WO2008089976A1

WO2008089976A1 - Milking station, milking module, and method for the treatment of animals

Info

Publication number: WO2008089976A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/000525
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magnus Wiethoff; Otto Krone
Original assignee: Gea Westfaliasurge Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-01-24
Filing date: 2008-01-24
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: DE102007004539A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a milking station (1) for treating and particularly milking animals, comprising a support surface (7) for the animal that is to be treated, and at least one opening (7a) in the support surface (7). A milking module (2a, 2b) can be guided through said opening (7a) from below. At least one functional element (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) encompassing at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) is disposed on the milking module (2a, 2b). The treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) can be brought into at least one neutral position (17) located at least in part below the support surface (7) and at least one operational position (16) located at least in part above the support surface (7). According to the invention, the milking station (1) further comprises a covering mechanism (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) which closes substantially the entire opening (7a) in the neutral position (17) of the milking module. Said covering mechanism (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) has at least one first covering section (11a, 11b) that can be swiveled about a swivel pin (Y1) which is at least temporarily arranged on the support surface (7). The milking module (2a, 2b) is mounted so as to be rotatable about a predefined rotational shaft (X1, X2). The treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) can automatically be moved from the neutral position (17) located below the support surface (7) to the operational position (16) located at least in part above the support surface (7) by means of a swiveling movement about the predefined rotational shaft (X1, X2) of the milking module.

Description

Milking stall, milking module and method of treating animals

description

The invention relates to a milking place for treating and in particular for milking animals such as cows, sheep, goats, buffalos, llamas, camels, dromedaries, yaks, elks, horses and the like.

The invention can be used, for example, in machine milking animals. The use is possible in particular in milking parlors, in which semi-automatic treatment and / or milking of the teats takes place.

For animal milking various devices and methods have become known in the art. As a rule, teat cups are nowadays used according to the two-space principle, in which a central teat space is surrounded by a pulse space. The central teat chamber is connected to a milk line and is placed under a certain vacuum. The pulse space is acted upon by a pulsator with a pulsating pressure curve, the so-called pulsation. For this purpose, the pulse space is periodically subjected to two different pressure waves, a vacuum wave and a further pressure wave often having atmospheric pressure, but may also have overpressure or slight negative pressure.

Due to the pulsation, a periodic opening and closing of the teat cup liner arranged in the teat cup is achieved and the milk flow is promoted.

The milking is done today usually by machine, so that a teat cup attached to the teat of the animal to be milked and then the milk is extracted by machine.

In addition, fully automatic systems are known, which perform fully automatically in addition to the milking and the preparation of teat cups.

From DE 36 50 637 T2 a fully automatic system for milking is known in which the attachment of the milking equipment to the udder takes place automatically. The milking machine

BESTATiGUNGSKOPIE crockery from below through the bottom of the stand attached. A large-scale holder carries the milking cluster and a bowl-shaped basin for cleaning the udder. Both are in the attached state above the milking parlor floor and are rotatably received by 180 ° about an axis of rotation arranged above the milking parlor floor. Thus, the system in DE 36 50 637 T2 above the floor space on a variety of components that are exposed to nervous or beating animals a significant risk of damage. Thus, in such an embodiment, the individual components exposed to the movements of the animal must be made very stable in order to permanently withstand the possible loads. It should be noted in particular that the weight of cows can be up to 600kg or more.

From DE 36 89 972 T2 an apparatus for milking animals is known in which a milking parlor floor is provided with an opening through which the arranged below the milking parlor milking parlor for milking is carried out with a linear movement telescopically upwards. The opening in the milking parlor floor can be covered by a flap, which is pivotable about a horizontal axis.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a milking available, which allows in a working position milking the animals and in a rest position the milking arranged so that it is protected both from contamination, and before movements of the cows. In addition, the teat cups should be brought into a favorable for the milker Anreichposition.

