WO2008085123A1

WO2008085123A1 - A tubular milk hose device, and a teatcup liner

Info

Publication number: WO2008085123A1
Application number: PCT/SE2008/050009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Kassibrahim
Original assignee: Delaval Holding Ab
Priority date: 2007-01-12
Filing date: 2008-01-03
Publication date: 2008-07-17
Also published as: SE530782C2; SE0700061L

Abstract

A tubular milk hose device of a teatcup liner forms an inner channel adapted for transporting milk to a claw having an inlet nipple. The hose device comprises a end portion (1) having a first outer surface (21), a strengthened portion (2) having an outer contour (22) with a varying radius and a main hose portion (3) having a third outer surface (23). The hose device also comprises an upper sector (10) and an opposite lower sector (11). The outer contour projects outwardly with respect to a longitudinal center axis (x) from the first outer surface and the third outer surface. The strengthened portion has a primary part (21) adjoining the end portion and a secondary part (2') adjoining the main hose portion. The radius of the second outer contour of the primary part at the upper sector is shorter than the radius of the secondary part at the upper sector.

Description

A tubular milk hose device, and a teatcup liner

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a tubular milk hose device according to the preamble of claim 1 , and to a teatcup liner comprising a tubular milk hose device.

Such a milk hose device may be employed in a short milk conduit of a milking system. The short milk conduit is usually manufactured in a rubber-like material and extends between a teatcup and an inlet nipple of a claw of a milking member. The short milk conduit may be a separate hose or may be a part of a teatcup liner, which is mounted in the shell of the teatcup. The short milk conduit is attached to one of the inlet nipples of the claw. Such an inlet nipple is typically designed as a short pipe being obliquely cut to form an oval opening . The inlet nipple is introduced into the inner channel of the conduit. During milking, the short milk conduit extends substantially straight, or along a smooth curve, from the inlet nipple to the teatcup so that the milk may flow from the teatcup to the claw via the inner channel and the oval opening of the inlet nipple. After a milking operation and between the milking operations, the short milk conduit is bent at the inlet nipple. The purpose of this bending is to provide a closing state, i.e. to close the short milk conduit in order to prevent air from being sucked into the teatcup and the milking system when the teatcup is not attached to the teat. Closing of the conduit is obtained by means of the obliquely cut inlet nipple, wherein the wall of the inner channel of the short milk conduit abuts the end surface of the inlet nipple.

One problem with such a milk hose device is that the milk hose device is subjected to shocks caused by the animal. For instance, the milking member can be kicked by the animal or fall down onto the floor, wherein the end area of the hose device can be damaged by the relatively sharp edge of the oblique inlet nipple, which can lead to leakage. A solution to this problem has been proposed in US-A-4, 196,696.

The hose device disclosed in this document is provided with a shock absorber or a strengthened portion, extending over a certain length between the end portion and the main hose portion of the hose device. The strengthened portion has an outer contour that projects from the outer surface of the surrounding portions. The strengthened portion will protect the hose device from the edge of the inlet nipple when the hose device is subjected to shocks of different kinds.

US-A-4,869,205 discloses further tubular milk hose device for a short milk conduit. The milk hose device includes a strengthened portion, having an outer projecting contour and a greater wall thickness, to be positioned at the end of the inlet nipple of a claw.

WO00/76298 discloses a similar tubular milk hose device for a short milk conduit. In this case the hose device has a varying wall thickness along the axial extension of the strengthened portion as well as along a peripheral direction. The problem to be solved by the milk hose device of WOOO/76298 is to ensure an optimum milk flow during milking by designing the hose device at the strengthened portion in such a way that the inner cross-section of the hose device is circular when the hose device is mounted to the inlet nipple.

WO 2005/018308 discloses a further tubular milk hose device for a short milk conduit. The milk hose device comprises a strengthened portion having a main segment and a transition segment adjoining the main hose portion.

A problem with the strengthened portion disclosed in the prior art is that the greater wall thickness of the strengthened portion could reduce the flexibility of the milk hose device, and thus render the bending of the milk hose device more difficult. Consequently, there can be a risk of a less efficient closing of the short milk conduit so that air could enter the interior of the milking system in the closing state when the teatcup is not attached to a teat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a tubular milk hose device by which the problems mentioned above may be remedied. A further object is to provide a tubular milk hose device, which has a high strength and which permits bending of the hose device in the proximity of the iniet nipple. A still further object is to provide a tubular milk hose device which can be bent to close off the inner channel of the milk hose device in a tight and efficient manner.

