DE102007009606A1 - Milking parlor i.e. milking stand, for animal i.e. cow, has rotating device pivotable around axis of rotation that is arranged at distance from base surface, where rotating device is arranged below base surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The parlor i.e. milking stand (1), has a handling device including a teat cup (8) for handling a teat. The handling device is brought to a working position that is arranged above a base surface, and to a resting position that is arranged below the base surface. A rotating device is pivotable around an axis of rotation (D) that is arranged at a distance from the base surface. The rotating device is arranged below the base surface. The rotating device includes a closing segment (14, 14a) that closes an opening in the resting position. An independent claim is also included for a method for milking animals.

Description

The The invention relates to a milking parlor for treating and in particular for milking animals, such. Cows, sheep, goats, Buffalos, llamas, camels, dromedaries, yaks, elks, horses and more.

The For example, the invention can be applied to the automated milking of animals be used. The use is especially in milking parlors possible in which a semi-automatic treatment and / or milking the teats are done. Treating the teats may be before or also done after milking.

The Milking is usually done by machine today, so a teat cup attached to the teat of the animal to be milked and then the milk is extracted mechanically.

To the Milking animals are various devices and procedures known from the prior art. Usually these days Teat cups used according to the two-room principle, in which a central teat space is surrounded by a pulse space. The central one Teat room is connected to a milk pipe and is under a set certain vacuum.

Of the Pulse space is pulsed via a pulsator Pressure gradient applied, the so-called pulsation. This will be the pulse space periodically subjected to two different pressure phases, a negative pressure phase and a pressure phase often atmospheric Pressure, but also over pressure or light May have negative pressure.

By the pulsation becomes a periodic opening and closing reached the arranged in the teat cup teat rubber, the milk flow encouraged and the teat periodically relieved.

Next Milking devices in which a manual attachment of the teat cups is done to the teats, fully automatic systems have become known in addition to the automatic milking and the attachment of the teat cup fully automatic.

From the DE 36 50 637 T2 is a fully automatic system for milking is known in which the attachment of the milking equipment to the udder takes place automatically. Here, the milking equipment is attached from below through the bottom of the stand. A large-scale holder carries the milking cluster and also a bowl-shaped basin for cleaning the udder. Both are in the attached state above the milking parlor floor and are rotatably received by 180 ° about an axis of rotation arranged above the milking parlor floor.

This indicates the system in the DE 36 50 637 T2 Above the stand a variety of components that are exposed to nervous or bats a significant risk of damage. Thus, in such an embodiment, the individual components exposed to the movements of the animal must be made very stable in order to permanently withstand the possible loads. It should be noted in particular that the weight of cows can be up to 600 kg or more. In addition, the animals themselves can be significantly injured by the above the standing surface arranged components. Therefore, this known system has disadvantages.

One considerable disadvantage when automatically fitting teat cups is also the high technical and financial effort for a reliable teat locating and tying system. Furthermore, with such systems even today the Ansetzzeit considerably longer than the preparation by hand. An advantage when manually setting is, however, that the milker at each Milking process the animal and the udder takes and so changes or Detects diseases early.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object of a milking stall and a method for milking animals available make, where this milking place in a working position milking allows the animals and arranges the milking cluster in a resting position, that it is both protected against soiling, as well before movements of the cows. Next to the teat cups in a favorable for the milker Anreichposition be brought. In this case, the milking parlor according to the invention should continue to be as safe as possible in dealing and in particular to Injuries to animals are avoided.

This is according to the invention by a milking parlor Claim 1 and by a method for milking animals according to claim 14 reached. Advantageous embodiments and developments are Subject of the dependent claims.

Of the Milking parlor according to the invention for treating animals and in particular for milking animals has a bottom surface on, as well as at least one treatment device, which through an opening this floor surface is feasible. It points this treatment device at least one teat cup for treating at least one of the animal's teat. The treatment facility is in a work above the floor surface arranged working position and in a below the bottom surface arranged rest position brought.