This is inventively achieved by a milking parlor according to claim 1. The milking module according to the invention is subject matter of claim 21 and the inventive method subject of claim 22. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The milking station according to the invention for treating animals and in particular for milking animals has a standing area for the animal to be treated with at least one opening in the standing area, through which at least one milking module can be guided from below, wherein at least one functional element with at least one is attached to the milking module Treatment device is arranged, and wherein the treatment device in at least one at least partially disposed below the standing surface rest position and in at least one at least partially disposed above the standing surface working position can be brought. According to the invention, the milking stall has a covering device which essentially completely closes the opening in the rest position of the treatment device, the covering device having at least one first covering section, which is pivotable about a pivot axis, this pivoting axis being arranged at least temporarily on the standing surface. The milking module according to the invention is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation and the treatment device is automatically moved by a pivoting movement about the predetermined axis of rotation of the milking module from the rest position arranged below the standing surface in the at least partially above the standing surface arranged working position. Preferably, the movement of the functional element is coupled to the movement of the covering device.

By providing the covering device according to the invention, injuries to the animals through the opening in the milking parlor can be avoided before and after milking, since this opening is covered by the covering device. By providing a pivotable cover portion can be achieved that the opening can be closed completely and in particular without edges and the like.

Under a milking module is understood here the entire unit, which also has one or more functional elements and one or more treatment facilities.

An arrangement of the pivot axis or the axis of rotation on the support surface is understood to mean that the pivot axis extends either in the plane of the support surface, or only slightly, i. is provided less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm and more preferably offset by less than 3 cm to the base. Preferably, the axis of rotation is offset downward with respect to the plane of the base.

The at least temporary arrangement of the pivot axis on the standing surface allows the cover section to be arranged in the rest position so that this cover section runs essentially in the plane of the standing surface and thus also no edges and the like that disturb the animal to be treated occur. A treatment device is understood to be any device with which the animal can be acted upon, in particular a milking machine and the like. Particularly preferably, the covering device is arranged on the milking module. In this embodiment, the milking module on the one hand on the treatment facilities and on the other hand, the covering means and is rotated in its entirety about the axis of rotation.

In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined axis of rotation and the pivot axis coincide geometrically. This means that both the covering device or the first section of the covering device and the milking module are pivoted about the same axis. Preferably, at least the first cover portion is a component of the treatment device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the axis of rotation is fixed relative to the base. This means that no translational movements of the axis of rotation are allowed with respect to the base. An arrangement of the pivot axis on the base surface is understood to mean that it is arranged close to the plane of the base surface and is particularly preferably arranged slightly below the plane of the base surface. In this way it can be achieved that the axis of rotation or its mechanical linkage does not have the animal affecting projections.

In a further preferred embodiment, two milking modules which can be carried out from below are provided and both milking modules are each pivotable from a rest position into a working position by a pivoting movement about the predetermined rotary axes. In this embodiment, it is particularly possible, the two milking modules are formed substantially equal to each other to pivot toward each other to bring them into their working position. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

The two milking modules preferably each have covering devices, and the covering devices of the two milking modules are designed essentially mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other. In this way, the entire device can be brought from a rest position to a working position by a uniform mechanism.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a second flexible cover section is arranged on at least one first cover section. This second cover section closes a gap possibly formed between the two first cover sections. The flexible design of the second cover section ensures that these sections serve not only as sealing elements between the first sections, but also as edge protection, in order to prevent injuries to the claws of the cows.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one milking module and particularly preferably both milking modules have a wall section which protrudes from the standing surface at the working position. More specifically, these wall sections protrude in the working position substantially vertically out of the base. Thus, the legs of the animals to be milked are spread when starting up, or pivoting up these wall sections, so that the milker has improved access to the udder.

Preferably, a slot is arranged in at least one milking module, in which at least a portion of a treatment device can be arranged displaceably. Thus, for example, milking cups can move to their starting position in the working position in a longitudinal direction of the cow, in which case the hoses connected to the milking cups can likewise be carried along. Preferably, the first cover section protrudes at least one milking module, and preferably the first sections of both milking modules protrude out of the standing surface in the working position. In this embodiment, these cover portions are identical to the above-mentioned wall portions.

