WO2007137579A2

WO2007137579A2 - Automatic cleaning of milk cans

Info

Publication number: WO2007137579A2
Application number: PCT/DK2007/000249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niels Erik Thomsen
Original assignee: STRANGKO AS
Current assignee: STRANGKO AS
Priority date: 2006-05-29
Filing date: 2007-05-29
Publication date: 2007-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2008-11-29
Also published as: WO2007137579A3

Abstract

The present invention concerns a milking system and a method for cleaning a milking system of the type where the milk is milked into a can, where the milking system has at least one connection for milk and at least one connection for vacuum, and it is the purpose of the invention to indicate a fully automatic cleaning system for can milking systems. The milking system is provided with means for distributing cleaning agents internally of the can, and the milking system is also provided with means for automatic discharge of cleaning agents during and after the cleaning process. The invention also concerns a method for cleaning such a milking system, where the milking system is coupled to a washing system, where the cleaning agent is sucked into the teat cups and is conducted via one or more hoses to at least one spreader nozzle internally of the can. Automatic discharge of the cleaning agent during and after the washing process occurs through a suction hose arranged therefore, where the suction hose is preferably connected with the washing system so that a washing circuit is realised.

Description

Automatic Cleaning of Milk Cans

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a milking system and a method for cleaning a milking system of the type where the milk is milked into a can, where the milking system has at least one connection for milk and at least one connection for vacuum, where the milking system furthermore is adapted for automatic cleaning, where the milking system is provided with means for distributing cleaning agents inside the can, and where the milking systems is also provided with means for automatic discharge of cleaning agents during and after the washing process.

Description of Prior Art

Previously, it has been and is to some extent still quite common to milk cows by means of milking systems, where the milk is milked into a can, which, when filled, is emptied into a cooling tank. These systems are typically used for small dairy stocks with cows, sheep, goats or horses, or as standby milking systems, where the system is connected with a petrol engine or with an electric motor. Almost all dairy stocks of little larger size are milked with a kind of pipe milking systems, where vacuum pipes and milk pipes are passed around to where milking is performed.

If one of the animals in the stock e.g. has udder inflammation and gets penicillin, or if the case is a newly calving animal, the milk is to be milked apart from the milk of the remaining part of the stock. In many places, this is still done with a can milking unit, even in large stocks of cattle. However, there are also many dairy stables where there is made an extra circuit of milking pipes which are particularly intended for milk from the animals from which the milk is to be milked apart. However, this solution is somewhat more expensive than the well-known can milking unit, and it is also more difficult to control what is first milk from a newly calving animal which is stored in a first milk bank, and what is penicillin milk to be discarded.

After finished milking, theses systems are cleaned by a washing process, where typically they are cleaned with hot water and finished with a disinfecting flush. Also, after finished can milking, cleaning of the milking equipment is to be performed. This means that teat cup set, milking can and cover are cleaned and washed and possibly disinfected according to the same principle as with the above mentioned pipe milking system. Today, this cleaning is performed by separating teat cup set, cover and can, followed by cleaning these parts manually with a brush or similar.

This is obviously time-consuming, and the quality of the cleaning may often be varying, as this is a manual process to be used. Finally, there is to be performed a disinfection, and the agents used for this purposed are not quite safe to handle, as there exists a danger of injuries on skin and eyes due to caustic action.

It is the purpose of the invention to indicate a cleaning system for automatic cleaning of can milking systems, where the cleaning is effected fully automatic after arranging the can milking unit for cleaning, and without the need of removing the cover.

Description of the Invention

As mentioned, the invention concerns a milking system of the type, where the milk is milked into a can, where the milking system is furthermore adapted to automatic cleaning, where the external connection option of the system for a vacuum based washing system includes coupling means that communicate with a spreader nozzle for cleaning agents, where the spreader nozzle by coupling to the washing system is automatically brought to a cleaning position under the inlet of the connection.

