RU2471342C2 - Locking device for milking wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: agriculture.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to agriculture. The proposed locking device comprises a milking platform 2 driven by the drive and having a few milking platforms 3, at least one fixed and non-rotating transition 5, a clearance 7 between the rotating milking platform 2 and the transition for animals 5. Preferably at each milking platform 3 a milking machine 4 is mounted. The locking device has a movable paddle switch 9 and additionally located or formed on the paddle switch 9 signaling means 10, 13 to activate an alarm or protection function. The paddle switch 9 is made and mounted so that the gap between it and the outer peripheral edge U increases towards the free end. Also the milking wheels are proposed, in which the described locking device is used.

EFFECT: invention provides reduction of the number of failures in the process of milking, prevents fault time for troubleshooting, the design is simplified.

21 cl, 9 dwg

Description

This invention relates to a locking device for a rotary milking carousel with a drive in the restrictive part of claim 1.

A milking carousel of this type is known, for example, from FIG. 5 of patent document WO 2004/23866 and from parallel patent applications referring to the same priority.

In accordance with these documents, the milking carousel has a rotatable milking platform that can be rotated by a drive and has several milking platforms on which animals can enter and descend again in the area of at least one passage, which is also called the “animal bridge”. Moreover, from the point of view of safety, in particular, the transition area between the stationary passage for animals and the milking carousel, which can rotate the drive. This is even more true for carousel designs in which the milking machine after milking can be lowered to a low position beyond the peripheral edge of the milking platform, since in this case it is necessary to ensure that the milking machine, in particular the milk hose and, depending on the circumstances, the supporting element , for example, a cable or chain, without engagement entered the gap between the rotating milking platform and the transition. In addition, of course, from the point of view of safety, this area is also important for people, in particular for those who are near the milkers' platform, since it is necessary to ensure that these persons or their limbs are not mistakenly drawn into the gap between the rotating milking platform and the passage for animals.

To cope with this important safety issue, various locking devices have been developed. So, it is known that in the critical zone you can install a blocking switch, made in the form of an emergency switch, with which you can stop the movement of the milking carousel.

The known interlocking device comprises two interlocking switches that are fixedly installed in appropriate places in front of the gap and react, for example, to the touch of a volumetric milking machine rotating with the milking platform.

In the case of a known solution, the first (if you look in the direction of rotation) of the two blocking switches is fixedly installed at some distance from the transition for animals so that it can work in the case of a too large milking machine, which, in turn, initiates a stop of the milking carousel. Moreover, due to inertia, the milking carousel, before it stops, is rotated even further by a certain angle or stroke. This stroke must be such that the milking platform in any case stops before the milking machine can be pulled into the gap between the passage for animals and the milking platform.

However, in practice, the problem arises that several milkers work for the carousel. In particular, as a rule, the situation is that the milker, who is on the milking carousel and near the stationary passage and the animal entrance on the carousel, starts the carousel again, stopped by the first blocking switch, immediately after it stops, without eliminating the reasons for the operation of the first switch . This happens all the time, because the volumetric milking machine has passed the first switch due to the inertia of the carousel, and the mentioned milkmaid cannot view the area of the first and second blocking switch from its place. After the milker has launched the carousel again, the volumetric milking machine, of course, activates the second blocking switch, which is much closer to the stationary passage for animals. The carousel stops again, but due to the inertia of the carousel, the bulk milking machine falls into the gap between the outer periphery of the milking carousel and the stationary passage for animals, so the milking machine breaks.

In addition, a drawback of existing solutions is that a pair of known interlocking switches stops the carousel if the respective sensors come into contact with water and dirt, which corresponds to a false alarm.

This relatively expensive solution must be simplified both constructively and in terms of its protection function. The objective of the invention is to solve this problem.

In the invention, this problem is solved thanks to the subject of paragraph 1.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

In accordance with the invention, the locking device has a movable blade switch and alarm means located or formed on the switch for activating an alarm or protection function, the blade switch being made and installed so that from the axis of rotation to the free end, the gap between it and the outer peripheral edge U increases .

Due to this design, in each case, in the area of transition to the gap between the passage for animals and the milking platform, it is sufficient to install only one locking device. A new start-up is possible only if the existing problem, for example, the engagement of the milking machine, has really been eliminated before that. Since only one locking device is required, the design is simple, however, the protection function is optimized.

In addition, with the new locking device, very good personnel protection can be realized.