In a further preferred embodiment, scavenging receptacles are provided into which the milking cups can be pressed after the milking process in order to effect a cleaning of the milking cups.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one milking module and particularly preferably both milking modules each have a frontal wall section. This wall section protects against injuries to the operating personnel at the milking modules. In this case, the front wall sections may particularly preferably be offset from one another so that they move parallel to one another when entering the working position and thus prevent an opening on the front side being opened during the opening and closing of the treatment devices, in which the operator can grasp.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one covering device has a further covering section, which can be pivoted relative to the first covering section. Thus, the covering device in its entirety is preferably foldable. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one pivot axis is also translationally movable. Thus, the pivot axis is preferably movable in the plane of the end faces. In this way, a pivoting movement or a displacement of the milking cluster can be coupled with a movement of the covering devices.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one treatment device of the working position of the milking module by an operator, in particular manually, tangible and can be brought to the teats of the animal to be treated.

Advantageously, the treatment device is selected from a group of treatment devices which includes teat cups, cleaning cups, pre-teaspoon cups, teat care devices, combinations thereof, and the like. In particular, a functional element could also be equipped with a plurality of different treatment devices.

Preferably, at least one covering device in the rest position forms part of the standing surface. In this way, as mentioned above, injuries to the animal can be excluded by edges.

Preferably, a Nachmelkeinrichtung is provided, with which a downward force on at least one treatment device can be brought, wherein the Nachmelkeinrichtung is particularly suitable to apply a teat individual force. In this meadow, a teat individual milking individual teat of the animals is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, a flushing adapter is provided to flush at least one treatment device. In this way, after the milking process, the individual treatment devices, for example milking cups, can be rinsed out.

In addition, advantageously, a flushing device for flushing the milking module, that is, the entire system provided. This rinsing device is advantageously arranged below the base and allowed after the milking rinsing of the entire milking module.

The present invention is further directed to a milking module for treating animals and directed in particular for the milking of animals, which is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation, and on which at least one functional element is provided, said functional element having at least one treatment device for treating animals. The treatment device can be brought by a pivoting movement about the predetermined axis of rotation from a rest position to a working position. According to the invention, the milking module has a covering device which essentially completely closes an opening of a milking stall in the rest position, wherein the covering device has at least one first covering section, which is pivotable about a pivot axis, this pivoting axis being arranged at least temporarily on a standing surface of the milking stall. According to the invention, the milking module is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation and the treatment device is automatically movable by pivoting about the predetermined axis of rotation of the milking module from the resting position arranged below the standing surface in the at least partially above the standing surface arranged working position. In the milking module according to the invention, uniform treatment devices or also different treatment devices can be arranged on the different functional elements.

The present invention is further directed to a method of treating animals, and more particularly to milking animals. In this case, an animal is positioned on a standing surface and at least one treatment device is carried out from below through an opening of the standing surface. In this case, by pivoting a milking module with a plurality of functional elements about a predetermined axis of rotation, a treatment device is automatically moved from a rest position to a working position. According to the invention, at least one first cover section is pivoted about a pivot axis during the movement of the treatment device, wherein this pivot axis is arranged at least temporarily on the base surface. According to the invention, the milking module is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation and the treatment device is automatically moved by a pivoting movement about the predetermined axis of rotation of the milking module from the rest position arranged below the standing surface in the at least partially arranged above the standing surface working position. Preferably, the pivot axis is permanently arranged on the base.

Preferably, at least one treatment device is manually brought to the udder of the animal. In all the developments described above, two, three, four or more openings may be provided, wherein the individual openings, for example, elongated or can be trained around. The width of the openings in the standing surface in the working position is in particular less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm and particularly preferably even smaller.

The exact dimensions of the openings in the footprint depend on the dimensions of the treatment device to be performed. In the case of sheep or goats, the teat cups are generally smaller than in the case of milking devices for milking cows, so that in milking devices for milking sheep, the openings can be made smaller.

In all embodiments, a milk collection piece may be provided to collect milk from two or four teats together. Also, a teat individual derivation is possible.

In a further development, an animal positioning on the footprint of the milking stall is provided to position the udder of the animals to be milked in a desired area. For this purpose, corresponding sensors can be provided. An individual animal fixation is possible to ensure the smoothest possible process.

