WO2005107438A1

WO2005107438A1 - System for automatically taking samples on milk collecting vehicles and milking plants

Info

Publication number: WO2005107438A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/000980
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alfred Böhm; Rudolf GRÜNERT; Franz Völkl
Original assignee: Bartec Gmbh
Priority date: 2004-04-16
Filing date: 2005-02-01
Publication date: 2005-11-17
Also published as: DE102004018599A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (2) for automatically taking samples on milk collecting vehicles and milking plants. Said system (2) comprises a transport container (3) for sample bottles (4) with an identification code, an identifying apparatus (5) for the sample bottles, and a sample-taking device (7) that is provided with an element (8) for filling the sample bottles. In order to create a simple and inexpensive system that is easy to handle while allowing the milk samples to be identified individually, the transport container (3) can be horizontally displaced on a support, preferably with the aid of a transporter, in such a way that each sample bottle (4) is transferred into the region of the identifying apparatus (5) and the filling element (8).

Description

Arrangement for automatic sampling on milk collection vehicles and milking systems

The invention relates to an arrangement for automatic sampling on milk collection vehicles and milking systems according to the preamble of claim 1.

The automatic sampling on milk collection vehicles and milking systems serves for quality control during milk collection. Sample bottles are used, in which a representative milk sample is automatically branched off during the transfer of the milk into the collecting cart or during milking on automatic milking machines (EP 0 460 359 B1, EP 0 617 789 B1). The milk samples are then analyzed in a laboratory. The amount of the "milk allowance" depends on the quality of the milk, for example on the fat content. A clear assignment of the milk sample to the supplier or to the milked cow is therefore essential. The sample bottles are therefore provided with an identification code, for example a barcode label or a TAG, an electronic, non-contact read / write memory.

A fixed assignment of the filled sample bottles in an x, y or linear magazine is also known. In order to prevent the samples from being mixed up, the transport container for the sample bottles is usually sealed. Known arrangements for automatic sampling differ in the transport containers and the supply of the sample bottles to a filling element of the sampling device and in the transfer to and from a filling position.

From DE 34 15 873 C2 an arrangement for automatic sampling is known which has two round magazines and a feed device and coding device between the round magazines and a gear connection of the feed device with a drive device for the bases of the round magazines.

It is also known to arrange a rotary star instead of the feed device. A sample bottle from a round magazine arranged as an outlet magazine is conveyed onto the rotary star. Here, the empty sample bottle is identified by an identification device, for example a read / write device, that is to say read out and / or written. The sample bottle is then filled by lowering a filling element, for example an injection needle of a sampling device, so that a stopper of the sample bottle is penetrated. The rotary star can also be raised so that the sample bottle with its closure reaches the effective area of the filling element. The filled sample bottle is then conveyed from the rotary star into the feed magazine. After completing the sampling or when the infeed magazine is full, it is removed and transported to the analysis laboratory.

EP 0 183 097 AI discloses an arrangement for automatic sampling with a rectangular transport container known. The assignment of the sample bottles is done through fixed positions. For sampling, the filling element, for example an injection cannula of the sampling device, is moved in the x, y direction in order to arrive at the corresponding sample bottle. Compressed air cylinders or stepper motors are used for the process.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the sample bottles can no longer be identified individually. The relatively long travel of the injection cannula also leads to so-called "carryover". Residual milk can remain in the hose between a pump and the cannula and falsify the subsequent sample.

The invention is based on the objective of creating an arrangement for automatic sampling, which is relatively simple in construction and cost-effective while guaranteeing individual sample identification and minimal carry-over, and is easy to use and requires little space.

According to the invention the object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Useful and advantageous configurations are contained in the subclaims and in the description of the figures.

A basic idea of the invention can be seen in using a horizontally adjustable transport container and in positioning the sample bottles contained therein by moving the entire transport container and not an individual sample bottle or the injection cannula in the area of a sampling device or a filling element of this sampling device. According to the invention, an identification device is also arranged in the area of the filling element, which identifies, ie reads out or describes, the individual sample bottle to be filled.

