JP2013034458A - Milk meter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a milk meter accurately detecting milk level and further the yield of milk, and having increased multifunctionality and evolvability.SOLUTION: The milk meter 1 includes: a measuring container portion 2 connected to an intermediate part of a milk feeding line Lm and storing milk M flowing from an inlet 2i; a liquid level detecting unit 3 for detecting the level Mu of the milk M stored in the measuring container portion 2; a valve mechanism portion 4 for opening and closing an outlet 2e of the measuring container portion 2; and a control system 5 for controlling the opening and closing of the valve mechanism portion 4 when at least the liquid level detecting unit 3 detects the milk level Mu. In the milk meter, a second detecting unit 6 using electrodes 6p and 6q for detecting at least electric conductivity of the milk M stored in the measuring container portion 2, is disposed at a position below the liquid level detecting unit (first detecting unit) 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a milk meter that is connected to a midway of a milking line that feeds milk milked by a milking machine and measures milk yield.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a milk meter disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a milk meter that measures the amount of milk connected to the middle of a milking line that sends milk milked by a milking machine.

  The milk meter disclosed in the same document 1 reduces the generation of bubbles and the ripples of the liquid level that cause errors in milk measurement, and avoids the effects of bubbles and waves as much as possible to improve the milk measurement accuracy. It is intended to increase, connected to the middle of the breastfeeding line, placed inside the weighing container that can temporarily store the inflowing milk, and the low level liquid level of the stored milk A liquid level detection unit having a low position electrode unit for detection and a high position electrode unit for detecting a liquid level at a high position; a valve mechanism unit capable of opening and closing an outlet provided at a lower portion of the measuring container unit; and a valve mechanism unit. A milk meter having a control system for controlling, and forming a constricted portion at a middle portion in the vertical direction of a measuring container portion having a cylindrical peripheral surface portion, thereby forming an inner portion from the constricted portion below the constricted portion. The bottom of the container has a container lower part that diffuses milk that flows down along the wall surface in the radial direction. And a configuration in which Okoshi設 low position electrode portions and the high position the electrode portion from the part.

JP 2010-38737 A

  However, the conventional milk meter disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above has the following problems to be solved.

  First, this type of milk meter is a measurement method that temporarily stores milk in a measuring container and sequentially sends out a certain amount of milk, so that it can accurately detect the level of the stored milk. Required. Therefore, although the detection part using the electrode which detects the electrical conductivity (or electrical resistance) of milk for determining the presence or absence of a liquid level is provided, the liquid level usually contains a lot of bubbles and is undulated. It is not necessarily a good detection environment for the detection unit, such as fluctuations in the liquid level due to, etc., and it is further from the viewpoint of accurately detecting the electrical conductivity of milk and accurately determining the presence or absence of the liquid level. There was room for improvement.

  Second, accurately detecting (measuring) the electrical conductivity of milk is important not only for detecting the presence or absence of a liquid level, but also for obtaining information such as milk characteristics and quality. As mentioned above, the main purpose of this section is to detect the presence or absence of the liquid level. Therefore, it is not necessarily a desirable measurement environment from the viewpoint of obtaining information on the characteristics and quality of milk. There was room for further improvement from the viewpoint of obtaining various information accurately and enhancing multifunctionality and expandability.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a milk meter that solves such problems in the background art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is connected to the middle of the milk feeding line Lm and stores the milk M flowing in from the inflow port 2i, and is stored in the inside of the measuring container unit 2. A liquid level detection unit 3 for detecting the liquid level Mu of the milk M, a valve mechanism unit 4 capable of opening and closing the outlet 2e of the measuring container unit 2, and a valve if at least the liquid level detection unit 3 detects the liquid level Mu. When the milk meter 1 including the control system 5 that controls the opening and closing of the mechanism unit 4 is configured, the milk stored in the measuring container unit 2 at a position lower than the liquid level detection unit (first detection unit) 3. A second detector 6 using electrodes 6p and 6q capable of detecting at least the electrical conductivity of M is provided.

  In this case, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the measuring container part 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape, provided with an inlet 2i in the upper part, provided with an intermediate port 2m in the longitudinal intermediate part, and provided with an outlet 2e in the lower part. The upper side of the intermediate port 2m is configured as a gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, the intermediate port 2m and the outlet 2e are configured as a measuring chamber Rm, and the first valve 4u and the outlet 2e capable of opening and closing the intermediate port 2m. A valve mechanism part 4 having a second valve 4d capable of opening and closing, a first detection part 3 capable of detecting the liquid level Mu of the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and electrical conduction of the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm A second detector 6 capable of detecting the degree can be provided. On the other hand, the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 constitute a part of the measuring container unit 2 and are provided integrally with the pedestal unit 11 that can be attached to the measuring container unit 2. The pedestal portion 11 can be integrally provided with a third detection portion 9 including a milk temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the milk M as necessary. In addition, the first detection unit 3 protrudes inward from the peripheral surface 2w of the measuring container unit 2 or protrudes upward from the lower surface Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm, thereby allowing the milk in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs to protrude. The liquid level Mu of M can be constituted by electrodes 3p and 3q that can detect the liquid level Mu, and the second detection unit 6 also protrudes inward from the peripheral surface 2w of the measuring container unit 2 or from the lower surface Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm. By projecting upward inside, it can be constituted by the electrodes 6p and 6q capable of detecting the electrical conductivity of the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm. Further, the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs can be provided with at least one milk flow restricting portion 13 that protrudes inward from the lower part of the inner wall surface and restricts the flow of the milk M that flows in from the inflow port 2i. The lower surface of the first valve 4u and / or the upper surface of the second valve 4d can form at least inclined surfaces 4us, 4ds that can prevent the bubbles Mb from staying between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d. The inner diameter De of the outlet 2e can be selected larger than the inner diameter Dm of the intermediate port 2m. On the other hand, the control system 5 can be provided with a processing function for obtaining information on the milk M including at least the characteristics of the milk M based on the electrical conductivity of the milk M detected from the second detection unit 6. 6, it is possible to provide at least a detection function for detecting the presence or absence of milk M based on the electrical conductivity of milk M detected from 6.

  The milk meter 1 according to the present invention having such a configuration has the following remarkable effects.

  (1) The second detector 6 using the electrodes 6p and 6q capable of detecting at least the electrical conductivity of the milk M stored in the measuring container 2 is disposed at a position below the first detector 3. Therefore, when the milk M is stored in the measuring container unit 2, the second detection unit 6 is first immersed in the milk M, and then the first detection unit 3 is immersed over time. become. Therefore, the second detection unit 6 can detect the electrical conductivity that is not affected by the bubbles Mb and the waves at a deeper position than the first detection unit 3 with a sufficient time, and can accurately detect the milk M. It is optimal from the viewpoint of obtaining accurate information relating to the conductivity, the characteristics of milk M, the quality of abnormal milk, and the like.

