tube 18 and the aperture 20, as a result of which the milk present in the measuring chamber 11 is passed into the separate discharge line 8. The measuring chamber 11 is provided with a milk level sensor 21, by means of which it is established when a defined quantity of milk is contained therein. When the milk level in the measuring chamber 11 has reached that of the sensor 21, this sensor 21 supplies a control signal S1 (see Figure 2) to cause the switching element 17 to be adjusted from its first position to its second position, so that the measuring chamber 11 can be emptied. After a fixed period of time, the switching element 17 is adjusted from its second position to its first position; this period of time is of such a duration that there is sufficient time for the measuring chamber 11 to be emptied. When the switching element 17 has returned to its first position, the measuring chamber 11 can be filled again. The milk level sensor 21 can also apply a control signal S2 to a computer 22, in which the quantity of milk obtained from each udder quarter is recorded for each individual cow. In the lower part of the measuring chamber 11 there is provided a spherical body 23. When the measuring chamber 11 is empty, this spherical body 23 closes the aperture 24 between the measuring chamber 11 and the separate discharge line 8. The spherical body 23 is made of such a material that, when the milk flows from the milk receptacle 10 into the measuring chamber 11, it floats on the milk contained therein. When the milk is forced from the measuring chamber 11 into the separate discharge line 8, the aperture 24 is closed automatically by the spherical body 23 once the measuring chamber 11 is empty. A non-return valve 25 is arranged in the separate discharge line 8 beyond the aperture 24 in the measuring chamber, pereferably as closely as possible therebeyond. Via this non-return valve 25 the milk is allowed to pass from the measuring chamber 11 but only under the influence of compressed air. In the opposite direction, the non-return valve 25 blocks any milk flow which might be possible in case, for whatever reason, the pressure in the relevant discharge lines would exceed that prevailing in the measuring chamber 11 in front of the non-return valve 25. When, during the milking operation, the first obtained milk flows into the measuring chamber 11, then not only the measuring chamber 11 itself will be filled, but also the space in the separate discharge line 8 between the non-return valve 25 and the said aperture 24. By each subsequent pump stroke it is only the milk contained in the measuring chamber that is pumped off, so that the total quantity of milk as determined by the computer during milking for each udder quarter must be increased only once by the quantity of milk corresponding to the volume of the separate discharge line 8 between the non-return valve 25 and the said aperture 24. This is, however, a constant correction to be entered into the computer 22 on recording of the quantity of milk obtained. After milking, the milk must also be forced from the separate discharge lines 8 and the common discharge line 9, i.e. into the circular line 5 to the milk cooling tank 6. For that purpose, the aperture 23 in the measuring chamber 11 must be free so as to allow compressed air to pass. To that end, the milk meter 7 is fitted with a lifting magnet 26 which moves the spherical body 23 upwardly in response to a control signal S3 supplied by the computer 22. The milk meter 7 includes a milk conductivity sensor 27, which sensor, preferably, is arranged in the measuring chamber 11. The control signal S4 supplied by the milk conductivity sensor 27 is a measure of the health of the udder; in the case of mastitis, the conductivity of the milk is higher than that of the milk obtained from a healthy udder or from a healthy udder quarter. The milk originating from an inflamed udder quarter must be separated off. For this purpose, the separate discharge line 8 is provided with a three-way valve 28, through which the milk pumped from the milk meter 7 is either passed into the common discharge line 9 or, after it has been found that the milk originates from an inflamed quarter, into a receptacle 29 specially provided for the purpose. The three-way valve 28 might be operated automatically as soon as the signal S4 produced by the milk conductivity sensor 27 indicates a value which exceeds a preset value. It is, however, more advantageous to apply the control signal S4 to the computer 22 which, taking account of the further conditions of the specific cow, supplies a control signal S5, by means of which the three-way valve 28 can be operated. In addition, the milk meter 7 is provided with a tube stop valve 30, with the aid of which the partial vacuum connection 31 can be disconnected from the milk meter after milking. During milking, a partial vacuum prevails in the milk receptacle 10. After the milking procedure has ended, the partial vacuum must be removed, and it is not until then that the teat cups are removed from the teats. Prior to removing the partial vacuum from the milk receptacle 10, the vacuum line 31 must be closed first. For that purpose, after a milking period preset in the computer 22 has elapsed, a control signal S6 is applied to the electromagnet 32 of the tube stop valve 30. By means of the then energized electromagnet 32, a rod 33 having a spherical end 34 is moved upwardly to seal the partial vacuum connection 31 against the fixed stop 35. With the aid of a lifting mechanism 36 which is connected pivotably to the rod 33, a valve 37 in the wall of the milk receptacle 10 is drawn upwards simultaneously, as a result of which air can flow freely thereinto. The milking plant as shown schematically in Figure 2 includes in a customary manner a vacuum pump 38 having a vacuum balance tank 39 to increase the partial vacuum stability. The balance tank 39 has a plurality of partial vacuum connections. A partial vacuum connection 31 is provided for the milk receptacle 10 of each milk meter 7. A partial vacuum connection 40 is present for each switching element 17. In addition, a partial vacuum connection 41 is provided for an electronic pulsator system 42 for the four teat cups. In the partial vacuum connection 31 there is incorporated a throttle ring 43 to prevent fluctuations in the partial vacuum of the various milk meters due to falling off of one of the teat cups. In order to be able to ascertain whether a partial vacuum is present in the milk meter, there is arranged an air flow sensor 44 in the partial vacuum connection between the throttle ring 43 and the relevant milk meter, which sensor supplies the computer 22 with a control signal S8 indicating the presence of partial vacuum in the line 31. Hereby this signal also forms an indication whether the teat cups are connected correctly. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a teat cup; this teat cup in a customary manner consists of a solid, e.g. metal, sleeve 45, an inner wall 46 made of a flexible material, e.g. rubber, enclosed thereby, and a rubber cap 47 which seals the space between the sleeve 45 and the inner wall 46 at the upper side. At the lower side, the space between the sleeve 45 and the inner wall 46 is sealed by a sealing ring 48, while at some distance thereabove there is provided between the sleeve 45 and the inner wall 46 a ring 49 having an aperture 50. Between the sealing ring 48 and the ring 49 there is located a space, in which the electronic pulsator system 42 produces through the line 52 and via an aperture 51 a pulsating partial vacuum, thereby effecting in the space between the sleeve 45 and the inner wall 46 a pulsating partial vacuum which causes the inner wall 46 to close firmly around the teat, when the teat cup is connected thereto, or causes the inner wall to move outwards again, whereby is obtained the rhythmic movement around the teat as required for the milking operation to be performed. In order to function as a buffer for the milk to be collected and to minimize the fluctuations in the partial vacuum under the teat, there is provided in the lower part of the teat cup 2 a buffer space 53, in which a relativaly narrow air suction aperture 54 is made for the milk transport. The line 3, intended for the discharge of the milk to the milk meter 7, is connected to this buffer space 53. In addition, the buffer space 53 contains a fixed element 55, which element partly projects into the aperture between the teat space and the buffer space 53 to ensure that the milk flows gradually into the buffer space 53 and a splitting of the milk is prevented. At the upper end of the fixed element 55 a sensor can be provided to perform a temperature measurement. The temperature of the milk indicates the body temperature of the cows to be milked; the latter temperature is higher than normally with cows in heat and with sick cows. In order that the milk line system can be rinsed once the milking operation has been completed, it must include an arrangement for effecting this step. To that end, there is provided a rinse line system which is constituted by a rinse fluid container 56 having a valve 57, a first rinse line 58, a rinse jetter 59 which can be fitted around the end of the teat cup 2 in a fluid-tight manner, the teat cup 2, the line 3, the milk meter 7, the separate discharge line 8, the common discharge line 9, a three-way valve 60 incorporated therein and a second rinse line 61. In its first position, the three-way valve 60 admits milk from the common discharge line 9 into the circular line 5, and, in its second position, rinse fluid from the common line 9 into the second rinse line 61. After the milking, a rinse command can be delivered by the computer 22 which, to that end, applies a control signal S7 to the three-way valve 60 to adjust same to the appropriate position. Prior to starting the rinsing step after the milking operation has ended, the discharge lines must first be freed from milk. This is effected by passing compressed air through the measuring chamber 11, as a result of which the spherical body 23 is pushed upwardly and the aperture 24 is released. In front of the three-way valve 60 there is incorporated in the common discharge line 9 an air-milk sensor 62, which sensor applies a control signal S9 to the computer, on the basis of which control signal the computer can establish when there is no longer any milk present in the common line - compressed air then passing the air-milk sensor 62 instead of milk - so that the valve 60 can be adjusted for the rinsing procedure. Due to the partial vacuum in the milk receptacle 10, the rinse fluid is sucked from the rinse fluid container 56 through the first rinse line 58, the rinse jetter 59, the teat cup 2 and the line 3 to the milk receptacle 10, from where it flows into the measuring chamber 11, whereafter it is pumped therefrom in the same manner as the milk and is fed back via the separate discharge line 8, the common discharge line 9, the three-way valve 60 and the second rinse line 61 to the rinse fluid container 56. In the common discharge line 9 there is arranged in front of the three-way valve 60 incorporated therein a heat exchanger 63 as a pre-cooler for the milk cooling tank. In customary manner, the milk cooling tank 6 is incorporated in the circular line 5, to which via relevant three-way valves 60 the common discharge lines of the individual milk meters 7 are connected. A pump 64 is incorporated in the circular line 5. This pump can operate at at least two different speeds. In order to keep the milk in motion and to prevent milk residues from being deposited in the circular line 5, the milk is circulated at a relatively low speed from the milk cooling tank 6 through the circular line 5. Preferably, in this connection, the circular line 5 is thermally insulated. Usually, the milk cooling tank 6 is emptied a few times a week, whereafter it can be rinsed. A rinsing fluid can be introduced into the milk cooling tank 6 via a valve 65 and a spray nozzle 66. When the spray nozzle 66 is arranged capably of moving, it can cover the entire inner surface of the milk cooling tank 6. The rinsing fluid is circulated by the pump in the circular line at a relatively high speed and is ultimately discharged via a three-way valve 67. Also here, the valves 65, 67, the spray nozzle 66 and the pump 64 can be controlled from the computer 22. Although in Figure 2 they are shown as being single, several elements are provided in fourhold; in particular this holds for the rinse jetter, the teat cup and the milk meter, as well as for the lines connected thereto and the elements incorporated therein (valves and sensors). Preferably, the four milk meters are combined into one single milk measuring device.