According to the invention the milking parlor at least one to a predetermined, below the Floor surface arranged and from the floor surface after downwardly spaced pivot axis pivotable rotating device, which includes at least one closing segment, said closing segment in the rest position, the opening substantially completely closes. Preferably, the axis of rotation is substantially arranged parallel to the bottom surface.

Farther can provide two or more treatment facilities each of which has one, two or more teatcups. Also possible is a treatment facility with, for example four teat cups if the device is for milking, for example used by cows. There are also two possible Treatment facilities with, for example, two teat cups.

By the arrangement of the closing segment on the turning device, which about the axis of rotation spaced from the bottom surface can pivot, can by pivoting the rotating device or the Closing segment is a substantially complete one Closure of the opening can be achieved. Thereby on the one hand, the risk of injury to the respective minimized and on the other hand minimized animals to be treated or milked also prevents dirt or the like in the locked Condition can pass through the opening.

At least when the teat cups are used to milk the animal is at each Teat cup preferably a derivative in the form z. B. a short or a long milk tube arranged to carry away the milked milk. In other embodiments may also be a teat cup or it may serve several or all teat cups for other treatment purposes, such as B. for pre- or post-treatment in milking or other care treatments. Then different supply and / or discharges can be provided be added to chemicals, care or detergent and / or derive.

Preferably is in particular at the turning means at least one about the axis of rotation arranged cover segment provided. Between the closing segment and cover segment is in particular an opening segment provided, which has such an opening, that in the corresponding rotational position, the opening in the opening segment the opening in the milking parlor floor releases or at least essentially releases, so that a treatment facility feasible is.

Especially is a total of a gap-shaped opening in the Milking parlor floor allows. This slit-shaped opening runs preferably in that direction, in the plurality or a plurality of teat cups or treatment devices arranged one behind the other. Preferably, the opening segment extends in the longitudinal direction of the animal to be treated. this will explained in more detail with reference to the figures become.

Preferably comprises at least one rotating device to the cover segment adjacent sliding segment with an opening disposed thereon, wherein the sliding segment or its opening in a rotational position a lateral area of the opening in the milking parlor floor releases while the cover segment the center of the opening covered in the milking parlor floor. Preferably, in this rotational position at the other lateral area a slot-shaped opening provided by a sliding area of the openings the opening segment is formed.

Preferably are the cover segment and the closing segment with each other coupled or mechanically connected to each other and through the opening segment separated from each other so that they work together around the above mentioned Pivot the axis of rotation. In this way it is possible only release a gap in a certain pivoting position, which is just big enough to feed the teat cups or the treatment facilities to pass and thus, a movement of the teat cups to the animals or cows towards or away from the animals or cows.

The allows a particularly advantageous design, as in this position, which preferably corresponds to the treatment position, the substantial part of the opening in the milking parlor floor the cover segment is closed while on both sides narrow column remain, through the z. B. milk hoses or through other inlets and outlets to the teat cups can.

Preferably the milking parlor has two turning devices, the opposite with respect to each other about the rotation axis D are pivotable. By this contradiction can be achieved that the Rotary devices associated treatment facilities also in opposite directions project obliquely out of the opening and thus a comfortable setting to be treated or milked Udder can be achieved. It will allow two teat cups for the longitudinal direction of the cow to be treated left udder half and two teat cups for the in the longitudinal direction of the cow to be treated right udder half to provide comfortably.

By the opposite movement of the two rotating devices is achieved that in Be action position, the center of the opening in the milking parlor floor is covered by the cover, while z. B. can each move two teat cups in the side slots. Each slot is thereby formed by a sliding region of the opening of an opening segment of a rotating device and through the opening of the sliding segment of the other rotating device, so that the teat cups can move almost over the length of both rotating devices.

at Another preferred embodiment has at least a rotating device and in particular also at least one closing segment a curved surface. Here is this surface preferably curved such that substantially all Areas of the surface the same distance to the axis of rotation have as z. B. in a cylinder-segment-shaped Shape is the case. In this way, a particularly advantageous closure the opening in the rest position possible. Besides the curvature makes entering the closing segments complicated by the animals.

