WO2020242369A1

WO2020242369A1 - A tool designed to disassemble a teatcup, and a method of disassembling a teatcup

Info

Publication number: WO2020242369A1
Application number: PCT/SE2020/050536
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anna Andersson
Original assignee: Delaval Holding Ab
Priority date: 2019-05-28
Filing date: 2020-05-27
Publication date: 2020-12-03

Abstract

A tool (1) for and a method of disassembling a teatcup are disclosed. The tool is suitable for disassembling a teatcup comprising an outer shell and a liner member positioned in the outer shell. The liner member comprises a barrel defining an inner space for a teat, and a mouthpiece extending away from an end of the outer shell. The tool comprises a tool body (30) having a first surface (31) and an opposite second surface (32). A recess (33) extends into the tool body through the second surface and forms a peripheral edge (34) with the second surface. A rod member (40) extends from the recess away from the tool body and beyond the second surface. The recess is configured to enclose and engage an outer surface of the mouthpiece, and the rod member is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel.

Description

A tool designed to disassemble a teatcup, and a method of disassembling a teatcup

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a tool designed to disassemble a teatcup of a milking machine according to the preamble of claim 1 . The present invention also refers to a method of disassembling a teatcup of a milking machine by means of the tool.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Disassembling a teatcup in order to remove and replace the teatcup liner is frequently a difficult task requiring a significant effort from the operator. This is a problem also regarding the teatcup of the kind disclosed in for instance WO 2017/192093. This teatcup comprises an outer shell and a liner member in the form of a cartridge positioned in the outer shell. The liner member comprises a barrel and a mouthpiece extending outwardly away from an end of the outer shell.

When the barrel is to be replaced the entire cartridge, i.e. the entire liner member, is removed from the outer shell by being rotated in relation to the outer shell and then pulled outwardly from the outer shell. In particular, the initial rotation of the cartridge requires a significant force from the operator. Since there is no suitable surface to be gripped by the operator, the replacement of the cartridge, and the barrel, may be time- consuming.

US 9,635,829 discloses a similar teatcup that includes a connector and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a sleeve, having a first end and a second end, and a barrel mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space for receiving a teat. The connector is configured to connect a milk conduit to the cartridge. US 8,01 1 ,321 discloses a teatcup liner adapted to be mounted in an outer shell to form a teatcup to be applied to the teat of an animal. The teatcup liner defines an inner space for receiving the teat and a longitudinal center axis. The teatcup liner has a head portion, a tubular barrel portion and, a tubular lower portion defining a milk channel having a cross-section area perpendicular to the center axis. The tubular lower portion has a primary engagement member to be engaged by a secondary engagement member of the outer shell. The teatcup liner includes a grip member extending from the tubular lower portion to be gripped by an operator when the liner is to be mounted. The grip member defines a force application zone on which a pulling force may be applied in order to mount the teatcup liner in the outer shell. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to the problems discussed above. In particular, it is aimed at a tool that may facilitate the disassembling of a teatcup.

The purpose is achieved by the tool initially defined, which is characterized in that the tool comprises a recess, extending into the tool body through the second surface and forming a peripheral edge with the second surface, and a rod member, extending from the recess away from the tool body and beyond the second surface, wherein the recess is configured to enclose and engage an outer surface of the mouthpiece, and the rod member is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel. When disassembling the teatcup, the tool may be easily gripped by the operator and then moved to and applied on an outer surface of the mouthpiece.

The rod member may be introduced through an opening of the mouthpiece into the inner space of the barrel. The rod member is then permitted to engage the inner surface of the barrel. The rod member and the recess may engage the barrel and the outer surface of the mouthpiece, respectively, by friction. The tool may thus contribute to a secure engagement of liner member by engaging the barrel and the mouthpiece.

The rod member may contribute to preventing the tool from slipping of the mouthpiece during the disassembling of the teatcup. The rod member may also reduce twisting of the barrel during the rotation of the liner member.