In order to fill the sample bottle arranged in the area of the filling element and the identification device, a lifting device can be provided in a first embodiment which lifts the sample bottle arranged in the transport container and thus enables the sample bottle closure to penetrate through the filling element. Alternatively, the entire transport container can be lifted.

In a further alternative embodiment, the sample bottle to be filled remains in the transport container and, for filling, at least the filling element of the sampling device is vertically adjustable and can be lowered for the filling process down to the bottle cap. The identification device for individual sample identification is then arranged below the sample bottle.

Common to both alternative designs is the use of a horizontally adjustable transport container, such that each of the sample bottles accommodated therein can be brought into a predetermined identification and filling position.

It is advantageous that the transport container can be moved on a horizontal base, which can be designed like a table top, the surface being dimensioned in such a way that each sample bottle can be moved into the area of the sampling device or the filling element by means of a corresponding method of the transport container arranged identification device arrives. A transport container is expediently used, the container base of which is provided with openings through which a lifting element of a lifting device for lifting the sample bottle to be filled in each case or, in the alternative arrangement, an identification device for identifying the sample bottle can be arranged.

By using only one transport container that can be moved on a suitably designed support with the aid of a drive device, a relatively simple and inexpensive arrangement is created. There is no need for two relatively space and cost intensive rud magazines, which are comparatively heavy.

By carrying out the filling in a stationary manner, the contamination paths are minimized and the advantageous sampling methods according to EP 0 460 359 B1, EP 0 626 567 B1 and EP 0 617 789 Bl can be used.

Individual identification of the sample bottles can be carried out with little effort, in that, in the first alternative embodiment, a lifting mechanism and advantageously a rotating mechanism for lifting and rotating the milk sample bottle are provided in the area of a writing / reading device arranged above the transport container. In the second alternative embodiment, the identification of the sample bottle can be carried out simply and quickly if the identification code is attached to the bottom area of the sample bottle.

Another advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is a lower risk of injury, since the individual sample bottles are not introduced and exported from the transport container, but are protected and securely accommodated in the transport container. It is furthermore advantageous that when a lowerable sampling mechanism or a lowerable cannula or injection needle is used, the transport container can be covered and sealed, so that human intervention is prevented. In this case, a cover of the transport container has corresponding openings for guiding the filling element.

The transport container can basically be designed differently, e.g. have a circular cylindrical, cuboid or cube-shaped shape or a polygonal circumference. A transport container with a rectangular container base and these side walls delimiting it is particularly advantageous, the height of which corresponds at least to the height of the sample bottles arranged on the container base.

The sample bottles are expediently received adjacent to one another, in rows and columns, and the openings for a lowerable filling element in the cover are in the area of the milk sample bottles or the bottle caps.

This design variant has the advantage that the entire transport container with the sample bottles contained therein can remain sealed and is therefore tamper-proof. For further details of the design of the rectangular transport container, which can advantageously be used in the arrangement according to the invention, reference is made to German patent application 10 2004 004 324.8, the content of which is to be part of this application.

The movability of the transport container can be achieved by means of different drive devices or movement mechanisms. An advantage is an extremely powered via a magnetic clutch. Since this does not require any openings in the area of the base, the arrangement can be cleaned well. The drive device with magnetic coupling is further explained in the description of the figures. The horizontal adjustment of the transport container can also be done by pushing or pulling using stepper motors or pneumatic drives.

The invention is explained below with reference to a drawing; in this show

Fig. 1 is a side view of an arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a view of the arrangement according to the arrow II in Fig. 1.

3 shows an enlarged section of an arrangement according to the invention with a lifting device for the sample bottle to be filled;

4 shows an enlarged section of an arrangement according to the invention with a lowerable filling element;

5 shows a plan view of an arrangement according to the invention with a magnetic coupling of the drive;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the arrangement according to the invention according to FIG. 5 in the area of the magnetic coupling;

Fig. 7 shows the movability of the transport container on a base for filling all sample bottles and 8 shows a partial top view of a transport container and the container base with sample bottles arranged thereon.