Preferably, a reed switch is used as a means of signaling (sensor) for detecting the position of the milking machine, cable or chain, as well as for signaling. If the magnet of this device moves past the sensor, an alarm is triggered, for example, an audible or visual signal is given, or a message is sent, and / or the milking carousel stops immediately. Versions alternative to the use of a reed switch, in particular, include inductive sensors, Hall sensors and strain gauges.

In accordance with its variants, this invention provides a number of additional advantages, which are explained in connection with the description of the drawings.

So, the new blocking switch provides very good wiring of hoses / chains / cables, etc. before the gap and at the entrance to the gap. As a result, the number of failures during milking is significantly reduced, material damage is significantly reduced, or even eliminated, downtime is avoided to eliminate malfunctions (for example, to replace faulty nipple rubber, milk hoses, variable vacuum hoses, etc.).

In each case, in the entrance and exit zones, a milking platform is obtained for performing various actions, for example, for preliminary immersion of the udder nipples in a special solution for cleaning and disinfection, since although the milkmaid is standing in front of the blocking switch, it can reach the udder without any difficulties.

Adequate control of the exit zone is possible even with the operation of the milking carousel by only one operator.

They achieve the best protection for milking equipment - both during milking and when preparing equipment for washing. When washing, the milking machine is placed in a special recess (washing equipment without disassembling). During washing, the carousel does not move, but during preparation and additional preparation of washing, it rotates.

The paddle switch is preferably designed in such a way that, under the influence of its own weight, it always remains in its normal or initial position.

Due to the significantly smaller number of carousel stops, carousel wear during operation is reduced and milking processes are faster. The productivity of milkers is increasing.

Due to the preferred design chosen, the blocking switches can be mounted both to the right and to the left of the passage for animals.

Thanks to this invention, a milking carousel with at least one transition for animals becomes possible; at least one passage for animals on this carousel has at least one of the blocking devices according to any of the previous patent claims. At least one of the locking devices is made in at least one direction of rotation, so that safety is increased in this direction, but not in the opposite direction of rotation.

Therefore, the present invention preferably also provides a milking carousel with at least one transition for animals, in which at least one transition in each case, before the gap (clockwise) and before the gap (counterclockwise), one of the locking devices any of the previous patent claims.

Two locking devices - one for one direction of rotation - at each transition for animals give the advantage that the protection function is provided both before the gap in the direction of rotation (i.e. forward) and against the direction of rotation (i.e. back). The opposite direction is chosen, for example, if by mistake some animal is clamped.

Below the invention is described in more detail and with reference to the drawings.

The drawings show the following.

Figure 1. Top view of the transition zone for animals on a schematically depicted milking carousel with two proposed locking devices.

Figa. An enlarged detailed image of a part of the device made according to figure 1, with one milker.

Fig.2b. An enlarged detailed image of part of another modified device made according to figure 1, with one milker.

Figure 3. Schematic side view of a locking device.

Figa-4c. Various detailed images in a perspective view of a blocking device made similarly to the structure shown in figures 1-3.

Figa-5c. A detailed image in a perspective view and an exploded view of yet another blocking device, made similarly to the structure shown in figures 1-3.

Figure 1 shows a milking carousel 1, in particular made in the form of a milking carousel with milking outside, containing a milking platform 2, which can be rotated by a drive and has a milking machine, consisting of several milking platforms 3. In the case of such a carousel with milking, the cows are outside so that their heads are directed radially inward.

On each milking platform 3, a milking machine 4 is installed, which is only shown here schematically.

Regarding the principle of use and design of the 4 milking unit, see, for example, the aforementioned patent document WO 2004/23866. As follows from this document, depending on the circumstances, after milking, the milking machine 4 can be lowered to a lowered position behind the peripheral edge of the rotary milking platform 2. So that the milking animals can enter the milking platform 2, beyond the peripheral edge of the platform 2 at least on one part of the perimeter transition 5 is made, made in the form of a bridge, along which animals enter platform 2 (arrow A), and upon completion of one revolution they leave it again (arrow B). On the milking platform 2, which can be rotated by the drive, several transitions 5 for animals can also be provided. In addition, the areas in which animals enter the platform can also be arranged with a shift along the perimeter relative to the areas in which they can get off platform 2 (the latter option is not shown here).

The milking unit 4, shown here only schematically, typically comprises at least one collector, several milking cups and short milk hoses located between the collector and each of the milking cups; with at least one cable or the like it is suspended above the platform 2 to a holder, for example, a bracket with a vacuum cylinder for positioning the milking machine (the last components for hanging the milking machine are either not shown here, or are shown together with milk hoses and are schematically indicated by the reference sign 6). By means of the milk hose 6, the milking machine is connected to the milk pipe (not shown in the drawing). When washing, the milking machine is placed in a special recess (washing equipment without disassembling). During washing, the carousel does not move, but during preparation and additional preparation of washing, it rotates.

