EP1959726A1

EP1959726A1 - Method and device for milking animals

Info

Publication number: EP1959726A1
Application number: EP06818838A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernhard Schulze Wartenhorst
Original assignee: WestfaliaSurge GmbH
Current assignee: GEA Farm Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2005-11-25
Filing date: 2006-11-27
Publication date: 2008-08-27
Also published as: US9326481B2; US20140209029A1; US8683945B2; US20090151642A1; WO2007060003A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for milking animals, according to which a low pressure is periodically created and then eliminated at a pre-determined frequency in the intermediate region of a milking cup. The low pressure is maintained over a pre-determined suction phase (b) and eliminated over a pre-determined release phase (d). In this way, the ratio between the suction phase (b) and the release phase (d) changes at least once during the milking process. In a preferred form of embodiment, the first time interval does not exceed a pre-determined first threshold value, and the second time interval does not go below a pre-determined second threshold value.

Description

Method and device for milking animals

description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for milking animals. The invention will be described in the context of a method and an apparatus for milking cows. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may also be used for milking and milking facilities for milking sheep, goats, camels, dromedaries, buffaloes, yaks, elks, horses and other dairy animals.

From the prior art, a variety of milking is known. In the so-called pulsation method, the pulse space of a two-room milking cup between teatcup liner and teat cup is periodically filled with a negative pressure and e.g. Atmosphere applied, while in the teat space a constant vacuum is applied. The teatcup liner is put into a pulsating motion by the changes between vacuum and atmospheric air. In the relief phase, in which air at usually atmospheric pressure prevails in the teat cup space, the teat liner engages the teat and relieves the teat while vacuum is present in the teat cup space during the suction phase so that the teatcup liner is opened and the milk is extracted becomes.

In the case of the pulsation method known from the prior art, a fixed ratio or a fixed pulse number and a pulse ratio are generally used during the milking operation. Depending on the type of dairy cattle, the type of milking system and the milking parlor configuration, the number of pulses or the frequency of the aspirations is preselected once and then continuously controlled independently of the milking process.

In addition, methods are known in which the milk quantity milked is determined and in which, depending on the current milk flow, for example, the milking process is ended. In this case, a control pulse is sent to stop the pulsator. By pressing a start button when a new animal starts milking, the pulsator is also reactivated and performs its pulsation work according to the preset setting.

Furthermore, milk flow-dependent pudation systems are also known from the state of the art. The pulse rate is adjusted and shifted to the milk flow intensity. Thus, with increasing milk flow, the pulse rate is reduced, so that it comes to a longer suction phase. In this case, however, the duration of the discharge phase is extended by the slowing down of the pulsation speed and thus significantly longer pulse cycle.

Therefore, the milk flow-controlled pulsation systems known from the prior art could achieve only a slight improvement of milk flow velocities.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method and an apparatus available, which allow an improvement in the milking speed and the teat condition. In preferred developments, a higher milk flow is also to be achieved by utilizing the optimal milk outflow profile from the teats.

This is inventively achieved by a method according to claim 1 and by a device according to claim 17. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention can be used in conventional milking, in automatic milking and also in semi-automatic milking. The use is also possible in systems in which a semi-automatic or fully automatic or robot-assisted and / or computer-controlled attachment of the teat cups to the teats of the animals he follows. Milking can be done on a quarter-by-quarter basis or a milk collection can be provided, into which milk cans start from the teat cups.

In the method according to the invention, a negative pressure is built up periodically at a predetermined frequency in a teat cup space and then reduced again. In this case, the negative pressure over a first predetermined period of time, the suction phase (b) is maintained and over a second predetermined period of time, the discharge phase (d), the negative pressure remains reduced. According to the invention, the ratio between the first time period and the second time period is changed at least once during the milking process.

Overall, one or each pulse cycle can be divided into an evacuation phase (a), a vacuum phase (b), a ventilation phase (c) and a pressure phase (d). In the evacuation phase (a) the pulse space and thus the teat cup space is vented and the teatcup liner disposed in the teat cup opens. In the vacuum phase (b) the teatcup liner is opened and milk is sucked out of the teat. The evacuation phase (a) and the vacuum phase (b) are collectively referred to as the total suction phase (a + b).