Further features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Hereby show:

Fig. 1 is a view of a milking stall according to the invention in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view of the milking stall of FIG. 1 in a rest position; FIG.

3 is a view of the milking stall of Figure 1 in a rest position from below.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the located in a working position milking station

FIG. 1;

Fig. 5 shows two side views of the milking stall from Figures 3 and 4 in one

Rest position and in a working position; 6 shows a milking stall in a second embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the milking stall of Fig. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the milking stall of FIG. 6 in a working position; FIG.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the milking stall of FIG. 6 in an intermediate position between a working position and a resting position; FIG. and

10 shows a milking stall according to the invention in a third embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a milking stall 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment. This milking stall has a base 7 on which a cow can be placed. In this footprint 7 a (hidden in Figure 1) opening is provided, through which treatment devices 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d can be pushed therethrough. The treatment devices 8a-8d are milking cups which can be applied to the teats of a cow. The sucked from the teats milk can be dissipated via milking hoses 6.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the treatment devices 8a and 8b components are a milking module 2a and the treatment devices 8c and 8d are components of a milking module 2b. These two milking modules can be pivoted with the treatment devices 8a-8d from a rest position into the working position 16 shown in FIG. The pivot axes are arranged in the area of the base 7 or substantially in or below the plane of the base 7, as will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. The two milking modules 2a and 2b are thus folded up when transferring from the rest position to the working position in opposite directions. FIG. 1 shows a working position 16 and in FIG. 2 a rest position 17.

Furthermore, a cover 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b is provided, which closes the opening in the base 7 in the rest position. Thus, the entire device on two milking modules or folding segments 2a and 2b, which are rotatably mounted around the above-mentioned axes and close the opening in the footprint 7 of the cow. Furthermore, in the milking modules 2a and 2b, elongated holes 5a and 5b are provided, which are so wide that the lower region of the treatment devices 8a-8d fits through. Thus, the individual treatment facilities can be moved in the direction of the double arrow P. Reference numerals 4a-4d refer to functional elements in which the respective treatment devices 8a-8d are arranged. These functional elements are designed here as sockets. At the first cover portions 11a, 11b respectively second cover portions 12a, 12b are arranged. These second cover sections or plates are made of flexible material. In a portion of these second cover portions 12a, 12b, support members 10a, 10b are attached to the second cover portions. These support elements 10a, 10b project slightly beyond the milking modules 2a and 2b in their longitudinal direction L.

The reference numerals 3a, 3b relate to profile seals, which are arranged on the respective other side of the milking modules 2a and 2b with respect to the treatment devices 8a-8d. This profile seals cause that a gap between the two milking modules 2a and 2b in the working position 16 can be substantially completely closed.

Reference numerals 9a and 9b refer to frontal walls on the milking modules 2a and 2b. These end walls 9a and 9b serve as further protection against injury to the operating personnel. These walls 9a and 9b are slightly offset in the longitudinal direction of the milking modules L against each other and thus move past each other. This prevents that when opening and closing the milking modules 2a and 2b, an end opening is released, in which the operator could grab.

FIG. 2 shows the device from FIG. 1 in a closed state. It can be seen that in this case the opening 7a in the base 7 is completely closed. In this case, the opening 7a is completely covered on the one hand by the first cover sections 11a and 11b and on the other hand by the second cover sections 12a and 12b. As a result of the fact that, as mentioned above, the support elements 10a, 10b are slightly longer than the milking modules 2a and 2b and thus also slightly longer than the opening in the longitudinal direction, it is also achieved that the second cover sections extend substantially in the plane of the support surface 7 arrange. In this way, the opening 7a of the base 7 is closed substantially edge-free and without unevenness units.

