JP2014100069A - Milk sampling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve efficient and quick collecting (sampling) work, and to achieve an appropriate aftertreatment by solving a defect such as causing waste of milk.SOLUTION: A milk sampling device includes: a milk container part 2 formed in a sealed structure, excluding a milk intake port part 3 and a milk take-out port part 4 provided on the bottom; a non-return valve part 5 provided on the milk intake port part 3; an opening/closing mechanism part 6 having a ventilation port part 6h provided on the upper part of the milk container part 2, for communicating the outside with the inside, and an opening/closing valve part 6v capable of selectively opening/closing the ventilation port part 6h; and a switching valve part 7 provided in the milk take-out port part 4, and capable of selectively switching to a first switching position P1 for blocking the milk take-out port part 4, a second switching position P2 for making it possible to suck air (outside air) A of a prescribed flow rate into the inside of the milk container part 2 or to take out milk M in the inside of the milk container part 2 to the outside, and a third switching position P3 for making the inside of the milk container part 2 connectable with a return port part 32 provided in a milk sending line Lm.

Description

  The present invention relates to a milk sampling device for collecting a part of milk milked by being attached to a milking line connected to a milking machine.

  Conventionally, as a milk sampling device for collecting a part of milk milked by a milking machine, a milk sampling device including a sampling means attached to a milk meter disclosed in Patent Document 1 for sampling is known. ing.

  The sampling means (milk sampling device) disclosed in the document 1 aims to avoid the enlargement of the milk meter and to be implemented at low cost even when the sampling means is provided in the milk meter. Specifically, the measuring container part connected to the middle of the feeding line and capable of storing the milk flowing in from the inlet, and the liquid level of the milk stored inside the measuring container part For a milk meter equipped with a liquid level detection unit for detection and a valve mechanism unit capable of opening and closing the outlet of the measuring container unit, a constricted part is provided at at least one of the intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction of the circumferential surface formed in a cylindrical shape. And a measuring container part having the inner peripheral surface of the constricted part as an outlet, and a fractionation port for collecting a part of the milk flowing out from the outlet is arranged below the inner peripheral surface of the constricted part. The sump that guides the milk collected from this sampling port to the outside of the weighing container Having thereon a ring means, milk led to the outside from the weighing container unit is accommodated in the sample container through a sampling tube.

JP 2011-125322 A

  However, the conventional sampling means (milk sampling device) described above has the following problems to be solved.

  First, since the milk collected by the sampling means is stored in the sample container, when examining the milk, after removing the sample container from the sampling means, the container is shaken or moved from one container to another. After changing and stirring, collect in a small sample container. In this case, since the milk stored in the sample container is a small amount of milk collected for a certain period of time during milking, the whole milk is homogenized by sufficiently stirring the milk. As described above, the conventional milk sampling device tends to complicate the work after the milk sampling, and there is a limit to the efficient and quick collection work.

  Secondly, since milk inspection usually uses only a portion of the sampled milk in the sample container, the milk remains after collection. Eventually, in this case, the remaining milk must be discarded or transferred to another container and given to the calf. However, discarding milk causes waste of milk, and even if it is given to calves, there is a risk of giving milk of reduced quality. After all, it is not a desirable post-processing in any case, and there is room for further improvement from the viewpoint of realizing appropriate post-processing.

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

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the milk sampling device 1 according to the present invention is arranged on the milk container part 2 that contains the collected milk M and on the upper part of the milk container part 2, and circulates through the milk feeding line Lm. A milk sampling device comprising at least a milk intake port portion 3 connectable to a collection port portion 31 capable of collecting a part of milk M, and has a milk intake port portion 3 and a bottom portion 2d. The milk container part 2 formed in a sealed structure excluding the milking outlet part 4, the check valve part 5 provided in the milk intake part 3, and the outside provided in the upper part of the milk container part 2 communicate with the inside. An opening / closing mechanism 6 having an opening 6h and an opening / closing valve 6v that can selectively open and close the ventilation opening 6h, and a first switching position that is provided in the milking outlet 4 and closes the milking outlet 4. P1, a predetermined flow rate of air (outside air) A can be sucked into the milk container part 2 or inside the milk container part 2 The second switching position P2 that enables the milk M to be taken out to the outside, and the third switching position P3 that enables the inside of the milk container portion 2 to be connected to the return port portion 32 provided in the feeding line Lm. And a switching valve portion 7 that can be switched between.

  In this case, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, the collection port portion 31 may be applied with the collection port portion 31 provided in the milk pipe (or milk tube) Lmp constituting the feeding line Lm. You may apply the collection port part 31 provided in the milk meter 51 connected in the middle of Lm. At this time, the milk meter 51 includes a measuring container unit 53 that can store the milk M flowing in from the inlet 52 and a liquid level detecting unit that detects the liquid level of the milk M stored in the measuring container unit 53. 54, a valve mechanism portion 57 driven by a valve drive portion 56 capable of opening and closing the outlet 55 of the measuring container portion 53, and a valve mechanism portion 57 if at least the liquid level detection unit 54 detects a liquid level of a predetermined height. A control system 58 that controls the opening and closing of the mouth is desirable, and the collection port portion 31 can be provided so that a part of the milk M flowing out from the outflow port 55 can be collected.