During the ventilation phase (c) the pulse space and thus the teat cup space is aerated with atmospheric air, the teat rubber collapses due to the pressure difference between the outside and inside and the milk flow ceases. During the pressure phase or relief phase (d), the teatcup liner is completely closed and a clamping pressure is exerted on the teat tissue. The ventilation phase (c) and the pressure phase (d) are collectively referred to as the total discharge phase (c + d).

The number of pulses indicates the number of pulse cycles per minute. Usual time intervals between the entire suction phase (a + b) and the entire discharge phase (c + d) are 50:50 or 65:35. Recognizing that prolonging the suction phase (b) to over 700 ms can not cause any further increase in milk flow, but even worse milk discharge from the teats, and that prolonging the discharge phase, especially the d phase, while maintaining the teat condition Melkens can affect so negative that the milk flow intensity is reduced in the first 50 - 100 ms by the deformation of the teatcup due to excessive pressure load, because the tissue must first bring again in appropriate milking, in the invention, the principle that the length of the b-phase may not be designed for about 700 ms and at the same time the fraction of the d-phase is reduced under milk flow when a threshold value x is reached (preferably starting at a value of 1.5 l / min), until a minimum value of about 50 ms is reached.

Preferably, the time period for cows in the suction phase (b) includes a range of equal to or greater than 300 - equal to 700 ms, preferably, the upper limit of the period of the suction phase (b) between 400 ms and 600 ms and more preferably between 470 ms and 530 ms.

Preferably, the period for cows in the relief phase (d) includes a range between about 50 and about 250 ms, preferably, the upper limit of the period of the relief phase (d) between 100 ms and 200 ms and more preferably between 130 ms and 170 ms. This defines both phases. For other animals, correspondingly adapted limit values apply.

In preferred developments of the invention, at least one milk flow value for the milk milked per unit time is determined at least temporarily for at least one teat of the animal to be milked. The milk flow value can also be determined individually for each individual teat. Then, preferably, the ratio of the periods (b) and (d) is changed depending on the milk flow value.

Advantageously, in at least one method step, the time period of the suction phase (b) is extended, while the period of the relief phase (d) is shortened. The variation of the periods may be simultaneous or substantially instantaneous, such that there is at least one extended period during milking, in which there is an extended period of the suction phase (b) and at the same time a shortened period of the unloading phase (d). This process step is preferably carried out at the beginning of the main milking phase or within the main milking phase.

Preferably, in at least one method step, the period of the relief phase (d) is extended while the period of the suction phase (b) is shortened. This change in the time periods can also take place simultaneously or substantially directly one after the other, so that there is at least one extended period during milking, in which there is an extended period of the relief phase (d) and at the same time a shortened period of the suction phase (b). This process step may e.g. be carried out at the beginning of Nachmelkphase or within the Nachmelkphase.

Preferably, the time period of the d-phase is set to the maximum value indicated above when the milk flow reaches a certain threshold. This threshold may change in the course of the milking process, more preferably starting from an initial threshold of 1.5 liters per minute. For example, For example, the relief phase (d) may be started from a milk flow value of 1.5 liters per minute of e.g. 250 ms with increasing milk flow until the minimum duration of e.g. 50 ms is reached.

Studies on milk efflux from cows' teats have shown that milk leakage is not stable over time. Apparently, there is a short but always recurring phase of the optimal Dairy effluent. These keep the milk flow stable over a period of approx. 600 ms. Thereafter, the milk flow drops significantly and remains fairly constant at a lower level in a second stage. However, this level only provides a milk flow intensity of 50-60% of the baseline.

Milk flow-dependent pulsations carried out in the state of the art pursued the goal of changing the pulsation with increasing milk flows in such a way that now the teat cocaine open phases of significantly more than 600 ms to 1100 ms were used. In addition, since the pulsation velocity was generally reduced to achieve these values, not only the suction phase portions (b) became longer in the time unit, but also those of the relief phases (d).

