DE202016008881U1 - Milk quantity measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

Milk quantity measuring device (1), consisting of a substantially cuboid measuring housing (2), a milk collecting chamber (3) arranged in the upper area of the measuring housing (2), which has a milk inlet opening (7) and a milk collecting chamber outlet (10), one inside the measuring housing (2) below the milk collecting chamber (3) arranged collecting funnel (4), one inside the measuring housing (2) below the collecting funnel (4) arranged tilting bowl (5), one below the tilting bowl (5) arranged milk removal opening (6), whereby the Collecting funnel (4) inside the measuring housing (2) delimits a milk collecting chamber (8), in which the milk introduced through the milk inlet opening (7) into the milk quantity measuring device (1) from the milk collecting chamber (3) via the outlet (10) of the milk collecting chamber ( 3) and from which the previously introduced milk passes through an opening (9) of the collecting funnel (4) from the milk collecting space (8) into the tilting bowl (5) is audible, and at least one sensor (11, 23) for determining the inclination of the tilting shell (5) and the number of tilting of the tilting shell (5) is arranged in or on the measuring housing, and wherein between the inner surface in the upper region of the measuring housing (2) and the upper edge of the collecting funnel (4) is provided with at least one slit-shaped opening in order to establish fluid communication between the milk collecting space (8) and the interior of the measuring housing (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a milk quantity measuring device and a system for the quarterly individual determination of the milk quantities and the determination of the total milk for cattle, sheep and goats.

In the past 10 years, research activities have shown that the milk flow-dependent and quarterly control of the milking process in cattle farming offers a great opportunity for animal-friendly, hygienic and at the same time efficient milk production. In practice, however, the quarterly milking technique is far from being fully established.

The current state of the art is that in almost all milking machines available on the market, all udder quarters of the cow are treated with the same milking and milking settings. A cow is milked at least twice a day. Since each udder quarter produces different amounts of milk, at the end of each milking process first one, then two and then three udder quarters are milked blind. It is only when the milk flow in the last udder quarter has dried up that the vacuum is switched off and the milking cluster removed. Blind milking means that when the milk flow dries up, the udder quarter in question continues to be pressurized, although this is unnecessary and damages the teat tissue and thus the animal.

Blind milking is an unnatural process and should be avoided. In nature, the calf takes turns feeding on all four udder quarters. It usually sucks at the udder quarters where the milk is readily available. When the milk flow stops, the calf usually stops suckling immediately. This approach in nature should be imitated as much as possible by modern milking systems.

Increasing individual animal performance is expected in the future. This means that the milking machine control must be designed much more precisely than before. The milking technology, which is dependent on the milk flow and is controlled on a quarter-to-individual basis, can thus contribute to improving the “production process”.

Milk measuring devices (MMG) are one of the most important devices for optimizing and controlling the milk flow-dependent control of the milking process.

• • Mehrmalige tägliche Messung und Aufzeichnung des Milchflusses.
• • Hinweisgeber des Eutergesundheitszustandes, durch parallele Leitwertmessung in der Milch, während der Milchflussmessung.
• • Signalgeber für den Wechsel zwischen unterschiedlichen Melkphasen (durch Puls- und Taktänderungen) bei jeder Melkung.
• • Bestimmung des Zeitpunktes für den Wechsel der Melkmaschine in den Nachmelk- und Abnahmemodus.
• • Probennahmefunktion, um bei der monatlichen Leistungsdatenerfassung eine repräsentative Probe zur Analyse der Milchinhaltsstoffe absondern zu können.

The milk quantity measuring devices of the prior art already perform the following tasks:

• • Multiple daily measurements and recording of the milk flow.
• • Whistleblower health indicator, through parallel conductance measurement in milk, during milk flow measurement.
• • Signaling device for the change between different milking phases (due to pulse and clock changes) with each milking.
• • Determination of the time for the milking machine to switch to post-milking and acceptance mode.
• • Sampling function in order to be able to separate a representative sample for the analysis of the milk ingredients during the monthly performance data acquisition.

The disadvantages of the current state of the art in milk quantity measuring devices are that they generally only register the current change in milk quantity at larger time intervals and thus react to changes with a high delay.