The invention also concerns a method for cleaning such a milking system, where the milking system is coupled to a washing system, typically in that the teat cup set of the system is provided on a washing cup, which is a unit that fixes the teat cup set and distributes the cleaning agent to the teat cups, where the cleaning agent is sucked into the teat cups and via one or more hoses is conducted to at least one spreader nozzle internally of the can, whereby the cleaning agent is brought to spray everywhere on the internal surfaces of the can, and where automatic discharging of the cleaning agent during and after the washing process occurs through a suction hose arranged therefore, where the suction hose is preferably connected to the washing system so that a washing circuit is realised. By such a milking system there is achieved a substantial time saving for the farmer, as cleaning may be effected automatically without separating milking can and cover while simultaneously there is no longer need for persons touching or coming into contact with the cleaning agents and the hot water. Finally, there may also be achieved a much more uniform washing procedure and thereby improved hygiene.

In a particularly preferred variant of a milking system according to the invention, the external connection option of the system includes a vacuum based washing system coupling means. These coupling means communicate with a spreader nozzle for cleaning agents, where the spreader nozzle by coupling to the washing system is automatically brought to a cleaning position under the inlet of the connection. Thus is achieved an easy and user-friendly change from a milking situation to a washing situation, as it is not desirable that the milk during the milking process is spread internally in the milking can. Conversely, it is very important that the spreader nozzle is active during the cleaning process. By letting the coupling means for the washing system communicate with the spreader nozzle, it is almost automatically ensured that the spreader nozzle is brought into cleaning position under the connection.

A particularly preferred variant of a spreader nozzle for milking system according to the invention is where the spreader nozzle is constituted by a spreader plate which by coupling together with the washing system is moved to cleaning position immediately under the inlet of the connection. Such a spreader nozzle is simple, efficient and very robust, as there are no nozzle openings that can be clogged.

A preferred variant of a milking system according to the invention is with means for distributing cleaning agents internally of the can, where the means are constituted by a spreader nozzle which is brought into a cleaning position in immediate vicinity of a connection which is intended for milk when milking.

This connection, which is intended for milk during milking, communicates with a teat cup set. Both teat cup set, can and the connection hoses provided on the milking system, are to be cleaned after use, and the automatic cleaning is effected in this way: When the can milking equipment is coupled to the washing system, water and cleaning agent are sucked in through the teat cup set and into the can via the connection for milk, and by disposing a spreader nozzle under this connection, the cleaning agents are spread internally in the can, whereby the latter is cleaned in a simple and rapid way.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means are made as a traditional coupling between milking machine and pipe system, where the loose coupling part is brought into contact with the fixed coupling part and is subsequently pushed in over the connection, whereby the fixed coupling part is opened and coupled together with the loose coupling part. This type of coupling is also called a slide gate and is, as mentioned, commonly known in connection with milking systems.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fixed coupling means are connected with the spreader nozzle, preferably directly or via a mechanism, where the coupling movement moves the spreader nozzle to a cleaning position. When the loose coupling part is pushed in over the fixed coupling part, its slide gate is pressed away, thus activating the spreader nozzle. By this solution, it is not possible to couple the milking system to the washing system without activating the spreader nozzle, implying a simple and easy operation.

Connections as well as coupling and spreader nozzle may be disposed on or in a cover of the milking system. By this variant of the invention, there is thus achieved the great advantage that cans for milking systems of the actual type may also be used for automatic washing, as it is only necessary to acquire a new cover with connections and spreader nozzle according to the invention.

The most simple version of a milking system according to the invention is where the connection for the washing system includes a coupling with a cover, where the coupling cover via a rod mechanism is connected to a spreader plate which by coupling to the washing system is pivoted about an axis, whereby the spreader plate is brought into a cleaning position. A preferred variant of the invention includes further means for automatic discharge of cleaning means during and after the washing process. These means are mainly constituted by internal and external means, where the internal means constitutes a suction hose with a length so adapted that substantially all liquid can be sucked out of the can, which is thus emptied of water and cleaning means after finishing the washing process. The external means connected to the internal means are constituted by a connection for a vacuum based washing system. Thus is achieved a fully automatic cleaning of the can milking system, as the system is simply and easily coupled to the washing system for the primary milking system in a dairy stable, or possibly to an entirely independent washing system. These washing systems are often adapted so that the milking system is washed automatically via a control with programmable washing and disinfecting programs.