at a further advantageous embodiment are at the Bottom of the floor area flushing devices for the teat cups provided to a intermediate cleaning in place (Clean-In-Place or CIP). To carry out the cleaning The teat cups can be moved from the resting position to these rinsing devices in the form of z. B. Rinse adapters are approached. Possible but it is also that the flushing devices to the teat cups be moved when the teat cups are in the rest position. By the arrangement of rinsing devices at the bottom The surface of the teat cups are dirty well protected. In addition, in a mechanically advantageous manner a rinsing of the teat cups possible.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Rotary devices and thus also the closing segments or the closing segments actuated by lifting cylinder. In this embodiment, these lift cylinders cause a pivoting movement the closing segments and preferably also the individual treatment facilities. It However, it is also possible, instead of lifting cylinders pneumatic or electric or hydraulic drives or motors or also provide other drive elements.

Preferably The treatment facilities are also one and preferably pivotable about the above-mentioned axis of rotation. With that you can the treatment facilities in each case together with the closing segments pivoted or rotated. For this purpose, the treatment facilities with the closing segments on a common to the mentioned Rotary axis pivotable carrier can be arranged. Preferably is the pivoting movement of the closing segments and the pivoting movement the treatment device mechanically coupled together.

at a further advantageous embodiment are two Teat cup of a first treatment device of a first rotating device and two teat cups of a second treatment device of a second Rotary device assigned. In this case, the closure device for the milking parlor according to the invention two in opposite directions each rotating or pivoting rotating means with each associated with closing segments to those mentioned above Rotary axis are pivotally mounted. With the turning devices are also the respective treatment facilities in opposite directions pivoted to each other.

Preferably The first two teat cups are one in the longitudinal direction animal side udder half and the two second teat cup assigned to the other udder half. For example, the two first teat cups may be the left and the two associated with two second teat cups of the right udder half be.

Preferably closes in a first rotational position of the rotating device the closing segment the opening in the milking parlor floor. In a subsequent second rotational position the rotating device gives the opening segment the opening essentially free in the milking parlor floor. In a third rotational position the cover segment covers the center of the opening in the milking parlor floor while one right and one left longitudinal slot stay free at the opening in the milking parlor floor.

Especially is the one longitudinal slot through the opening of the Sliding segment of a rotating device and through the at the opening the opening segment formed sliding region of the other Rotary device formed and it becomes the other longitudinal slot through the opening of the sliding segment of the other rotating device and through the at the opening of the opening segment formed sliding region of a rotating device formed

there it is possible that the two turning devices whose Movements work together, these movements are independent from each other.

at In another preferred embodiment, the turning means and also the closing segments in the longitudinal direction a different length. It would be, however also possible, the length of these closing segments to execute immediately.

at the method according to the invention for treating and in particular for the milking of animals, in a first method step an opening provided in a bottom surface of the milking parlor is opened. In a further step, at least one treatment device guided through the opening into a working position, wherein this treatment device at least one teat cup for treating a teat of the animal. In another Process step will be a treatment process using this at least a treatment facility performed. At another Process step is the at least one treatment device returned to a rest position below the bottom surface.

According to the invention the opening after performing the treatment device and partially before returning the treatment device closed.

Prefers the partial closing of the opening takes place in such a way that only the supply line or the milk hose through the remaining opening fits through. This way will achieved, on the one hand, the teat cups to the working position on the other hand, however, the Reduced risk of injury to the animals.

Preferably is the treatment device and in particular at least one Teat cup completely through the opening pushed. That means, as stated above, that way the opening can be reduced so that only the milk hose fits through them.

Advantageous the opening is made by pivoting at least one around one predetermined, arranged below the bottom surface and from the bottom surface spaced rotation axis pivotable closing segment opened and preferably closed. Becomes advantageous for the inventive method a Device of the type described above used.

at In a further advantageous variant, the treatment device after milking by a below the bottom surface arranged Rinsing device cleaned and during this cleaning process the opening is preferably substantially complete closed. In any case, the area is preferred over the rinsing device during the rinsing process covered.

Further advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the Embodiment, now with reference to the attached figures will be explained.