Another serious disadvantage is that only two devices certified internationally by the "International Committee for Animal Recording", ICAR, are suitable for measuring and dispensing milk per udder quarter. ICAR is the International Committee for Animal Data Collection in Farm Animals. I-CAR is a "non-profit" organization and has the following two main goals: On the one hand, test devices for farm animals are to be supported during development and checked after their development. Definitions, standards and measurement protocols are also developed for this purpose. On the other hand, ICAR distributes publications, articles and journals and organizes workshops and conferences on the subject of animal data collection.

One of the two devices of the state of the art is an external device that cannot be permanently installed in the milking system, but only on a daily basis for consulting purposes and for milk performance testing (MLP). Another disadvantage is that the data determined must be read out manually.

Furthermore, control and regulation functions are not possible with this milk quantity measuring device. Equipment for quarter-individual milk flow measurement can only be acquired as optional additional equipment.

The milk performance test (MLP) represents a sub-area of the entire animal data collection. The MLP is used to monitor the performance of milk-producing farm animals. A milk sample is taken from each animal. The amount of milk and after it has been recorded Laboratory examination of the two economically most important milk ingredients, namely fat and protein. The determination of the content of milk urea, lactose and the cell number determination is also routinely carried out in the MLP of most test laboratories.

The second quarter-individually certified milk quantity measuring device is company-limited and can only be used in combination with the software of the relevant milking technology manufacturer. The current milk flow cannot be queried and is not recorded during milking. Only the total amount of milk per udder quarter after milking is output by the software. The desired property of the milk quantity measuring device as a sensor and signal transmitter for controlling the milking process is therefore not present in both certified devices.

Overall, it can be stated that all milk quantity measuring devices that are not internationally certified by ICAR are only very roughly acting, not quarter-individual estimation instruments, in which the total milk quantity already deviates by more than 3 percent from the reference value (weight of the total milk measured with a calibrated balance) .

These milk quantity measuring devices are mainly used to record the time for the milking cluster. It is crucial, however, that all of these milk quantity measuring devices are not approved for milk performance testing without certification.

There is also a need in the prior art for the provision of further control functions by means of milk quantity measuring devices, since several milking machine accessories have already been developed which require the quarterly instantaneous milk flow as a signal and control variable. There are various systems for clock and pulse number adjustment depending on the milk flow, which cannot be used optimally without exact milk flow measurement.

Furthermore, there is a need in the prior art to relieve the milker from his work and at the same time to maintain animal health during milking. Due to economic constraints, the milker cannot observe and look after every animal at every milking. He can e.g. B. the milking cluster, the pulse and pulse rate setting and many other settings related to the milking process can no longer be carried out perfectly manually.

The quarter-individual milk quantity measuring device counteracts this difficulty. Animal welfare, udder health and thus overall animal health are significantly improved. This goal is achieved in combination with a little less work for the farmer.

In DE 297 24 328 U1 and G 93 12 079 U1, milk volume measuring devices are described according to the tilting scale principle. However, these devices have the disadvantage that the tilting scale used is relatively large, so that it is not suitable for a quarter-individual measurement due to the large volume of the tilting pan. Another disadvantage of these devices is the insufficient separation of milk and air. The measurement result strongly depends on the air intake of the milking system. Either the accuracy required by the ICAR is not achieved or complex correction algorithms are required.

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a quarter-individual milk quantity measuring device which in particular meets the requirements of the ICAR.

The task is accomplished by providing a milk quantity measuring device 1 solved, consisting of an essentially cuboid measuring housing 2nd , one in the upper area of the measuring housing 2nd arranged milk collection chamber 3rd which have a milk inlet 7 and a milk collection chamber outlet 10th has, one inside the measuring housing 2nd below the milk collection chamber 3rd arranged funnel 4th , one inside the measuring housing 2nd below the collecting funnel 4th arranged tilting bowl 5 , one below the tilt bowl 5 arranged milk removal opening 6 , with the collecting funnel 5 inside the measuring housing 2nd a milk collection room 8th bounded in which through the milk inlet opening 7 into the milk quantity measuring device 1 imported milk from the milk collection chamber 3rd through the outlet 10th the milk collection chamber 3rd introduced and from which the previously imported milk through an opening 9 of the collecting funnel 4th from the milk collection room 8th in the tilting bowl 5 is transferable, and furthermore in or on the measuring housing at least one sensor 11 , 23 for determining the inclination of the tilting bowl 5 and the tipping number of the tipping tray 5 is arranged.