Claims: A milking plant for milking cows, which plant comprises teat cups (2) that are connectable to respective teats of a cow's udder, while the milk obtained from each udder quarter with the aid of the said teat cups (2) is conveyed through a separate line (3) to a milk measuring device (4), said milk measuring device (4) includes four milk meters (7), whose separate discharge lines (8) are coupled to a common discharge line (9) terminating in a milk cooling tank (6), characterized in that each milk meter (7) includes a milk receptacle (10) which is subjected to a partial vacuum, a measuring chamber (11) which can be connected to a partial vacuum whereby the milk flows from the milk receptacle (10) into the measuring chamber (11), and in that compressed air supply means are provided, connected to the measuring chamber (11) and the measuring chamber (11) is provided with a valve and an aperture (20) for supplying compressed air from the compressed air supply means, this compressed air operates the valve which disconnects the measuring chamber (11) from the milk receptacle after this measuring chamber (11) has been filled with a defined quantity of milk, the milk is pumped by this compressed air from the measuring chamber (11) into the relevant separate discharge line (8) and from the separate discharge line (8) into the common discharge line (9). A milking plant as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the air sucked along by the partial vacuum together with the milk from the relevant teat cup (2) is separated therefrom in the milk meter (7). A milking plant as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the milk meter (7) is provided with a valve rod (12) which, in a first position under the partial vacuum, leaves the aperture (13) between the milk receptacle (10) and the measuring chamber (11) open, and, in a second position by means of compressed air, closes same. A milking plant as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that there is provided a switching element (17), with the aid of which, in a first switching position thereof, the partial vacuum is applied to cause the valve rod (12) to be adjusted to its first position, and, in a second switching position thereof, compressed air is admitted to cause the valve rod (12) to be adjusted to its second position. A milking plant as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the measuring chamber (11) is provided with a milk level sensor (21), by means of which it is established when a defined quantity of milk is contained therein, after which it supplies a control signal (S1) to cause the switching element (17) to be adjusted from its first position to its second position. A milking plant as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the switching element (17) is adjusted from its second position to its first position after a fixed period of time. A milking plant as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, each time when a defined quantity of milk has been established in the measuring chamber (11), the milk level sensor (21) supplies a control signal (S2) for a computer (22), in which the quantity of milk obtained from each udder quarter is recorded for each individual cow. A milking plant as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring chamber (11), when empty, is closed by a spherical body (23). A milking plant as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, when the milk flows from the milk receptacle (10) into the measuring chamber (11), the spherical body (23) floats on the milk contained therein. A milking plant as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the milk meter (7) is provided with a lifting magnet (26) for establishing a connection between the closed measuring chamber (11) and the discharge lines (8) by displacing the spherical body (23), when any residual milk must be removed by compressed air. A milking plant as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a milk meter (7) is provided with a tube stop valve (30), with the aid of which the partial vacuum connection is disconnected from the milk meter (7) after milking. A milking plant as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, after a preset milking period laid down in a computer (22) has ended, the tube stop valve (30) is activated by a control signal (S6) supplied by the computer (22). A milking plant as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the tube stop valve (30) includes a lifting mechanism (36) to admit air into the milk meter (7) simultaneously with or immediately after closure of the partial vacuum connection of the milk meter (7).

Inventors: FRANSEN RENE, VAN DEN BERG KAREL, VAN DER LELY EDWIN, FRANSEN, RENE, VAN DEN BERG, KAREL, VAN DER LELY, EDWIN, Fransen, René
Applicants: MAASLAND NV, MAASLAND N.V.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A01J7
IPC codes: A01J5, G01F1, A01J9, A01J7, G01F3