When the liner member is engaged by the tool, the operator may rotate the tool and the liner member in relation to the outer shell so that the engagement of the liner member in the outer shell is loosened. The tool enables the operator to exert a significant rotary force on the mouthpiece and the barrel of the liner member. The loosened liner member may then be easily pulled outwardly and out from the outer shell.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rod member extends along the longitudinal central axis. The rod member my thus be adapted to be introduced into the inner space of the barrel of the liner member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rod member comprises an outer surface comprising a structure permitting a secure engagement of the inner surface of the barrel. The structure may be achieved by means of surface irregularities, such as projections and/or depressions, for instance elongated projections or spot-shaped projections. The structure may further increase the friction between the surface of the rod member and the inner surface of the barrel.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the structure of the outer surface comprises a plurality of projections projecting from the outer surface. The projections of the rod member may contribute to a further improvement of the secure engagement of the barrel and the liner member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the projections of the rod member are elongated and extend towards an outer end of the rod member. The elongated projections may form ridges and extend along the entire, or substantially the entire, length of the rod member. According to an embodiment of the invention, the surface of the recess comprises a structure permitting a secure engagement of the mouthpiece. The structure may be achieved by means of surface irregularities, such as projections and/or depressions, for instance elongated projections or spot-shaped projections. The structure may increase the friction between the surface of the recess and the outer surface of the mouthpiece.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the structure of the surface of the recess comprises a plurality of projections, in particular elongated projections forming ridges. The projections may project from the surface of the recess, especially from the domed annular surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the projections of the structure of the surface of the recess are elongated and extend towards the peripheral edge. The elongated projections may form ridges extending towards the peripheral edge. The projections of the structure may extend to the peripheral edge. The projections of the structure may extend outwardly in relation to the longitudinal central axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the surface of the recess comprises a surface comprising a domed annular surface, extending from the peripheral edge, and a central bottom surface surrounded by the domed annular surface. The domed annular surface may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the mouthpiece, which further contributes to the secure engagement of the tool to the mouthpiece of the liner member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the structure of the surface of the recess is provided on the domed annular surface. The structure may extend 360° around the domed annular surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rod member extends from the central bottom surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the peripheral edge is circular. Also the domed annular surface may be circular in a cross-section of the domed annular surface. This circular configuration of the peripheral edge and the domed annular surface may correspond to a circular contour of the outer surface of the mouthpiece.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first surface of the tool body is domed. Such a domed shape of the first surface may improve the handling of the tool and make the tool body more convenient to the operator. It follows that the force to be transferred by the operator may be increased. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first surface of the tool body has an oval contour in a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal central axis. Such a contour of the tool body may improve the handling of the tool and make the tool body more convenient to the operator. It follows that the force to be transferred by the operator may be increased.

The purpose is also achieved by the disassembling method initially defined and comprising the consecutive steps of:

moving the tool to the teatcup so that the recess encloses and engages an outer surface of the mouthpiece and that the rod member engages an inner surface of the barrel, rotating the tool and the liner member in relation to the outer shell, and

pulling the tool and the liner member outwardly from the outer shell.

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present 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 perspective lateral view of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig 2 discloses schematically another perspective view from below of the tool in Fig 1 .

Fig 3 discloses schematically a further lateral perspective view of the tool in Fig 1 .

Fig 4 discloses schematically a perspective view of a teatcup comprising an outer shell and a liner member disassembled from the outer shell.

Fig 5 discloses schematically of cross sectional view of a teatcup and the toll of Fig 1 in engagement with the liner member of the teatcup. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Figs 1 to 3 disclose tool 1 designed for disassembling a teatcup 2 of a milking machine. The teatcup, see Figs 4 and 5, comprises an outer shell 3 and a liner member 4. The liner member 4 may form a so called cassette or cartridge to be inserted and positioned in the outer shell 3. The liner member 4 comprises casing 5, a barrel 6 defining an inner space 7 and mounted in the casing 5, and a mouthpiece 8 attached to the casing 5 and the barrel 6. A pulsation chamber 9 is formed between the casing 5 and the barrel 6. When the liner member 4 is inserted and engaged in the outer shell 3, the mouthpiece 8 extends away from an end 3a of the outer shell 3. An opening 10 extends through the mouthpiece 8 for permitting the teat to be introduced into the inner space 7. The liner member 4 comprises a number, for instance, three primary engagement members 1 1 provided circumferentially after each other on an outer surface of the casing 5, see Fig 4 showing one of the primary engagement members 1 1 . Each of the primary engagement members 1 1 is configured to interact with a respective secondary engagement member 12, which are provided circumferentially after each other on an inner surface of the outer shell 3. The primary engagement members 1 1 and the secondary engagement members 12 define a primary rotary position of the liner member 4 in relation to the outer shell 3 that is achieved after the liner member has been inserted along a longitudinal axis of the outer shell 3 to an end position. From this primary rotary position, the liner member 4 may be rotated to a secondary rotary position in which the primary engagement members 1 1 and the secondary engagement members 12 engage each other.

The tool 1 comprises a tool body 30, see Figs 1 to 3. The tool body 30 has a first surface 31 and an opposite second surface 32. A longitudinal central axis x extends through the tool body 30 and through the first surface 31 . A circumferential part of the first surface 31 may form a transition surface 31 a to the second surface 32.