A milk quantity measuring device according to the invention is preferred 1 , with the collecting funnel 4th essentially over the entire area of the base of the measuring housing 2nd extends and essentially has a rectangular base area and that the collecting funnel opening 9 is slit-shaped, the slit is arranged parallel to the short sides of the rectangle.
It is further preferred that the pitch angle of the longitudinal side surfaces 18th of the collecting funnel 4th is greater than or equal to 90 ° and less than 180 °. It is also preferred that the angle is between 100 ° and 175 °, particularly preferably in the range from 140 ° to 170 °.

A milk quantity measuring device is preferred according to the invention 1 , the volume of the milk collection space 8th is at least twice as large as the volume of the relaxation room 16 the milk collection chamber 3rd . It is particularly preferred according to the invention that the volume difference is 2 to 20 times, particularly preferably 5 to 15 times.

A milk quantity measuring device is also preferred 1 , being between the inner surface in the upper area of the measuring housing 2nd and the top of the collection funnel 4th at least one slit-shaped opening is provided for fluid communication between the milk collecting space 8th and the inside of the measuring housing 2nd to manufacture.
It is further preferred that a bypass line 13 is provided through the measuring chamber 2nd is passed through and ends in the area of the gap-shaped opening in order to remove air from the milk collecting space 8th to enable.

A milk quantity measuring device is also preferred 1 , the tilting bowl 5 two measuring chambers 19th has, the volume of each measuring chamber 19th is about 5 ml to about 150 ml.
Volumes of 5 ml to 50 ml per measuring chamber are particularly preferred. The volume of the measuring chambers can be selected depending on the amount of milk to be expected in order to achieve an optimal calibration function. Small volumes will be preferred, as these are important for the quarter-individual measurement.

It is particularly preferred that the measuring chambers 19th at least one additional partition each 20th which have the respective measuring chamber 19th in at least two subchambers 21st , 22 divide, the partition 20th is designed to provide fluid communication between the subchambers 21st , 22 to enable.

It is also particularly preferred that the center of gravity of the tilting shell 5 is further from the tilt axis than a quarter of the height of the tilt shell, measured from the tilt axis to the top edge of the tilt shell.

The optimal position of the center of gravity can be determined by calibration measurements and depends in particular on the volume of the measuring chambers.

A milk quantity measuring device is also preferred according to the invention 1 , with the sensors 11 , 23 are selected from pressure sensors, rotary encoders, contact sensors, limit switches, magnetic sensors; Electric field sensors, Hall sensors and ultrasonic sensors.

The present invention also relates to a system 100 for quarterly individual milking control, comprising a milking device operated with negative pressure 110 with individually controllable milking cups, at least one milk quantity measuring device 1 According to at least one of the preceding claims, at least one measuring, control and regulating unit for recording and processing the measurement data of the sensors 11 , 23 the milk quantity measuring device 1 and to control and regulate said milking device 110 .

A system is particularly preferred 100 , which also has at least one computer unit 101 with at least one data processing program and / or software 102 for recording and processing the measurement data of the milk quantity measuring device 1 and to control and regulate said milking device 110 as well as for the visualization of the measurement, control and regulation data.

The system according to the invention is used for the comprehensive acquisition, evaluation and storage of the measurement data from the quarter-individual measurement of the milk quantities. In addition, evaluation and visualization of the measurement data is also possible.

• 1 eine Längsquerschnittsansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Milchmengenmessvorrichtung;
• 2a eine Querschnittsansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Milchmengenmessvorrichtung in Blickrichtung auf den Sammeltrichter;
• 2b eine Querschnittsansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Milchmengenmessvorrichtung in Blickrichtung auf die Kippschale;
• 3a eine Seitenansicht des Sammeltrichters der erfindungsgemäßen Milchmengenmessvorrichtung;
• 3b eine Aufsicht auf den Sammeltrichter der erfindungsgemäßen Milchm engenmessvorrichtung;
• 4a eine Seitenansicht der Kippschale der erfindungsgemäßen Milchm engenmessvorrichtung;
• 4b eine Aufsicht auf die Kippschale der erfindungsgemäßen Milchmengenmessvorrichtung; und
• 5 eine schematische Ansicht des Steuerungssystems unter Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Milchmengenmessvorrichtung.