FIG. 3 shows the device from FIG. 1 in a rest position and a view from below. It can be seen that the individual treatment devices 8a and 8b or 8c and δci are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L, so that they can be retracted without colliding.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a device according to the invention in a working position. It can be seen that in the two slots 5a and 5b sliding elements 19a and 19b are provided, which can be moved in the longitudinal direction L of the slots 5a, 5b. During the milking process, the cow is arranged on the standing surface 7 such that the longitudinal direction of the cow, that is, the direction from the head to the tail of the cow, is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated holes 5a and 5b. On the sliding elements 19a and 19b, the individual treatment devices 8a-8d are respectively fixed, that is to say they are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. This distance corresponds essentially to the distance between two teats of a cow. The sliding elements 19a and 19b have on their peripheral edge in each case a fastening device 21a, 21b (for example in the form of an eyelet) with which the sliding elements can be moved in translation on the surfaces of the milking modules 2a, 2b.

With reference to Figure 5, the operation of a milking parlor according to the invention is shown. 5 shows a representation of the milking stall according to the invention in a rest position along the lines A-A from FIG. 3. The right-hand part of the drawing shows a working position of a milking stall according to the invention along the line B-B in FIG.

Before entering a cow, both milking modules 2a, 2b are rotated so that the opening in the standing surface 7 is closed by the covering sections 11a, 11b and 12a and 12b. After entering the cow, the two milking modules 2a, 2b are rotated by 90 ° in opposite directions about the pivot points X1, X2, Y1, Y2 and the axes of rotation X1, X2, Y1, Y2. In this embodiment, therefore, the rotation axis X1 and the pivot axis Y1 and the rotation axis X2 and the pivot axis Y2 coincide geometrically. These axes of rotation run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated holes 5a and 5b shown in FIG. During the transition from the rest position to the working position, the second cover sections 12a, 12b, which are, as mentioned above, of a flexible material with the support elements 10a, 10b attached thereto rotate about the outer upstanding corners 22a, 22b of the milking modules 2a, 2 B. The respective extreme position of these support elements 10a, 10b is shown in the two illustrations shown in FIG. In the right-hand illustration, the carrying elements are placed around the corners 22a, 22b and the end sections 23a, 23b of the carrying device Elements 1Oa ₁ 10b face diagonally downwards.

Therefore, the second cover sections 12a, 12b serve not only as sealing elements between the milking modules 2a, 2b in the closed state, but at the same time as edge protection, in order to prevent injuries of the claws of the cows in the working position.

When turning the milking modules 2a and 2b, the treatment devices 8a-8d guided in the sliding elements 19a and 19b (see FIG. 4) are brought into a vertical attachment position, like milking cups. At the same time, by pivoting the milking modules 2a and 2b, the legs of the animals are spread by the covering sections 11a, 11b so that the milker has free access to the udder. The milker can manually apply the treatment devices to the teats of the animal.

After attaching the treatment devices or the milking cups 8a-8d to the teats, the sliding elements move with the cow in the longitudinal direction L, since the tubes 16 connected to the milking cups are likewise guided through the receiving bores of the sliding elements 19a, 19b. Preferably, the sliding elements 19a and 19b are loosely on the milking modules 2a and 2b, whereby it is achieved that their movement is very smooth. The advantage in this embodiment is that it does not come to tensile or compressive forces through the tubes on the teats. On the one hand, this would be detrimental to milking and, on the other hand, could cause the milking cups to fall off the teats during milking.

As mentioned, the hoses are passed through the bores of the sliding elements 19a, 19b in order to be able to remove the treatment devices or milking cups from the teats via a non-illustrated removal device after milking and thus bring the milking cups into the receiving bores of the sliding elements. Thus, the teat cups, for example, manually removed from the milking modules 2a and 2b and applied to the teats of the animals.

As mentioned above, the fastening devices attached to the sliding elements 19a and 19b serve to bring the sliding elements 19a and 19b, and thus also the teat cups, into a specific position in the longitudinal direction. In this case, corresponding cables can be used, which can be driven, for example, by the removal device. This positioning of the teat cups ensures a position of the teat cups that is favorable for piecing, and allows the teat cups to be moved to a predetermined position, from which they are pressed into dishwashing receptacles 18 (see FIG. These flushing receptacles 18 (FIG. 3) are particularly preferably arranged on the respectively opposite milking module, so that when the milking modules 2 a, 2 b are folded in, the individual milking cups 8 a - 8 d are automatically seated in the flushing receptacles 18. In addition, the milking cups, as mentioned above, can be accommodated in a space-saving manner by a suitable positioning, in which they are arranged offset, as shown, for example, in FIG. Thus, the width of the two milking modules 2 a, 2 b raised can also be kept low.

