GB1569396A - Electronic device for controlling automatic milking stations - Google Patents

Description

(54) ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AUTOMATIC MILKING STATIONS (71) I, PATRICE HANNEQUIN, a French citizen of 37, rue de Bel-Air 44520 Moisdon-La-Riviere, France, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to particularly described in and by the fellowng statement:- The present invention relates to an electonic device which is applicable in particular to an installation comprising a number of autornstic milking stations.

The invention relates more particularly to an electronic device comprising an electronic pulse generator associated with one or more stop circuits intended to interrupt the auto mFtic milking.

The electronic device of the invention permits the regulation of the pulse rate and ratio, Xith the ability to stop the milking auto u-ally in accordance with regulation elected by the user.

At the present time devices used for milk ing include: a single generator for the entire installation, flus generator not being designed for adap wjoa of an automatic end of milking stop or t alternating milking, and therefore offer rough milking, the four teats being "pulled" simultaneously or a single adjustable alternating generator, which however does not have automatic pulse flopping at the end of miLking, which leads to poor stripping or to overmilking, which msy give rise to serious mamtnzitis;; or an alternating generator not permitting elation of the ratio or the addition of an automatic end of milking stop, and furthermore controlling only a single station, which leads to irregular milking from one station to another; or else a combined non-alternating and non adjustable pulse generator system, which llowever has a built-in milking stop; here a#sin milking may be different from one station to another.

It is known that the butter rate is one of the ain criteria of quality of milk, and that it may increase in the course of the same milking operation, assuming values ranging from 1% at the beginning to 9% at the end. It is also known that any variation or roughness in the milking has the consequence that the cow will retain its milk, which in that case will have a low butter rate; the same is true in the event of excessively slow milking, in the course of which there is a risk that the animal will become irritated.It therefcre appears indispensible to milk quickly right to the last drop, but gently and with great regularity during the milking and from one station to another, in view of the fact that it is materially impossible for the same animals always to be milked with the same milking station.

It is also known that poor stripping and also "over-milking" may give rise (and often with the best milch cows) to inflammation of the teat, which may lead to serious mammitis resulting in the loss of one or more udder quarters. It is thus expedient to insist on the necessity to milk thoroughly but without excess.

In order to achieve rapid milking it is necessary: 1) to have a pulse frequency of the machine as close as possible to the pulse of the animal; 2) to have the highest possible ratio between milking time and massage time, but without exceeding certain limits, which would entail the risk of causing inflammation of the teat.

These limits vary with the breed of milch cow.

None of the known systems makes it possible to cotnbine all these conditions of quality and safety in milking.

According to the invention there is provided an electronic milking device which is continuously adjustable in respect of the pulse rate and ratio, comprising a single pulse generator which makes it possible to control one or more milking stations, means permitting alternating milking of the right-hand and lefthand or front and rear quarters, the said device being provided with automatic pulse stop means.

The invention also has as an object an electronic device whose pulse generator is associated with one or more automatic of milking stop circuits. The invention corn- bines the ideal conditions for effecting high quality milking. The presence of a single generator per installation makes it possible in fact to have the same quality of milking at the various stations.

This generator being adjustable in respect of rate (pulse frequency), it permits better adaptation to the level of the herd.

The same is true of the milking/massage ratio, which will be selected according to the level of the stable and in dependence on the breed.

Gentleness in milking is achieved through the principle of alternating milking.

With regard to the need to milk thoroughly but without excess, the problem is here solved at individual level. Each station being pro vided with an automatic end of milking pulse stop, it becomes possible to leave the teat cups on the animal's udder, in the massage position. For difficult animals who give their milk in two stages, this means makes it pos sible to de-contract their udders by sustained massage, and thus to assist the flow of milk if milking starts again (which is not possible in the case of automatic disconnection).

Consequently the invention makes it pos sible to obtain a better quality of milk and also increased lactation, while avoiding consequential serious manimitis.

Other characteristics and advantages will be dear from the description given below solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of a pulse generator according to the invention, and Figure 2 a diagram of an automatic end of milking stop circuit according to the invention.

The electronic device according to the invention comprises an electronic pulse generator associated with an automatic end of milking stop.

The electronic pulse generator is composed of a generator of rectangular, alternating signals which controls one or two amplifiers of the transistor, triac, or thyristor type, or else an electromechanical relay.

According to one embodiment the generator of the invention comprises a transistor oscillator whose frequency is adjustable and which controls two transistors of reverse polarity, each operating a Schmidt trigger making it possible to adjust the shape of the signals obtain and consequently the milking ratio. Each of these triggers drives a tran sistor amplifier; this embodiment may be achieved either with transistors or with the aid of an integrated circuit; operational amplifiers, for example, are perfectly suitable.

Another embodiment of the invention con sists in utilising astable multi-vibrators which are adjustable in respect of frequency and signal ratio, these always having to control an amplifier.

Figure 1 shows by way of example a form of construction of the generator according to the present invention; this comprises a base circuit offering very great stability. This circuit could be modified and substantially simplified, for example by utilising two or three integrated circuits as required.