The present invention is explained in more detail with the accompanying drawings. It shows:

• 1 a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention;
• 2a a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention looking in the direction of the collecting funnel;
• 2 B a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention looking in the direction of the tilting bowl;
• 3a a side view of the collecting funnel of the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention;
• 3b a top view of the collecting funnel of the milk measuring device according to the invention;
• 4a a side view of the tilting bowl of the milk measuring device according to the invention;
• 4b a top view of the tilting bowl of the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention; and
• 5 a schematic view of the control system using the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide more precise and specific control functions during milking.

Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a more precise quarter-individual performance data acquisition than was previously possible in the prior art.

The object of the invention is achieved by making the measuring principle of the tilting bowl technically usable for a quarter-individual milk quantity measuring device.

The tilting bowls known in the prior art have been developed for the mechanical quantity measurement of bulk goods under atmospheric air pressure. In contrast to this, in the case of the milk quantity measuring device of the present invention, the delivery quantity of a liquid milk / air mixture with a foam portion must be determined with the vacuum present in the measuring device.

In addition, the milk moves plug-like into the measuring chambers at different flow rates, which in turn influences the measuring accuracy.

Tilting bowls are bowls that are often used in bulk material handling or in the handling of liquids. Under continuous, atmospheric air pressure, tilting trays collect a certain amount of goods according to mass and tip them out when the desired mass is reached. This means that each tipping can be counted in one paragraph procedure. A flow rate can be determined very precisely, especially if the tilting bowl volumes are selected to be very small.

Since extremely precise results are achieved with tilting cups, the tilting cup measuring principle was used in the present invention. To do this, however, it was necessary to constructively modify the tilting bowls in order to enable the measurement of small amounts of milk due to the quarterly measurement. These design modifications are described below.

The milk quantity measuring devices according to the invention are also referred to in the context of the present invention as sensors, since they make it possible to derive information about the condition of the milking and about the respective milking phases.

Milk measuring devices according to the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. It will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to modify the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

With reference to 1 is a milk quantity measuring device according to the invention 1 shown. The milk quantity measuring device according to the invention 1 is essentially through the measuring case 2nd educated. The measuring case 2nd itself is essentially cuboid. It is advantageous that the interior has as few sharp-edged corners and edges as possible in order to clean the housing 2nd and to enable the other components contained therein. For this purpose there is a flushing connection 13 intended. This serves to stabilize the vacuum during milking (bypass to discharge the air separated from the milk). When the milk-carrying pipe system is flushed, the milk removal opening is opened 6 shut off periodically by an external valve. This leads to the so-called flooding of the interior. The rinse water is now via the rinse connection 13 dissipated.

The measuring case 2nd is expediently made of a material suitable for life. Polymeric materials which are known to the person skilled in the art are preferably used. The use of polycarbonate and polysulfone are particularly preferred. Furthermore, the measuring housing is expedient 2nd to be made from two parts and to be closed by means of a seal (not shown). This has the advantage that components that are inside the measuring housing 2nd can be arranged, can be assembled in a simple manner. Because the present milk quantity measuring device 1 The volume of the measuring housing can be used for the quarter-individual measurement of the milk quantities 2nd can be chosen smaller than it is intended for the 4/4 measurement.

On the top of the measuring case 2nd is a milk collection chamber 3rd arranged in fluid communication with the measurement housing 2nd stands. The milk collection chamber 3rd also includes a milk inlet 7 and a control port for the milk inlet valve 15 . In the dome area of the milk collection chamber 3rd a diaphragm valve is arranged to switch on the vacuum at the start of milking and switch off at the end of milking via the control connection 15 to enable. This forms the control valve of the milk inlet 14 . In the Milk collection chamber 3rd is a relaxation room 16 educated. The milk collection chamber outlet 10th enables fluid communication between the milk collection chamber 3rd and the measuring housing 2nd .