  (2) Since the second detection unit 6 can detect the electrical conductivity of the milk M at a deep position with respect to the first detection unit 3 with a time margin, it can reliably detect the accurate electrical conductivity of the milk M. it can. Therefore, the first detection unit 3 corrects the threshold value (Sr) for detecting the liquid level Mu in the first detection unit 3 in units of bovines based on the accurate electrical conductivity detected by the second detection unit 6. It is possible to accurately detect the liquid level Mu of the milk M and also the milk amount, such as optimization when detecting the liquid level Mu, and from the time difference between the detection of the second detection unit 6 and the detection of the first detection unit 3 The multi-functionality and developability of the milk meter 1 can be enhanced such that it can be used for predicting the end time of milking based on the obtained milk flow speed.

  (3) According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring container part 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the inlet 2i is provided in the upper part, the intermediate port 2m is provided in the longitudinal intermediate part, and the outlet 2e is provided in the lower part. The gas-liquid separation chamber Rs above 2 m is configured as the gas outlet and the outlet 2 e is configured between the intermediate port 2 m and the outlet 2 e, and the first valve 4 u and the outlet 2 e that can open and close the intermediate port 2 m can be opened and closed. A valve mechanism 4 having a second valve 4d, a first detector 3 capable of detecting the liquid level Mu of the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and detecting the electrical conductivity of the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm. If the second detection unit 6 that can be configured is provided, it is possible to contribute to the efficiency of the measurement by shortening the measurement time, and it is possible to implement in an optimum mode in which the measurement chamber Rm and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd are linked. Become. Accordingly, the effectiveness and certainty of the functions of the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd can be further increased, and the optimum embodiment when using the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 is improved. realizable.

  (4) According to a preferred embodiment, the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 constitute a part of the weighing container unit 2 and are integrated with the pedestal unit 11 that can be attached to the measurement container unit 2. If the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 that use a combination of small parts can be configured as separate units in advance, it is easy to install. In addition, the pedestal portion 11 can be detachably (replaceable) with respect to the weighing container portion 2, so that cleaning and maintenance (such as replacement with a new one) can be facilitated.

  (5) If the third detector 9 including the milk temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the milk M is integrally provided on the pedestal 11 according to a preferred embodiment, the added value and multifunctionality of the milk meter 1 can be further increased. While being able to increase, other required sensors can be added easily and at low cost by changing the pedestal 11 or the like.

  (6) According to a preferred embodiment, the first detection unit 3 is protruded from the peripheral surface 2w of the measuring container unit 2 to the inside inward, or from the lower surface Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm to the inside upward. If the electrodes 3p and 3q are configured to detect the liquid level Mu of the milk M in the separation chamber Rs, the arrangement position of the first detection unit 3 can be selected according to the shape and form of the weighing container unit 2, The degree of freedom in design can be increased, and in particular, if the first detection unit 3 protrudes from the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm to the upper inside, each electrode 3p is inserted by a brush or the like inserted from the axial direction of the measuring container unit 2. , 3q can be cleaned and the ease of cleaning can be improved.

  (7) According to a preferred embodiment, the second detector 6 is protruded inward from the peripheral surface 2w of the measuring container 2 or protruded upward from the lower surface Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm. If the electrodes 6p and 6q are configured to detect the electrical conductivity of the milk M in Rm, the degree of design freedom when the second detector 6 is arranged is the same as in the case of the first detector 3 described above. It is possible to enhance the cleaning performance and ease of cleaning when the electrodes 6p and 6q are cleaned with a brush or the like.

  (8) According to a preferred embodiment, the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is provided with at least one milk flow restricting portion 13 that protrudes inward from the lower portion of the inner wall surface and restricts the flow of the milk M that flows in from the inflow port 2i. As a result, even when the milk M flowing in from the inflow port 2i flows down spirally on the inner wall surface, the time does not become unnecessarily long, and the milk M can be supplied to the measuring chamber Rm at an appropriate timing. In addition, stable milk yield measurement can be performed.

  (9) According to a preferred embodiment, at least the inclined surfaces 4us, 4ds that can prevent the bubbles Mb from staying between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d on the lower surface of the first valve 4u and / or the upper surface of the second valve 4d. The bubble Mb existing between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d moves along the inclined surface by buoyancy, and can easily escape from between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d. It becomes possible. As a result, the problem that the foam Mb stays between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d can be solved, and accurate milk amount measurement can be performed.

  (10) If the inner diameter De of the outlet 2e is selected to be larger than the inner diameter Dm of the intermediate outlet 2m, the milk M stored in the measuring chamber Rm can be quickly discharged from the outlet 2e. Contributes to accurate milk yield measurement.

  (11) According to a preferred embodiment, if the control system 5 is provided with a detection function for detecting at least the presence or absence of the milk M based on the electrical conductivity of the milk M obtained from the second detector 6, the milk M remaining at the end of milking By detecting the presence or absence of milk, the milk yield value can be corrected and more accurate milk yield measurement can be realized.At the end of washing, the presence or absence of residual water is detected. Good hygiene can be maintained.

Side sectional view of a milk meter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, XX sectional view in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. Block diagram of the control system, including the rear view of the milk meter, The block diagram which looked at the valve mechanism part and the 2nd detection part of the same milk meter from the slanting lower part, Usage explanation of the milk meter, Flowchart for explaining the operation of the milk meter, Schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the milk meter, The block diagram of the 1st detection part and the 2nd detection part which concern on the example of a change of the same milk meter, Side sectional view of a valve mechanism section according to another modification of the same milk meter, Side sectional view of a milk meter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, External perspective view of the detection unit in the same milk meter, Extraction enlarged sectional view of the mounting structure of the detection unit in the milk meter,

  Next, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be given and described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the milk meter 1 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  1 and 4 show a milk meter main body 1m in the milk meter 1. FIG. Reference numeral 2 denotes a weighing container portion, which is made of a transparent or translucent material such as plastic or glass in a cylindrical shape, and has two upper and lower constricted portions 2su and 2sd at a predetermined position in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the peripheral surface portion. And the intermediate port 2m is formed by the upper constricted portion 2su, and the outflow port 2e is formed by the lower constricted portion 2sd. Thus, the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is formed above the intermediate port 2m, the measuring chamber Rm is formed between the intermediate port 2m and the outlet 2e, and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is formed below the outlet 2e. At this time, the inner diameter De of the outlet 2e is selected to be larger by, for example, about 5 mm than the inner diameter Dm of the intermediate port 2m. If formed under such an inner diameter condition, the milk M stored in the measuring chamber Rm can be quickly discharged from the outlet 2e, which can contribute to smooth milk quantity measurement.

  The volume of the measuring chamber Rm can be selected, for example, about 200 [mL], and the volume of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is a volume capable of storing at least one milk amount flowing out from the outlet 2e, for example, The volume of the measuring chamber Rm can be selected to be about 1.5 to 2 times (300 to 400 [mL]). Further, if the weighing container part 2 is configured to have a structure in which a plurality of (four examples) divided bodies are combined, the manufacturing of the weighing container part 2 is facilitated even when the constricted parts 2su and 2sd are provided. In addition, maintenance (cleaning, replacement, etc.) can be facilitated.