After removing the milking cups, the two milking modules 2a, 2b are moved in opposite directions about the axes X1, X2 and in this way the opening in the standing surface 7 is closed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the milking modules are pivoted through 90 °. In other embodiments, however, could also be provided deviating swivel angle. During rotation, the projecting support elements 10a, 10b lie on the standing surface 7, so that the flexible second cover sections 12a, 12b lie on both sides on the center of the opening and in this way close the area between the milking modules 2a, 2b.

These flexible sections 12a, 12b have several advantages. On the one hand, upright walls on the sides of the raised milking modules 2a, 2b are prevented, thus reducing the risk of injury to the hooves. At the same time, a better accessibility of the milker to the milking cups is achieved when applying. Furthermore, as stated above, an edge protection is achieved at the raised milking modules, which also reduces the risk of injury to the hooves. In addition, the risk of injury to the operator in the closing milking modules 2a and 2b is prevented because in the case of a user's gripping into the opening slot, the respective flexible cover sections 12a, 12b can escape. However, it would also be possible to provide only a flexible cover section.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show a further embodiment of a milking plate according to the invention. zes. In this embodiment, a cover 11, 15 is provided, each first cover portions 11 a, 11 b are hinged to axes of rotation X1, X2, and these axes of rotation in the plane of the base 7 extend. FIG. 6 shows this device in a closed state. At the first cover sections 11a, 11b, second cover sections 15a, 15b are arranged via joints 33a, 33b. This means that the second cover sections 15a, 15b are pivotable relative to the first cover sections 11a, 11b. Thus, even in this embodiment, the opening in the footprint 7 can be substantially completely closed. When the mechanism is opened, the two first cover portions 11a and 11b fold up, taking the second cover portions 15a and 15b with them. Here, too, the first cover sections 11a, 11b form regions which spread the legs of the animal and thus facilitate the accessibility of the milker.

FIG. 7 shows the device from FIG. 6 from below. In this case, reference numeral 38 refers to reciprocating pistons which serve to open the cover device and at the same time cause a treatment device (not shown), such as a milking machine, to be moved upwards. These reciprocating pistons 38 are movable relative to lifting cylinders 40. The reference numeral 41 refers to a clip, are arranged on the Spüladapter 37 with side parts 37 a pivotally.

FIG. 8 shows the device from FIG. 7 in an open position. To open the reciprocating piston 38 are retracted into the lifting cylinder 40 and actuate a linkage 42, which in turn is articulated to curved levers 39. In this way, as can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the covering device can be opened by retracting the lifting pistons. The second cover sections 15a and 15b each have bolts (not shown) which engage in rails of the standing surface 7 or of the frame of the base 7 and are thus movable relative to the base. In this way, a concertina-like opening of the cover is made possible. In Figure 7, the two flushing adapter 37 can be seen in flushing position. In this state, the teat cups (not shown) are moved under the flushing adapter 37 so that they can be rinsed from the inside via the flushing openings 37b and from the outside by means of flushing nozzles.

When opened pull, as shown above, the cylinder 38 by means of the linkage or the tie rods 42, the outer flaps. The tie rods 42 are arranged in the closed state so that between the tie rods 42 and the Ho rizontalen, that is, the plane of the footprint gives an acute angle. In this way, a high force for opening on the cover means 11a is made possible. Therefore, even with relatively weak vacuum cylinders 40, a large load, such as a cow, can be moved. This is necessary because it can happen that a cow lingers on the flap before the start of milking.

On the other hand, is caused by the articulation of the tie rods, that in the further course of the opening, the force acting on the cover 11a, rapidly decreases. Therefore, it can not cause injury to the animal. More specifically, only at the beginning of the opening operation, a "jolt" is applied.