According to FIG. 1, the platform 2 preferably rotates in the direction of the arrow X, in this case counterclockwise. Since the milking machine 4 in its lower position is lowered behind the outer (when viewed in the radial direction) peripheral edge U of the platform 2, it must be moved, so to speak, to “insert” into the gap 7 between the rotating platform 2 and the transition 5 for animals.

Thanks to the proposed locking device, this process is simplified and controlled.

The proposed locking device has a blade switch 9 mounted for rotation in the input region 8 of the gap 7, and alarm means (elements 10, 13) on the switch 9 (see figure 2), and, depending on the circumstances, the blade switch 9 also may form part of an alarm means or device.

In this case, the input region 8 acts as an interference input for the gap 7 (see FIG. 2) if the milking carousel rotates, as shown in FIG. 1, counterclockwise. It is important that this input area is the input area for the incorrectly positioned milking machine, milk hoses and / or cables or chains, which together should be considered as interference to the gap 7 (figure 2).

The blade switch 9, for example, has the shape of the blade shown in the drawing, that is, it is made and mounted so that the gap between it and the outer peripheral edge U of the milking platform along the forming circle to the clearance 7 or its rotation axis D is reduced, so that before the input region 8, a kind of “bell” is formed for introducing the milking machine 4 into the gap 7, which makes it possible for the milking machine to reliably fit into the gap.

The blade switch 9 can be bent from a pipe section 11 provided with a plate 12 (Fig. 4). In addition, he himself can have a rotation axis D and a mounting part 14, which is rotatably connected to the blade switch part 9a. A segment of pipe may more likely extend along the outer peripheral edge of the cover plate 12 (FIG. 4), but it may extend elsewhere. For example, it can abut against the plate 12 in the middle, at some distance from the peripheral edge of the plate 12 (Fig. 5). The plate 9 can be made of sheet metal (figure 4), plastic or other material.

A section of pipe 11 can be connected to the plate 12 using fasteners 15. Fasteners 15 can be secured, for example, using screws 16.

One or more corners 17 on the plate 12 and one or more corners 18 for fastening on the counter support (the fixed part of the milking carousel) through the hinge support 19 are connected to the finger 20 and the pipe section 21, so that the blade switch 9 (or in this case the plate 12 with pipe segment 11) can rotate around the hinge support 19, and the corner 18 can be used as a mounting part 14 for mounting to a counter support. The hinge support 19 can be oriented vertically or at a slight angle to the vertical.

The blade switch 9 shown in FIG. 5 is very lightweight, yet it is durable and cheap. The corners 17, 18 (in this case, preferably several corners) can be performed so that they complement each other, forming a kind of housing that protects the alarm means 10, 13. In its part 9a, located closer to the rotation axis D, the blade switch is preferably oriented essentially parallel to the tangent direction of the peripheral edge of the milking platform 5, and it can also have a first part 9a, in some areas even concentrically or almost concentrically relative to the peripheral surface of the platform 5 , and preferably an arcuate second part 9b adjacent to part 9a at its end, which faces in the opposite direction from the axis of rotation, over which romezhutok between the outer peripheral edge U platform 2 and the switch 9 is increased so that the input of the milking machine into the gap 7 is facilitated. The interlock switch is preferably mounted so that, due to its own weight and tilted installation, it remains permanently in its own position or pivots to this position.

Since the blade switch 9 can be mounted to rotate around its preferably vertical or almost vertical axis D of rotation in the non-rotating part of the milking carousel in front of the bridge or transition 5 for animals (if you look in the direction of rotation), before the gap 7, then on this switch you can locate or create an alarm device, or he himself or together with a certain area can form alarm systems that include an alarm or protection function, for example, a carousel stop, if The switch 9 is rotated by a predetermined range of angles, or if the force acting on the switch 9 exceeds the maximum torque.

This can be easily done, for example, by performing means 10, 13 signaling the preset position of the blade switch 9 so that they generate a signal when the switch 9 from the initial position (figure 2) near the milking platform 5 is turned outward from it, and generated by means alarm signal includes alarm or protection function.

The alarm means 10, 13, for example, can have an activator mounted on a rotary or rotary blade switch, for example a magnet 10, and a switching means, for example a reed switch switched by a magnet 10, fixedly located in a given place at the transition 5 for animals or ideally even directly on the fixed part of the blade switch, for example, on the mounting part 14 for mounting on the transition part 5 or on another stationary part of the milking carousel.