  On the other hand, in the vicinity of the upper end of the circumferential surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, an inflow port 2i that protrudes tangentially from the outer surface and can be connected to the upstream milk tube 66 is provided. As a result, the milk M flowing into the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs from the inlet 2i flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the peripheral surface portion in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, so that the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. When flowing down the inner wall surface, the flow velocity is reduced, and the generation of bubbles Mb and the undulation of the liquid level Mu, which cause errors in measuring the milk amount, are greatly reduced. As a result, the milk meter 1 is made compact and compact. Can also contribute. The lower surface portion Rsd of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side facing up. Further, the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs has at least one plate-shaped milk flow restricting portion 13 that protrudes inward from the lower portion of the inner wall surface and has a function of restricting the flow of the milk M flowing in from the inflow port 2i. Provide. In the example, three milk flow restricting portions 13 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. If such a milk flow restricting portion 13 is provided, time does not become unnecessarily long even when the milk M flowing in from the inflow port 2i flows down spirally on the inner wall surface, and the milk M is made at an appropriate timing. It can be supplied to the measuring chamber Rm, and the milk amount can be measured smoothly and stably.

  On the other hand, the weighing chamber Rm forms the upper surface portion Rmu on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side down, and the lower surface portion Rmd on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side up. As a result, the inside of the measuring chamber Rm is shaped so that the upper and lower sides are surrounded by a tapered surface. Therefore, when the milk M is stored in the measuring chamber Rm, the measuring container portion 2 (milk meter main body 1m) is in an inclined state. However, no layer of air A is generated, and even when the milk container M (milk meter main body 1m) is inclined when the milk M is discharged from the measuring chamber Rm, the milk M remains. Disappear. Therefore, the inclination angle of the inclined surface can be arbitrarily selected according to the actual use environment. Usually, the tilt angle in the usage environment of the milk meter 1 (milk meter main body 1m) is about 15 ° at most, so the angle of the inclined surface with respect to the horizontal plane is selected to be about 30 °. This is sufficient for practical use.

  In this way, if the weighing chamber Rm having the upper surface portion Rmu formed on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side down and the lower surface portion Rmd formed on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side up, the actual use environment (installation) In the environment), even when the milk meter 1 is inclined, the measurement error caused by the inclination can be eliminated, and the milk amount can be measured with high accuracy. In addition, the range (uses) of the use environment (installation environment) has been dramatically expanded, such as being able to be attached to a teat cup automatic detachment device that often shakes greatly during milking by being suspended through a hook on the stay. It is possible to improve versatility and convenience. In addition, the piping of milk tubes and the like can be reduced, and can be used as a portable (movable) type.

  Further, a valve mechanism unit 4 is disposed inside the measuring container unit 2 (gas-liquid separation chamber Rs and measuring chamber Rm). The valve mechanism 4 is inserted into the outlet 2e and the intermediate port 2m, and the gas-liquid separation is performed by having the upper end facing the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs and the lower end facing the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. A pipe shaft 15 for communicating the chamber Rs and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, a valve drive unit 16 for supporting the upper end of the pipe shaft 15 and moving the pipe shaft 15 up and down, and a pipe shaft located in the measuring chamber Rm 15 is provided with a first valve 4u provided on the upper outer peripheral surface and a second valve 4d provided on the lower outer peripheral surface. In this case, a thread-wheel-shaped fixing member 17 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe shaft 15, and an elastic plate such as rubber is attached to the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the fixing member 17 so that the upper side is first. The valve 4u is configured, and the lower side is configured as the second valve 4d. Thus, the first valve 4u can open and close the intermediate port 2m between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and the second valve 4d can open and close the outlet 2e between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. It becomes. If such a valve mechanism portion 4 is provided, the pipe shaft 15 can be used both as a valve driving shaft and an air vent pipe, and also as a valve driving shaft for both the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to simplification of configuration, cost reduction, and size reduction.

  Further, it is possible to prevent stagnation of bubbles Mb between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d on the lower surface of the upper portion (first valve 4u) of the fixing member 17 and the upper surface of the lower portion (second valve 4d) of the fixing member 17. At least the inclined surfaces 4us, 4ds are formed. The upper inclined surface 4us illustrated is formed in a tapered shape so that the peripheral surface portion side is on the upper side and the lower inclined surface 4ds is on the lower surface surface side. If such inclined surfaces 4us, 4ds are provided, the bubbles Mb existing between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d move along the inclined surface by buoyancy, and between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d. It will be possible to easily get out of. As a result, the problem that the foam Mb stays between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d can be solved, and accurate milk amount measurement can be performed.

  Further, the valve drive unit 16 supports the upper end of the pipe shaft 15 via the support member 25 and closes the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, that is, a circular opening 2uh provided in the upper surface 2u of the measuring container unit 2. Is provided with a diaphragm portion 26 that forms an upper surface portion Rsu of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and a switching chamber portion Rc that faces the diaphragm portion 26 on the opposite side to the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. The switching chamber Rc is switched to a vacuum pressure or an atmospheric pressure under the control of a control system 5 (FIG. 4) described later. Reference numeral 27 denotes a connection port protruding from the switching chamber Rc. Further, the diaphragm portion 26 is constituted by a first diaphragm 26u and a second diaphragm 26d that are separated from each other in the vertical direction, and realizes a stable up-and-down displacement, and the support member 25 does not close the upper end of the pipe shaft 15. By being formed by the above, the second diaphragm 26d is coupled to the central lower surface. If such a valve drive part 16 is provided, since the vacuum pressure (vacuum line) used for the milking machine 64 (FIG. 6) can be utilized, it can contribute to the cost reduction and size reduction by simplification of a structure.

  On the other hand, the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd has an upper surface portion Rdu formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side down, and a bottom surface portion Rdd formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side up. Same as Rm. Therefore, the inside of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is shaped so that the top and bottom are surrounded by a tapered surface, and when the milk M is sent out from the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, the measuring container part 2 (milk meter main body 1m) is inclined. Even in the state, the milk M does not remain. Furthermore, a discharge port 2t that protrudes downward and can be connected to the downstream milk tube 67 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd.