Below the outlet 10th is a collection funnel 4th arranged. This collecting funnel 4th is on the inside of the top of the measuring case 2nd arranged. The collecting funnel 4th also has a collection funnel opening 9 on which is placed on the tilting tray below 5 is directed. The design of the collecting funnel according to the invention 4th is described in more detail below. In the area between the top of the measuring housing 2nd and the collection funnel 4th becomes a milk collection room 8th enclosed. It is advantageous if the volume of the milk collecting space 8th is at least about 2 times, preferably up to 20 times, particularly preferably 5 to 15 times larger than the volume of the calming space 16 the milk collection chamber 3rd .

The separation of air is new. It will be at the top of the collection funnel 4th over a circumferential gap to the measuring housing 2nd and to the bypass line opening in the upper area only (flushing connection) 13 guided. In contrast to other devices based on the tilting scale principle, a multiple of the cross section for air discharge is realized.

In the interior of the measuring housing 2nd the tilting bowl is still located 5 , which is provided for measuring the amount of milk. The tilting bowl 5 is on the axis of rotation 17th rotatably arranged to perform the corresponding tilting movement. It is provided that the underside of the tilting bowl 5 with appropriate sensors 11 which in the bottom area of the measuring housing 2nd are arranged, can come into contact. Furthermore, inside the measuring case 2nd a sensor 23 provided the spatial position of the tilting bowl 5 measures.

In the 2a and 2 B are cross sections through the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention 1 shown. The cut was made in the area between the collection funnel 4th and the tilting bowl 5 placed. It shows 2a the view towards the collecting funnel 4th and the 2 B the view towards the tilt tray 5 . With reference to 2a is the location and arrangement of the collection funnel 4th on the inner side of the top of the measurement housing 2nd shown. The collecting funnel 4th has a substantially rectangular shape, with the upwardly open side of the funnel almost completely over the entire inner area of the measuring housing 2nd extends. The collecting funnel 4th also has a collection funnel opening 9 which in the drain area of the collecting funnel 4th is arranged. The collection funnel opening 9 is essentially rectangular, the longitudinal direction of the opening 9 parallel to the narrow sides, the substantially rectangular upper opening of the collecting funnel 4th is aligned. With reference to 2 B is the location and arrangement of the tilt tray 5 inside the measuring housing 2nd shown. The tilting bowl 5 is on the tilt axis 17th arranged, the tilt axis 17th parallel to the narrow sides of the measuring housing 2nd is arranged. The tilting bowl 5 has two measuring chambers 19th on. The measuring chambers 19th the tilting bowl 5 extend along the direction of the long sides of the measurement housing 2nd . From the 2a and 2 B it can be seen that the collecting funnel opening 9 is aligned in such a way that the milk emerging from it directly into one of the measuring chambers 19th the tilting bowl 5 is transferable. At one end of the tilt axis 17th is also a sensor 23 arranged, which the position and the speed of movement of the tilting bowl 5 detected. Such sensors 23 can be Hall sensors, for example.

In the 3a and 3b are detailed views of the collecting funnel 4th shown. The collecting funnel 4th essentially has a rectangular floor plan. The to the collecting funnel opening 9 leading wall parts of the collecting funnel 4th are flat and inclined accordingly to the collecting funnel opening 9 respectively. The long sides 18th are inclined at an obtuse angle to each other. The slope angle between the long side surfaces 18th is preferably between 100 ° and 175 °. A tilt angle or pitch angle that is greater than 120 ° is particularly preferred. It is also advantageous for the transition surfaces of the longitudinal side surfaces 18th and the corresponding transverse side surfaces in such a way that no sharp edges and corners are formed, in which dirt or contaminants could become lodged. This makes it possible to use the collecting funnel 4th in a simple manner by blocking the milk removal opening 6 and the associated flooding of the interior of the measuring chamber 2nd during rinsing with water via the rinsing connection 13 to clean.