In show the figures:

1a a milking parlor according to the invention in a first operating state;

1b the milking parlor 1a in a second operating state;

1c the milking parlor 1a in a third operating condition;

1d the milking parlor 1a in a fourth operating condition;

1e the milking parlor 1a in a fifth operating state;

2a the turning device of the milking parlor in a highly schematic side view in the closed position; and

2 B the turning device after 2a in a highly schematic side view in the treatment position.

1a shows the milking parlor according to the invention 1 in a first operating state. In this case, the reference numeral refers 2 on a floor surface of the milking parlor 1 on which an animal to be treated, and in particular an animal to be milked, for example a cow, stands during treatment or milking.

The reference numerals 11 and 12 refer to two turning devices, each one closing segment 14 respectively. 14a have, with which an opening 3 in the floor area 2 (see. 1b ) is substantially completely closed.

In 1a the milking parlor is shown in a resting position. In this rest position are located below the bottom surface, a first treatment device lifting device or teat cup lifting device 7 and a second teat cup lifting device 9 , which serve to lift the individual teat cups and the teat cups. In 1a is only a teat cup 8th of a total of four teat cups 4 . 8th recognizable.

The reference number 22 denotes a frame of the device according to the invention. The closing segments 14 . 14a can be pivoted by rotation about a rotation axis D and thus the opening 3 partially or completely free. This rotation is done by means of a lifting cylinder 30 reached, over a joint 32 a linkage 31 drives and this in turn a rotation of the turning means 11 and 12 and thus the closing segments 14 . 14a causes.

The axis of rotation D is preferably via a (not shown) frame or corresponding carrier at a fixed distance to the bottom surface 2 arranged.

At the in 1a The embodiment shown is the closing segment 14a in the longitudinal direction L (length L2) longer than the closing segment 14 (Length L1). However, it would also be possible here to execute the two closing segments of the same length.

The axis of rotation D is in the embodiment shown in the figures centrally below the opening 3 arranged. The below the floor area 2 arranged axis of rotation D offers significant advantages, since the pivotable locking segments 14 . 14a at no time above the floor surface 2 are arranged in the range of movement of the animal and thus lead to no risk of injury to the animal.

1b shows the situation in which the opening 3 the floor area 2 is completely open. This opening is achieved by the lifting cylinder 30 a piston or a linkage 33 extends and thus a pivoting movement of the rotating device 11 cause about the rotation axis D. A second - not visible here - lifting cylinder 30 can also be a piston or a linkage 33 extend and thus an opposite pivotal movement of the rotating device 12 cause about the rotation axis D.

Instead of two lifting cylinders 30 can only be a lifting cylinder 30 be provided, the opposite rotations of both rotator 11 and 12 effected about the rotation axis D.

The reference number 34 refers to pulleys for the (not shown in detail) milking hoses. Simultaneously with the turning devices 11 and 12 also pivot the individual teat cup lifting devices 7 . 9 so they, like in 1c shown are aligned substantially equal to each other. The teat cup lifting devices are also designed here as a lifting cylinder, which apply the teat cups for manual preparation by the milker in a convenient for the milker Anreichposition.

In the 2a is a highly schematic cross-section of the rotating device 11 shown to the individual segments 14 to 19 the turning device 11 to show and to clarify the sequence of movements in the following. The turning device 12 is fundamentally the same but built-in rotated by 180 ° and has segments or parts 14a to 19a ,

The opening 3 is in the in 2a illustrated rest position 26 through the closing segment 14 locked. To the closing segment 14 along the arcuate in cross-section rotating device 11 the opening segment 15 with a sufficiently large opening for passing a teat cup and then the cover segment 16 , On the cover segment 16 follows a sliding segment 17 , which has a narrow opening or is formed as such, which is eventually the edge segment 18 followed. The edge segment 18 can also be wider than in 2a shown to the opening in the milking parlor floor in a corresponding rotational position 3 completely closed, for example in a cleaning position.