Preferably, the frequency with which the negative pressure is built up and reduced, at least once changed during the milking process. It is possible that the negative pressure very quickly, that is, with a steep edge, built up, or even slowly. During the change of the frequency, the ratio between the length, that is to say the period of the suction phase (b) and the length, that is to say the time span in the unloading phase (d), is preferably also changed.

Preferably, the ratio between the time period in the suction phase (b), measured in ms and the time period in the discharge phase (d), measured in ms, at least temporarily during the milking process is greater than 1. This means that in the course of a milking process, the suction phase (b) in ms is at least temporarily longer than the unloading phase (d) in ms. Preferably, substantially throughout the milking process, the period of the suction phase (b), measured in ms, is greater than the period of the unloading phase (d), measured in ms. Preferably, the first time period in ms is at least twice as large, preferably at least three times as large as the second time period in ms. The same applies preferably to the lengths or periods of the entire suction phase (a + b) and the entire discharge phase (c + d).

In another preferred method, the negative pressure is applied separately to a plurality of teat cups adjacent to a plurality of teats of an animal. In this way, the circumstance can be taken into account that during the milking process, different teats exhibit different milking behavior. This way, the milk aspiration can be individually adapted to the individual teats of the animal.

Preferably, with increasing milk flow, the predetermined time period in the suction phase (b) is increased compared to the time span in the discharge phase (d). This means that the suction phase is increased compared to the discharge phase and in this way more milk is sucked out during a pulse cycle. Preferably, the time period in the relief phase (d) is reduced at least once during the milking process. The reduction of the time period in the relief phase (d) causes the ratio between the time period in the suction phase (b) and the time period in the discharge phase (d) is shifted in the direction of the first period, and thus the milking process is made more effective overall ,

Preferably, the milk flow rate of the animal to be milked is determined and the ratio of the two time periods changed in response to the determined milk flow rate. In this control or regulation method, the time periods are adjusted as described depending on the actual milk flow rate, ie the milk milked per unit time. Thus, for example, the suction phase can be increased in percentage with a high milk flow and conversely lowered with a weak milk flow.

In this case, the ratio of the time periods is preferably changed independently for a plurality of teats, whereby, as stated above, the circumstance is taken into account that different teats in the Different milk delivery. Preferably, the ratio of the time periods is changed in a predetermined manner. This means that, for example, based on a program over the entire milking process, the time periods are adjusted in a predetermined manner. The corresponding milking program may preferably take into account the number of milkings per day, the intermediate milking time, the typical milk flow from historical data or the milk flow profile of previous milking, the current milk flow and the like.

Preferably, the ratio of the two time periods is at least partially changed continuously. This means that, for example, depending on a detected change in the Milchmelmksmenge the time periods or a ratio to each other are continuously changed. This can be done for example by a continuous change in the suction phase duration (b) or the discharge phase duration (d).

Also, the periods of both phases can be changed in a continuous manner. In a further preferred embodiment, the respective time periods are at least partially changed stepwise. This means that at least either the relief phase or the suction phase is increased or decreased in steps.

It is also preferable to maintain a certain ratio between the time period in the suction phase (b) and the time period in the relief phase (d) for a predetermined period of time. This maintenance serves those phases of the milk flow in which it proceeds substantially constant.

Preferably, the predetermined time period is determined in consideration of at least one predetermined parameter. This means that the determination of the ratios between the two periods does not occur or not only as a function of a measured milk flow rate, but is already determined in advance. So For example, a certain ratio can be selected for a certain period of milking by means of a suitably adjusted program, a different ratio for a further period, and so on. The corresponding ratios can be derived from the milk flow profile measurements from previous milkings.

Preferably, the predetermined operating value is selected from a group of operating values, the performance potential of a herd, the number of milkings per day, the intermediate milking time, the presence of milking amount, the presence of cistern milk, the presence of alveolar milk, the individual milk flow rate of the animal and Combinations thereof or the like.

Depending on these operating values, a corresponding setting is maintained over a preferably pre-settable time.

In this type of procedure, an optimal milk flow curve is taken as a basis by a timer, and then the pulse setting is controlled. For example, it may be assumed that after setting the milking devices, milk flow will take a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, to reach its optimum level. Milking is started with a pusher setting prefixed to the herd. In the case of individual animal identification, a pulsator setting adapted to the individual animal can also be used. Thereafter, after the aforementioned 30 seconds, plus another predetermined time, which is adapted to the time for the attachment of the milking, and / or after printing a start button, the pulsation is set to optimization. The optimization is carried out on the basis of the above-mentioned operating values, it being possible to use individual or several or all of these operating values.