In the 4a and 4b are detailed views of the tilting bowl 5 shown. The outer shape of the tilting bowl 5 is known per se and has the shape of a triangular prism. The tilt axis 17th is centered on the lower longitudinal surface of the tilting bowl 5 arranged. From the lower longitudinal surface of the tilt bowl 5 sidewalls extend upwards, which have a substantially triangular shape. A cross wall 24th divides the tilting bowl 5 in two measuring chambers of the same size 19th . The measuring chambers 19th are by partition walls 20th in subchambers 21st , 22 divided. Here are the partitions 20th designed such that between the subchambers 21st and 22 Fluid communication exists. This can be done by using the partition 20th not at the transverse wall 24th is present. The in the measuring chambers 19th Incoming milk can therefore be found in the entire measuring chamber 19th distribute so that the measuring chambers 19th each form a uniform volume space. It is envisaged that the volume of the respective measuring chambers 19th is the same size. However, it is also possible to measure the volumes of the measuring chambers 19th to train in different sizes. In this case it is possible to measure the respective volumes by contacting the corresponding sensors 11 to be distinguished from each other. By using suitable materials, it is provided that the center of gravity of the tilting bowl 5 as far away from the tilt axis as possible 17th located. It is preferred that the center of gravity in the area of the upper half of the tilting shell 5 lies. The volume of the individual measuring chamber 19th according to the invention is about 5 ml to about 50 ml. The volume of the measuring chambers 19th is to be selected in such a way that the amount of milk to be expected is fed into the milk amount measuring device 1 is sufficient for a precise measurement. A volume per measuring chamber is therefore preferably used for milking cows 19th from 15 ml to 30 ml.

The constructive features of the milk collection chamber described above 3rd , the collecting funnel 4th , the milk collection room 8th and the tilting bowl 5 work together in such a way that a precise measurement of even small amounts of milk is made possible. The measurement of small amounts of milk is necessary to enable a quarter-individual measurement.

The interaction of these design features is explained below. In the milk quantity measuring device according to the invention 1 is the entire measuring housing 2nd and cathedral area 14 completely different from what is known in the prior art. The milk quantity measuring device according to the invention 1 consists of a double funnel system which passes through the outlet 10th the milk collection chamber 3rd and the collecting funnel underneath 4th is trained. No channel-shaped air guiding and separating devices are used in the device according to the invention. All components for separating air and milk are funnel-shaped or in the form of an inclined plane. In addition to the separation of air and milk, the cathedral area 14 in the device according to the invention, the flow rate of the milk-air mixture is also significantly slowed down. This takes place in the calming room 16 , which is designed as an elongated calming zone. The milk is then gently transported to the lower funnel. This is important for the preservation of the milk ingredients (especially free fatty acids). The milk-air mixture hits the wall here, so it first loses kinetic energy and then passes through the first half funnel (inclined plane) into the main funnel below 4th headed. A reduction in speed is thus deliberately brought about. The milk-air mixture is only after the slowdown in the main funnel 4th initiated. The funnel-shaped container 4th contains a slot of a defined size, but this is not in the (horizontal) bottom of a milk collection chamber but at the intersection of the sloping walls of the funnel (at the very bottom) on the funnel 4th arranged. This results in no duct-shaped air outlet duct for the separated air, which is subject to the problem of limited air separation capacity (small opening cross-sectional area), but in the device according to the invention the milk collects on / in the funnel bottom and the entrained air can flow on all four sides / edges of the Flow the funnel structure over this.

The double funnel system in the device according to the invention leads to a slowing down of the milk-air mixture and thus to a more complete separation of air and milk. Strong air currents, which exert a force on the tilting bowl 5 impact and which on the tilt tray 5 aim, can not occur in the device according to the invention.

With the device according to the invention, the complete quarterly individual milk quantity per udder quarter is measured, displayed and evaluated in high resolution over time. In the end, the total amount of milk can also be added up and determined. The device according to the invention can thus also be understood as a sensor which supplies or provides measured values for quarter-individual actuators in the entire milking system for process control. This is due, among other things, to the Hall sensor 23 reached which is arranged in the device in the middle of the housing. In addition to counting the number of tilts, the Hall sensor continuously provides information on the tilt of the tilting pan 5 (Tilt axis) and to the angular speed with which the tilt shell axis 17th moved throughout the milking process.
According to the invention, this can also be done by a on the tilt axis 17th arranged Hall sensor 23 be replaced. In addition to the number of tilts, this also records the angular movements of the tipping axis 17th . This means that the instantaneous milk flow can also be measured with a relatively high temporal resolution (approx. 1 measured value per second). The Hall sensor can also be used 23 additionally detect an inclined position or the non-horizontal installation of the device according to the invention. If the installation is not correct or if the device according to the invention has been moved (for example by a blow), then a warning signal or a fault message can be output to a PC or a cell phone via the software.
The measuring system records the angle of the tilting bowl axis at all times 17th . It is queried at a sampling rate of 100 Hz to 1 kHz. Not only is the position known, the angular or tilting speed is also calculated from the change in the tilting angle over time and used for online diagnostics purposes (changing the end stops of the tilting shell due to wear of the stop buffer, stiffness of the axis, etc.).