In 2 B is the turning device 12 in the treatment position 27 shown in a very schematic way. For this purpose, the rotating device about the rotation axis D by a rotation angle 28 pivoted, creating part of the opening segment 15 , which is here as sliding area 19 is designated, on one side a gap or longitudinal slot 23 next to the cover segment 16 leaves free, while on the other side a gap or longitudinal slot 24 next to the cover segment 16 through the opening of the sliding segment 17 remains free.

The following is with reference to the 1a - 1e the method according to the invention for treating animals with reference to the milking of animals is explained.

Before milking is the opening 3 closed, as in 1a shown.

Subsequently, by turning the two turning devices 11 and 12 the closing segments 14 and 14a Turned until the opening segments 15 and 15a in the middle of a slot or in 1b shown opening 3 virtually completely released.

Simultaneously with this rotation of the turning devices 11 and 12 Also, the two teat cup lifting devices 7 and 9 aligned so that the teat cups 4 and 8th , as in 1c shown, can be lifted through the openings.

Here are in the in 1c process situation shown, the four teat cups aligned with respect to their orientation. More specifically, the four teat cups preferably protrude 4 . 8th substantially perpendicular or slightly opposite the vertical direction with respect to the bottom surface inclined from the bottom surface 2 out. Also, as in 1c shown here the teat cup running as a teat cup 4 . 8th completely above the floor area 2 spent.

In a further process step, which in 1d is illustrated, the two turning devices 11 and 12 in opposite direction to the Drehach se D moves so that in each case two narrow longitudinal slots 23 and 24 arise. One recognizes that equally the two teat cups 4 and the teat cups 8th each to the opposite edges of the opening 3 be created.

The resulting narrow slits 23 and 24 are chosen so that the respective milk tubes 6 and 10 fit through them and that it is possible the teat cups 4 . 8th opposite the floor surface 2 to move. In this way, it is simply possible for the milker to attach the individual teat cups to the front and rear teats, leaving enough room for movement for the teat cups after piecing.

In particular, the teat cups applied to the left udder half of the animal may 8th and also the teat cups applied to the right udder half of the animal 4 over the entire length of the longitudinal slots 23 and 24 Move so that bending moments on the milk tubes 6 and 10 be avoided.

To cover the central opening area are cover segments 16 . 16a provided here together with the two rotating devices 11 and 12 to pan.

Between the cover segment 16 and the closing segment 14 or the cover segment 16a and the closing segment 14a become the respective opening segments 15 and 15a provided here have enough large openings to carry the teat cups 4 . 8th provide.

In the in 1d shown treatment position is the longitudinal slot 23 at the one turning device 11 through the opening of the sliding segment 17 and at the other turning device 12 through one in the opening of the opening segment 15a formed sliding area 19a continued, so that the milk tubes 6 along the in the sliding segment 17 and the through the sliding area 19a can move formed coherent opening. Similarly, the other slot 24 through the opening in the sliding segment 17a and at the other turning device 12 through the sliding area 19 the opening of the opening segment 15a educated. The sliding areas 19 and 19a the opening segments 15 and 15a and the sliding segments 17 and 17a each provide openings through which the milk tubes run and in which they are guided.

The width of the longitudinal slots is dimensioned so that the milk tubes 6 . 10 be able to move well in it to avoid leverage induced by cow movements.

Thus pivots in this embodiment shown, the closing segment 14 even further in the same pivoting direction, which is also due to the working position of the lifting cylinder 30 (see. 1d ) is shown. However, it would be possible in other embodiments, in other ways, the slots 23 . 24 to generate, for example, by a predetermined reverse pivotal movement of the closing segments 14 . 14a in which case these resulting slots would not extend over the entire length L = L1 + L2.

Starting from the in 1d As shown, the teatcups can be attached to the udder (not shown). During milking, the tubes may be in the slots 23 . 24 move freely along the animal to be milked. In this way, it is achieved that substantially no leverage forces act on the teats through the hoses, which could lead to a drop of the teat cups.

At milking end, when the milk flow subsides, the teat cups are withdrawn from the teats and returned to the in 1d shown position spent. This happens preferably so fast that the teat cups 4 . 8th the floor area 2 Do not touch, which is supported by the certain stiffness of the milk tubes.

