IE59633B1 - A volume measuring installation for milk collecting vehicles - Google Patents

Description

A volume measuring Installation for milk collecting vehicles The invention relates to a volume measuring installation for milk collecting vehicles, in the case of which a pump, an impulse-controlled sample extractor, an air separator and a volume meter with impulse transmitter and indicator are connected in series in the working direction, in which respect a computer is provided for the evaluation in the Indicator.

In known ’per se' manner a rotary-piston meter with an appropriate indicator can be used as the volume meter.

In the case of such volume measuring installations the problem exists of taking milk samples during the flow measuring procedure, in which respect it is already known to use impulse-controlled sample extractors with which samples of 1 to 3 ml/impulse can be taken. The impulses are supplied, In the case of the known arrangements, by an impulse transmitter which is connected to the volume meter.

In the case of the known arrangements in each case a specific fixed impulse count is associated with a specific quantity of flow. In this respect it is disadvantageous that, either in the 2θ case of quantities of flow which are too small and thus in the case of impulse counts which are too small, sample quantities which are too slight accrue, which are not evaluable or are only incompletely evaluable, or that, in the case of large quantities and thus large impulse counts, the sample vessel is filled too rapidly and overflows or else that additional storage vessels for the extracted sample liquid are necessary.

The problem underlying the Invention is to design a volume I measuring installation of the kind mentioned at the beginning hereof In such a way that, irrespective of the respective quantity supplied, automatically at all times the same sample quantity is removed, so that, in the case of small supplied quantities, an adequate sample quantity is available for analysis and, in the case of large supplied quantities, additional containers are not 10 necessary and an overflow is avoided.

In accordance with the invention, this problem is solved in that the quantities of milk supplied on the respective previous day by the suppliers are stored in the computer of the indicator and are associated with the respective supplier, in which respect associated with all the previous day's quantities is in each case the same number of impulses, the quantity-dependent sequence of which is calculated from the previous day's quantity and is triggered by the volume meter, so that different previous day's quantities correspond to different supplied quantities/impulse and in which respect the sample extractor is acted on with these impulses. < Thus, the result is achieved that, distributed over the flow i of a supplied quantity, in each case the same number of impulses comes from the computer, which means that the sample quantity is kept constant irrespective of the supplied quantity. Nevertheless, the sample extraction is undertaken over the entire duration of flow, so that to this extent a cross-section of the composition of the supplied milk is contained In the sample.

Advantageously, for this purpose in the computer the quotient is formed from the previous day's quantity and the sample quantity, which then determines the respective supplied quantity associated with each impulse In accordance with the following equation: V in which: Vj = supplied quantity/impulse Vy = previous day's quantity P = sample quantity = sample quantity/impulse.

The impulses coming from the volume meter are added up in known 'per se' manner in the computer in order to trigger, after the value calculated in accordance with the above equation has been reached, an impulse that is to be passed on to the sample extractor.

For the acceptance of the supplied quantity, advantageously the respective supplier's number is input possibly by way of a . coded card by means of an input unit Into the computer, whereupon · in the computer the supplied quantity of the previous day is associated with the supplier and the supplied quantity/impulse resulting therefrom is calculated.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous if 20 impulses are provided for a previous day's quantity.

Utilisation of the respective previous day's quantity of the same supplier for the described impulse impingement is possible because the deviations of the supplied quantity from day to day are relatively slight and thus negligibly small.

In the event of fairly severe deviations, in the case of the arrangement in accordance with the invention manual intervention into the sample extraction procedure can be carried out. In the appropriate circumstances it is possible to input into the computer, instead of the stored previous days's quantity, a quantity which is estimated by reason of the actual conditions.

The arrangement in accordance with the invention is suitable in a particularly advantageous manner, in addition to the described sample extraction which serves for ascertaining constituents of the milk, for extracting further samples in the same operation in order to ascertain the bacteriological state of the milk, for example for undertaking bacterial counts and the like.

For this purpose, in accordance with the invention provision is made for the fact that after half the flow, i.e. after a number of impulses which corresponds to half the predetermined number of impulses, the sample extractor is acted on for the extraction at one stroke of a specific predetermined additional sample quantity.

The additional sample quantity extracted in this way can correspond to approximately half the sample quantity for determining the constituents.