The measuring system works without contact. In addition to the Hall sensor described, other measuring systems are known which are based on other physical principles (RVDT: Rotary Variable Differential Transformer, MEMS sensors with NFC transmission: Near Field Communication, optical and capacitive sensors). The decisive factor is constant knowledge of the position of the tilting bowl.
The milk flow initially has nothing to do with the tilting speed of the tilting bowl. It is calculated as the quotient of the calibration value (weight at which a tipping takes place) and the time interval between two neighboring tipping points. Devices known in the prior art work with a standard value of 100 grams, in the device according to the invention it is preferably 20 grams. In devices according to the state of the art, the milking is carried out by vacuum shutdown, usually when the milk flow falls below 200 to 400 grams per minute. Most of the time, the milk flow at the end of the milking comes from just one teat; the other teats have been milked blind for a long time. For devices according to the prior art, the waiting time from the last tilt to the vacuum cut-off for the last teat is therefore 30 to 15 seconds. In the device according to the invention, the waiting time is reduced to 6 to 3 seconds for each individual teat. This significantly reduces harmful blind milking.

In the 5 A control system is shown which is suitable for carrying out the quarterly individual milk quantity measurement according to the invention. The system according to the invention comprises a milking device operated with negative pressure 110 . This milking facility 110 is in particular a single milking cup attached to an individual teat of an animal to be milked. The milk-carrying lines are labeled 121. The milking facility 110 is by means of a milking device control 111 operated, which is known from the prior art. For this purpose vacuum lines are used 120 used. The system 100 further comprises a milk quantity measuring device according to the invention 1 . The milk quantity measuring device according to the invention 1 has a number of sensors 11 , 23 which records and processes the acquired sensor data via a corresponding measuring, control and regulating unit. This is done using suitable data lines 122 . A computer unit can do this 101 be used, which is a corresponding computer program 102 executes. With the help of the computer unit 101 and the corresponding computer program 102 it is possible to record the milk quantities quarter-by-quarter and the milking device control 111 to control and regulate accordingly. This makes it possible to avoid blind milking because the milking facility 110 can be switched off individually. The control system 100 can visualize the recorded data such as milk volume, animal data, udder condition and display it as a milking curve. The recorded data can of course also be stored in a data processing system or a database in order to use it for later use and evaluation. Such systems are known to the person skilled in the art.

The very important advantage of the present invention lies in the actual measurement of the quarterly individual milk flow / flow. This allows an overall much better and more precise analysis of the quarter milking. The quarterly measured amount of milk alone can make statements about the udder health of the individual udder quarters, since experience has shown that the milk yield decreases in the case of illnesses. Furthermore, the quarterly individual milk flow values can be used to control or regulate the vacuum per udder quarter if necessary.

Furthermore, the pulsation and number of cycles could be set individually on the milking cluster based on the instantaneous milk flows. The combination of the flow measurement with other measured values such as cortisol content, progesterone, milk color and pressure measurement per udder quarter allows a multitude of diagnostic options both for the animal and the milking system.

In addition, the quarterly individual milk quantity measuring system according to the invention has the advantage that the milk is only led to the milk quantity measuring system via short paths. Passing through long milk lines, which leads to impairment of the sensitive milk constituents and thus to loss of quality, is prevented.