This optimized pulsation is maintained for an adjustable time. After expiration of this optimized phase, the Pulsatoreinstellung within a given period, for example within 5 seconds, back to baseline. This initial value is then maintained for the remainder of the milking. However, the periods shown may also vary, depending on the application example or the animal to be milked.

During the mentioned optimization phase, the length of the suction phase (b) and the length of the discharge phase (d) can be controlled or regulated as shown by electronic controls, for example of pulsation valves.

This means that preferably the ratio between the two time periods is changed from an initial value to a changed value and then set back to the initial value.

Also, the duration of the evacuation phase and the length of the suction phase can be varied by e.g. the cross sections of the evacuation and ventilation valves are dynamically adjusted.

The present invention is further directed to an apparatus for milking animals having at least one teat cup applied to a teat of the animal to be milked, and an air suction device which, in recurrent phases, builds a negative pressure in the teat cup space. In addition, a control device is provided which controls a first period of time during which the negative pressure is maintained and a second period of time during which the negative pressure remains reduced. According to the invention, this control means controls the first time period in the suction phase (b) and the second time period in the discharge phase (d) such that the ratio between the two time periods changes at least once during the milking process.

Under the milking process is understood here as well the entire process between the preparation of the milking cups and the removal of the milking cups from the teats of the animal's udder. The invention can also be used in teat-individual milking or in milking processes in which, for example, two teats in each case are milked together. It is preferably made for each teat or for each individually controllable unit, the adjustment of the period of the suction phase (b) and the adjustment of the period of the discharge phase (d) according to the embodiments described above.

The device according to the invention is used in particular for carrying out the inventive method described above. According to the invention, the first period of time, ie the length of the suction phase (b), does not exceed a predetermined range. Particularly preferably, this first predetermined range when milking cows between greater than or equal to 300 ms and less than or equal to 700 ms, preferably, the upper limit of the period of the suction phase (b) between 400 ms and 600 ms, and more preferably between 470 ms and 530 ms.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second time period, that is to say the discharge phase (d), remains in a second predetermined range. The second predetermined range is when milking cows preferably between large or equal to 50 ms and less than or equal to 250 ms, in particular, the upper limit of the period of the relief phase (d) between 100 ms and 200 ms and more preferably between 130 ms and 170 ms.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a milk flow measuring device or milk quantity measuring device which determines the milk quantity milked per unit time and outputs a control signal corresponding to this milk quantity to the control device. As stated above, the time periods can be adjusted as a function of the milk quantity milked per unit time, so that, for example, with a higher milk quantity per unit of time, the suction phase (b) is increased. Thus, the controller controls the first and second time periods in response to the control signal within the predetermined time periods.

The following example illustrates the interplay between the mentioned milk flow signal and the adjustment of the two time periods. It is assumed that the total cycle time of the pulsation cycle is 1000 ms, the suction phase (b) lasts 530 ms and the relief phase (d) lasts 250 ms. Here, the 530 ms in this device, the maximum value for the suction phase (b). If the control signal outputs an increased milk flow to the controller, then the actuator of the controller must not extend the suction phase (b). However, it is possible to reduce the unloading phase (d), for example by 100 ms. This shortens the total cycle time for this exemplary device to 900 ms. This increases the number of cycles per minute. Before changing the total cycle time, one had a total of 31,800 ms for sucking in one minute, and after shortening to 900 ms cycle time, one now has 35,333.33 ms available for suction due to the higher number of cycles, ie more time per minute, as desired. In this case, the extension of the time available for sucking amounts to more than 10%, which have an effective effect, since the individual suction phase in the pulse cycles is not extended arbitrarily, but remains in the area with the most effective milk flow. At the same time the relief phase is shortened in order to optimally demand the milk flow.