  On the other hand, the check valve portion 5 is provided in the milk passage portion 11 disposed at least freely in the milk passage portion 11 and in the milk passage portion 11 on the upstream side of the valve portion 12, thereby providing a valve body portion. By disposing the valve seat portion 13 with which the abutment 12 can contact and the milk flow passage portion 11 on the downstream side of the valve body portion 12, the valve body capable of allowing the milk M to flow while locking the valve body portion 12. It can comprise and comprise the latching | locking part 14. FIG. At this time, between the valve seat portion 13 and the valve body portion 12, a vent hole portion 15 that is formed by contact between the valve seat portion 13 and the valve body portion 12 and that allows ventilation at a predetermined flow rate can be provided. In addition, the valve body locking portion 14 is formed by bending and / or bending the elastic wire W, and has a pair of pin portions Wp and Wq that can be locked to the milk flow channel portion 11 side at both ends. A locking member 14s can be provided in which the relative position of the pair of pin portions Wp, Wq can be elastically displaced. The opening / closing mechanism 6 is made of an elastic material, and has an end 16s side that comes into contact with the vent 6h from the outside, the other end 16t is fixed, and the end 16s can be manually operated. 6v can be provided. In addition, it is desirable that the opening / closing valve portion 6v is integrally provided with a sucker-like closing body portion 6vs that can close the vent portion 6h. On the other hand, the switching valve portion 7 is formed when switching to the second switching position P2 and allows the flow of air A at a predetermined flow rate into the milk container portion 2 and the direction Fi into which the air A flows. It is possible to provide an air passage 17 in which is set. Furthermore, the feeding line Lm connected when the switching valve part 7 is switched to the third switching position P3 and the feeding line Lm facing the return port part 32 connected to the milking outlet part 4 faces. The cover portion 18 that covers the upstream side of the return port portion 32 can be provided.

  According to the milk sampling apparatus 1 according to the present invention having such a configuration, the following remarkable effects can be obtained.

  (1) By switching the switching valve unit 7 to the second switching position P2, a predetermined flow rate of air (outside air) A is sucked into the milk container unit 2 and bubbles are generated, thereby being accommodated in the milk container unit 2. The milk M can be stirred, and thereafter, by operating the opening / closing mechanism 6, the milk M inside the milk container 2 can be taken out into the external sample container by an amount necessary for the inspection. In this way, after sampling the milk M, the operation until it is collected in a small sample container is simplified, and an efficient and quick operation can be performed.

  (2) By switching the switching valve portion 7 to the third switching position P3, the inside of the milk container portion 2 can be connected to the return port portion 32 provided in the feeding line Lm. The remaining milk M can be returned to the feeding line Lm as it is. Therefore, the post-treatment such as discarding the remaining milk M or giving it to the calf becomes unnecessary, and the milk M is wasted, or the milk M having a reduced quality is given to the calf. Can be solved, and appropriate post-processing can be realized.

  (3) If the collection port part 31 provided in the milk pipe (or milk tube) Lmp which comprises the milk feeding line Lm is applied as a collection port part 31 by a suitable aspect, the milk sampling apparatus 1 will be a milk pipe ( (Or milk tube) Since any position of Lmp can be selected and connected, it can be provided as a milk sampling apparatus 1 excellent in installation (flexibility) and versatility.

  (4) If the collection port 31 provided in the milk meter 51 connected in the middle of the milk feeding line Lm is applied as the collection port 31 according to a preferred embodiment, the milk meter 51 and the milk sampling device 1 are integrated. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the simplification of the entire equipment and the space saving, as well as the ease of management and the improvement of the maintainability.

  (5) According to a preferred embodiment, as the milk meter 51, the measuring container part 53 capable of storing the milk M flowing from the inlet 52 and the liquid level of the milk M stored inside the measuring container part 53 are detected. Liquid level detection unit 54, valve mechanism unit 57 driven by a valve drive unit 56 capable of opening and closing the outlet 55 of the measuring container unit 53, and at least the liquid level detection unit 54 has detected a liquid level of a predetermined height. If it comprises the control system 58 which controls opening and closing of the valve mechanism part 57, and if the collection port part 31 is provided so that a part of the milk M flowing out from the outflow port 55 of the milk meter 51 can be collected, Thus, a certain amount of milk M can be collected stably, and problems such as insufficient collection can be avoided, and an accurate and stable sampling amount with little variation can be secured.

  (6) According to a preferred embodiment, the check valve portion 5 is provided in the milk passage portion 11 disposed at least in the milk passage portion 11 so as to advance and retreat, and in the milk passage portion 11 on the upstream side of the valve body portion 12. Accordingly, by disposing the valve seat portion 13 with which the valve body portion 12 can come into contact with the milk flow passage portion 11 on the downstream side of the valve body portion 12, the milk M can be circulated while the valve body portion 12 is locked. Can be configured, and the check valve portion 5 that operates stably without being influenced by the fluidity of the milk M can be configured.

  (7) According to a preferred embodiment, a vent hole portion 15 formed between the valve seat portion 13 and the valve body portion 12 by contact of the valve seat portion 13 and the valve body portion 12 and allowing ventilation at a predetermined flow rate is provided. If provided, after the valve body portion 12 and the valve seat portion 13 abut and close, the problem that the valve body portion 12 adheres and does not return (becomes difficult to return) can be avoided, and when the check valve portion 5 is opened, the valve The body 12 can be reliably and quickly dropped.

  (8) According to a preferred embodiment, the valve body locking portion 14 is formed by bending and / or bending the elastic wire W, and a pair of pin portions Wp that can be locked at both ends on the milk flow channel portion 11 side, If the locking member 14s having Wq and having the relative position of the pair of pin portions Wp and Wq elastically displaceable is provided, the locking member 14s can be easily attached to and detached from the milk flow path portion 11. Maintenance and cleaning of the stop member 14s can be easily performed. In addition, the interval between the valve body 12 and the valve seat 13 when the check valve 5 is opened can be easily and arbitrarily set by exchanging the locking member 14s. Furthermore, when the valve body 12 comes into contact with the locking member 14s, the locking member 14s is shaken, so that dirt accumulates on the milk flow path portion 11 side and the locking portions of the pair of pin portions Wp and Wq. You can prevent problems.

  (9) According to a preferred embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 6 is formed of an elastic material, the one end 16s side comes into contact with the vent 6h from the outside, the other end 16t side is fixed, and the one end 16s side can be manually operated. If the constructed opening / closing valve portion 6v is provided, it can be easily implemented at low cost with a relatively simple structure.

  (10) According to a preferred embodiment, if a suction cup-like closing body portion 6vs capable of closing the ventilation port portion 6h is provided integrally with the on-off valve portion 6v, the ventilation hole portion is formed by the closing body portion 6vs having the shape of a suction cup. Since the adhesion to 6h can be increased, air leakage during blockage can be reduced, and stable separation (collection) of milk M can be performed.