This object is achieved by means of the milk hose device initially defined, which is characterized in that the radius of the second outer contour of the primary part at the upper sector is shorter than the radius of the secondary part at least at the upper sector.

By means of this feature, the hose device is permitted to be significantly thinner at the upper sector of the primary part than at the upper sector of the secondary part. The hose device may thus be softer and more flexible at the upper sector of the primary part than at the upper sector of the secondary part. When the milk hose device is mounted to the inlet nipple but not attached to a teat, i.e. in the closing state when the teatcup is removed from the teat and hanging down form the inlet nipple, the upper sector of the secondary part is intended to abut the relatively sharp edge of the inlet nipple whereas the upper sector of the primary part, thanks to the design thereof, is permitted to be stretched so that the wall surface of the inner channel tightly abuts and thus closes the opening of the inlet nipple.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the radius of the second outer contour of the primary part of the upper sector is shorter than the radius of the second outer contour of the primary part of the lower sector. The second outer contour of the primary part at the lower sector is then convex. Advantageously, also the second outer contour of the secondary part may be convex. The second outer contour of the primary part at the upper sector may be concave in the proximity of or at its transition to the secondary part. The remaining part of the second outer contour of the primary part at the upper sector may be convex in order to project, at least slightly, beyond the first outer surface of the first end portion.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the second strengthened portion comprises a plurality of grooves and ridges, which extend in parallel with the longitudinal center axis. Such grooves and ridges, having a longitudinal extension, have proved to provide a strengthening of this sensible part of a milk hose device or teatcup liner and at the same time to provide the flexibility necessary for permitting the milk hose device to close the opening of the inlet nipple. In accordance with the invention, the ridges have a varying height, and the ridges of the primary part at the upper sector have a smaller height than the ridges of the secondary part at least at the upper sector. Moreover, the ridges of the primary part at the upper sector may also have a smaller height than the ridges of the primary part at the lower sector. Advantageously, grooves may have a bottom surface projecting outwardly with respect to the longitudinal center axis beyond the first outer surface and the third outer surface. Furthermore, the upper sector may have a peripheral extension that is less than 180°. The lower sector may then have a peripheral extension that is more than 180°. The second strengthened portion may also comprise a transition segment, which adjoins the third main hose portion at the upper sector and projects outwardly with respect to the longitudinal center axis beyond the first outer surface and the third outer surface. By such a transition segment, a sufficient strength of the milk hose device in the proximity of the edge of the inlet nipple will be achieved at the upper sector, whereas the lower sector an easy bending of the tubular hose device. Advantageously, the transition segment may have a length that is adapted to facilitate bending of the tubular hose device at the second strengthened portion. Consequently, the transition segment may have a length that is sufficient for ensuring bending and thus a tight closing of the inner channel. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the inner channel has a non-circular cross-sectional shape at the second strengthened portion in the non-mounted state. The cross-sectional shape, which may be an egg-like shape, will be a circular, or substantially, circular shape in the mounted state in order to provide a maximum flow area during milking.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first end portion comprises positioning means provided at the upper sector and adapted to determine the rotary position of the milk hose device in relation to the inlet nipple when the milk hose devices is mounted on the inlet nipple.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the milk hose device includes a liner portion provided successively after the third main hose portion, wherein the liner portion is adapted to be introduced into a teatcup shell and to receive a teat during milking of an animal.

The object is also achieved by the teatcup liner initially defined, which comprises a tubular milk hose device as specified above. The milk hose device of the teatcup liner may then comprise a liner portion provided successively after the third main hose portion and adapted to be introduced into a teatcup shell and to receive a teat during milking of an animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now to be explained more closely through a description of various embodiments and with reference to the drawings attached hereto.

Fig 1 discloses schematically a side view of a milk hose device in the form of a teatcup liner according to a first embodiment. Fig 2 discloses schematically a longitudinal section through the teatcup liner in Fig 1. Fig 3 discloses schematically a first side view of an end part of the teatcup liner in Fig 1. Fig 4 discloses schematically a second side view of the end part in Fig 3. Fig 5 discloses schematically a longitudinal sectional view through the end part along the line V-V in Fig 4. Fig 6 discloses schematically a transversal sectional view through the end part along the line Vl-Vl in Fig 4.