Preferably, a program is stored in the control device, which controls the two time periods in dependence on at least one predetermined operating size. The plant size is preferably selected from a group of plant sizes that includes the performance potential of the herd, the number of milkings per day, the intermediate milking time, the presence of milking, the presence of cistern or alveolar milk, milk flow intensity, or the like. In this case, the time period is preferably not measured as a function of the amount of milk, but by predefined values to be expected. Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the attached drawings.

Show:

Fig. 1 is a highly schematic representation of the inventive device;

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the time span adjustment.

Fig. 1 shows in a highly simplified schematic representation of an apparatus for milking animals. In this case, a milking cup 1 is applied to a teat 9 of a cow (not shown). In this teat cup 1 a schematically indicated teatcup liner 3 is arranged, which is applied directly to the teat of the animal.

By means of a Milchaustrittsoffnung 4 of the teatcup liner is executed from the milking cup 1. The teat liner is connected to a milk line via a short or long milk tube and, if necessary, other facilities. In the milk hose and further into the milking cup interior there is a constant vacuum. A Luftoffnung 7 serves to evacuate the Melkbecherzwischenraum 2, so the space between the inner wall of the milking cup 1 and the teatcup liner and to ventilate. For this purpose, air is sucked out of the teat cup space by means of a pusher 13 and a pulse tube 11 and atmospheric air is supplied.

It is therefore the volume of Melchbecherzwischenraums 2 and the volume of the interior 12 of the corresponding pulse tube 11 to be considered. This entire volume is evacuated and re-ventilated by the pulsation within a pulse cycle (a + b + c + d phase, which includes the complete opening and closing of the teatcup liner). Here, the volume exchange takes place in phases (a) (evacuate) and (c) (vent). This evacuation and venting per pulse cycle, that is, the control of the pulse cycles, with Help a controller 15, which is in communication with the pulsator 13 performed.

In addition to the milking cup 1 shown here, further milking cups may be provided which are applied to the further teats of the animals. It is possible to evacuate the total volume described above together from all Melkbecherzwischenraumen 2 and the inner spaces of the pulse tubes 11 per pulse cycle and to ventilate.

The reference numeral 8 refers to a milk quantity meter or a milk flow meter. The data output by the milk quantity measuring device, which are a measure of the amount of milk per unit time, are transmitted in a preferred embodiment to the control device 15 so that it can adjust the pulsation in response to these values, in which the duration of the suction phase (b) in Relative to the duration of the discharge phase (d) is specifically influenced.

The total suction phase, which consists of the sub-phases evacuation (a) and stable vacuum (b), as well as the duration of the entire discharge phase, which consists of the sub-phases aeration (c) and aerated state (d), give the total duration for a pulsation process. The juxtaposition of said sub-phases (a), (b), (c) and (d) results in a complete pulse cycle in which the complete opening and closing of the teatcup liner takes place. Usually 60 cycles per minute, so that a pulse cycle lasts 1000 ms.

2 shows a progression of a pulse cycle before and after adaptation to a specific milk flow rate, wherein the negative pressure in the teat cup space is plotted as a function of time. On the abscissa here the time is plotted and on the ordinate the negative pressure. In this case, the section (a + b) characterizes the complete suction phase SP, ie the time span for the suction process, and the section (c + d) the complete discharge phase EP, that is the Time span for the unloading or printing process. It can be seen in the upper part of the figure that the ratio between the time periods (a + b) and (c + d) is approximately 2: 1.

The evacuation phase (a) ends when the negative pressure reaches the maximum

Negative pressure minus the value ΔP reached. Thereupon, the vacuum phase or suction phase b begins, which is terminated when the negative pressure again falls below the maximum negative pressure minus ΔP, followed by the ventilation phase (c), which ends at a negative pressure of ΔP, where finally the pressure phase or Relief phase (d) begins.

If an increased amount of milk per time unit is detected by the milk quantity measuring device, the phase for the discharge (d), as shown in the lower part of Fig. 2, can be adjusted. In the lower part of the picture, the time span (a + b) was kept the same for the entire suction phase SP (a + b), whereas the time span (d) was shortened. In the lower part of the picture, the ratio between the time periods (a + b) and (c + d) is about 3. In principle, there are various ways of adjusting the time periods. Both the time span (b) and the time span (d) can be changed according to the invention.