  (11) According to a preferred embodiment, the switching valve portion 7 is formed when switching to the second switching position P2, and allows the flow of air A at a predetermined flow rate into the milk container portion 2, and the air A If the air flow path 17 in which the inflow direction Fi is set is provided, the generation direction of the bubbles can be diversified, so that not only the bubbles are floated in the vertical direction, but also, for example, the bubbles are generated in the spiral direction. Can be increased.

  (12) According to a preferred embodiment, the feeding valve Lm connected when the switching valve unit 7 is switched to the third switching position P3 and the return port 32 connected to the milking outlet unit 4 faces. If the milk supply line Lm is provided with a cover portion 18 that covers the upstream side of the return port 32, the reverse flow phenomenon in which the milk M on the milk supply line Lm side enters the return port 32 is prevented, and the milk M is smoothly joined. And it can be performed stably.

Side surface sectional drawing which shows the whole milk sampling apparatus which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention, Extraction enlarged sectional view of the milk intake port in the milk sampling device, Extraction expanded sectional view of the opening and closing mechanism part in the milk sampling device, Extraction expanded sectional view of the switching valve part in the milk sampling device, Side connection diagram including a partial cross section showing the first connection configuration when using the milk sampling device, Side connection diagram including a partial cross section showing a second connection configuration when using the milk sampling device, Action explanatory diagram when switching the switching valve portion in the milk sampling device to the first switching position, Action explanatory diagram when switching the switching valve portion in the milk sampling device to the second switching position, Operation explanatory diagram when switching the switching valve portion in the milk sampling device to the second switching position and operating the opening and closing mechanism portion to the open side, Operation explanatory diagram when switching the switching valve portion in the milk sampling device to the third switching position and operating the opening and closing mechanism portion to the open side, External view showing a modified example of the locking member of the valve body locking portion provided in the milk intake port in the milk sampling device, Sectional drawing which shows the example of a change of the switching valve part in the milk sampling device,

  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 sampling device 1 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of the milk sampling device 1. Reference numeral 2 denotes a milk container portion for storing the collected milk M, and includes a container main body portion 2m having an open upper end and a lid portion 2c attached to the upper end of the container main body portion 2m. The container body 2m is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom from a transparent or translucent plastic or glass material, and the lid 2c is also formed in a flat plate from a transparent or translucent plastic or glass material. To do. The lid 2c and the container body 2m can be attached and detached by screw connection or the like. In addition, a milk intake port 3 is provided on the lid 2c, and a milk outlet 4 is provided on the bottom 2d of the container body 2m. Thereby, the milk container part 2 becomes a sealed structure except for the milk intake part 3 and the milk outlet part 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the milk intake port portion 3 integrally forms a tubular milk flow passage portion 11 that penetrates at right angles to the front and back surfaces of the lid portion 2 c, and this milk flow passage portion 11. The milk intake part 3 is configured by The milk flow path part 11 located on the outer side with respect to the lid part 2c is a connecting pipe part 11s to which a milk tube Ts to which milk M is supplied is connected. On the other hand, the milk flow path part 11 located on the inner side with respect to the lid part 2 c faces the inside of the milk container part 2, and is mainly configured as a check valve part 5. The check valve portion 5 includes a spherical valve body portion 12 that is disposed at least freely in the milk flow passage portion 11 and a milk flow passage portion 11 on the upstream side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of the valve body portion 12. By providing the valve body portion 12 with the valve seat portion 13 formed by a tapered surface with which the valve body portion 12 can come into contact with the milk flow passage portion 11 on the downstream side of the valve body portion 12, the valve body portion 12 is locked. And a valve body locking portion 14 capable of allowing the milk M to flow. When the check valve portion 5 is configured, if such a structure is adopted, there is an advantage that the check valve portion 5 that operates stably without being influenced by the fluidity of the milk M can be configured.

  Further, a vent hole 15 is provided between the valve seat portion 13 and the valve body portion 12, which is formed by contact between the valve seat portion 13 and the valve body portion 12 and allows ventilation at a predetermined flow rate. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of linear grooves 15 s and 15 s are formed on the tapered surface of the valve seat portion 13 along the axial direction. As a result, even if the spherical valve body 12 abuts, the linear grooves 15s, 15s are not filled and function as the vent hole 15. If such a vent hole 15 is provided, after the valve body 12 and the valve seat 13 abut and close, it is possible to avoid the problem that the valve body 12 adheres and does not return (becomes difficult to return). There is an advantage that the valve body 12 can be reliably and quickly dropped when the stop valve portion 5 is opened.

  Further, the valve body locking portion 14 includes a pair of holding holes 14p and 14q provided in a radial position opposite to each other by 180 ° in the vicinity of the lower end portion (downstream end portion) of the milk passage portion 11, and the holding holes. A locking member 14s held by 14p and 14q is provided. Further, a coil spring 14sc formed by bending and / or bending the elastic wire W is used for the locking member 14s. For this reason, this coil spring 14sc has a pair of pin portions Wp and Wq that can be inserted into the holding holes 14p and 14q on the milk flow passage portion 11 side at the axial center positions on both ends. By using such a coil spring 14sc, the relative position of the pair of pin portions Wp and Wq can be elastically displaced, and therefore can be compressed by hand as in the case of the coil spring 14sc shown by the solid line in FIG. Therefore, when the coil spring 14sc is mounted on the milk flow path portion 11 side, the pin springs Wp and Wq are inserted into the holding holes 14p after being compressed by hand and inserted into the milk flow passage portion 11 from the lower end. , 14q, and can be easily attached to the milk flow path portion 11 like a coil spring 14sc indicated by a virtual line, and can be easily detached by performing the opposite procedure.