Short Description of the Drawing The invention is described in more detail with reference to the drawing, where:

Fig. 1 shows a milking can with cover and connections;

Fig. 2 shows details of a cover set for milking;

Fig. 3 shows details of a cover set for cleaning;

Fig. 4 shows details of the inner side of a cover set for milking; Fig. 5 shows details of the inner side of a cover set for cleaning;

Fig. 6 shows a milking process schematically;

Fig. 7 shows a cleaning process schematically.

Detailed Description of the Invention hi Fig. 1 is seen parts of a can milking system. The milking can 1 is provided with a carrying handle 2, the function of which is to secure the cover 3 against the can 1. The cover 3 is shown here with both an inlet connection 4, which is used for milk during milking, and for wash water/cleaning agent during washing, and with a suction connection 5, which is used for discharging cleaning agents during and after the washing process. The suction connection 5 is coupled to the cover with coupling means 6 which are known from various types of milking systems. The shown variant is typically known as a gate coupling, where a gate 7 is pressed away during the coupling of the suction connection 5. Internally of the milking can 1 appears a suction hose 8 with a length so that the can 1 may be sucked completely empty of milk or of cleaning agent. ^' If the suction hose is used for emptying the can 1 of milk into a cooling tank or similar, heavy lifting of up 30 kg or more is avoided. In the lid 3 there is a not shown connection 9 for vacuum/a pulsator. This connection 9 may be seen on some of the following Figures, and is a common part of a milking system.

hi Fig. 2 is seen milking can 1 with cover 3. Also, the connection 4 for milk/wash water is seen. At the middle of the cover 3 is seen the connection 9 for vacuum/pulsator. In addition, there is seen coupling means 6 with a slide gate 7 to which a not shown connection 5 with corresponding coupling means may be coupled. From the slide gate 7 is seen a rod connection 10 that is passed through the cover 3. This rod connection 10 is in contact with a spreader nozzle 11 at the internal side of the cover 3.

Fig. 3 shows again the cover 3 as in fig. 2, but with the suction connection 5 mounted in the coupling means 6. The slide gate 7 is pressed back and the rod connection 10 is acted on.

In Fig. 4 appears the internal side of the cover 3. At the rim of the cover appears a packing 12 which ensures that the cover 3 fits tightly to the milking can 1. Under the connection 4 for milk/cleaning agent, a spreader nozzle 11 is seen, here made as a simple spreader plate 11 disposed pivotably about 5-10 mm under the internal inlet opening 13. In the shown Figure, the spreader plate 11 is not in the cleaning position under the opening 13. At the edge, the spreader plate 11 is connected with a shaft 14 which is part of the rod connection 10. The shaft 14 extends through the lid 3 and communicates with the external part of the rod connection 10. When coupling means 6 and slide gate 7 are actuated by coupling to the connection 5, the rod connection 10 actuates the shaft 14 to rotate, whereby the spreader plate 11 is pivoted in under the internal inlet opening 13.

In Fig. 5, the cover 3 appears again as in Fig. 4, but here with the spreader plate 11 in position for cleaning under the opening 13. It is obvious to the skilled in the art that other types of spreader nozzles may be used. The spreader plate is a simple and efficient method, but nozzles with rotating elements as well as nozzles with several nozzle openings may be used. Furthermore, the nozzle can be brought into cleaning position by means of mechanics as described here, but electric, pneumatic or vacuum controlled activation may also be suitable as well as other known methods for actuating machine elements.

hi Fig. 6 appears a milking system according to the invention where the system is in milking mode. The can 1 is provided with a cover 3 to which milk flows down into the can 1 via the connection 4, 13. The connection 4 is connected by hose 15 to a milking centre 16 with four teat cups 17. The milking system is operated by a vacuum pulsator 18 which is connected to a not shown vacuum pump.