Subsequently, the device is returned to the in 1c respectively. 1b shown situation or the closing segments are again in the in the 1b and 1c shown position spent.

After each milking or after a certain number of milking operations, as in 1e shown, the teat cups rinsed and / or cleaned and / or disinfected. For this purpose, the closing segments 14 and 14a in the in 1 shown position, so that the opening 3 is completely closed. Subsequently, with the teat cup lifting devices 7 and 9 the individual teat cups 4 . 8th in the respective Spülaufnahmen 21 pressed and cleaned there.

Alternatively, the rotators may be further rotated until they reach a rinse position in which the teat cups 4 . 8th in the respective Spülaufnahmen 21 pressed and cleaned there.

During the actual milking process, the closing segments in particular cover 14 and 14a the rinse pictures 21 so that in the rinsing pauses no pests or dirt can get into the respective Spülaufnahme. The flushing or purging devices 21 are at a bottom 2a the floor area 2 arranged.

The device according to the invention thus offers the advantage that no closure elements for the opening 3 above the ground surface 2 are arranged and insofar as there is no risk of injury to the animals.

Furthermore, during the actual milking process only two narrow longitudinal slots 23 and 24 opened (cf. 1d ), through which only the milk tubes are led. These slots 23 . 24 are not wider than the slits of a slatted floor, so that it is ensured that it does not cause claw injuries of the animals.

On the other hand, through the longitudinal slots 23 . 24 or ensured by its width, that the hoses go along with movements of the cow and no leverage forces are exerted on the teats, which could lead to a drop in the teat cups.

As in 1c shown, all teat cups are before the start of milking 4 . 8th centered under the animal (not shown) so as to minimize the risk of clawing the animal on the area of the opening 3 stand.

Furthermore, by the slightly opposite the bottom surface protruding curved portion of the two closing segments 14 . 14a prevents the claws of the animals from standing in this area. As stated above, these are closing segments 14 . 14a preferably curved, wherein the radius of curvature particularly preferably corresponds substantially to the radius of the pivoting movement about the axis of rotation D.

By the rotational movement are to open and close the opening 3 or for the movement of the rotating means with the closing segments 14 and 14a comparatively low forces necessary.

It can be provided sealing elements, in particular rubber elements, which is a particularly efficient sealing of the opening 3 cause. Also can at the edges of the mouth 3 be provided corresponding sealing elements.

The flushing position of the teat cups 4 . 8th is easy to integrate and also the purging devices 21 can in light and otherwise difficult to access for contaminants, especially at the bottom of the bottom surface 2 to be ordered. Furthermore, as stated above, by the closing segments 14 . 14a the Spülaufnahmen covered in the rinsing breaks, so that during this time no contamination in the Spülaufnahmen 21 can reach.

The opposite rotation of the individual Spülgmente offers in particular the advantage that the flushing elements in terms their directions to the geometries of the udder of an animal to be milked, especially a cow to be milked, can be adjusted.

All Features disclosed in the application documents are considered to be essential to the invention as far as they are individually or in combination the prior art are new.

1

parlor

2

floor area

4, 8th

teat cup

3

opening

6 10

Milk tubes, leads

7, 9

Teat cup lifter

11 12

rotators

14 14a

closing segments

15 15a

opening segments

16 16a

covering segments

17 17a

sliding segments

18 18a

edge segments

19 19a

sliding areas

21

flushing

22

frame

23

longitudinal slot

24

longitudinal slot

30

lifting cylinder

31

linkage

32

joint

33

linkage

34

idler pulley

D

axis of rotation

L

longitudinal direction

L1, L2

part lengths the closing segments

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 3650637 T2 [0008, 0009]

Claims (17)