  In addition, milk M flows out into the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd at a flow rate equal to or lower than a predetermined flow rate (first flow rate) Qf, and is mixed with the air A inside the measuring container unit 2 and sent out (first feed). A milk feeding outlet portion 7 having an outlet 7f is provided. More desirably, in the milk delivery port 7, the first delivery port 7 f that causes the milk M to flow out at a flow rate equal to or lower than the first flow rate Qf when the milk amount stored in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and storage. A second delivery port 7s is provided to allow the milk M to flow out at a flow rate equal to or higher than Qr when the amount of milk exceeds a predetermined amount, and is set to satisfy the condition of Qf <Qr. Since the lower surface portion 2d of the measuring container portion 2 becomes the bottom surface portion Rdd of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, the milk delivery port portion 7 is provided by a cylindrical buffer cylinder 8 standing from the center of the bottom surface portion Rdd. The buffer cylinder 8 has an upper end facing the inside, and a lower end communicating with the discharge port 2t.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper end port of the buffer cylinder 8 can function as the second delivery port 7 s of the milk delivery port portion 7, and one or two or more formed on the peripheral surface portion of the buffer tube 8. Are formed as a first delivery port 7f of the milk delivery port 7 by forming a plurality of slits 8s along the axial direction. Therefore, the first delivery port 7f is the first outlet when the milk level M of the stored milk M flows below the upper end opening of the buffer cylinder 8, that is, when the stored milk quantity is less than a predetermined quantity. Milk M flows out at a flow rate less than one flow rate Qf. At this time, the flow rate equal to or lower than the first flow rate Qf can be set by the opening area of the slit portion 8s, and the width of the slit portion 8s is the total amount of milk M at any inflow from the outlet 2e. Set an opening area that allows at least all flow out by time. In addition, the second delivery port 7s is configured such that when the liquid level Mu of the stored milk M exceeds the height of the upper end opening of the buffer cylinder 8, the milk M flows out, that is, when the stored milk amount exceeds a predetermined amount. Milk M flows out at a flow rate of Qr or more. At this time, the flow rate equal to or higher than Qr can be set by the opening area of the circular upper end of the buffer cylinder 8.

  As described above, the first delivery port 7f that stores the milk M at a flow rate equal to or lower than the first flow rate Qf when the milk amount stored in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is equal to or less than the predetermined amount is stored in the milk delivery port unit 7 and stored. If the second delivery port 7r for allowing the milk M to flow out at a flow rate equal to or higher than the second flow rate Qr when the amount of milk produced exceeds a predetermined amount, the milk M remains in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. Thus, even if the liquid level Mu of the milk M flowing into the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd exceeds the limit level, the temporary overflow can be quickly eliminated by the second delivery port 7s. In addition, a buffer cylinder 8 rising from the bottom surface portion Rdd is provided in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, the upper end port of the buffer cylinder 8 is a second delivery port 7s, and the first delivery port 7f is formed on the peripheral surface portion of the buffer cylinder 8. Forming the buffer cylinder 8 in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is sufficient, so that there is an advantage that it can be implemented easily and at low cost.

  On the other hand, the lower end of the pipe shaft 15 facing the inside of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is positioned immediately above the upper end of the buffer cylinder 8, and an umbrella-shaped cover 15c is provided at the lower end of the pipe shaft 15. . The umbrella-shaped cover 15c is formed in a tapered shape in which the lower part extends. With such a configuration, the upper part of the upper end of the buffer cylinder 8 is covered with the umbrella-shaped cover 15c, so that the trouble that the milk M that has flowed out from the outlet 2e directly enters the milk feeding outlet 7 can be avoided. The function of temporarily storing all of the milk M that has flowed out in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd and allowing it to flow out little by little from the milk delivery port 7 can be reliably performed. In addition, the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs are communicated with the measuring container portion 2 by standing upward from the upper surface portion Rmu of the measuring chamber Rm and having the upper end port 28u face the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. A supply cylinder unit 28 is provided. By providing such a supply cylinder portion 28, the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm can be smoothly and quickly discharged from the outlet 2e.

  On the other hand, the measuring container part 2 is provided with a first detection part 3 constituting a liquid level detection part facing the inside of the supply cylinder part 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the first detection unit 3 includes a pair of upper and lower electrodes 3p and 3q formed by a pin member. The upper electrode 3p is arranged near the lower end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and the lower electrode 3p The electrode 3q is disposed near the upper end of the measuring chamber Rm. That is, in this case, the electrodes 3p and 3q are attached to the peripheral surface portion 2w of the measuring container portion 2, and protrude from the peripheral surface portion 2w to the inner side (substantially horizontal direction). Thereby, the 1st detection part 3 can detect the liquid level Mu of the milk M by the electrical resistance of the milk M between the electrodes 3p and 3q.

  Further, a second detection unit 6 is attached to the weighing container unit 2 at a position below the first detection unit 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the second detection unit 6 includes a pair of left and right electrodes 6 p and 6 q that are disposed at a middle position in the vertical direction (near the center) of the measuring chamber Rm and formed by a pin member. In other words, in this case, the electrodes 6p and 6q are also attached to the peripheral surface portion 2w of the measuring container portion 2, and project from the peripheral surface portion 2w to the inside inward (obliquely downward direction). Thereby, the 2nd detection part 6 can detect at least the electrical conductivity of the milk M stored inside the measurement container part 2 (measurement chamber Rm). Each of the electrodes 3p, 3q, 6p and 6q can be detected even if it is configured as an electrode with the whole exposed, but in order to increase detection accuracy, as shown in FIG. It is desirable to expose and cover other parts with an insulating material.

  In this way, the measuring container part 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the inlet 2i is provided at the upper part, the intermediate port 2m is provided at the longitudinal intermediate part, and the outlet 2e is provided at the lower part. Is formed in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, the intermediate port 2m and the outlet 2e are formed in the measuring chamber Rm, and the first valve 4u capable of opening and closing the intermediate port 2m and the second valve capable of opening and closing the outlet 2e. 4d, a first detection unit 3 capable of detecting the liquid level Mu in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and a second detection unit 6 capable of detecting the electrical conductivity of the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm. If this is provided, it is possible to contribute to the efficiency of measurement by shortening the measurement time, and it is possible to implement in an optimum mode in which the measurement chamber Rm and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd are linked. Accordingly, the effectiveness and certainty of the functions of the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd can be further increased, and the optimum embodiment when using the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 is improved. realizable.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows the control system 5 connected to the milk meter main body 1m. The control system 5 includes a system controller 31 having a computing function for performing various control processes and arithmetic processes. Therefore, the program memory 31p built in the system controller 31 stores a control program for executing a series of sequence control relating to milk yield measurement, and the data memory 31d includes various types of data including a set time Ts described later. Setting data is set. Further, the output port of the first detection processing unit 32 and the second detection processing unit 33 is connected to the input port of the system controller 31, and the electromagnetic three-way valve 34 is connected to the control output port of the system controller 31. Further, the electrodes 3 p and 3 q of the first detection unit 3 are connected to the input unit of the first detection processing unit 32 by a predetermined connection cable 35. The first detection processing unit 32 applies a predetermined voltage between the electrodes 3p and 3q, and detects the electrical resistance (electric conductivity) between the electrodes 3p and 3q. Similarly, the electrodes 6p and 6q of the second detection unit 6 are connected to the input unit of the second detection processing unit 33 by a predetermined connection cable 36. The second detection processing unit 33 applies a predetermined voltage to the electrodes 6p and 6q, and detects an electrical resistance (electric conductivity) between the electrodes 6p and 6q. Reference numeral 37 denotes a display unit capable of displaying various data.

  Thus, when the control system 5 detects the liquid level Mu at least with the electrodes 3p and 3q of the liquid level detection unit 3 described above, the first valve 4u of the valve mechanism unit 4 is closed and the second valve 4d is opened. In addition to switching control to the position, it has a function of switching control of the first valve 4u to the open position and the second valve 4d to the closed position in accordance with a predetermined return condition. The connection port 27 protruding from the switching chamber Rc is connected to the common port 33o of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 via the vacuum tube 38, and one branch port 33a of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is a vacuum tube (vacuum pump). 39, and the other branch port 33b of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, if the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is subjected to switching control, the switching chamber Rc described above can be switched to a vacuum state or an atmospheric state.