hi Fig. 7 appears the same milking system as shown in Fig. 6, but here in cleaning mode. The connection 5 is here with coupling means 6, 7 connected to a washing system 19 via a hose 20. The washing system 19 can be a pipe washing system for an entire pipe milking system, or alternatively a washing system where only can milking systems, can be washed. Wash water/cleaning agent, which is symbolised with arrows 21, is supplied by providing the teat cups 17 hanging down or up into a not shown washing cup, which is connected to a not shown pipe system with wash water/cleaning agent 21. Wash water 21 is here sucked into the milking centre 16 and further on into the milking can 1 via inlet 4, 13. Simultaneously with coupling on the washing system 19, the spreader plate 11 is pivoted in under the internal inlet opening 13, so that wash water 21 splashes out and hits everywhere at the inner side of milking can 1 and cover 3. Control and regulation of washing system 19 ensure that wash water 21 is sucked out of the can 1 through the suction hose 8, out through the cover 3 via the connection 5 and the coupling means 6, 7 and back to the washing system. This process runs in an entirely closed circuit and makes it unnecessary for the farmer to disassemble the milking can in order to clean it manually.

It is obvious that the skilled in the art, after reading this publication, will be able to develop variants of washing systems for can milking systems, and it must be understood that such solutions also lie within the scope of the protection, irrespectively of the lack of detailed descriptions of such in this publication.

Claims

1. A milking system of the type where the milk is milked into a can, where the milking system has a connection for milk and a connection for vacuum, where the milking system furthermore is adapted for automatic cleaning, where the milking system is provided with means for distributing cleaning agents inside the can, and where the milking systems is also provided with means for automatic discharge of cleaning agents during and after the washing process, characterised in that the external connection option of the system for a vacuum based washing system includes coupling means that communicate with a spreader nozzle for cleaning agents, where the spreader nozzle by coupling to the washing system is automatically brought to a cleaning position under the inlet of the connection.

2. Milking system according to claim 1, characterised in that the spreader nozzle is constituted by a spreader plate which by coupling together with the washing system is moved to cleaning position immediately under the inlet of the connection.

3. Milking system according to any of claims 1 - 2, characterised in that the coupling means are made as a traditional coupling between milking machine and pipe system, where the loose coupling part is brought into contact with the fixed coupling part and is subsequently pushed in over the connection, whereby the fixed coupling part is opened and coupled together with the loose coupling part.

4. Milking system according to any of claims 1 -3, characterised in that the fixed coupling means are connected with the spreader nozzle, preferably directly or via a mechanism, where the coupling movement moves the spreader nozzle to a cleaning position.

5. Milking system according to any of claims 1 -4, characterised in that all connections as well as coupling and spreader nozzle are disposed on or in a cover of the milking system.

6. Milking system according to any of claims 1 -5, characterised in that the connection for the washing system includes a coupling with a cover, where the coupling cover is connected via a rod mechanism to a spreader plate which by coupling to the washing system is pivoted about an axis, whereby the spreader plate is brought into a cleaning position.

7. Milking system according to any of claims 1 -6, characterised in that the means of the system for automatic discharge of cleaning agents during and after the washing process are mainly constituted by internal and external means, where the internal means constitutes a suction hose with a length so adapted that substantially all liquid can be sucked out of the can, and where the external means is constituted by a connection option for a vacuum based washing system.

8. A method for cleaning a milking system of the type where the milk is milked into a can, where the milking system has a connection for milk and a connection for vacuum, characterised in that the milking system is coupled to a washing system, typically in that the teat cup set of the system is provided with the teat cups in connection with a cleaning agent, where the cleaning agent is sucked into the teat cups and via one or more hoses is conducted to at least one spreader nozzle internally of the can, whereby the cleaning agent is brought to spray everywhere on the internal surfaces of the can, and where automatic discharging of the cleaning agent during and after the washing process occurs through a suction hose arranged therefore, where the suction hose is preferably connected to the washing system so that a washing circuit is realised.