  If such a locking member 14s (coil spring 14sc) is used, the locking member 14s can be easily maintained and cleaned. Further, by replacing the locking member 14s, the interval between the valve body 12 and the valve seat 13 when the check valve 5 is opened, that is, the vertical movement stroke Hs of the valve body 12 (see FIG. 2). Can be set easily and arbitrarily. Furthermore, when the valve body 12 comes into contact with the locking member 14s, the locking member 14s is shaken, so that dirt accumulates on the locking portions of the pair of pin portions Wp and Wq with respect to the milk flow channel portion 11 side. There is an advantage that it is possible to prevent defects.

  On the other hand, an opening / closing mechanism 6 shown in FIG. 3 is provided at another position of the lid 2c. The opening / closing mechanism 6 includes a vent 6 h that is provided in the lid 2 c that is an upper part of the milk container 2 and communicates the outside with the inside, and an open / close valve 6 v that can selectively open and close the vent 6 h. Prepare. The on-off valve portion 6v is integrally formed in a strip shape by an elastic material such as a rubber material, and the other end 16t side is fixed to the upper surface of the lid portion 2c by a fixing screw 21, and the one end 16s side is connected to the vent hole portion 6h. Abut against the outside. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a suction cup-like closing body portion 6vs that can close the ventilation port portion 6h is provided on the surface of the opening / closing valve portion 6v facing the ventilation port portion 6h on the one end 16s side. Provide one. As a result, the suction cup-shaped closing body portion 6 vs directly closes the vent hole portion 6 h. In this way, if the closing body portion 6vs is provided integrally with the opening / closing valve portion 6v, the closing body portion 6vs having the shape of a suction cup can improve the adhesion to the vent hole portion 6h. There is an advantage that it is possible to reduce the contamination and to stably extract (collect) the milk M.

  Further, a part 16sp on the one end 16s side of the on-off valve portion 6v is further protruded outward from the outer peripheral edge of the lid portion 2c. As a result, the user can hold the one end 16s side of the on-off valve portion 6v with his hand and lift it upward as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 3 to separate the closing body portion 6vs from the vent portion 6h. . On the other hand, when the hand is released, the one end 16s side of the on-off valve portion 6v is elastically restored, and as shown by the solid line, the closing body portion 6vs closes the vent portion 6h. That is, the vent portion 6h can be selectively opened and closed. As described above, the opening / closing mechanism 6 is formed of an elastic material, and the one end 16s side comes into contact with the vent portion 6h from the outside, the other end 16t side is fixed, and the one end 16s side can be manually operated. If the portion 6v is provided, there is an advantage that the user can easily perform the manual operation of the on-off valve portion 6v while being able to easily carry out at a low cost with a relatively simple structure.

  On the other hand, the inner surface of the bottom 2d of the container main body 2m is formed as a tapered surface with the center side positioned below, and the milking outlet 4 is provided at the center. The milking outlet portion 4 has a cylindrical coupling port portion 22 that protrudes downward from the center position of the bottom portion 2 d, and has a switching valve portion 7 disposed below the coupling port portion 22. The switching valve portion 7 has a valve housing 23 formed in a lateral cup shape. A milk inlet 23 i protruding upward is integrally formed at the upper end of the valve housing 23, and is located on a side surface of the valve housing 23. A second milk outlet 25 projecting sideways is integrally formed at the center of the closed end face 23s. The milk inlet 23i and the coupling port 22 are coupled (connected) by a cylindrical coupling member 24 formed of a rubber material.

  Further, the operation valve body 26 is inserted into the inside from the opening end surface of the valve housing 23. The operation valve body 26 includes a cylindrical valve main body 26m housed in the valve housing 23 and a knob portion 26h protruding outward from the opening end surface of the valve housing 23. The knob portion 26h can be operated by hand. Form flat. A first milk outlet 27 is provided at the tip of the knob portion 26h and is biased to one side. The first milk outlet 27 is formed in the first milk outlet 26h and the valve body 26m. While being one end of the passage 28, the other end 28s of the first milk passage 28 opens to the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 26m which is located on the other side with respect to the first milk outlet 27 side. As shown in FIG. 4, a spherical body 34 is freely accommodated in the first milk passage 28 to form a bubble generating unit 35. In this case, the first milk passage 28 on the other end 28s side with respect to the sphere 34 is formed with a small diameter, and a tapered surface 28st is formed at a portion where the sphere 34 abuts to provide a valve seat function. Furthermore, one or two or more ventilation grooves 17 s are formed in the tapered surface 28 st along the axial direction of the first milk passage 28. Thus, even when the sphere 34 is in contact with the tapered surface 28st, the ventilation groove 17s is not filled, and the ventilation path that allows the flow of air (outside air) A at a predetermined flow rate into the milk container portion 2 is allowed. 17 is formed. Reference numeral 33 denotes a drop prevention unit for the sphere 34. Further, one end 29s of the second milk passage 29 is opened at the center of the end face of the valve main body 26m facing the inner surface of the closed end face 23s, and the other end 29t of the second milk passage 29 is an outer peripheral surface of the valve main body 26m. Thus, an opening is formed on the outer peripheral surface opposite to the other end 28s by 180 [°].

  Thereby, the switching valve portion 7 can suck air (outside air) A at a predetermined flow rate into the first switching position P1 and the milk container portion 2 where the milking outlet portion 4 is closed by operating the knob portion 26h. Alternatively, the second switching position P2 that enables the milk M in the milk container portion 2 to be taken out to the outside, and the third switching position that enables the inside of the milk container portion 2 to be connected to the return port portion 32 provided in the feeding line Lm. Each can be selectively switched to P3. In addition, the function of the switching valve part 7 and the effect | action based on this are demonstrated in the usage method mentioned later.

  Next, a connection method (installation method) of the milk sampling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  When the milk sampling device 1 is used, it can be connected as shown in FIGS. In any connection, the basic connection form can collect a part of the milk M flowing through the milk feeding line Lm through the milk intake port 3 (connecting pipe portion 11s) provided in the upper part of the milk sampling device 1. While connecting with the collection port part 31, the milking outlet part 4 (2nd milk outlet 25) provided in the bottom part of the milk sampling apparatus 1 is connected with the return port part 32 provided in the milk feeding line Lm. .