According to figure 4 implement the principle of inductive switch 10, 13.

If the blade switch with the magnet 10 moves, for example, past the sensor or the reed switch, then it or, more generally, as a result of activation of the alarm means 10, 13, triggers the alarm or protection function, for example, stopping the milking carousel.

The rotation axis D of the switch 9 is preferably oriented almost vertically or slightly inclined (at an angle α), and if triggered in the event of an error, it can be rotated from this normal position.

Preferably, the switch 9 should remain in its normal position even without additional force (for example, a spring, a pneumatic cylinder, etc.).

However, it can also be held in its normal position due to force, such as a spring, for example, if the axis of rotation is perfectly vertical.

The blade switch 9 can also be made of sheet metal, steel, wood or in the form of a plastic part, and it can completely or partially consist of sheet metal or plastic, in particular, have a sheet metal cover or a plastic cover plate. A design with a blade switch made of plastic is shown in FIG.

Further, the blade switch 9 is preferably dimensioned so that the milker outside the milking carousel can approach the gap 7 and perform certain work there. In addition, thanks to the chosen design, the milker cannot cancel the once initiated alarm or protection without turning the blade switch back to its original position. This makes it possible that the problem due to which the alarm or protection was turned on is indeed eliminated (for example, by setting the volumetric milking machine in a certain position). Thus, in a simple manner, at least to a large extent, breakdowns of the milking apparatus are avoided.

Particularly preferably, if the blade switch 9 along the perimeter has a length of at least equal to the inertial run-out of the carousel, so that the milking machine stops before reaching the gap 7, and the length of the switch 9 is preferably at least 10 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, particularly preferably at least 100 cm. FIG. 2a shows a blade switch having a longer length along the perimeter, and FIG. 2b shows a switch 9 having a shorter length than FIG. 2a and having such a structure and dimensions that the milker can anyat their place along the perimeter near the vane switch, so the switch significantly its performance is not affected. Alternatively, the blade switch according to FIG. 2a is dimensioned such that when milking the milker can take its place behind the blade switch 9 (when viewed in the radial direction).

In addition, in the vertical direction, the blade switch has a size of at least 2 cm, preferably at least 10 cm.

To understand the term "paddle switch" 9 in a too narrow sense should not be. It covers even contours, and in particular those contours that, when mounted in a horizontal projection, have an arched shape. Preferably, the blade switch 9, or at least its plate 12, is movable, in particular rotatable, and has signaling means 10, 13.

Due to the chosen design, in each case, in the area of transition to the gap 7 between the transition 5 for animals and the milking platform 2, it is sufficient to install only one switching means or blade switch 9, and, of course, on the transition for animals in both directions along the perimeter, that is, if look in the preferred direction of rotation U, in the area of entry into the gap 7 and in the area of exit from the gap 7, one blade switch can be installed, so that the protection function at the entrance to the gap is realized even during rotation milking platform against the preferred direction of rotation. In this case, both paddle switches 9 may have the same length, but if optimally matched to their respective task, they may have different lengths. For example, the blade switch 9 for protection in reverse gear may have a shorter length than the blade switch 9 operating in forward gear.

To suit different conditions, for example with different sizes or shapes, the activator and / or switching means can be mounted on the blade switch with the possibility of adjustment. The switching means can also be performed on another stationary part or next to the passage for animals.

Preferably, the blade switch 9 is designed so that it can be mounted “before” the transition for animals in the direction of rotation and against the direction of rotation (for example, due to the conical pointed shape).

Of course, other means other than those mentioned can be used as a switching means. For example, capacitive or inductive proximity switches, limit switches, selsyn sensors or optical signal sensors (photoelectric sensors) can be used. Of course, in this case, appropriate activators must be provided for the respective switching means. In the case of a proximity switch, the activator may consist of a simple rod, and the rod material is matched with the material of the proximity sensor.

With respect to FIG. 4, it should also be noted that the axis of rotation can also be formed by a rubber hinge or a curved leaf spring. The fastening part 14 can be connected to the blade switch 9 in a very simple way, for example, by using a piece of tire to connect the switch 9 to the fastening part 14.