Figure 9 shows the device in the half-open state. As already mentioned, the first cover sections 11a, 11b carry the second or inner cover sections 15a, 15b, wherein they are locked at the inner end by a rail. The resulting in the open state triangular shape spreads according to the invention, the legs of the cow, so that the milker can easily grab the teat cups and also easier to find the teats for attachment.

When opening, as mentioned above, the flushing adapter 37 is connected by a linkage 46 with the cover 11 a and are thus moved when opened on this linkage to the outside. Thus, the opening is completely released for the implementation of the milking parlor. This opened state is shown in FIG. More precisely, the side parts 37a are hinged on the one hand to the clamp 41 and on the other hand to the linkage 46, whereby the pivoting movement is achieved.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a milking stall according to the invention. In this embodiment, a sliding guide is used for the opening of the covering devices 11a, 11b. For this purpose, two side parts 52 are provided, in each of which grooves 54, 55, 57, 58 and 59 are provided, in which in turn bolts 61, which are connected to the cover sections 11a, 11b, are guided. Also in this case, a (only partially shown) reciprocating piston 38 is provided which is connected to a linkage 51. This linkage 51 has segments 51a and 51b. These segments are connected by a bolt 53. The bolt 53 is again guided in the grooves 54 and 55 In addition, a further bolt 56 is provided at the end of the second segment 51b, which is guided in the grooves 57, 58 and 59. In addition, the bolt 56 in the second segment 51b is also disposed on a side wall 63 of the cover portion 11a. When the linkage 51 is raised, the cover section 11a in FIG. 10 is caused to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. In the closed position, while the bolt 61 in the groove 59 and the bolt 56 come to rest in the groove 58 and thus also the cover portion 11 a extends in the plane in the (not shown) footprint, since the points in which the bolts 56 and 61 are articulated on the side surface, laterally offset from one another.

The opened state is shown in FIG. Again, it is possible to perform through the opening (not shown) treatment facilities upwards.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Milking stall a, b Milking module a, b Profile seal a, b, c, d Functional elements a, b Slotted holes

milk hoses

Footprint a opening a, b, c, d treatment devices a, b end wall sections of the milking modules 0a, b support elements 1a, b first cover section 2a, b second cover section 5a, b second cover sections (Figures 6 - 9) 6 working position 7 rest position 8 flushing receptacle 9a, b sliding elements 1a, b fastening device 2a, b corners of the milking modules 2a, 2b 3a, b end sections of the supporting elements 10a, 10b3a, 33b joints 7 flushing adapter 7a side parts of the flushing adapters 7b flushing openings 8 lifting piston 9 lever 0 lifting cylinder (vacuum cylinder) 1 clamp 2 tie rods, 51 Linkage 1a, b segments 3.56 bolts 54, 55, 57, 5δ, 59 grooves

61 bolts

L longitudinal direction

X1, X2 rotary axes

Y1, Y2 pivot axes

Claims

Claims:

A milking stall (1) for treating animals and in particular for milking animals, having a standing surface (7) for the animal to be treated and at least one opening (7a) in the standing surface (7), through which at least one milking module (2a, 2b), wherein at least one functional element (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) with at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) is arranged on the milking module (2a, 2b) and wherein the treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) can be brought into at least one resting position (17) arranged at least partially below the standing surface and in at least one working position (16) arranged at least partially above the standing surface, wherein the milking stall (1) has a covering device (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) which substantially completely closes the opening (7a) in the rest position (17) of the milking module, the covering device (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) having at least one first covering section (11a, 11b), d it is pivotable about a pivot axis (Y1), said pivot axis (Y1, Y2) at least temporarily disposed on the support surface (7), characterized in that the milking module (2a, 2b) rotatable about a predetermined axis of rotation (X1, X2) is mounted and the treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) by a pivoting movement about the predetermined axis of rotation (X1, X2) of the milking module from the below the standing surface (7) arranged rest position (17) in the at least partially above the standing surface (7 ) arranged working position (16) is automatically movable.

2. Milking stall according to claim 1, wherein the covering device (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) is arranged on the milking module (2a, 2b).