  First, FIG. 5 shows an example of connection to the milk pipe Lmp constituting the breast feeding line Lm. That is, it is a connection example in the case where the collection port part 31 is provided in the milk pipe Lmp constituting the breast feeding line Lm. The example shows a case where the connecting pipe unit Up is used to facilitate the connection. The connecting pipe unit Up has a milk pipe Lmp of a predetermined length, and is configured by providing a sampling port portion 31 on one end side of the milk pipe Lmp and a return port portion 32 on the other end side. In this case, the collection port unit 31 is configured such that a part of the milk M flowing through the connection pipe unit Up is diverted to the collection port unit 31. Further, as in the partially extracted enlarged view shown in FIG. 5, the milk pipe Lmp facing the return port portion 32 is provided with a hood-shaped cover portion 18 that covers the upstream side of the return port portion 32. Providing such a cover portion 18 has an advantage that the milk M on the milk feeding line Lm side can prevent a backflow phenomenon in which the milk M enters the return port portion 32, and the milk M can be merged smoothly and stably.

  Thereby, when connecting the milk sampling apparatus 1 to the connection pipe unit Up, as shown in FIG. 5, the sampling port part 31 of the milk pipe Lmp and the connection pipe part 11s of the milk sampling apparatus 1 are connected to the milk on the intake side. While connecting with the tube Ts, the return port part 32 of the milk pipe Lmp and the 2nd milk outlet 25 of the milk sampling apparatus 1 are connected with the milk tube Tr of the return side.

  Therefore, when the milk sampling device 1 is connected to the milk feeding line Lm, the milk pipe Lmp of the connecting pipe unit Up may be connected and can be easily connected. That is, first, an arbitrary position of the feeding line Lm is cut and divided into an upstream feeding line Lmu and a downstream feeding line Lmd. In this case, the position of the breast feeding line Lm is preferably a position downstream of the connected milk meter (not shown). The milk pipe Lmp of the connecting pipe unit Up is interposed between the divided upstream milking line Lmu and the downstream milking line Lmd, and the downstream end of the upstream milking line Lmu and the milk pipe Lmp Are connected (coupled) by the joint member Ju, and the downstream end of the milk pipe Lmp and the upstream end of the downstream milk feeding line Lmd are connected (coupled) by the joint member Jd. . This state is shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in the case of FIG. 5, the milk M milked by a milking machine (not shown) is sent through the milking line Lm in the direction of the arrow and flows through the milk pipe Lmp. A part of the milk M flowing through the milk pipe Lmp is diverted to the sampling port 31 and can be sampled by the milk sampling device 1. Therefore, this milk pipe Lmp becomes a part of the feeding line Lm. Thus, if the collection port part 31 provided in the milk pipe Lmp which comprises the milk feeding line Lm is applied as the collection port part 31, the milk sampling apparatus 1 will select and connect the arbitrary positions of the milk pipe Lmp. Therefore, there is an advantage that it can be provided as the milk sampling device 1 excellent in installation property (flexibility) and versatility.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows an example attached to the milk meter 51 connected in the middle of the breast feeding line Lm. That is, it is a connection example in the case where the collection port portion 31 is provided in the milk meter 51 connected in the middle of the breast feeding line Lm. As shown in FIG. 6, the exemplary milk meter 51 has a basic configuration in which a measuring container portion 53 capable of storing milk M flowing from an inlet 52 and milk M stored in the measuring container portion 53. A liquid level detection unit 54 that detects the liquid level of the liquid, a valve mechanism unit 57 that is driven by a valve drive unit 56 that can open and close the outlet 55 of the measuring container unit 53, and at least the liquid level detection unit 54 has a predetermined height. A control system 58 that controls the opening and closing of the valve mechanism 57 when the liquid level is detected is provided.

  A more specific configuration is as follows. In the milk meter 51, reference numeral 53 denotes a weighing container portion, which is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole and has two upper and lower constricted portions 61u and 61d at predetermined positions in the middle portion in the vertical direction on the peripheral surface portion. Accordingly, the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is located above the constricted portion 61u, the measuring chamber Rm is formed between the constricted portion 61u and the constricted portion 61d, and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is disposed below the constricted portion 61d. An inner peripheral surface of 61u serves as an intermediate port 62 that communicates between the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs and the measuring chamber Rm, and an inner peripheral surface of the constricted portion 61d communicates with the outlet 55 that communicates between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. Become.

  The gas-liquid separation chamber Rs has an inflow port 52 that projects in a tangential direction from the outer surface of the peripheral surface portion near the upper end and connects the upstream feeding line Lmu. Thereby, the milk M flowing into the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs from the inlet 52 flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the peripheral surface portion in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. In addition, the weighing chamber Rm has an upper surface portion formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side down, and a lower surface portion formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side up. Thereby, the inside of the measurement chamber Rm has a shape in which the upper and lower sides are surrounded by the tapered surface. Therefore, this measuring room Rm can eliminate the measurement error caused by the inclination even when the milk meter 51 is inclined in the actual use environment (installation environment), and can perform the milk amount measurement with high accuracy. it can. On the other hand, a valve mechanism 57 is disposed inside the weighing container 61. The valve mechanism 57 includes a pipe shaft 65 that passes through the outlet 55 and the intermediate port 62, has an upper end facing the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and a lower end facing the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. This pipe shaft 65 allows the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd to communicate with each other. The pipe shaft 65 is moved up and down by the valve drive unit 56. A first valve portion 66 is provided above the outer peripheral surface of the pipe shaft 65, and a second valve portion 67 is provided below the outer peripheral surface. The first valve portion 66 and the second valve portion 67 are located in the measuring chamber Rm. Let Accordingly, the first valve portion 66 can open and close the intermediate port 62 between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and the second valve portion 67 opens the outlet 55 between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. It can be opened and closed.