The tool 1 also comprises a recess 33, see Figs 2 and 3, extending into the tool body 30 through the second surface 32. The recess 33 forms a peripheral edge 34 with the second surface 32.

The recess 33 is configured to enclose and engage an outer surface 8a of the mouthpiece 8. To that end, the recess 33 has a surface, or is defined by a surface, comprising a structure 36 permitting a secure engagement of the mouthpiece 8, or the outer surface 8a of the mouthpiece 8.

The surface of the recess 33 comprises, or consists of a domed annular surface 37, extending from the peripheral edge 34, and a central bottom surface 38 surrounded by the domed annular surface 37. The structure 36 is provided on the domed annular surface 37. In the embodiments disclosed, the structure 36 is provided on and extends over the entire domed annular surface 37. The structure 36 may also extend into the central bottom surface 37, as can be seen in Fig 2.

The structure 36 comprises, or is formed by, a plurality of projections 39. The projections 39 may thus extend on the domed annular surface 37, and may project from the domed annular surface 37. In the embodiments disclosed, the projections 39 are elongated and may extend in a radial direction from the longitudinal central axis x. The projections 39 may thus be elongated as in the embodiments disclosed in the drawing or may have a spot-like shape, and be distributed over the domed annular surface 37 and possibly also over the central bottom surface 38. The elongated projections 39 of the structure 36 may extend towards the peripheral edge 34. In the embodiments disclosed, the elongated projections 39 extend all the way to the peripheral edge 34, but may end in the proximity of the peripheral edge 34 or at a short distance from the peripheral edge 34.

The peripheral edge 34 may be circular, or have a circular basic shape. As may be seen in Figs 2 and 3, the elongated projections 39, which extend to the peripheral edge 34, extend inwardly from the peripheral edge 34, which does not prevent the peripheral edge 34 from having said circular basic shape. Also the domed annular surface 37 may be circular when seen in a cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis x.

Each of the elongated projections 39 of the structure 36 may form a respective sharp peak edge along a top line along the extension of the projection 39. Such a sharp peak edge may increase the friction between the tool 1 and the outer surface 8a of the mouthpiece 8 of the teatcup 2. The projections 39 may penetrate the material of the mouthpiece 8.

As can be seen in Figs 2 and 3, the top line may follow the contour of the domed annular surface 37 and the central bottom surface 38. The contour of the top line, the domed annular surface 37 and the central bottom surface 38 may correspond to the contour of the outer surface 8a of the mouthpiece 8.

The tool 1 also comprises a rod member 40 extending from the surface of the recess 33 away from the tool body 30 and beyond the second surface 32. The rod member 40 may extend from the central bottom surface 38. In particular, the rod member 40 may extend along and in parallel with the longitudinal central axis x.

The rod member 40 may have a circular shape seen in a cross- section perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis x.

Also the rod member 40 comprises an outer surface 42 and a plurality of projections 41 projecting from the outer surface 42.

As can be seen in Fig 2, the elongated projections 39 of the recess 33 extend outwardly from the rod member 40.

In the embodiments disclosed, the projections 41 of the rod member 40 are elongated and extend towards an outer end 43 of the rod member 40. The elongated projections 41 may extend in parallel with the longitudinal central axis x along a main part of the length of the rod member 40. The projections 41 of the rod member 40 may thus be elongated as in the embodiments disclosed in the drawing or may have a spot-like shape, and be distributed over outer surface 42, or entire outer surface 42.

The elongated projections 41 of the rod member 40 may form a respective sharp peak edge along a top line along the extension of the elongated projection 41 . Such a sharp peak edge may increase the friction between the tool 1 and the opening 10 of the mouthpiece 8. The projections 41 may penetrate the material of the mouthpiece 8.

The rod member 40 may be cylindrical, or conical, or slightly conical, with a tapering shape outwardly towards the outer end 43.

When the tool 1 has been introduced into the teatcup, the rod member 40 extends into the inner space 7 of the barrel 6, and engages the inner surface of the barrel 6 as can be seen in Fig 5. The barrel 6 may then be deformed and pressed outwardly as is indicated to the left in Fig 5. In the embodiments disclosed, the barrel 6 of the liner member 4 has a triangular cross-section, which means the three sides of the barrel 6 may be firmly engaged by the rod member, whereas the corner areas of the barrel 6 may not be engaged. If the barrel 6 has a circular cross-section, the barrel may be engaged around the entire periphery of the rod member 40. The first surface 31 of the tool body 30 may be domed. Moreover, the first surface 31 of the tool body 30 may have an oval contour when seen in the direction of the longitudinal central axis x.