As illustrated, the generator comprises a unijunction transistor oscillator 1, frequency adjustment being achieved by means of the adjustable resistor 2. This oscillator controls two impedance adapters 3 and 4 of reverse polarity, which in tum each control a Schmidt trigger 5 and 6. The shaping of the signals (or milking ratio) is achieved with the aid of the adjustable resistors 7 and 8. These two triggers each drive a Driver transistor 9 and 10 of high input impedance driving the two amplifiers 11 and 12, which are transistors mounted in a Darlington arrangement making it possible to supply a current which may range up to twenty-five amperes. The receiver means 13 and 14 are the solenoids of solenoid controlled pulsator valves (V).Two Schmidt triggers 5 and 6 make it possible to adopt the maximum ratio of milking time to massage time accepted by the herd, and thus to save up to 25% of the milking time.

The generator may be used according to a preferred form of construction of the device in combination with one or more automatic end of milking stop circuit. The or each stop circuit, which are described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 1, are situated between the pulse generator and the electric valves, that is to say they are connected between the amplifier stages 11 and 12 and the ecnis electric valves 13 and 14.

The nuJnber of s?ations in operaiion has no effect on the functioning of the generator, because of the isolation of the oscillation circuits 1, 3, 4 and power circuits 11 and 12 by the diode 16. Because of this isolation, the regulation 15 acts only for the oscillation stages 1, 3, 4 and trigger stages 5 and 6.

An automatic end of milking stop circuit is composed of two time delay systems controlled separately, one by a push-button and adjustable from 40 to 90 seconds, and the other by a flow controller and adjustable from 10 to 20 seconds approximately.

The first time delay permits the starting of milking and also optional rearming at the end of the milking. It must therefore enable the vacuum distributors to function as long as the milk does not reach the flow controller.

Once the milk has reached this controller, the second time delay is blocked, functioning as a simple inverter, and thus permits the feeding of the vacuum distributors. When the flow of milk is less than 150 grammes per minute, this second time constant will serve its pur pose as time delay and about 15 seconds sfietwads (depending on the adjustment) the sully to the distributors will be cut off.

reaction of the time delays may be achieved with the aid of electromechanical s and timers available commercially, or a constant time-resistor-capacitor combination t;*h a relay, or else may be entirely electronic, ug the principle of monostable or bistable syb-ns paired with an oscillator.

The flow controller is in turn made either with the aid of a float or by means of an electrode, or better still by utilising the deccrooic properties of submerged resistors ooded by the fluid in which they are h one embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in Figure 2 the first time delay is is composed of a uni-junction tran or oscillator whose time constant is adjust a by means of the adjustable resistor 22; oscillator controls a bistable trigger -it 23. Each pulse of the oscillator causes the trigger circuit to trigger so that the Driver tmsistor 31 is no longer conductive and therefore no longer supplies the amplifier 33.

A pushOutton 24 makes it possible to this this time delay by connecting the base af the transistor 26 to earth.

The second time delay system is designed tile same manner, but the push-button is d by a high input impedance detector 2, which in turn is controlled by the flow c$dler 25, which is here of the electrode Earthing is effected through the con vity of the transistor 28. In the course nijiking, when the milk normally passes into the flow controller, the capacitor 29 cazinot de charged because it is earthed by tile transistor 28, and the time delay system therefore does not serve its true purpose but here acts as a simple switch.

The two transistors 30 and 31, each con tolled respectively by one of the two bistable tripes circuits, both drive one and the same an-jer stage 33, the latter enabling the vacuum distributors to be earthed.

A transistor 32 has been so disposed as to else a warning light to be connected, which 14ghts up at the end of the milking.

An automatic end of milking stop circuit ;coding to the invention can independently control a vacuum distributor for alternating or simultaneous milking, without modifying die device according to the invention.

In the case of alternating milking, also the milting stop circuit makes it possible for the vacuum distributors of a milking station to be simultaneously placed in the massage poltition for the four quarters of the udder.

The device of the invention achieves at the time a saving of time for the milking armd an improvement of the quality of the layer, while avoiding overmilking and its disastrous consequence on a milch herd.

The pulse generator of the invention, comprising two channels, permits alternating milking of the right-hand and left-hand quarters or else of the front and rear quarters.

Because it is possible to adjust the rate of the pulses, which is controlled for the entire installation by the oscillator of the pulse generator, the device of the invention permits an improvement of milking through perfect homogeneity of the different milking stations and through the ability to adjust the rate most suitable to the herd with the aid of the rate regulation means.

The milking ratio on each of the channels of the pulse generator can also be regulated with the aid of the adjustable resistors. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust a higher milking ratio on the rear quarters (which take longer to milk) than on the front quarters.

It should be noted that the amplifier stages 11 and 12 can directly control the electric valves (vacuum distributors) in com buation with automatic end of milking pulse stop circuits which are situated between the pulse generator and the electric valves.

The device of the invention can be used for the milking of any milk producing animal which can be milked by vacuum.