  In this case, the valve drive unit 56 incorporates a diaphragm in which the upper end of the pipe shaft 65 is fixed, and has an intake chamber 56r on the upper side of the diaphragm. The intake chamber 56r can be selectively connected to the atmosphere side or the vacuum pump 69 side via a switching valve 68, and the switching valve 68 is switched and controlled by a control unit 71 constituting a control system 58. Furthermore, the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd has an upper surface portion formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side down, and a bottom surface portion formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion side up. Be the same. Accordingly, the inside of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd is shaped so that the upper and lower sides are surrounded by a tapered surface, and the milk M is sent out from the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd even when the measuring container 53 is inclined. M does not remain. Reference numeral 72 denotes a milk feeding outlet provided in the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, which causes the milk M to flow out at a flow rate equal to or lower than a predetermined flow rate, and mixes and sends the air to the air A in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs flowing in from the pipe shaft 65 A delivery port 73 is provided. The liquid level detection unit 54 has three electrodes 54p, and can detect the height of the liquid level by connecting to the control unit 71.

  A sorting cylinder 75 for collecting a part of the milk M flowing out from the outlet 55 is provided below the inner peripheral edge 55s that forms the outlet 55. The upper end of the sorting cylinder 75 serves as a sorting port 75i, and the sorting port 75i is positioned directly below the inner peripheral edge 55s. The sorting cylinder 75 rises from the bottom surface portion Rdd of the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd, and the lower end is exposed to the outside so as to function as the connection portion 75e. Therefore, this sorting cylinder 75 becomes the collection port portion 31 that guides the milk M collected from the collection port 75i to the outside. Reference numeral 75a denotes an air intake port provided at the upper end of the sorting cylinder 75.

  As shown in FIG. 6, this milk meter 51 is used by being connected to the middle of the milk feeding line Lm. In this case, the upstream feeding line Lmu in the feeding line Lm is connected to the inflow port 52, and the downstream feeding line Lmd is connected to the outer end portion of the feeding port 72. Further, when connecting the milk sampling device 1 to the milk meter 51, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting pipe portion 11s of the milk sampling device 1 and the connecting portion 75e (collecting port portion 31) of the milk meter 51 are connected. While being connected by the milk tube Ts on the intake side, the second milk outlet 25 of the milk sampling device 1 and the return port portion 32 provided on the downstream feeding line Lmd are connected by the milk tube Tr on the return side. In this case, the return port portion 32 is provided by connecting a joint unit Uj provided integrally with the return port portion 32. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the downstream feeding line Lmd is cut at an arbitrary position and divided into an upper feeding line Lmdu and a lower feeding line Lmdd. And if the divided | segmented upper breast feeding line Lmdu and the lower breast feeding line Lmdd are again connected (connected) via the coupling unit Uj, the return port portion 32 can be provided at an arbitrary position of the breast feeding line Lm. .

  Therefore, in the case of FIG. 6, milk M milked by a milking machine (not shown) is sent through the milk feeding line Lmu and flows into the milk meter 51 from the inlet 52. At the beginning of measurement, the intake chamber 56r of the valve drive unit 56 is connected to the atmosphere via the switching valve 68, so that the valve mechanism unit 57 is displaced downward. Accordingly, since the intermediate port 62 is open and the outlet 55 is closed, the milk M that has flowed in is stored in the measuring chamber Rm. When the liquid level of the milk M reaches the height detected by the liquid level detection unit 54 (electrode 54p...) Beyond the intermediate port 62, the control unit 71 controls the switching valve 68 to switch the valve driving unit. 56 intake chambers 56 r are connected to the vacuum pump 69. Thereby, the diaphragm built in the valve drive unit 56 is displaced upward to displace the valve mechanism 57 upward. As a result, the intermediate port 62 is closed and the outlet 55 is opened, so that the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm flows into the gas-liquid mixing buffer chamber Rd. At this time, a part of the milk M flows into the sorting port 75 i and can be sampled by the milk sampling device 1. Further, if the set predetermined time has elapsed after the valve mechanism 57 is displaced upward, the controller 71 controls the switching valve 68 to connect the intake chamber 56r of the valve driving unit 56 to the atmosphere side. As a result, the valve mechanism 57 is displaced downward. The above operation is repeated.

  Thus, if the sampling port part 31 provided in the milk meter 51 connected in the middle of the milk feeding line Lm is applied as the sampling port part 31, the milk meter 51 and the milk sampling device 1 can be integrated. Therefore, there is an advantage that it can contribute to simplification of the entire equipment and space saving, as well as to facilitate management and improve maintainability. In particular, as a milk meter 51, a measuring container 53 that can store milk M flowing in from an inlet 52, and a liquid level detector 54 that detects the liquid level of milk M stored inside the measuring container 53. A valve mechanism unit 57 driven by a valve driving unit 56 capable of opening and closing the outlet 55 of the measuring container unit 53, and a valve mechanism unit 57 if at least the liquid level detection unit 54 detects a liquid level of a predetermined height. If the collection port 31 is provided so that a part of the milk M flowing out from the outlet 55 of the milk meter 51 can be collected, a certain amount of milk M is provided. Can be stably collected, and it is possible to avoid problems such as insufficient collection and to secure an accurate and stable sampling amount with little variation.

  Next, the usage method and function of the milk sampling apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment are demonstrated with reference to FIGS. The method of use can be applied to any of the connection methods shown in FIGS.

  First, FIG. 7 shows a state during sampling (during milking). In this case, the switching valve portion 7 is operated by turning the knob portion 26h to switch to the first switching position P1 where the milking outlet portion 4 is closed. In the first switching position P1, as shown in FIG. 7, the milk inlet 23i is blocked by the valve body 26m. Therefore, the milking outlet 4 is closed. On the other hand, since the milk intake port 3 is connected to the breast feeding line Lm side, the inside of the milk container 2 is in a vacuum state (suction state) with the same pressure, and the valve body 12 is dropped to check valve. Part 5 is in the open state. As a result, the milk M that has been milked is fed through the milking line Lm, and a part of the milk M is taken in from the collection port 31 and passes through the milk tube Tr to the milk intake port 3 (milk flow channel unit). 11) enters the milk container 2 and is stored.