The tool 1 may comprise a marking in the form of an arrow 45 indicating the rotary direction of the tool for the operator. The arrow may be provided on the tool body 30, preferably on the first surface 31 and in particular on the transition surface 31 a.

The tool 1 may be manufactured in one single piece, for instance through molding. The tool 1 may be manufactured of any suitable plastic material.

Furthermore, the tool 1 may comprise a recess 46 in the tool body 30 from the first surface 31 , in particular the transition surface 31 a, to the second surface 31 . The recess 46 may permit the operator to see markings on the outer shell 3 and the liner member 4, in particular the mouthpiece 8, for determining the relative rotary position between the outer shell 3 and the liner member 4.

The tool 1 may be used in the following manner for disassembling a teatcup 2 of a milking machine. The operator may grip the tool body 30 and move the tool 1 to the teatcup 2 to enclose and engage the outer surface 8a of the mouthpiece 8. The rod member 40 may simultaneously be inserted into the inner space 7 through the opening 10. The mouthpiece 8 and the liner member 4 are then firmly engaged by the tool 1 , wherein the domed annular surface 33 engages the outer surface 8a of the mouthpiece 8, and the rod member 40 engages the inner surface of the barrel 6.

The operator may then also grip the outer shell 3, and then rotate the tool 1 and the liner member 4, i.e. the barrel 6 and the mouthpiece 8, in relation to the outer shell 3. Through said rotation, the primary engagement members 1 1 of the liner member 4 may be rotated from the secondary rotary position to the primary rotary position, and thus be disengaged from the secondary engagement members 12 of the outer shell 3.

Finally, the operator may remove the liner member 4 from the outer shell 3 by pulling the tool 1 and the liner member 4 outwardly from the outer shell 3 of the teatcup. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1 . A tool (1 ) designed to disassemble a teatcup of a milking machine, wherein the teatcup (2) comprises an outer shell (3) and a liner member (4) to be positioned in the outer shell (3), wherein the liner member comprises a barrel defining an inner space for receiving a teat, and a mouthpiece (8) extending away from an end (3a) of the outer shell (3), and wherein the tool (1 ) comprises a tool body (30) having a first surface (31 ) and an opposite second surface (32), wherein a longitudinal central axis (x) extends through the tool body (30) and the first surface (31 ),

characterized in that the tool (1 ) comprises

a recess (33) extending into the tool body (30) through the second surface (32) forming a peripheral edge (34) with the second surface (32), and

a rod member (40) extending from the recess (33) away from the tool body (30) and beyond the second surface (32),

wherein the recess (33) is configured to enclose and engage an outer surface (8a) of the mouthpiece (8), and the rod member (40) is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel (6).

2. The tool (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the rod member

(40) extends along the longitudinal central axis (x).

3. The tool (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the rod member (40) comprises an outer surface (42) comprising a structure permitting a secure engagement of the inner surface of the barrel.

4. The tool (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the structure of the outer surface (42) comprises a plurality of projections (41 ) projecting from the outer surface (42).

5. The tool (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the projections

(41 ) of the rod member (40) are elongated and extend towards an outer end (43) of the rod member (40). 6. The tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of the recess (33) comprises a structure (36) permitting a secure engagement of the mouthpiece (8).

7. The tool (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the structure (36) of the surface of the recess (33) comprises a plurality of projections (39). 8. The tool (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the projections

(39) of the structure (36) of the surface of the recess (33) are elongated and extend towards the peripheral edge (34).

9. The tool (1 ) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the surface of the recess (33) comprises a domed annular surface (37), extending from the peripheral edge (34), and a central bottom surface (38) surrounded by the domed annular surface (37). 10. The tool (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the structure (36) of the surface of the recess (33) is provided on the domed annular surface (37).

1 1 . The tool (1 ) according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the rod member (40) extends from the central bottom surface (38).

12. The tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral edge (34) is circular.

13. The tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (31 ) of the tool body (30) is domed.

14. The tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (31 ) of the tool body (30) has an oval contour in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (x).

15. A method of disassembling a teatcup (2) of a milking machine by means of the tool (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the teatcup (2) comprises an outer shell (3) and a liner member (4) to be positioned in the outer shell (3) and having a mouthpiece (8) extending away from an end (3a) of the outer shell (3), and wherein the method comprises the consecutive steps of:

moving the tool (1 ) to the teatcup (2) so that the recess encloses and engages an outer surface (8a) of the mouthpiece (8) and that the rod member (40) engages an inner surface of the barrel (6),

rotating the tool (1 ) and the liner member (4) in relation to the outer shell (3), and

pulling the tool (1 ) and the liner member (4) outwardly from the outer shell (3).