Milking parlor ( 1 ) for treating animals and in particular for milking animals with a bottom surface ( 2 ) and at least one treatment device ( 4 . 6 . 8th 10 ), which through an opening ( 3 ) of this floor surface ( 2 ) is feasible, this treatment device at least one teat cup ( 4 . 8th ) for treating a teat and wherein the treatment device ( 4 . 6 . 8th . 10 ) can be brought into a working position arranged above the floor surface and into a rest position arranged below the floor surface, characterized in that the milking parlor is at least one of a predetermined, below the floor surface ( 2 ) and from the bottom surface ( 2 ) spaced rotary axis (D) pivotable rotary device ( 11 . 12 ), wherein this rotating device is a closing segment ( 14 . 14a ), which the opening ( 3 ) substantially closes in the rest position. A milking parlor according to claim 1, characterized in that the milking parlor comprises at least two rotating devices ( 11 . 12 ), which are pivotable in opposite directions with respect to each other about the axis of rotation (D). Milking parlor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one rotating device ( 11 . 12 ) at least one cover segment arranged around the axis of rotation (D) ( 16 . 16a ) is provided and between the closing segment ( 14 . 14a ) and the cover segment ( 16 . 16a ) an opening segment ( 15 . 15a ) is provided. Milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary device ( 11 . 12 ) one to the cover segment ( 16 . 16a ) adjacent as sliding segment ( 17 . 17a ) formed opening. Milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rotary device ( 11 . 12 ) a curved, z. B. cylinder segment-shaped, surface. Milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the underside ( 2a ) of the floor surface ( 2 ) Rinsing devices ( 21 ) for the teat cups ( 4 . 8th ) are provided. Milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating devices ( 11 . 12 ) by drive means and in particular by lifting cylinders ( 30 ). Milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the teat cups ( 4 . 8th ) are pivotable about the axis of rotation (D). A milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that two first teat cups ( 4 ) a first rotating device ( 11 ) and two second teat cups ( 8th ) a second rotating device ( 12 ) assigned. Milking parlor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two first teat cups ( 4 ) of a lateral udder half seen in the longitudinal direction and the two second teat cups ( 4 ) are associated with the other lateral udder half. Milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a first rotational position of the rotary device ( 11 . 12 ) the closing segment ( 14 . 14a ) the opening ( 3 ) in the milking parlor floor ( 2 ) and in a subsequent second rotational position of the rotary device ( 11 . 12 ) the opening segment ( 15 . 15a ) the opening ( 3 ) in the milking parlor floor ( 2 ) and in a third rotational position the cover segment ( 16 . 16a ) the middle of the opening ( 3 ) in the milking parlor floor ( 2 ), while a right and a left longitudinal slot ( 23 . 24 ) at the opening ( 3 ) in the milking parlor floor ( 2 ) remain free. A milking parlor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the left longitudinal slot through the opening of the sliding segment ( 17 ) of a rotating device and formed by the sliding portion formed on the opening segment of the other rotating device. A milking parlor according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the closing segments ( 14 . 14a ) have a different length (L1, L2). Method of milking animals by the steps of: - opening one in a floor area ( 2 ) of the milking parlor ( 1 ) opening ( 3 ) - carrying out at least one treatment device ( 4 . 6 . 8th . 10 ) through the opening ( 3 ) into a working position, said treatment device comprising at least one teat cup ( 4 . 8th ) for treating a teat; Carrying out a treatment process with the aid of the at least one treatment device ( 4 . 8th ); Return of the at least one treatment device ( 4 . 8th ) in a rest position below the bottom surface; characterized in that the opening ( 3 ) after performing the treatment device ( 4 . 6 . 8th . 10 ) and before the return of the treatment facility ( 4 . 6 . 8th . 10 ) is partially closed. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the teat cup ( 4 . 8th ) completely through the opening ( 3 ) is pushed through. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 14 to 15, characterized in that the opening ( 3 ) by pivoting at least one of a predetermined, below the bottom surface ( 2 ) and spaced from the bottom surface rotational axis (D) pivotable closing segment ( 14 . 14a ) is opened. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the treatment device ( 4 . 6 . 8th . 10 ) after the milking process by one under the bottom surface ( 2 ) arranged flushing device ( 21 ) and that preferably during this cleaning process the opening ( 3 ) is substantially closed.