In addition, the entire cycle, which results from the sum of the time periods (a + b) and (c + d), could be changed or shortened. It is hereby ensured that the period (b) does not exceed a predetermined value, such as 700 ms, and the time period (d) does not fall below a second predetermined value, such as 50 ms, or does not exceed 250 ms. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 milking cup

2 milking cup space

3 teat rubber

4 milk outlet opening

5 milking cup interior

7 air suction opening

8 Milk flow meter

9 teat

11 pulse tube

12 Pulse tube interior

13 pulsator

15 control device

21 flank

22 flank a evacuation phase b vacuum phase

C Ventilation phase d Relief phase

SP entire suction phase

EP entire discharge phase

Claims

Method and device for milking animals. Claims

1. A method for milking animals, wherein in a milking cup space (2) a negative pressure is built up periodically at a predetermined frequency and degraded again, the negative pressure remains established over a predetermined suction phase (b) and remains degraded over a predetermined discharge phase (d), wherein the ratio between the suction phase (b) and the relief phase (d) changes at least once during the milking process.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the period of the suction phase (b) remains in a predetermined range.

3. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the period of the discharge phase (d) remains in a predetermined range.

4. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frequency with which the negative pressure is built up and reduced in Melkbecherzwischenraum is changed at least once during the milking process.

5. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that of at least one teat of the animal to be milked, a milk flow value for the milk milked per unit time is determined.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the ratio of the time periods (b) and (d) is changed as a function of the milk flow value.

7. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in one step, the time period of the suction phase (b) is extended, while the period of the discharge phase (d) is shortened.

8. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in a method step, the period of the discharge phase (d) is extended, while the period of the suction phase (b) is shortened.

9. The method according to one or more of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that in a process step with increasing milk flow, the predetermined time for the relief phase (d) over the time period for the suction phase (b) is reduced.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that from at least two, preferably from each to be milked teat of the animal, a milk flow value for the milk milked per unit time is determined and the ratio of the periods (b) and (d) respectively depending on the certain amount per unit of time is changed.

11. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ratio of the suction phase (b) to the discharge phase (d) for at least two teats is changed independently.

12. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least a predetermined period in consideration of at least one predetermined operating value, wherein at least one operating value is selected from a group of operating values, the performance potential of a herd, the number of milkings per day, the intermediate milking time, the herd's milk flow characteristic, the milk flow characteristic of the animal to be milked, the milk flow characteristic of the respective teat of the teat animal to be milked, the presence of amounts of milk, the presence of alveolar milk, the milk flow intensity combinations thereof or the like.

13. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the period for the relief phase (d) during milking is shorter than at the beginning of milking.

14. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the period for the relief phase (d) at the end of the milking is shorter than at the beginning or again the same length.

15. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the time period for the suction phase (b) at the start of milking is shorter than the middle of the milking and at the end of the milking again reaches the initial value.

16. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the period for the suction phase (b) at the end of the milking process is shorter than at the beginning.

17. A device for milking animals with at least one teat cup (1) which is applied to a teat (9) of the animal to be milked, a pulsator (13) which builds a negative pressure in the teat cup space (2) in recurrent phases a control device (15), which determines the time period for the suction phase

(b) during which the negative pressure remains established and the time for the discharge phase (d) during which the negative pressure remains reduced, characterized in that the control device (15) controls the period for the suction phase (b) and the period for the discharge phase (d) such that the ratio between the two periods at least once during the milking process changes.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the period of the suction phase (b) remains in a predetermined range and / or the period of the discharge phase (d) remains in a predetermined range.

19. Device according to one or more of claims 17 to 18, characterized in that the device has a milk quantity measuring device (8) which determines a milk flow value for the milk milked per unit time and a control signal corresponding to this milk flow value to the control device (15). outputs.

20. The device according to one or more of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the control device (15) in response to the control signal, the period of the suction phase (b) and the period of the discharge phase (d) controls.

21. The device according to one or more of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that in the control device (15) a program is stored, which controls the pulsator (13), so that the time period for the suction phase (b) and the time period for the Relief phase (d) are variable as a function of at least one predetermined characteristic.