Fig 7 discloses schematically a sectional view of the end part when the teatcup liner is mounted to an inlet nipple of a claw.

Fig 8 discloses schematically a side view of an end part of a milk hose device according to second embodiment.

Fig 9 discloses schematically a transversal sectional view of the end part of the milk hose device in Fig 8. Fig 10 discloses schematically a sectional view of the end part of the teatcup liner in a closing state on the inlet nipple.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Figs 1 and 2 disclose a milk hose device in the form of a teatcup liner for a teatcup of a milking member. The milk hose device or the teatcup liner is tubular and includes the following successive portions: a first end portion 1 , a second strengthened portion 2, a third main hose portion 3 and a liner portion 4.

The liner portion 4 is adapted to be introduced and mounted in a shell 5 of the teatcup. The third main hose portion 3, the second strengthened portion 2 and the first end portion 1 form a short milk conduit between an inlet nipple 6 of a claw 7, see Fig 7, and the liner portion 4 and the teatcup. The liner portion 4 includes in a conventional manner an opening through which the teat of an animal can be received during milking of the animal. It is to be noted that the milk hose device according to this invention also may consist of the first end portion 1 , the second strengthened portion 2 and the third main hose portion 3, wherein these three portions are separate from the liner portion 4 and connectable to the liner portion 4 in any suitable manner when the milk hose device is to be mounted in a teatcup shell. The present invention will now be exemplified with reference to the teatcup liner disclosed even if the invention is applicable to other tubular milk hose devices intended to be mounted to pipe ends.

The teatcup liner disclosed is manufactured in one single piece of a flexible and elastic rubber material. Such rubber materials are substantially incompressible, i.e. the volume of a piece of material remains substantially constant independently of the fact that the material is subjected to deformations.

The teatcup liner comprises a tubular wall defining an inner channel 8, which extends through the whole length of the teatcup liner, i.e. through the first end portion 1 , the second strengthened portion 2, the third main hose portion 3 and the liner portion 4. The inner channel 8 of the teatcup liner is arranged to transport milk from the teatcup to the claw 7. The milk is then collected in the claw 7 and supplied from the claw 7 to a milk-collecting member (not disclosed) via a long milk conduit (not disclosed).

The teatcup liner may be in a non-mounted state, as shown in Fig 1 , or in a mounted state in which the teatcup liner is mounted onto the inlet nipple 6 of the claw 7, see Fig 7. The teatcup liner is in Figs 1 and 2 in a substantially straight rest position, wherein the teatcup liner extends along a longitudinal center axis x forming a center axis of the inner channel 8 along the first end portion 1 , the second strengthened portion 2, the third main hose portion 3 and the liner portion 4 when the teatcup liner is in the rest state. The wall thickness of the teatcup liner is substantially constant along the first end portion 1 and the third main hose portion 3. At the second strengthened portion 2, the teatcup liner has a thicker wall thickness than at the first end portion 1 and the third main hose portion 3, as will be explained below,

In the direction of the longitudinal center axis x, as can be seen in the cross-section of Fig 6, the teatcup liner comprises an upper sector 10 and an opposite lower sector 11 , separated from each other by a dashed line. The upper sector 10 adjoins the lower sector at both ends. The upper sector 10 has a peripheral extension that is less than 180°, and the lower sector 11 a peripheral extension that is more than 180°.

In the mounted state, the teatcup liner 1 is adapted to be attached to the inlet nipple 6. The inlet nipple 6 is a short pipe forming an inlet to an inner space 13 of the claw 7, see Fig 7. The teatcup liner is mounted onto the inlet nipple 6 in such manner that the inlet nipple 6 is introduced into the inner channel 8. The inlet nipple 6 has, as can be seen in Fig 7, an obliquely cut end surface, i.e. the longitudinal axis x is inclined in relation to the end surface by an acute angle. The inlet nipple 6 will thus have an oval opening 14. The teatcup liner is mounted to the inlet nipple 6 in such a way that the teatcup liner extends to abutment against an outer wall surface 15 of the claw 7. The first end portion 1 includes positioning means for determining the longitudinal position of the first end portion 1 in relation to the inlet nipple 6 and the rotary position of the first end portion 1 in relation to the inlet nipple 6. The positioning means comprises, in the embodiments disclosed, a chamfer 16 provided at the upper sector 10 on an end surface of the first end portion 1 , i.e. an upper part of the end surface of the first end portion 1 is sloping and has an angle of inclination to the longitudinal center axis x. As can be seen in Fig 7, the chamfer 16 will abut an outer surface area 17 of the claw 7. This outer surface area 17 is formed by a part of the claw 7, which extends upwardly from the outer wall surface 15 and which is arranged to include different functions and elements, such as for instance a closing valve.