  In this case, after the first valve 4u is switched to the closed position and the second valve 4d is switched to the open position, the predetermined return condition is set so that the first valve 4u is switched to the open position and the second valve 4d is switched to the closed position. Can be used to detect that the preset time Ts has elapsed or to detect the end of the discharge of the milk M from the outlet 2e. In the present embodiment, the elapse of a preset set time Ts is set as a return condition. As described above, as a predetermined return condition, when the preset control time Ts elapses and the switching control is employed with the first valve 4u opened and the second valve 4d closed, the number of parts is increased. By reducing this, it is possible to facilitate control and reduce costs. On the other hand, as a predetermined return condition, by detecting the end of the discharge of the milk M from the outlet 2e, the first valve 4u can be switched to the open position and the second valve 4d can be switched to the closed position. For example, a detection electrode unit similar to the liquid level detection unit 3 including the electrodes 3p described above may be attached to the outlet 2e. As a predetermined return condition, if a method of switching the first valve 4u to the open position and the second valve 4d to the closed position by detecting the end of the discharge of the milk M from the outlet 2e, the return is quickly performed. Therefore, the weighing time is shortened and efficient weighing can be performed.

  By the way, in this embodiment, since the 2nd detection part 6 is provided, this 2nd detection part 6 can be utilized for the detection of the completion | finish of discharge | emission of the milk M from the outflow port 2e. In this case, since the second detection unit 6 is not attached to the outlet 2e, it cannot directly detect the end of discharge, but is positioned at least lower than the first detection unit 3, so the first detection unit The set time Ts can be set shorter than when the detection of 3 is used. Therefore, the margin time included in the set time Ts can be shortened, and a more accurate set time Ts can be set.

  Further, the control system 5 can be provided with a processing function for obtaining information on the milk M including at least the characteristics of the milk M based on the electrical conductivity of the milk M obtained from the second detection unit 6. As a result, accurate information relating to the characteristics of the milk M and the quality of the abnormal milk can be obtained as data. Further, the control system 5 can be provided with a detection function for detecting at least the presence or absence of the milk M based on the electrical conductivity of the milk M obtained from the second detection unit 6. Thereby, since the presence or absence of the residual milk M can be detected at the end of milking, the milk amount value can be corrected based on the detection result, and more accurate milk amount measurement can be realized. The presence or absence of residual water is detected, and when there is residual water, good sanitary conditions can always be maintained by performing wastewater treatment.

  As described above, according to the milk meter 1 according to this embodiment, at least the electrical conductivity of the milk M stored in the measuring container unit 2 can be detected at a position below the first detection unit 3. Since the second detection unit 6 using the electrodes 6p and 6q is provided, when the milk M is stored in the measuring container unit 2, the second detection unit 6 is first immersed in the milk M, and thereafter The first detector 3 is immersed after a lapse of time. Therefore, the second detection unit 6 can detect the electrical conductivity that is not affected by the bubbles Mb and the waves at a deeper position than the first detection unit 3 with a sufficient time, and can accurately detect the milk M. It is optimal from the viewpoint of obtaining accurate information relating to the conductivity, the characteristics of milk M, the quality of abnormal milk, and the like.

  Moreover, since the second detection unit 6 can detect the electrical conductivity of the milk M at a deep position with respect to the first detection unit 3 with a time margin, it can reliably detect the accurate electrical conductivity of the milk M. . As a result, the first detection unit 3 corrects the threshold value (Sr) for detecting the liquid level Mu in the first detection unit 3 in units of cows based on the accurate electrical conductivity detected by the second detection unit 6. The liquid level Mu of the milk M and the milk amount can be accurately detected, such as optimization of the detection of the liquid level Mu by the time, and the time difference between the detection of the second detection unit 6 and the detection of the first detection unit 3 The multi-functionality and developability of the milk meter 1 can be enhanced, for example, by predicting the milking end time based on the milk flow velocity obtained from the milk.

  Next, the usage method and operation | movement (function) of the milk amount meter 1 which concern on this embodiment are demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

  The milk meter main body 1m in the milk meter 1 can be attached to the back surface of the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 as shown in FIG. In this case, the teat cup automatic detachment device 51 incorporates the controller 31, the first detection processing unit 32, the second detection processing unit 33, and the electromagnetic three-way valve 34 in the control system 5 described above. The automatic teat cup detachment device 51 has a hook 53 protruding upward from the upper surface of the device main body 51m and a wire guide pipe 54 protruding from the lower surface of the device main body 51m. 55 is paid out. The tip of the detachment wire 55 is connected to a milk claw 61 having four teat cups 61c. Therefore, a winding mechanism for winding the release wire 55 is provided inside the apparatus main body 51m.

  W denotes an example of a milking system that uses the milk meter 1. The milking system W includes a transporter 63 that moves along the rail 62, and a milking machine 64 is mounted on the transporter 63. Then, the teat cup automatic detachment device 51 is suspended by hooking the hook 53 on the arm stay 65 provided in the transport device 63. FIG. 6 shows a state where milking is performed on the cow C by the milking machine 64, and four teat cups 61 c are attached to the cow C. In the milking system W, at the time of milking, the raw milk (milk M) milked by the teat cups 61c is supplied from the milk claw 61 through the milk tube 66 to the inlet 2i of the milk meter main body 1m. Further, the milk M that has passed through the milk meter main body 1m is sent to the milk pipe 68 through the milk tube 67 from the discharge port 2t. Accordingly, the milk tubes 66 and 67 serve as a milk feeding line Lm for connecting the milk meter 1. 70 is a vacuum pipe, 39 is a vacuum tube (FIG. 4) for connecting the vacuum pipe 70 side and the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 side, 72 is a vacuum for connecting the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 side and the teat cup 61c. Each tube is shown. As described above, the electrodes 3p and 3q are connected to the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 (first detection processing unit 32) via the connection cable 35 (FIG. 4), and the electrodes 6p and 6q are connected to the connection cable 36 ( 4) is connected to the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 (second detection processing unit 33), and the switching chamber Rc (connecting port 27) is connected to the automatic teat cup via the vacuum tube 38 (FIG. 4). It connects to the detachment device 51 (the branch port 34o of the electromagnetic three-way valve 34).

  Hereinafter, the operation of the milk meter 1 during milking will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 with reference to FIG.

  At the time of milking (measurement), the milk M milked to the milk tube 66 in the milk feeding line Lm is intermittently sent, so that the milk M flows into the measuring container part 2 from the inlet 2i (step S1). ). In the initial stage of inflow, the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are in the lowered position, that is, the intermediate port 2m is open and the outflow port 2e is closed. And the milk M which flowed in flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the peripheral surface part in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, as shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. As a result, good gas-liquid separation (centrifugation) is performed, and when the milk M flows down the inner wall surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, the flow velocity becomes small, and the generation of bubbles Mb that causes an error in measuring milk yield. And the undulation of the liquid surface Mu is greatly reduced. At this time, the separated air A flows into the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd through the pipe shaft 15 as indicated by the dotted arrows.