1 to 3 show in a highly schematic manner an arrangement 2 for automatic sampling on milk collection vehicles and milking systems, which is expediently housed here in a housing. The arrangement comprises a transport container 3 for sample bottles 4, an identification device 5 and a sampling device 7 for filling one sample bottle 4 each.

The transport container 3 has a rectangular container base 13 and four adjacent side walls 17, and the sample bottles 4 are accommodated in rows and columns and in close proximity in the transport container 3 (see FIGS. 3 and 8). The container bottom 13 is provided in the area of the sample bottles with openings 14, which can be circular or also as elongated holes and are dimensioned such that there is sufficient space 15 for each sample bottle 4 (FIG. 8).

1 and 2, the horizontal adjustment of the transport container 3 is shown with double arrows y and x and an additional, dashed line representation of the transport container 3 after a corresponding adjustment on a base 9. The adjustment is carried out with the aid of a transporter 24, in or on which the transport container 3 is received and with which the adjustment is carried out on the base 9 in order to position a milk sample bottle 4 to be filled in a predetermined identification and filling position. The filling position is predetermined by the sampling device 7 and a filling element 8. An injection needle or a cannula can be used as the filling element 8, which in the filling position penetrates a bottle cap 16 of a sample bottle 4 (see FIG. 3).

1 to 3 each have a sample bottle 4 adjacent to a side wall 17 of the transport container 3 in an identification and filling position, which is reached by the movable transport container 3.

A lifting mechanism 10 is arranged below the filling element 8 and under the support 9 and comprises a lifting element 12 which is vertically adjustable and is complementary to the openings 14 of the container bottom 13, so that it lift the sample bottle 4 up into a raised filling position and identification position and lower it again. The lifting element 12 is advantageously designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis and provided with a magnet 19, in particular in the upper region, which interacts with a magnetically conductive base 20 of the sample bottle 4 (see FIG. 3).

The rotating mechanism of the lifting element 12 serves to read out and, if necessary, write to the identification code 6, which is arranged in the upper region of the sample bottle 4 (FIG. 3). The identification device 5, for example a read / write device, is positioned in the area of the filling element 8 such that the identification code 6 of the raised sample bottle 4 is almost opposite the identification device 5.

The rotating mechanism of the lifting element 12 can be in the up position or only in an upper end position Predeterminable adjustment path z are activated (Fig. 1). The same applies to lowering the sample bottle 4.

1 to 3 illustrate that the height of the side walls 17 of the transport container 3 is matched to the height of the sample bottle 4 and that the identification device 5 and the filling element 8 are positioned above the transport container 3 in such a way that a safe method of the transport container 3 and after lifting an automatic identification with the aid of the identification code 6 arranged in the upper area of the sample bottle 4 are ensured.

On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows that the transport container 3 cannot be moved while a raised sample bottle 4 is being filled. After the sample has been filled, the sample bottle 4 is lowered again and, like the transport container 3, is located below the reference line 36 and thus below the filling element 8 and the identification device 5. The transport container 3 can then be moved so that a next, empty sample bottle 4 in reaches the area of the lifting device 10 or the lifting element 12.

4 shows a section of the alternative arrangement in which the sample bottles 4 remain in their position in the transport container 3 during filling and the filling element 8 is adjusted vertically for this purpose until it penetrates the bottle closure 16. The identification device 5 is held in a holder 37 on the underside of the base 9 and can read or write the identification code 6, which is attached in the area of the bottle base 21 or the magnetically conductive base 20. It is also possible to rotatably attach the identification device 5 or a read / write module to the base 9 or to bring it up to it. A part of the transporter 24 is also shown in a highly schematic manner in FIG. 4. The transport container 3 essentially corresponds to the transport container of the arrangement with a lifting mechanism of FIGS. 1 to 3. Since the sample bottles 4 do not have to be lifted during filling, the transport container 3 can be provided with a cover 18. This cover 18 can then be sealed, for example provided with an adhesive or plastic seal 23, in order to rule out manipulation during sampling and transport to and from a laboratory.