Reference symbol list

1

Milk quantity measuring device

2nd

Measuring housing

3rd

Milk collection chamber

4th

Collection funnel

5

Tilting bowl

6

Milk withdrawal opening

7

Milk inlet

8th

Milk collection and separation room

9

Collection funnel opening

10th

Milk collection chamber outlet

11

Stop or sensor

12

Stabilizing strut

13

Bypass line and / or flushing connection

14

Milk inlet control valve (dome)

15

Control connection inlet valve

16

Calming room milk inlet

17th

Tilt axis

18th

Long side surface

19th

Measuring chamber

20th

Partition

21, 22

Sub-chamber

23

Sensor (encoder)

24th

Transverse wall

100

Control system

101

Computing unit

102

Software or computer program

110

Milking device (milking cup)

111

Milking device control

115

Milk collection jar

120

Vacuum lines

121

Milk pipes

122

Data lines

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 29724328 U1 [0019]

Claims (11)

Milk quantity measuring device (1), consisting of a substantially cuboid measuring housing (2), a milk collecting chamber (3) arranged in the upper area of the measuring housing (2), which has a milk inlet opening (7) and a milk collecting chamber outlet (10), one inside the measuring housing (2) below the milk collecting chamber (3) arranged collecting funnel (4), one inside the measuring housing (2) below the collecting funnel (4) arranged tilting bowl (5), one below the tilting bowl (5) arranged milk removal opening (6), whereby the Collecting funnel (4) inside the measuring housing (2) delimits a milk collecting chamber (8), in which the milk introduced through the milk inlet opening (7) into the milk quantity measuring device (1) from the milk collecting chamber (3) via the outlet (10) of the milk collecting chamber ( 3) and from which the previously introduced milk passes through an opening (9) of the collecting funnel (4) from the milk collecting space (8) into the tilting bowl (5) is audible, and at least one sensor (11, 23) for determining the inclination of the tilting shell (5) and the number of tilting of the tilting shell (5) is arranged in or on the measuring housing, and wherein between the inner surface in the upper region of the measuring housing (2) and at least one gap-shaped opening is provided in the upper edge of the collecting funnel (4) in order to establish fluid communication between the milk collecting space (8) and the interior of the measuring housing (2). Milk quantity measuring device (1), according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the collecting funnel (4) extends essentially over the entire area of the base area of the measuring housing (2) and essentially has a rectangular base area and that the collecting funnel opening (9) is slot-shaped, the slot being parallel to the short ones Sides of the rectangle is arranged. Milk quantity measuring device (1), according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the pitch angle of the longitudinal side surfaces (18) of the collecting funnel (4) is greater than or equal to 90 ° and less than 180 °. Milk quantity measuring device (1), according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the volume of the milk collecting chamber (8) is at least twice larger than the volume of the calming chamber (16) of the milk collecting chamber (3). Milk quantity measuring device (1), according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bypass line (13) is provided which is led through the measuring chamber (2) and ends in the area of the gap-shaped opening in order to remove air from the milk collecting space ( 8) to enable. Milk quantity measuring device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tilting bowl (5) has two measuring chambers (19), the volume of each measuring chamber (19) being approximately 5 ml to approximately 150 ml. Milk quantity measuring device (1), according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the measuring chambers (19) each have at least one further intermediate wall (20) which subdivide the respective measuring chamber (19) into at least two partial chambers (21, 22), the intermediate wall (20) being designed in such a way for fluid communication between the partial chambers (21, 22). Milk quantity measuring device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the center of gravity of the tilting tray (5) is further away from the tilting axis than a quarter of the height of the tilting tray, measured from the tilting axis to the upper edge of the tilting tray. Milk quantity measuring device (1), according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (11, 23) are selected from pressure sensors, rotary encoders, contact sensors, limit switches, magnetic sensors; Electric field sensors, Hall sensors and ultrasonic sensors. System (100) for quarterly milking control, comprising a milking device (110) operated with negative pressure with individually controllable milking cups, at least one milk quantity measuring device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, at least one measuring, control and regulating unit for recording and processing the measurement data the sensors (11, 23) of the milk quantity measuring device (1) and for the control and regulation of the said milking device (110). System (100), according to Claim 10 , further comprising at least one computer unit (101) with at least one data processing program and / or software (102) for recording and processing the measurement data of the milk quantity measuring device (1) and for controlling and regulating said milking device (110) and for visualizing the measurement, Tax and regulatory data.

Images