  Further, the milk M from which the air A has been separated is regulated by the milk flow regulating unit 13..., And the milk M quickly falls from the intermediate port 2m to the measuring chamber Rm (step S2). Therefore, when the milk M flowing in from the inflow port 2i flows down spirally on the inner wall surface, the milk M can be supplied to the measuring chamber Rm at an appropriate timing without being unnecessarily long, and thus smooth and stable. Milk yield can be measured. Then, the milk M that has passed through the intermediate port 2m is stored in the measuring chamber Rm (step S3). FIG. 8A shows this state.

  As the inflow of the milk M proceeds, the liquid level Mu of the stored milk M rises. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, if the liquid level Mu rises beyond the electrodes 6p and 6q, the electrical resistance between the electrodes 6p and 6q decreases, so that the second detection processing unit 33 causes the liquid level Mu. Can be detected (step S4). Thereby, the 2nd detection process part 33 measures the electrical conductivity of the milk M, ie, the electrical resistance of the milk M (step S5). In this case, since it takes a certain amount of time until the liquid level Mu is detected by the first detection unit 3, the electric resistance can be measured by the second detection unit 6 using this time. Accordingly, measurement is performed after a predetermined time Tm has elapsed from the time when the second detection processing unit 33 detects that the liquid level Mu has been exceeded, or measurement is performed a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals to obtain an average value. May be.

  Thereafter, the storage in the measuring chamber Rm further proceeds, and the liquid level Mu rises accordingly (step S6). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), if the liquid level Mu rises beyond the electrode 3p (3q), the electrical resistance between the electrodes 3p and 3q decreases. It can be detected that Mu has been reached (step S7). That is, the first detection processing unit 32 measures the electrical conductivity of the milk M, that is, the electrical resistance of the milk M, and monitors whether or not the magnitude of the electrical resistance has decreased to a preset threshold value Sr. If the magnitude of the electrical resistance decreases to the threshold value Sr, it is determined that the liquid level Mu has been detected, and the valve mechanism 4 is controlled to displace the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d to the raised position. As a result, the intermediate port 2m is closed and the outflow port 2e is opened (step S8). Specifically, the system controller 31 determines that the liquid level Mu has officially increased to the height of the electrode 3p, and applies a valve switching signal Sc to the electromagnetic three-way valve 34. Thereby, the electromagnetic three-way valve 34 is switched, and a vacuum pressure (negative pressure) is applied to the switching chamber Rc. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8C, the diaphragm portion 26 is displaced upward, and the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are also displaced to the raised position (step S9).

  As a result, the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm flows out from the outlet 2e and flows into the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd (step S10). At this time, since the inner diameter De of the outflow port 2e is selected to be larger than the inner diameter Dm of the intermediate port 2m, the milk M stored in the measuring chamber Rm quickly flows out from the outflow port 2e. The milk M flowing out from the outlet 2e flows down to the circumferential surface side of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd by the function of the umbrella-shaped cover 15c, so that the milk M is in the milk outlet part 7, that is, the first outlet 7f and The problem of directly entering the second delivery port 7s is avoided, and in normal milking, the liquid level Mu of the milk M stored in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is the upper end port of the buffer cylinder 8 (second delivery port 7s). Therefore, all the milk M that has flowed out of the outlet 2e is temporarily stored in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd and is sent out from the first outlet 7f. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the milk M in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd flows out into the buffer cylinder 8 through the slit 8s, and is mixed with the air A from the upper end port. 8 is sent to the milk tube 67 on the downstream side through the lower end port 8 (discharge port 2t). In this case, since the opening area of the slit 8s is set so that the milk M flows out at a flow rate equal to or less than the first flow rate Qf, the slit 8s is sent little by little at a relaxed small flow rate.

  Therefore, a temporary blockage of the feeding channel (milk tube 67 and the like) due to the milk M generated when the outlet 2e is opened is avoided. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the problem that pressure fluctuation (pressure shock) in the feeding line Lm is added to the teat, so that unnecessary stress factors for the cow C can be eliminated, and further, mastitis caused by various bacteria entering the teat. Since generation | occurrence | production can be eliminated and milk M can be sent little by little with respect to the air A which flowed out from the measurement container part 2, the suppression of useless generation | occurrence | production of a bubble and the ensuring of stable and well-balanced milk feeding are realizable. On the other hand, when the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm flows into the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, the milk M that has flowed into the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd due to the milk M remaining in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. When the liquid level Mu temporarily exceeds the height of the upper end opening of the buffer cylinder 8, the milk M flows into the buffer cylinder 8 from the second delivery port 7s with a flow rate of Qr or more. In this case, since the second delivery port 7s serves as the upper end port of the buffer cylinder 8, the second delivery port 7s is quickly discharged by a large flow rate, and the temporary overflow is eliminated. Then, when the liquid level Mu of the milk M becomes equal to or less than the height of the upper end opening of the buffer cylinder 8, the outflow from the second delivery port 7s stops and returns to a normal state in which only the first delivery port 7f flows out. To do.

  Further, when a preset set time Ts elapses after the valve switching signal Sc is output, the system controller 31 gives the valve return signal Sr to the electromagnetic three-way valve 34. As a result, the electromagnetic three-way valve 34 is switched and the vacuum pressure applied to the switching chamber Rc is released, so that the switching chamber Rc returns to atmospheric pressure (steps S11 and S12). As a result, the diaphragm portion 26 is displaced downward, and the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are also returned to the lowered position as shown in FIG. 8D (step S13). Since the intermediate port 2m is open and the outlet 2e is closed, the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs flows into the measuring chamber Rm through the intermediate port 2m and is stored in the measuring chamber Rm. (Steps S14 and S15). Thereafter, the above operation (processing) is repeated until milking is completed (steps S16, S1,...). If milking is complete | finished, an end process will be performed (step S16, S17). Note that the system controller 31 obtains the total milk amount, further the flow rate (speed), and the like by calculation processing by counting the number of times of measurement in the measuring chamber Rm.