In order to enable the filling of the sample bottle 4 located in the filling position, the cover 18, expediently in the area of the bottle caps 16, has an opening 22, for example a pipetting opening.

5 to 7 show, using the example of a magnetically coupled drive as the drive device 11, the method of the transport container 3 on the base 9 with the aid of the transporter 24. The transporter 24, which is referred to as a carriage and is designed like a frame, has receiving and locking devices 35 at least in the corner areas, which securely fix and lock the transport container 3.

The carriage 24 is provided for movement on the base 9 with rollers 25 which minimize the friction. The carriage 24 is fixed by magnets 26 to the position which is predetermined by a moving mechanism 27 with magnets 34 below the base 9. In the area of the container bottom 13, the slide 24 and in the same way the displacement mechanism 27 are provided with a recess 28 which is delimited by surfaces 29 on the edge: The recess 28 of the slide 24 and the displacement mechanism 27 enable the lifting device 10 or a lifting element 12 or the identification device 5 reaches the sample bottle 4, which is arranged below the sampling device 7.

For this purpose, the base 9 also has a through opening 30 below the filling element 8, the diameter of which is adapted to the lifting element 12 or the identification device 5 and the bottle base 21 or the magnetically conductive base 20 of the sample bottles 4.

By moving the transport container 3, each sample bottle 4 can thus be moved to the position for filling and identification.

FIG. 5 shows that a read / write module 31 is arranged on the transporter 24 or carriage and the carriage 24 is moved. Via a flexible cable 32 or also via a wireless connection, for example via radio, IR etc., the read / write module 31 communicates with a controller and can thus read data from an identification label, for example a bar code, TAG etc., or into this data write in.

In the case of sampling systems without individual bottle identification, the supplier number or the number of the milked cow, which was determined in the controller, can be transmitted wirelessly via GPS or via a coding block, barcode, TAG etc. can be assigned to the xy position in the transport container. This data is stored in an identification label 33 and read out in the analysis laboratory.

The controller (not shown) receives the coordinates for the position of the transport container 3 when filling the sample from the drive of the travel mechanism 27, or the controller specifies these.

7 shows the contour of the support 9 on which the transporter or slide 24 with the transport container 3 fixed and locked thereon can be moved. The centrally positioned filling position 30 is shown by a sample bottle 4. The adjustment or the movability is shown by x-y double arrows and the maximum achievable position of the carriage 24 is shown in broken lines.

In the case of an arrangement with a lifting device, any remaining empty bottles can be removed by hand. There is also the possibility, based on the information from the identification label 33 on the transport container 3, to discharge the empty sample bottles fully automatically in the laboratory.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a section of a transport container 3 for sample areas 4, which are arranged in rows and columns and closely adjacent. Openings 14 in the container bottom 13 are circular or, alternatively, as an elongated hole for the lifting element 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 3), which form a sufficient footprint 15 for each sample bottle 4. Intermediate webs 38 between the rows of sample bottles 4 can have a relatively low height.

Claims

Arrangement for automatic sampling on milk collection vehicles and milking systems with - a transport container (3) for arranging sample bottles (4), which are provided with an identification code (6) for automatic identification, - an identification device (5) for automatically identifying the sample bottles (4) and - a sampling device (7) for filling the sample bottles (4), the sampling device (7) being provided with a filling element (8) for filling each sample bottle (4), characterized in that - the transport container (3) is horizontally adjustable is arranged so that each sample bottle can be positioned in the area of the identification device (5) and the filling element (8), and - that either the identification device (5) is arranged above the transport container (3) and a lifting device (10) is provided, which the sample bottle (4) positioned in the area of the filling element (8) for Identify and fill, or - that the identification device (5) is arranged below the sample bottle (4) that can be positioned in the area of the filling element (8) and that the filling element (8) can be lowered for filling.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport container (3) is movably arranged on a horizontal base (9) and a drive device (11) for moving the transport container (3) is provided and each sample bottle (4) in the area of Identification device (5) and the filling element (8) can be positioned.