In this way it becomes possible to extract, with one and the 5 same device, both samples for determining the constituents and at the same time samples for determining the bacteriological state, without these sample extractions hampering one another.

The taking of samples for ascertaining the bacteriological state after expiry of a specific flow time is known ’per se’} because portions of a previous quantity of flow have to be prevented from gaining access into the sample. Thus, first of all a certain rinsing has to be effected with that milk the bacterial state of which is to be determined.

For the performance of the sample extraction, advantageously 15 a reversible sample table which contains the containers of the samples both for the constituents and for the bacterial state and which is associated with the sample extractor is provided.

In the rest position of the sample table, the container for the samples for determining the constituents is associated with 20 the outlet portion of the valve of the sample extractor, in which respect in the described manner, through the impulses coming from the computer, the sample extraction Is effected during the entire flow. After expiry of half the intended number of impulses, the sample table is switched over into a position in which that container which serves for the reception of the sample for ascertaining the bacteriological state is associated with the outlet portion. As has been mentioned above, this sample is taken at one stroke. Then the sample table is switched back into Its initial position. In this position the sample extraction for determining the constituents is continued in the manner described.

It is particularly advantageous if, for the switch-over of the sample table, an adder is provided which adds up the impulses coming from the computer and which acts on a store and, by way of this, on the sample table as soon as the predetermined half number of impulses is reached. The switch-over of the sample table can be effected by a rotary magnet which is acted on by the store, in which respect, by way of a timer and a logic gate, after the switch-over the valve of the sample extractor is opened In order to prevent the valve from being opened during the switch-over procedure of the sample table, the timer can be so connected to the store and the sample extractor that the sample extraction is effected with a time delay of about one second after the switch-over of the sample table, so that it is ensured that the table has switched over before the valve opens.

The restoring of the sample table can be effected by a spring, in which respect the timer can be utilised for switching off the rotary magnet.

The switch-over or respectively the restoring of the sample table or the termination of its movement can ’inter alia’ also be effected by limit switches, or by the current rise upon switch-on of the rotary magnet being utilised for the control.

The sample table can consist of a metal sheet which is angled in U-shaped manner and in the case of which the two limbs lie horizontally, In which respect the upper free limb is provided with two apertures for the reception of the sample containers.

The lower limb can be connected to the shaft of the armature of the rotary magnet.

Furthermore, an angle-of-rotation limitation for the sample table is provided, in order to ensure an automatic alignment of the reception apertures with regard to the opening of the outlet portion of the valve.

The invention will be explained in more detail hereinunder with reference to an exemplified embodiment in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows in schematic representation a volume measuring installation on a milk collecting vehicle to which the invention is applied.

Fig. 2 shows in block diagram an embodiment of the installation 20 in accordance with the invention with which, irrespective of the respective quantity supplied, at all times identical sample quantities can be taken.

Fig. 3 shows the Installation In accordance with Fig. 2 in an embodiment supplemented by a further possibility of sample extraction.

Fig. 4 is the time diagram for the additional sample extraction.

Fig. 5 shows in side view in section a reversible sample table for the arrangement in accordance with Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is the view VI-VI in accordance with Fig. 5.

In accordance with Fig. 1, arranged on a milk collecting vehicle 1 is a volume measuring installation in the case of which a self-priming pump 2, an impulse-controlled sample extractor 3, an air separator 4 and a volume meter 5 with an impulse transmitter and an indicator 6 are connected in series in the working direction.

Provided in the indicator 6 is a computer which is not shown in Fig. 1 and which controls ’inter alia' the sample extractor 3.

Fig. 2 shows these conditions in detail. The volume meter 5 supplies, in a time sequence predetermined by its construction, impulses 7 to the computer 8, which communicates with a store 9, in which the quantities of milk supplied by the suppliers on the respective previous day are stored. Furthermore, the suppliers' data, such as suppliers' numbers or the like, are stored in the store 9, so that an association is possible.

This association is effected in the computer 8 if by means of the input unit 10, which can be a card reader or the like, suppliers' data, preferably suppliers' numbers, are input into the computer 8.

The computer 8 supplies impulses 11 to the sample extractor 3, in which respect the number of the impulses 11 is fixedly preset and for example for all supplied quantities can amount to 20.