  And if milk M is stored in the inside of the milk container part 2 as shown in FIG. 8, only the required quantity of milk M for a test | inspection can be taken out. In this case, the knob portion 26 h of the switching valve portion 7 is operated to be switched to the second switching position P <b> 2 that allows a predetermined flow rate of air (outside air) A to be sucked into the milk container portion 2. At the second switching position P2, as shown in FIG. 8, the other end 28s of the first milk passage 28 is connected to the milk inlet 23i. At this time, the inside of the milk container portion 2 communicates with the atmosphere through the first milk passage 28. However, since the inside of the milk container portion 2 is in a suction state, the spherical body 34 is sucked, thereby having a tapered surface having a valve seat function. It abuts on 28st. As a result, the bubble generating unit 35 functions, air (outside air) A is sucked into the milk container unit 2 through the air passage 17, and the generated bubbles Ao float inside the milk container unit 2. Since the size (opening area, quantity) of the air passage 17 can be arbitrarily selected, it can be optimized in advance by experiments or the like so that the stirring effect is increased. Thus, if the switching valve part 7 is switched to the 2nd switching position P2, the bubble Ao will be produced | generated from the milking outlet part 4 side, and the stirring with respect to the stored milk M can be performed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, only the amount necessary for the inspection can be taken out from the stirred milk M. That is, the switching valve unit 7 is switched to the second switching position P2 and continued for a predetermined period of time, and if sufficient agitation is performed, the switching valve unit 7 is maintained at the second switching position P2 while FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the vent hole 6h is opened by lifting the on-off valve 6v by hand. As a result, a large amount of air (outside air) A enters the inside of the milk container part 2 from the vent hole part 6h, so that the inside of the milk container part 2 is in an atmospheric state. As a result, the valve body portion 12 of the check valve portion 5 is sucked toward the breast feeding line Lm (upward), and the check valve portion 5 is closed. Therefore, the milk M inside the milk container 2 can be taken out through the first milk passage 28. At this time, the sphere 34 is separated from the tapered surface 28st and is locked to the fall prevention portion 33, so that the first milk passage 28 is opened to the atmosphere. In this way, the user can manually take out the on-off valve portion 6v to manually take out an arbitrary amount of milk. Therefore, the sample container is positioned below the first milk outlet 27 and the on-off valve portion 6v is manually operated. As a result of the opening operation, the amount of milk M necessary for the inspection can be taken out into the sample container.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the milk M remaining inside the milk container portion 2 can be returned to the milk feeding line Lm. In this case, the knob part 26h of the switching valve part 7 is turned and operated to switch to the third switching position P3 enabling the inside of the milk container part 2 to be connected to the return port part 32 provided in the breast feeding line Lm. At the third switching position P3, as shown in FIG. 10, the other end 29t of the second milk passage 29 is connected to the milk inlet 23i, and the milk inlet 23i communicates with the second milk outlet 25 through the second milk passage 29. At the same time, it communicates with the milk feeding line Lm via the milk tube Tr on the return side. Therefore, if the user operates the on-off valve portion 6v to open the vent portion 6h, a large amount of air (outside air) A enters the inside of the milk container portion 2 from the vent portion 6h, and the milk container portion 2 The inside of becomes atmospheric condition. As a result, the valve body portion 12 of the check valve portion 5 is sucked toward the milk feeding line Lm, the check valve portion 5 is closed, and the second milk outlet 25 is sucked from the milk tube Tr side. Therefore, the milk M remaining in the milk container portion 2 is returned to the milk feeding line Lm through the second milk passage 29 and the milk tube Tr.

  As described above, according to the milk sampling device 1 according to the present embodiment, by switching the switching valve unit 7 to the second switching position P2, the predetermined amount of air (outside air) A is sucked into the milk container unit 2. The milk M contained in the milk container part 2 can be stirred by generating bubbles, and the amount of milk M in the milk container part 2 required for the inspection is then operated by operating the opening / closing mechanism part 6. Can only be taken out to the external sample container. In this way, after sampling the milk M, the operation until it is collected in a small sample container is simplified, and an efficient and quick operation can be performed. Moreover, since the inside of the milk container part 2 can be connected with the return port part 32 provided in the feeding line Lm by switching the switching valve part 7 to the 3rd switching position P3, it remains in the inside of the milk container part 2. The milk M thus obtained can be returned to the feeding line Lm as it is. Therefore, the post-treatment such as discarding the remaining milk M or giving it to the calf becomes unnecessary, and the milk M is wasted, or the milk M having a reduced quality is given to the calf. Can be solved, and appropriate post-processing can be realized.

  Next, a modified example of each part in the milk sampling device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B show a modification of the locking member 14 s of the valve body locking portion 14 provided in the milk intake port portion 3. FIG. 11A differs from the locking member 14s shown in FIG. 2 in that it is formed as a coil spring 14sce with a small number of turns, and a pair of pin portions Wp and Wq provided at both ends of the coil spring 14sce. The direction is opposite, that is, the pin portions Wp and Wq in FIG. 2 are formed to be insertable from the inside into the pair of holding holes 14p and 14q, but the pin portions Wp and Wq in FIG. The difference is that the holding holes 14p and 14q are formed to be insertable from the outside. In addition, although the form of Fig.11 (a) becomes large, there exists an advantage which is easy to attach or detach.

  Further, FIG. 11B is different from the locking member 14s of FIG. 11A in that a zigzag-shaped portion 14sme capable of locking the valve body portion 12 is formed instead of the coil spring 14sce. Thus, the shape of the locking member 14s can be formed in various shapes as long as the valve body 12 can be locked.