The first end portion 1 has a first outer surface 21 extending around the first end portion 1 , see Figs 3 - 5. The second strengthened portion 2 has a second outer contour 22 extending around the second strengthened portion 2. The second outer contour 22 has a varying radius with respect to the longitudinal center axis x. The third main hose portion 3 has a third outer surface 23 extending around the third main hose portion 3. The second outer contour 22 projects outwardly with respect to the longitudinal center axis x from the first outer surface 21 and the third outer surface 23. The second outer contour 22 is thus located at a greater distance from the longitudinal center axis x than the first outer surface 21 and the third outer surface 23 in the proximity of the second strengthened portion 2. It is to be noted that especially the third outer surface 23 may be at a greater distance from the longitudinal center axis x than the second outer contour 22 at a great distance from the second strengthened portion 2, e.g. in the proximity of the liner portion 4.

The second strengthened portion 2 has a primary part 2', which extends around the longitudinal center axis x and adjoins the first end portion 1 , and a secondary part 2", which extends around the longitudinal center axis x. The secondary part 2" adjoins the third main hose portion 3 and the primary part 2'. The border between the primary part 2' and the secondary part 2" is indicated by the dashed-dotted line in Figs 3 and 5. The radius of the second outer contour 22 of the primary part 2' at the upper sector 10 is shorter than the radius of the secondary part 2" at the upper sector 10, and in the embodiment disclosed, at the lower sector 1 1. Furthermore, the radius of the second outer contour 22 of the primary part 2' of the upper sector 10 is shorter than the radius of the second outer contour 22 of the primary part 2' of the lower sector 1 1 , see Fig 6.

As can be seen in Figs 3 - 5, in parallel with the longitudinal center axis x, the second outer contour 22 of the primary part 2' and the secondary part 2' at the lower sector 11 is convex over the whole length of the strengthened portion 2. The second outer contour 22 of the secondary part 2" is convex also at the upper sector 10. However, as can be seen especially from Figs 3 and 5, the second outer contour 22 of the primary part 2' at the upper sector 10 is concave in the proximity of the secondary part 2". In the proximity of the first end portion 1 , the second outer contour 22 of the primary part 2' at the upper sector 10 is convex.

As can be seen in Figs 3, 4 and 6, the second strengthened portion 2 comprises, according to a first embodiment, a plurality of grooves 25 and ridges 26, which extend in parallel with each other and with the longitudinal center axis x. The ridges 26 have a varying height. The ridges 26 of the primary part 2' at the upper sector 10 have a smaller height than the ridges 26 of the secondary part 2" at the upper sector 11. Moreover, the ridges 26 of the primary part 2' at the upper sector 10 have a smaller height than the ridges 26 of the primary part 2' at the lower sector 1 1.

The grooves 25 have a bottom surface projecting outwardly with respect to the longitudinal center axis x from or beyond the first outer surface 21 and the third outer surface 23. In other words, the grooves 25 are located at a greater radial distance from the longitudinal center axis x than the first outer surface 21 and the third outer surface 23 in the proximity of the second strengthened portion 2.

The second strengthened portion 2 comprises a transition segment 28, which adjoins the third main hose portion 3 at the upper sector 10. The transition segment 28 projects outwardly with respect to the longitudinal center axis x from or beyond the first outer surface 21 and the third outer surface 23 in the proximity of the second strengthened portion.