3. milking stall according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined axes of rotation (X1, X2) and the pivot axes (Y1, Y2) each coincide geometrically.

4. milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of rotation (X1, X2) relative to the base surface is translationally fixed.

5. Melkplatz according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein two milking modules (2a, 2b) are provided and both milking modules (2a, 2b) each by a pivoting movement about predetermined axes of rotation (X1, X2) from the rest position (17) in the working position ( 16) are pivotable.

6. milking stall according to claim 2-5, wherein the covering means (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) of the two milking modules are formed substantially mirror-symmetrical to each other.

7. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first cover portion, a second, flexible, cover portion (12a, 12b) is arranged.

8. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one milking module (2a, 2b) a slot (5a, 5b) is arranged, in which at least a portion of a treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) can be slidably disposed ,

9. milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cover portion in the working position (16) protrudes from the standing surface (7).

10. Melkplatz according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one milking module (2a, 2b) relative to the slot (5a, 5b) slidable sliding member (19a, 19b)) is arranged.

11. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one milking module (2a, 2b) has an end wall section (9a, 9b).

12. milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein both milking modules (2a, 2b) at least one end-side wall portion (9a, 9b), wherein these wall sections (9a, 9b) overlap at least temporarily.

13. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one covering device has a carrying element (10a, 10b) which is pivotable relative to the first covering section (11a, 11b).

14. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (Y1, Y2) is translationally movable.

15. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) in the working position

(16) of the milking module (2a, 2b) by an operator, in particular manually, tangible and can be brought to the teats of the animal to be treated.

A milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment device is selected from a group of treatment devices including teat cups, cleaners, pre-teaspoons, teat care devices, combinations thereof, and the like.

17. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one covering device (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) in the rest position

(17) forms part of the base (7).

18. milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a Nachmelkeinrichtung is provided, with which a downward force on at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) can be brought, wherein the Nachmelkeinrichtung is particularly suitable to apply a teat-individual force ,

19. A milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a flushing adapter (18) is provided to flush at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d).

20. Milking stall according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a flushing device for flushing the milking module (2a, 2b) is provided.

21. milking module (2a, 2b) for treating animals and in particular for milking animals, which is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation (X1, X2) and on which at least one functional element (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is provided, wherein said functional element (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) comprises at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) for treating animals, and wherein the treatment device is pivoted about a predetermined rotational axis (X1, X2) from a rest position (17 ) can be brought into a working position (16), wherein the milking module (2a, 2b) has a covering device (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) having an opening (7a) of a milking stall (1) in the rest position (17) substantially completely closes, wherein the cover means (11a, 11 b, 12a, 12b) at least a first cover portion (11a, 11b) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (Y1, Y2), said pivot axis (Y1, Y2) at least temporarily a stand (7) of Melkpla tzes (1), characterized in that the milking module (2a, 2b) is rotatably mounted about a predetermined axis of rotation (X1, X2) and the treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) by a pivoting movement about the predetermined axis of rotation ( X1, X2) of the milking module is automatically movable from the resting position (17) arranged below the standing surface (7) into the working position (16) arranged at least partially above the standing surface (7).

22. A method for treating animals and in particular for the milking of animals, in which an animal is positioned on a standing surface (7) and at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) from below through an opening of the standing surface (7). is carried out, by pivoting a milking module (2a, 2b) with a plurality of functional elements (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) about a predetermined axis of rotation (X1, X2) the treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) from a rest position ( 17) is moved automatically into a working position (16), wherein during the movement of the treatment device at least a first cover section (11a, 11b) is pivoted about a pivot axis (Y1, Y2) which is arranged at least temporarily on the standing surface (7), characterized in that the milking module (2a, 2b) rotatable about a predetermined axis of rotation (X1, X2) is gert and the treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) by a pivoting movement about the predetermined axis of rotation (X1, X2) of the milking module from the below the standing surface (7) arranged rest position (17) in the at least partially above the standing surface (7 ) arranged working position (16) is moved automatically.

23. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one treatment device (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) is brought manually to the udder of the animal.