  On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a modified example of the switching valve unit 7. The switching valve unit 7 shown in FIG. 12 differs from the switching valve unit 7 shown in FIG. 4 in that a cylindrical body 34e is used instead of the spherical body 34, and that the cylindrical body 34e is arranged directly below the milk inlet 23i. The difference is that the direction of is the vertical direction and the upper outer peripheral surface is formed on the tapered surface 34et. Therefore, the tapered surface 28st having a valve seat function with which the tapered surface 34et of the cylindrical body 34e abuts is in surface contact. The cylindrical body 34e has a large diameter in the first milk passage 28 so as to allow up-and-down displacement, and a plurality of guide strips 81 are formed so as to protrude from the inner wall surface. As a result, the cylindrical body 34e is guided by the guide strips 81 to be displaced up and down, and the milk M is allowed to pass when it is lowered. In addition, one or two or more ventilation grooves 17s are formed on the tapered surface 34et to configure the ventilation path 17 (bubble generation part 35e). At this time, the ventilation grooves 17 s... Have an angle with respect to the axial direction, and set the direction Fi of the air A flowing into the milk container part 2 side. In the case of the example, when the bubble generating part 35e functions, inflow of a predetermined flow rate of air (outside air) A into the milk container part 2 is allowed and the direction Fi in which the air A flows is inclined, so that the milk Inside the inlet 23i (milk container part 2), a spiral bubble Ao can be generated. In this way, if the air flow path 17 in which the direction Fi into which the air A flows is set is provided, the generation direction of the bubbles can be diversified, so that not only the bubbles are floated in the vertical direction but also the spiral direction as illustrated. The stirring effect can be further enhanced. 11 and 12, 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.

  Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the detailed configuration, shape, material, quantity, technique, and the like do not depart from the gist of the present invention. It can be changed, added, or deleted arbitrarily. For example, although the collection port part 31 showed the case where it provided in the milk pipe Lmp which comprises the milk feeding line Lm, this milk pipe Lmp contains a milk tube. Moreover, the form of the milk meter 51 is an example, and various types of milk meters can be applied. Furthermore, the form of the opening / closing mechanism 6 is also arbitrary, and may be a form that opens and closes by lever operation or the like, for example. On the other hand, as long as the switching valve unit 7 has a similar function, various types of switching valve units 7 can be used, such as a mode in which the switching is performed electrically by operating a push button.

  The milk sampling device according to the present invention can be used in various milking systems having a milking line connected to a milking machine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Milk sampling apparatus, 2: Milk container part, 3: Milk intake part, 4: Milking outlet part, 5: Check valve part, 6: Opening / closing mechanism part, 6h: Vent part, 6v: Opening / closing valve Part, 6vs: closed body part, 7: switching valve part, 11: milk flow path part, 12: valve body part, 13: valve seat part, 14: valve body locking part, 14s: locking member, 15: communication Porous part, 16s: one end of the on-off valve part, 16t: the other end of the on-off valve part, 17: vent, 18: cover part, 31: sampling part, 32: return part, 51: milk meter, 52: Inlet, 53: Metering container, 54: Liquid level detector, 55: Outlet, 56: Valve drive, 57: Valve mechanism, 58: Control system, Fi: Direction of air flow, M: Milk, Lm: Feeding line, Lmp: Milk pipe (or milk tube), P1: First switching position, P2: Second switching position, A: Air (outside air), P3: Third switching Location, W: elastic wire, Wp: pin, Wq: pin

Claims (11)

  A milk container part for storing the collected milk, and a milk intake part arranged on the upper part of the milk container part and connectable to a collection mouth part capable of collecting a part of milk flowing through the feeding line A milk sampling device comprising at least a milk container portion formed in a sealed structure excluding the milk intake port portion and the milk extraction outlet portion at the bottom, and provided in the milk intake port portion. An opening / closing mechanism having a check valve, a vent provided in the upper part of the milk container and communicating with the outside, and an open / close valve capable of selectively opening and closing the vent; and the milking outlet A first switching position for closing the milking outlet part, allowing a predetermined flow rate of air (outside air) to be sucked into the milk container part or allowing milk inside the milk container part to be taken out to the outside. Second switching position, the inside of the milk container can be connected to the return port provided in the feeding line Milk sampling device, wherein each selectively be formed by and a switchable switching valve unit in the third switching position to.   The milk sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sampling port is provided in a milk pipe or a milk tube constituting the feeding line.   The milk sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sampling port is provided in a milk meter connected to the middle of the feeding line.   The milk meter includes a measuring container part capable of storing milk flowing in from an inlet, a liquid level detecting part for detecting a liquid level of milk stored in the measuring container part, and a flow of the measuring container part. A sampling mechanism comprising: a valve mechanism driven by a valve driving unit capable of opening and closing an outlet; and a control system for controlling opening and closing of the valve mechanism when at least the liquid level detection unit detects a liquid level of a predetermined height. 4. The milk sampling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the mouth part faces a part of milk flowing out from the outflow port so as to be collected.   The check valve portion can be brought into contact with the valve body portion by providing at least a valve body portion disposed in the milk flow passage portion so as to be movable forward and backward, and the milk flow passage portion on the upstream side of the valve body portion. A valve seat portion, and a valve body locking portion that is allowed to flow through the milk while locking the valve body portion by being arranged in the milk flow path portion on the downstream side of the valve body portion. The milk sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein   6. A vent hole portion is formed between the valve seat portion and the valve body portion by contact between the valve seat portion and the valve body portion, and allows ventilation at a predetermined flow rate. Milk sampling device.   The valve body locking portion is formed by bending and / or bending an elastic wire, and has a pair of pin portions that can be locked to the milk flow channel portion side at both ends, and the relative relationship between the pair of pin portions. 6. The milk sampling device according to claim 5, further comprising a locking member whose position is elastically displaceable.   The opening / closing mechanism portion is formed of an elastic material, and includes an opening / closing valve portion configured such that one end side comes into contact with the vent portion from the outside, the other end side is fixed, and the one end side is configured to be manually operable. The milk sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   9. The milk sampling device according to claim 8, wherein the on-off valve portion integrally has a sucker-like closing body portion capable of closing the vent portion.   The switching valve portion is formed when switching to the second switching position, and allows inflow of a predetermined flow rate of air (outside air) into the milk container portion, and sets the direction in which the air flows. The milk sampling device according to claim 1, further comprising an air passage.   The feeding port that is connected when the switching valve unit is switched to the third switching position, the feeding port facing the feeding port connected to the milking outlet unit, the return port unit The milk sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a cover portion that covers the upstream side.

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