The inner channel 8 has a circular cross-sectional shape at the first end portion 1 and the third main hose portion 3, but a non-circular cross-sectional shape at the second strengthened portion 2 in the non-mounted state. The non-circular cross-sectional shape is such that the cross-sectional shape of the inner channel 8 in the mounted state is circular or substantially circular. In the embodiments disclosed, se Figs 6 and 8, the inner channel 8 has an egg-like cross-sectional shape formed by a lower portion, substantially corresponding to the lower sector 11 , which has a substantially constant inner radius r and an outwardly extending upper portion, substantially corresponding to the upper sector 10. The inner distance d from the wall of the inner channel 8 of the lower portion to the longitudinal center axis x is greater than the inner radius r seen in an arbitrary cross-section through the second strengthened portion 2. Furthermore, the inner distance d is not constant but increases from a value which is equal to the inner radius r, at the transition to the first end portion 1 , to a maximum value, and decreases then to the value of the inner radius r, at the transition to the third main hose portion 3. In order to achieve a shape as circular as possible in the inner channel 8 in the proximity of the inlet nipple 6, the opening 14 of the inlet nipple 6 is provided in such a manner that it faces the upper portion of the inner channel 8. Consequently, it is essential that the teatcup liner 1 may be oriented not only in the longitudinal direction but also in a suitable rotary position. Such a orientation is facilitated by the positioning means, e.g. the chamfer 16.

Figs 8 and 9 discloses a second embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment in that the second strengthened portion 2 has no longitudinal ridges and grooves, but a continuously curved surface, i.e. the second outer contour 22 is formed by a continuously curved surface.

Fig 10 discloses the teatcup liner when it is mounted to the inlet nipple 6 but not attached to a teat, i.e. in the closing state when the teatcup is removed from the teat. The teatcup liner is thus hanging down form the inlet nipple 6. As can be seen, the upper sector 10 of the secondary part 2" abuts the relatively sharp edge of the inlet nipple 6 whereas the upper sector 10 of the primary part 2' is stretched so that the wall surface of the inner channel 8 tightly abuts and thus closes the opening 14 of the inlet nipple 6.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tubular milk hose device forming an inner channel (8) adapted for transporting milk to a claw (7) having at least one inlet nipple (6), the hose device comprising, along a longitudinal center axis (x) in a non-mounted rest state, the following successive portions: a first end portion (1) having a first outer surface (21); a second strengthened portion (2) having a second outer contour (22) with a varying radius; and a third main hose portion (3) having a third outer surface (23), the milk hose device also comprising, seen in a cross-section to the direction of the longitudinal center axis (x): an upper sector (10); and an opposite lower sector (11), the first end portion (1 ) being adapted to receive the inlet nipple (5) in a mounted state of the milk hose device, the second outer contour (22) projecting radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal center axis from the first outer surface (21 ) and the third outer surface (23), the second strengthened portion (2) having a primary part (2') extending around the longitudinal center axis (x) and adjoining the first end portion (1), and a secondary part (2") extending around the longitudinal center axis (x) and adjoining the third main hose portion (3), characterized in that the radius of the second outer contour (22) of the primary part (2') at the upper sector (10) is shorter than the radius of the secondary part (2") at the upper sector (10).

2. A milk hose device according to claim 1 , wherein the radius of the second outer contour (22) of the primary part (2') of the upper sector (10) is shorter than the radius of the second outer contour (22) of the primary part (2') of the lower sector (11 ).

3. A milk hose device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the second strengthened portion (2) comprises a plurality of grooves (25) and ridges (26), which extend in parallel with the longitudinal center axis (x).

4. A milk hose device according to claim 3, wherein the ridges (26) have a varying height and wherein the ridges (26) of the primary part (2¹) at the upper sector (10) have a smaller height than the ridges (26) of the secondary part (2") at least at the upper sector (10).

5. A milk hose device according to claim 4, wherein, in a cross- section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (x), the ridges (26) of the primary part (2^J) at the upper sector (10) have a smaller height than the ridges (26) of the primary part (2') at the lower sector (11 ).

6. A milk hose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner channel (8) has a non-circular cross- sectional shape at the second strengthened portion (2) in the non- mounted state.

7. A milk hose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end portion (1 ) comprises positioning means provided at the upper sector (10) and adapted to determine the rotary position of the milk hose device in relation to the inlet nipple (6) when the milk hose devices is mounted on the inlet nipple (6).

8. A milk hose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the milk hose device includes a liner portion (4) provided successively after the third main hose portion (3), wherein the liner portion (4) is adapted to be introduced into a teatcup shell (5) and to receive a teat during milking of an animal.

9. A teatcup liner comprising a tubular milk hose device according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A teatcup liner according to claim 9, wherein the milk hose device comprises a liner portion (4) provided successively after the third main hose portion (3) and adapted to be introduced into a teatcup shell (5) and to receive a teat during milking of an animal.