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport container (3) has a container base (13) with openings (14) in the area of the standing surfaces of the sample bottles (4) and that the openings (14) either for guiding a lifting element (12) of the lifting device (10) or for identifying the identification codes (6) in the lower region of the sample bottles (4).

4. Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the lifting element (12) of the lifting device (10) is vertically adjustable and rotatable about a vertical axis.

5. Arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the lifting element (12) is vertically adjustable by an adjustment z with an upper end position in which the raised sample bottle (4) is arranged in an identification and filling position, so that the The identification code (6) arranged on the upper area is positioned in the area of the identification device (5) and a bottle cap (16) is penetrated by the filling element (8) for filling the sample bottle (4).

6. Arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a rotary mechanism is provided for rotating the lifting element (12) about a vertical axis and that the lifting element (12) is at least bottle-shaped magnetically or provided with a magnet (19) , which cooperates with a magnetically conductive base area or base (20) of the sample bottle (4).

7. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotary mechanism of the lifting element (12) can be activated in the upper end position and can be deactivated at the earliest after reading in and / or writing in data of the raised sample bottle (4).

8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in a lowerable filling element (8) below the filling element (8) and the sample bottle to be filled (4) arranged identification device (5) in the region of the base (9) of the Transport container (3) is added and in particular vertically adjustable.

9. Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the sample bottles (4) have the identification code (6) in the area of the bottle bottom (21).

10. Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the transport container (3) has a cover (18) with pipetting openings (22) for the lowerable filler element (8) and that the cover (18) is designed and arranged in such a way that the pipetting openings (22) are located above the bottle closures (16) of the sample bottles (4).

11. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the transport container (3) has a sealable cover (18).

12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport container (3) has a rectangular container bottom (13) and side walls (17) which delimit the container bottom (13) and at least the height of the container bottom (13) have arranged sample bottles (4).

13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport container (3) is designed for row-like and column-like reception of the sample bottles (4) and is arranged for moving in the x, y coordinate direction on a transporter (24).

14. Arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that a drive device (11) with magnetic coupling or an electromotive or pneumatic drive device is provided for moving transporters (24) with transport containers (3).

15. The arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the transport container (3) at a drive unit Direction (11) with magnetic coupling is arranged on a carriage (24) as a transporter, which has rollers (23) and magnets (26) for moving on the support (9), and that a displacement mechanism (27) under the support (9) with magnets (34) for fixing the carriage (24) and the transport container (3) in a predeterminable position.

16. The arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the slide (24) and the travel mechanism (27) are approximately frame-like and each have a recess (28) which is delimited by edges (29) on the edge.

17. Arrangement according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the base (9) in the region of the recesses (28) has a through opening (30) for the lifting element (12) or the identification device (5).

18. Arrangement according to claim 15 to 17, characterized in that the carriage (24) has a receiving and locking device (35) for the transport container (3).

19. Arrangement according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the carriage (24) with the transport container (3) arranged thereon can be moved in the x, y coordinate direction on the base (9) and that, based on the outer contour of the maximum movable carriage (24), the opening (30) in the base (9) and that Filling element (8) and / or the lifting element (12) and / or the identification device (5) are arranged approximately in the middle.

20. Arrangement according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that a read / write module (31) is arranged on the carriage (24) and can be moved with the carriage (24), and that the read / write module ( 31) communicates with a controller wirelessly or via a flexible cable (32), so that identification data can be read from an identification label (33) on the transport container (3) or data can be written into it.