Item Numbers

Milking Carousel 1

Milking platform 2

Milking platforms 3

Milking machine 4

Transition for animals 5

Milk hose 6

Clearance 7

Entrance area 8

Blade switch 9

Parts 9a, 9b

Alarm means 10

Pipe section 11

Cover Plate 12

Alarm means 13

Fixing part 14

Mounts 15

Screws 16

Corners 17, 18

Pivot bearing 19

Finger 20

Pipe section 21

Outer peripheral edge U

Axis of rotation D

Direction of rotation X

The direction of movement of animals at the entrance to the carousel A

The direction of movement of animals at the exit of the carousel B

Direction of rotation of the paddle switch C

Claims (21)

1. A locking device for a milking carousel, comprising a milking platform (2) driven by a drive and having several milking platforms (3), preferably a milking machine (4) is installed on each milking platform (3), and at least one fixed non-rotating passage (5), and a gap (7) formed between the rotating milking platform (2) and the transition for animals, characterized in that the locking device has a movable blade switch (9) and additionally located or formed on the blade The switch (9) of the alarm means (10, 13) for activating the alarm or protection function, the blade switch (9) being made and set so that the gap between it and the outer peripheral edge (U) increases towards the free end. 2. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade switch (9) is mounted to rotate around a vertical or almost vertical axis (D) of rotation / rotation in front of the input region (8) of the gap (7). 3. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade switch (9) is held in its normal position due to its own weight and installation at an angle. 4. The locking device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the blade switch (9) is made and mounted so that the gap between it and the outer peripheral edge (U) increases from the axis of rotation (D) to its end facing in the direction opposite to the axis of rotation. 5. The locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that the gap between the blade switch (9) and the outer peripheral edge (U) increases from the axis of rotation (D) to its end, facing the opposite side from the axis of rotation, wedge-shaped. 6. The locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that in its part (9a), located closer to the axis of rotation (D), the blade switch is oriented parallel to or essentially parallel to the tangent direction of the peripheral edge, either concentrically or almost concentrically relative to the peripheral surface of the milking platform (2), and the fact that part (9b) adjoins this part (9a), during which the gap between the outer peripheral edge U of the platform (2) and the switch (9) increases. 7. A locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that the signaling means (10, 13) for signaling a predetermined position of the blade switch (9) are made so that they generate a signal when the switch (9) from its initial position near the milking platform (5) it turns outward from it, and the signal generated by the means of the alarm includes an alarm or protection function. 8. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5-7, characterized in that the alarm means (10, 13) have an activator mounted on a rotary blade switch (9), and a switching means fixedly located at a predetermined location on transition (5) for animals or on the fixed part of the blade switch (9). 9. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5-7, characterized in that the blade switch (9) has a fastening part (14) for attaching to the transition part for animals or to another non-rotating part of the milking carousel before the transition ( 5) for animals, when viewed in the direction of rotation, in front of the gap (7), moreover, the blade switch itself is pivotally mounted on this mounting part. 10. The locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5-7, characterized in that the blade switch (9) has a length of at least equal to the inertial run-out of the carousel, and the length of the switch (9) is preferably at least 10 cm preferably at least 50 cm, particularly preferably at least 100 cm 11. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling means have a switching means made in the form of a reed switch (13), and an activator associated with it made in the form of a magnet (10). 12. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5-7 or 11, characterized in that the signaling means (10, 13) have a switching means made in the form of a proximity switch, and an activator associated with it. 13. A locking device according to any one of claims 1-3, 5-7 or 11, characterized in that the signaling means (10, 13) have a switching means made in the form of a limit switch and an activator associated with it. 14. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5-7, characterized in that the signaling means (10, 13) have a switching means made in the form of an optical switch and an activator associated with it. 15. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5-7, characterized in that the signaling means (10, 13) have a selsyn sensor. 16. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5-7, characterized in that an inductive sensor, a Hall sensor or a strain gauge sensor are used as signaling devices (10, 13). 17. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5-7 or 11, characterized in that the blade switch (9) consists entirely or partially of plastic, in particular has a plastic cover plate (12). 18. A locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5-7 or 11, characterized in that the blade switch (9) consists entirely or partially of sheet metal, in particular, has a cover plate (12) of sheet metal. 19. A milking carousel having at least one transition for animals, characterized in that at least one said transition for animals has at least one locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 20. A milking carousel having at least one transition for animals, characterized in that at least at the indicated one transition for animals in each case in a clockwise rotation mode before the gap between the rotating platform and the transition for animals and one of the blocking devices according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is installed counterclockwise in front of the gap between the rotating platform and the transition for animals. 21. Milking carousel having at least one transition for animals, characterized in that the blade switches (9) are installed clockwise in front of the gap between the rotating platform and the transition for animals and counterclockwise in front of the gap between the rotating platform and the transition for animals, have different lengths along the perimeter.

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