The supplied quantity per impulse is thus in the case of different supplied quantities likewise different and is ascertained in the computer 8 in accordance with the formula indicated above.

On the basis of this calculation the impulses 11 are triggered, so that these are distributed uniformly over the flow of a supplied quantity.

The impulses 11 trigger in the sample extractor 3 in each case the extraction of a specific sample quantity, which can amount to 1 up to 3 ml/impulse. This quantity is passed through the outlet portion 12 into a sample extraction vessel 13. Since the number of the Impulses 11 is preset in the same way as the respective sample quantity delivered by the sample extractor 3, the filling quantity in the container 13 can always be kept almost constant.

Independently thereof, in the computer 8 the ( very much more frequent ) Impulses 7 are counted, in order to display the respective quantity of flow. They are, moreover, added up in the computer in order, in each case after the value supplied quantlty/lmpulse calculated In accordance with the above formula has been reached, to trigger an impulse 11 that is to be passed on to the sample extractor 3.

After writing of the suppliers' data, for example a supplier’s number, by way of a coded card by means of the input unit 10, thus in the computer 8 from the store 9 the relevant previous day's quantity is selected and is associated with the supplier’s number. The emission of the impulses 11 is effected consequently now on the basis of the previous day's quantity, whilst the actually simultaneously accruing supplied quantity is determined separately.

Fig. 3 shows in block diagram a supplemented arrantgement with which it is possible to take additional samples at one stroke, for example in order to ascertain the bacteriological state of the milk. This sample extraction is preferably to be effected after half the number of the impulses 11. For this, an adder 14 is provided which, by way of a store 15, acts on the sample table 16, which in the case of the exemplified embodiment shown is provided with two reception apertures 17 and 18, into which different sample containers can be placed. The adder 14 adds up the impulses 11 coming from the computer 8 and acts on the sample table 16 as soon as the preset half number of the impulses is reached. The store 15 is in the same way as the sample extractor 3 acted on by a timer 19 and communicates by way of an AND logic gate 20, moreover, with the sample extractor 3.

This device allows the respective switch-over of the sample table 16, in which respect in each case one of the apertures 17 and 18 is brought under the outlet portion 12 of the sample extractor 3.

Fig· 4 is the switching time diagram for the switch-over of the sample table 16 and the switching-on of the sample extractor 3.

As emerges from Fig. 4, the impulses 11 arrive in the same time sequence from the computer 8 and open, in accordance with the penultimate line, the sample extractor 3 for a short time.

In accordance with the 2nd line in Fig. 4, the sample table 16 is so switched-over for a time of about 2.5 seconds that the sample for ascertaining the bacteriological state of the milk can be taken, by the relevant vessel being swung under the outlet portion 12 of the sample extractor 3. During the switched-over state, but within the time thereof, in accordance with line 3 the additional sample is taken and then the short-time sample extraction for ascertaining the constituents of the milk is continued.

The last line in Fig. 4 makes evident a pause time in which both the sample extraction is blocked and the switch-over of the sample table is delayed. Thus it is to be prevented that for instance the sample extraction begins prior to the complete switch-over of the sample table or respectively still persists during the restoring of the sample table.

An embodiment of the reversible sample table is reproduced in Figures 5 and 6. Fig. 5 shows in side view in section the sample table in detail. In the case of the exemplified embodiment shown, the sample table 16 is provided with a rotary magnet, the housing 19 of which is reproduced in Fig. 5. The rotary magnet 8 is accommodated in an outer housing 20. The armature shaft of the rotary magnet is designated with 21 and communicates with a metal sheet 22 which is angled in U-shaped manner and in the case of which the two limbs 22a and 22b lie horizontally. The upper free limb 22a is provided with the two apertures 17 and 18 ( see Fig. 6 ) for the reception of the sample containers. The lower limb 22b is, as shown, connected to the armature shaft 21 of the rotary magnet.

The sample table 16 consisting of the metal sheet 22 can consequently be swung in the direction of the arrow 23 ( see Fig. 6 ), in which respect an angle-of-rotation limitation ( not shown ) is provided.