The most interesting applications are the milking of milch cows, sheep, and goats.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. An electronic milking device which is continuously adjustable in respect of the pulse rate and ratio, comprising a single pulse generator which makes it possible to control one or more milking stations, means permitting alternating milking of the right-hand and left-hand or front and rear quarters, the said device being provided with automatic pulse stop means.

2. A device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the single pulse generator comprises: a transistor type oscillator with adjustable frequency; means permitting independent and continuous adjustment of the shape of the two alternating signals obtained, and amplifiers.

3. A device according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the pulse generator comprises two channels permitting alternating milking of the right-hand and left-hand or front and rear quarters.

4. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the generator is associated with one or more automatic pulse blocking circuits for the massage position at the eiid of automatic milking.

5. A device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the automatic pulse stop circuit comprises a first and a second adjustable, separately controlled time delay system, the

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. pose as time delay and about 15 seconds sfietwads (depending on the adjustment) the sully to the distributors will be cut off. reaction of the time delays may be achieved with the aid of electromechanical s and timers available commercially, or a constant time-resistor-capacitor combination t;*h a relay, or else may be entirely electronic, ug the principle of monostable or bistable syb-ns paired with an oscillator. The flow controller is in turn made either with the aid of a float or by means of an electrode, or better still by utilising the deccrooic properties of submerged resistors ooded by the fluid in which they are h one embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in Figure 2 the first time delay is is composed of a uni-junction tran or oscillator whose time constant is adjust a by means of the adjustable resistor 22; oscillator controls a bistable trigger -it 23. Each pulse of the oscillator causes the trigger circuit to trigger so that the Driver tmsistor 31 is no longer conductive and therefore no longer supplies the amplifier 33. A pushOutton 24 makes it possible to this this time delay by connecting the base af the transistor 26 to earth. The second time delay system is designed tile same manner, but the push-button is d by a high input impedance detector 2, which in turn is controlled by the flow c$dler 25, which is here of the electrode Earthing is effected through the con vity of the transistor 28. In the course nijiking, when the milk normally passes into the flow controller, the capacitor 29 cazinot de charged because it is earthed by tile transistor 28, and the time delay system therefore does not serve its true purpose but here acts as a simple switch. The two transistors 30 and 31, each con tolled respectively by one of the two bistable tripes circuits, both drive one and the same an-jer stage 33, the latter enabling the vacuum distributors to be earthed. A transistor 32 has been so disposed as to else a warning light to be connected, which 14ghts up at the end of the milking. An automatic end of milking stop circuit ;coding to the invention can independently control a vacuum distributor for alternating or simultaneous milking, without modifying die device according to the invention. In the case of alternating milking, also the milting stop circuit makes it possible for the vacuum distributors of a milking station to be simultaneously placed in the massage poltition for the four quarters of the udder. The device of the invention achieves at the time a saving of time for the milking armd an improvement of the quality of the layer, while avoiding overmilking and its disastrous consequence on a milch herd. The pulse generator of the invention, comprising two channels, permits alternating milking of the right-hand and left-hand quarters or else of the front and rear quarters. Because it is possible to adjust the rate of the pulses, which is controlled for the entire installation by the oscillator of the pulse generator, the device of the invention permits an improvement of milking through perfect homogeneity of the different milking stations and through the ability to adjust the rate most suitable to the herd with the aid of the rate regulation means. The milking ratio on each of the channels of the pulse generator can also be regulated with the aid of the adjustable resistors. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust a higher milking ratio on the rear quarters (which take longer to milk) than on the front quarters. It should be noted that the amplifier stages 11 and 12 can directly control the electric valves (vacuum distributors) in com buation with automatic end of milking pulse stop circuits which are situated between the pulse generator and the electric valves. The device of the invention can be used for the milking of any milk producing animal which can be milked by vacuum. The most interesting applications are the milking of milch cows, sheep, and goats. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. An electronic milking device which is continuously adjustable in respect of the pulse rate and ratio, comprising a single pulse generator which makes it possible to control one or more milking stations, means permitting alternating milking of the right-hand and left-hand or front and rear quarters, the said device being provided with automatic pulse stop means.

2. A device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the single pulse generator comprises: a transistor type oscillator with adjustable frequency; means permitting independent and continuous adjustment of the shape of the two alternating signals obtained, and amplifiers.

3. A device according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the pulse generator comprises two channels permitting alternating milking of the right-hand and left-hand or front and rear quarters.

4. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the generator is associated with one or more automatic pulse blocking circuits for the massage position at the eiid of automatic milking.

5. A device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the automatic pulse stop circuit comprises a first and a second adjustable, separately controlled time delay system, the

first time delay system being controlled by a push-button and permitting the starting of milking and optional rearming at the end of misliking, while the second time delay system is controlled by a flow controller and permits the feeding of the vacuum distributors up to a minimum selected value of milk flow, and also an end of milking stop circuit.

6. A device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the minimum value of the milk flow effecting the blocking of the pulses and the stopping of milking is adjustable, this minimal flow being about 150 grammes of milk per minute for milch cows.

7. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the automatic pulse stop circuits are situated between the two amplifier stages of the pulse generator and the electric valves, while the said electric valves can also be controlled directly by the two amplifier stages.

8. An electronic milking device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.