  The milk meter 1 according to this embodiment can be washed and sterilized as follows. When washing and sterilizing the milk meter 1, the milking machine 64 is moved to a predetermined washing area, the discharge port 2 t (milk tube 67) side of the milk meter 1 is connected to the milk pipe 68, and the teat cup 61c ... is immersed in a cleaning liquid tank containing a cleaning liquid (sterilizing liquid). And if milking machine 64 is operated, automatic washing mode will be performed, and automatic washing will be performed according to a preset washing program. During the automatic cleaning, the cleaning liquid (sterilizing liquid) in the cleaning liquid tank is sucked from the teat cup 61c, and flows into the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs from the inlet 2i of the milk meter 1 via the milk claw 61 and the milk tube 66. To do. At this time, if the valve mechanism unit 4 is set to the operation mode in which the intermediate port 2m is closed, the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is cleaned by the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid is stored in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and then the feed cylinder unit 28 Is discharged from the upper end port 28u. Further, the measuring chamber Rm, the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, and the like are cleaned by the cleaning liquid discharged from the upper end port 28u. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port 2t, and the discharged cleaning liquid is added to the milk tube 67. And returned to the cleaning liquid tank via the milk pipe 68 and the like. On the other hand, if the valve mechanism unit 4 is set to the operation mode in which the intermediate port 2m is opened, the cleaning liquid can be maintained in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs and the measuring chamber Rm. In the operation mode in which the intermediate port 2m is closed by the valve mechanism unit 4, the liquid quality (cleaning state) can be measured. Therefore, in addition to the electrodes 3p ..., a temperature sensor, a pH sensor and the like are attached to the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs in advance. Cleaning (sterilization) includes a rinsing process, an alkali cleaning process, and an acid rinsing process, and a cleaning pattern combining the processing time and operation mode of each process is executed.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 9 and 10 show modified examples of the milk meter 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 9 shows modified examples of the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6, and FIG. 10 shows the valve mechanism unit 4. Each change example is shown below.

  FIG. 9A shows a configuration in which one or both electrodes 6q... Of the second detection unit 6 are also used as the lower electrode 3q of the first detection unit 3. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide the electrodes 3q separately, the number of the electrodes 3p can be reduced by one. 9B, the electrodes 6p and 6q of the second detection unit 6 are arranged in the vertical direction, and the lower electrode 3q of the first detection unit 3 and the upper electrode 6p of the second detection unit 6 are combined into one. The electrode is also used and the shape is changed. Thus, the 1st detection part 3 and the 2nd detection part 6 distribute | arrange the 2nd detection part 6 in the position below the 1st detection part 3, and milk M stored inside the measurement container part 2 is carried out. As long as the configuration satisfies the requirement of using the electrodes 6p and 6q capable of detecting at least the electrical conductivity, it can be implemented in various configurations.

  FIG. 10 shows a shape change of the fixing member 17 in the valve mechanism section 4, in particular, inclined surfaces 4us and 4ds provided on the lower surface of the first valve 4u and the upper surface of the second valve 4d are formed by curved surfaces. As described above, the inclined surfaces 4us, 4ds provided on the lower surface of the first valve 4u and the upper surface of the second valve 4d are also capable of preventing the retention of the bubbles Mb between the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d. Various forms can be implemented on condition that at least the inclined surfaces 4us and 4ds are provided. 9 and 10, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the configuration is clarified.

  Furthermore, FIGS. 11 to 13 show a milk meter 1 according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. The milk meter 1 according to the modified embodiment differs from the milk meter 1 shown in FIG.

  First, the milk meter 1 shown in FIG. 1 projects the liquid level Mu of the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs by causing the first detection unit 3 to protrude inward from the peripheral surface 2w of the measuring container unit 2. Are detected by the electrodes 3p and 3q, and the electric conductivity of the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is detected by projecting the second detecting portion 6 inward from the peripheral surface portion 2w of the measuring container portion 2. Although configured with the possible electrodes 6p and 6q, the milk meter 1 according to the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 11 protrudes from the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm to the upper inside when the first detection unit 3 is configured. Thus, the liquid level Mu of the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is constituted by the electrodes 3p and 3q capable of detecting, and when the second detection unit 6 is constructed, it projects upward from the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm. Milk in the measuring room Rm Detectable electrode 6p electrical conductivity, which is constituted by 6q.

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 constitute a part of the measurement container unit 2 and can be attached to the measurement container unit 2. The detection unit 12 is configured by being provided integrally with the pedestal 11. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, one electrode 6p of the second detection unit 6, one electrode 3q of the first detection unit 3, and the first detection with respect to the pedestal unit 11 that is a part of the weighing container unit 2. The other electrode 3p of the part 3, the other electrode 6q of the second detection part 6, the milk temperature sensor (third detection part 9) for detecting the temperature of the milk M are arranged in order, and are integrally provided by insert molding or the like. . At this time, the heights of the upper ends of the electrodes 6p, 3q, 3p, and 6q are substantially equal to the heights of the electrodes 6p, 3q, 3p, and 6q in FIG. 3p and 3q cover other parts with covering parts 3pc and 3qc with an insulating material such as plastic with only the upper end exposed. Therefore, the covering portions 3pc and 3qc can be formed integrally with the base portion 11.

  And when attaching the detection unit 12 with respect to the measurement container part 2, as shown in FIG. 13, the fitting hole part Rdmh which the base part 11 fits in the lower surface part Rmd of the measurement chamber Rm in the measurement container part 2. As shown in FIG. The base 11 of the detection unit 12 is fitted into the fitting hole Rdmh from above and fixed (locked) by the fixing mechanism 81. The illustrated fixing mechanism 81 can be locked by rotating the operating portion 82 to the locked position and pressurizing the fixed piece portion 83, and can also be rotated and displaced to the unlocking position to fix the fixed piece portion. The lock can be released by releasing the pressure applied to 83. In the figure, 84 denotes a fixing screw that is screwed to the lower end of the electrode 3p and connects (fixes) the connection terminal 3ps of the wiring to the electrode 3p, and 85 is screwed to the lower end of the electrode 6q to connect the wiring. A fixing screw for connecting (fixing) the connecting terminal 6qs to the electrode 6q is shown.

  As described above, the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 constitute a part of the measuring container unit 2 and are integrally provided on the pedestal unit 11 that can be attached to the measuring container unit 2. If configured as the unit 12, even the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 that use a combination of small parts can be configured as separate units in advance, thereby facilitating attachment. In addition, since the pedestal portion 11 can be configured to be detachable (replaceable) with respect to the weighing container portion 2, there is an advantage that it is possible to facilitate cleaning and maintenance (such as replacement with a new one). In addition, if the third detection unit 9 including a milk temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the milk M is integrally provided on the pedestal unit 11, the added value and multifunctionality of the milk meter 1 can be further enhanced. There is an advantage that other necessary sensors can be added easily and at low cost by changing the pedestal 11 or the like.

  Further, the first detection unit 3 protrudes inwardly from the peripheral surface portion 2w of the weighing container portion 2 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, or the weighing is performed as in the modified embodiment shown in FIG. By projecting upward from the lower surface portion Rmd of the chamber Rm, it can be constituted by the electrodes 3p, 3q capable of detecting the liquid level Mu of the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and the second detector 6 is also shown in FIG. As shown in the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, it protrudes inward from the peripheral surface portion 2w of the weighing container portion 2, or protrudes upward from the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm as in the modified embodiment shown in Fig. 11. The first detection unit 3 and the second detection can be made according to the shape and form of the measurement container unit 2 such that the electric conductivity of the milk M in the measurement chamber Rm can be detected by the electrodes 6p and 6q. Design position can be selected because the position of the part 6 can be selected It is possible to increase. In particular, as in the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 11, if the first detection unit 3 and the second detection unit 6 are protruded upward from the lower surface Rmd of the measurement chamber Rm, the axial direction of the measurement container unit 2 There is an advantage that the cleaning property and the ease of cleaning can be improved when the electrodes 3p and 3q are cleaned by a brush or the like to be inserted.