Claims (20)

1. A volume measuring installation for milk collecting vehicles, in which a pump, an impulse-controlled sample extractor, an air separator and a volume meter with impulse transmitter and 5 indicator are connected in series In the working direction, in which respect a computer is provided for the evaluation In the indicator, characterised in that the quantities of milk supplied by the suppliers on the respective previous day are stored in the computer of the indicator and are associated with the respective 10 supplier, In which respect associated with all the previous day’s quantities is in each case the same number of impulses, the quantity-dependent sequence of which Is calculated from the previous day's quantity and is triggered by the volume meter, so that different previous day's quantities correspond to different 15 supplied quantities/impulse and In which respect the same extractor Is acted on with these impulses.

2. Installation as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that in the computer the quotient is formed from the previous day's quantity and the sample quantity, which then determines the 20 respective supplied quantity associated with each impulse in accordance with the following equation: in which: = supplied quantity/impulse = previous day's quantity = sample quantity = sample quantity/impulse.

3. Installation as claimed In claim 2, characterised in that the impulses coming from the volume meter are added up in the computer in order to trigger, in each case after the calculated amount has been reached, an impulse that is to be passed on to the sample extractor.

4. Installation as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterised in that for the acceptance of the supplied quantity the respective supplier's number or other supplier's data are input, possibly by way of a coded card, by means of an input unit into the computer, whereupon the supplied quantity of the previous day is associated with the supplier and the supplied quantity/impulse resulting therefrom is calculated in the computer.

5. Installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that 20 Impulses are provided for a previous day's quantity.

6. Installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised In that, instead of the stored previous day's quantity, an amount which Is estimated by reason of the actual conditions can be input into the computer.

7. Installation as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, after a specific number of impulses acting on the sample extractor, preferably after half thereof, the sample extractor is acted on for the extraction at one 5 stroke of a specific predetermined additional sample quantity.

8. Installation as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the additional sample amount corresponds to approximately half the sample quantity for determining the constituents of the milk.

9. 10 9. Installation as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterised in that a switchable sample table which contains the containers of the samples both for the constituents and for the bacterial state and which is associated with the sample extractor Is provided. 15 10. Installation as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that, in the rest position of the sample table, the container for the samples for determining the constituents is associated with the outlet portion of the valve of the sample extractor.

10. 11. Installation as claimed In claim 10, characterised in that, after expiry of half the Impulse count, the sample table is reversed Into a position In which that container which serves for the reception of the sample for ascertaining the bacteriological state of the milk is associated with the outlet portion.

11. 12. Installation as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that, after extraction of the additional sample, the sample table is switched back into its initial position, in which respect the sample extraction for determining the constituents is continued 5 In this position.

12. 13. Installation as claimed in one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that provided for the switch-over of the sample table is an adder which adds up the impulses coming from the computer and which acts on a store and, by way of this, on the 10 sample table as soon as the predetermined half number of the Impulses Is reached.

13. 14. Installation as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that the switch-over of the sample table is effected by a rotary magnet which is acted on by the store, in which respect, by way 15 of a timer and a logic gate, after the switch-over the valve of the sample extractor is opened.

14. 15. Installation as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the timer is so connected to the store and the sample extractor that the sample extraction is effected with a time 20 delay of about 1 second after the switch-over of the sample table.

15. 16. Installation as claimed in one of claims 9 to 15, characterised in that the restoring of the sample table is effected by a spring.

16. 17. Installation as claimed In one of claims 9 to 16, characterised in that the timer also serves for switching off the rotary magnet.

17. 18. Installation as claimed in one of claims 9 to 17, 5 characterised in that the switch-over and/or restoring of the sample table or the termination of its movement is brought about by limit switches or in that the current rise upon the l switching-on of the rotary magnet is utilised for the control.

18. 19. Installation as claimed in one of claims 9 to 18, 10 characterised in that the sample table consists of a metal sheet which is angled in U-shaped manner and In the case of which the two limbs lie horizontally, in which respect the upper free limb is provided with two apertures for the reception of the sample containers. 15 20. Installation as claimed in claim 19, characterised in that the lower limb is connected to the shaft of the armature of the rotary magnet. 21. Installation as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterised in that an angle-of-rotation limitation is provided for the sample

19. 20 table.

20. 22. A volume measuring installation substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.