  On the other hand, the milk meter 1 according to the modified embodiment divides the weighing container portion 2 into an upper surface portion 2u, a first divided portion 2x, a second divided portion 2y, and a third divided portion 2z, and the upper surface portion 2u, the first divided portion. The dividing part 2x, the second dividing part 2y, and the third dividing part 2z are configured to be detachable by detachable parts Jm. The milk meter 1 shown in FIG. 1 also has the same dividing part, but since it is not a bayonet system, the structure of the attaching / detaching part is simplified, but a separate fixture for fixing from the outside is required. On the other hand, the milk meter 1 according to the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 11 employs the bayonet-type attaching / detaching portion Jm..., And thus has an advantage that a separate fixture for fixing from the outside becomes unnecessary.

  In the milk meter 1 according to the modified embodiment, the form of the lower surface portion 2d in the weighing container portion 2 is changed. That is, the sampling means 91 is provided on one side of the lower surface portion 2d. For this reason, the discharge port 2t is arranged not on the center of the lower surface portion 2d but on the other side, and the shape of the lower surface portion 2d is inclined so that the milk M flows to the discharge port 2t. On the other hand, the sampling means 91 has a sorting cylinder 92 that penetrates the lower surface portion 2d and protrudes inside and outside the lower surface portion 2d. A sorting port portion 93 is attached to the upper end of the sorting tube 92. As a result, a part of the milk M that has flowed down the lower surface Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm can be sampled from the sorting opening 93, and the sampled milk M is led out through the sorting cylinder 92. In the drawing, reference numeral 94 denotes a vent for allowing the milk M to smoothly enter the sorting port portion 93, and 95 denotes a sampling milk tube connected to the lower end of the sorting tube 92.

  Furthermore, in the milk meter 1 shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 10), the example in which the separate fixing member 17 is attached to the pipe shaft 15 is shown, but the fixing member 17 according to the modified embodiment is integrated with the pipe shaft 15. An example of molding is shown. As described above, the modified embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 has mainly been described with respect to the milk meter 1 shown in FIG. 1. 1 is basically the same as the milk meter 1 shown in FIG. Therefore, in FIGS. 11 to 13, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals to clarify the configuration, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the preferred embodiment and the modified embodiment have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the detailed configuration, shape, material, quantity, method, etc. Changes, additions and deletions can be made arbitrarily without departing from the scope.

  For example, the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side of the upper surface portion Rmu of the weighing chamber Rm facing down and the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side of the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm facing upward are shown as being tapered. The form of the inclined surface is not limited to the example. Further, the valve mechanism unit 4 shows the case where the pipe shaft 15 is used as both the valve driving shaft and the air venting pipe. However, the valve driving shaft is formed of a bar material, and the air venting pipe is separately connected to another air venting pipe. You may provide in a position. Further, the valve drive unit 16 is exemplified by the diaphragm unit 26 and the switching chamber Rc that can be switched to the vacuum pressure or the atmospheric pressure. However, the diaphragm unit 26 is directly displaced by an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid or an air cylinder. Also good. On the other hand, although the milk temperature sensor was illustrated as the 3rd detection part 9, other sensors (internal pressure sensor etc.) may be provided instead of a milk temperature sensor, and other one or two or more other than a milk temperature sensor may be provided. Other sensors may be additionally provided. On the other hand, the control system 5 may be attached to the milk meter main body 1m or the like by separately configuring with a control box or the like. In addition, other functions (configurations) may be added to the milk meter 1 as necessary.

  The milk meter 1 according to the present invention is installed and used not only in the exemplified milking system W but also in various types of milking systems, various uses other than milking, and various types of animals for measuring milk yield. be able to.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Milk meter, 2: Measuring container part, 2i: Inflow port, 2m: Intermediate port, 2e: Outlet port, 2w: Circumferential surface part, 3: Liquid level detection part (1st detection part), 4: Valve mechanism part , 4u: first valve, 4d: second valve, 4us: inclined surface, 4ds: inclined surface, 5: control system, 6: second detector, 6p: electrode, 6q: electrode, 9: third detector, 11: Pedestal part, 12: Detection unit, 13 ...: Milk flow restriction part, Lm: Feeding line, Rs: Gas-liquid separation room, Rm: Measuring room, M: Milk, Mb: Foam, Mu: Milk liquid level , De: inner diameter of outlet, Dm: inner diameter of intermediate outlet

Claims (11)

  A measuring container part connected to the middle of the feeding line and capable of storing milk flowing in from the inlet, a liquid level detecting part for detecting a liquid level of milk stored in the measuring container part, and the measuring container In a milk meter comprising a valve mechanism part capable of opening and closing the outlet of the part and a control system for controlling opening and closing of the valve mechanism part if at least the liquid level detection part detects the liquid level, the liquid level detection part ( A second detector using an electrode capable of detecting at least the electrical conductivity of the milk stored in the measuring container at a position below the first detector). Milk meter to do.   The measuring container portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is provided with an inlet at the top, an intermediate port at the middle in the longitudinal direction, and an outlet at the bottom, so that the upper side of the intermediate port is a gas-liquid separation chamber. And a valve chamber having a first valve that can open and close the intermediate port and a second valve that can open and close the flow port, The said 1st detection part which can detect the liquid level of the milk in a gas-liquid separation chamber, and the 2nd detection part which can detect the electrical conductivity of the milk in the said measurement chamber are provided. Milk meter.   The first detection unit and the second detection unit constitute a part of the weighing container part, and are configured as a detection unit provided integrally with a pedestal part that can be attached to the measurement container part. The milk meter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that   4. The milk meter according to claim 3, wherein a third detection unit including a milk temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of milk is integrally provided on the pedestal unit.   The first detection unit protrudes inward and outward from the peripheral surface of the weighing container, or protrudes upward from the lower surface of the measurement chamber to the liquid level of milk in the gas-liquid separation chamber. The milk meter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the milk meter is configured by an electrode capable of detecting the water.   The second detection unit projects the electrical conductivity of milk in the weighing chamber by projecting inward from the peripheral surface of the weighing container or by projecting upward from the lower surface of the weighing chamber. The milk meter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a detectable electrode.   7. The gas-liquid separation chamber includes at least one milk flow restricting portion that protrudes inward from a lower portion of an inner wall surface and restricts a flow of milk flowing in from the inflow port. The milk meter according to any one of the above.   The lower surface of the first valve and / or the upper surface of the second valve is formed with at least an inclined surface capable of preventing stagnation of bubbles between the first valve and the second valve. The milk meter in any one of claim | item 2 -7.   The milk meter according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein an inner diameter of the outlet is selected to be larger than an inner diameter of the intermediate port.   The said control system is provided with the processing function which acquires the information of the milk containing at least the characteristic of milk by the electrical conductivity of the milk detected from said 2nd detection part. Milk meter.   The said measuring system is provided with the detection function which detects the presence or absence of milk at least by the electrical conductivity of the milk detected from said 2nd detection part, The milk meter in any one of Claims 1-10 characterized by the above-mentioned. .

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