TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a multi-functional apparatus with unidirectional liquid flow control and easy connection property that controls/stops the unidirectionalflow in the distribution of feeding materials in liquid form such as milk or animal food used in animal husbandry by pressurizing after preparation in a tank, can be easilyassembled/disassembled with its structure specially formed to the counter connection element with locking mechanism so as to allow the discharge of liquids remaining in the transmission line by providing air inlet when the movable cover shaft is pulled manually and so as to clean the tank by providing liquid circulation.

PRIOR ART

One of the technological solutions that provide many advantages in animal husbandry is the machines that perform preparation and dispensing processes of feeding material. Heating and mixing processes of the feeding material are performed in a reservoir in these machines, and it is filled into a container at a desired amount by means of a pressurizing device or a valve system and delivered to the younganimals.

Generally, as it is known, in milk/animal feedsuch as calf milk replacer delivery, the liquid in the reservoir is fluidized by pressurizing means triggered by a dosage handlethat controls flow and is filled into the feeding container by passing through a path that provide transmission. When the target amount for filling the feeding liquidis achieved, the flow is terminated and the flow is initiated again by switching to a new container. In this routine process, the backflow of the liquid inside the flowing hose is undesirable while filling the desired amount of liquid into the container is terminated. While the backflow of the liquid causes difference between dosages, prolongation of dosage time, and increase in energy consumption, it can also result in wasting the feeding fluid.

On the other hand, installation of the multifunctional apparatus in a different order is a second usage option so as to create a circulation in cleaning the dosing handleused in distribution, the delivery line and all contaminated surfaces in contact with the washing liquid. In such an installation, in addition to placing the liquid coming out of the dosing handleend into the tank in a way to be sprayed and washing the pump by operating, cleaning can be carried out with the natural pressure of the liquid by positioning a washing ball in the tank. In order to provide recirculation, allocations are applied in different positions, from the top, inside or side wall of the tank.

Spring check valve structures that are widespread in general use and allow unidirectional passage can be positioned at any point on the transmission line in the dispensingsystems in the machines used in the preparation of liquid animal food. Such check valves whose only function is to prevent air from entering into the transmission line and which works properly in terms of functionality is very difficult to clean and requires intensive labor. Another problem is the risk of losing feeding material in the transmission line after the check valve during delivery from one container to another by means of dripping. In order to solve this problem, on one hand the positioning and installation of the same check valves at the farthermost of the dispensing handleinvolves structural difficulties; on the other hand it brings additional production costs in terms of labor and material. Although it is possible to find solutions for installation and prevent dripping, cleaning difficulties and contamination risks continue.

After the distribution process of said anti-return check valve structures is completed or the system is cleaned, the discharge of feeding material or dirty water cannot be made in the transmission lines. This results in; wasting the feed liquid remaining in the transmission line if the next operation is cleaning, mixing of the cleaning liquid remaining in the transmission line with the feeding liquid in the delivery process or taking the risk of losing some feeding material by draining this liquid until feeding material comes.

After cleaning process, if the dirty water remaining in the transmission line is mixed with the feeding material, it means that the first delivery is made to the younganimals with the feeding material mixture of unknown content containing dirty water. This is a case that requires good caregiver control and has risks to experience consequences that cannot be shown tolerance.

Another problem is that particularly in winter conditions, in case frost is seen, it is possible for the systems to be damaged by freezing since the fluids that remain in the transmission line cannot be discharged.

It is not possible to give a new form, modify and give different functions to this type of check valves whose standards are created. For this reason, providing a multi-functional apparatus structure with easy assembly property for different installations that will both prevent air leakage into the system in distribution and eliminate the loss of product by dripping, and it will enable air entry to the transmission line with a simple movement of the feeding material and the dirty water in the system during the cleaning phase, and also allows unidirectional passage that will have easy connection for an alternative assembly for washing, becomes a necessity. In case the expensive check valve structures used are continuously dismantled and installed, deformation and experiencing loss of function create an effect that will increase the operating costs of the machine. For this reason, it is required to search for a simple and inexpensive solution with different functions for feeding material preparation and delivery machines. It is saved from labor by ensuring that the multi-functional apparatus with easy assembly-disassembly property, which allows the transmission system to be installed in two different ways for dispensing or washing.

It is required from the multi-functional apparatus that has an active function in dispensing and washing processes to facilitate the distribution of the feeding material, not to allow the flow of feeding material other than triggering, to have a simple structure and ease of cleaning, as well as to assist in effective washing of the chamber in the cleaningprocess.

In the patent document with application number DE202005012843U1 in the state of the art defines “a milk dispenser that contains a covered tank, a pump, a dispensing device with valve, an inlet point in the upper part of the side wall of the tank where the dispensing device can be connected for use in mixing or cleaning the milk”. Although, this document does not contain any information regarding the properties of the valve that is mentioned to be available in the dosing gun, it is stated that the dosing gun can be attached or locked to the tank wall directly for the purpose of mixing and cleaning. In the patent document with the application number EP2893803 in relation to the DE202005012843U1 document in the state of the art defines “Pasteurization milk dispenser that contains a heated tank with pasteurization property, a pump, a dispensing device, an inlet point in the upper part of the side wall of the tank where the dispensing device can be connected for use in mixing or cleaning the milk”. In this document, while a spring check valve that is specified to be located on the rotary tube outlet on the dispensing line or the gun, is opened with the pressure of the pump, prevents dripping from one container to another, is turned on manually for another type of application, no information has been given regarding other properties.

In the patent document with the application numbered EP3516957 (A1 ) in the state of the art “a milk cart in which a liquid food is transported for distribution from the tank with the help of a dosing controlled pump with working time for dosing a certain amount of a liquid food especially for feeding calves "is defined. It is stated that it is designed for “determining the operating time of the pump according to the height by measurement control so as to detect the height of the tank, distribution system, pump, dosing control and distribution system for feeding livestock, especially calves". In this document, there is no information regarding the properties of the dosing handle.

In the patent application document numbered DE202014102419U1 in the state of the art, it is stated that “milk cart for feeding farm animals contains a tank, dispensing system, pump, an electrically operated stirring device with electronic control that has dispersing order, can be operated at different mixing speeds according to the liquid level in the tank.” In said document, while a dispensing system is disclosed, it does not describe any functional properties of the dispensing handlein the system. For this purpose, it is seen that the distribution line is sometimes equipped with check valve structures. Standard check valve structures are generally fitting elements that are designed to operate in a horizontal or vertical position.

When current technical solutions are considered, structures for the passage and control of the liquid in the distribution line are used. Machine elements that only permit unidirectional flow on one line and do not permit any fluid entry by closing the flow section from the other direction are defined as check valves. Spring types of check valves can operate in both horizontal and vertical directions; types without spring can only operate in the horizontal direction. The flow is provided in case the fluid pressurized in spring type check valves overcomes the spring force and removes the disc from the surface it closes and in case the pressure drops to a level that cannot overcome the spring force, it is closed again.

The sealing property of the apparatus used in the delivery system during the delivery of the feeding material is very important. Particularly, dripping after dosing and emerging of a difference in repeating the dosed amount by filling air into the system with reflux is undesirable.

In the currently used distribution systems in the feeding material preparation and distribution machines, the following main difficulties are seen; the amount of feeding material cannot be adjusted equally in each dosage, unwanted loss of feeding material after dosing occurs, cleaning fluid and feeding material are mixed unintentionally, the assemblydisassembly process of the check valve structure takes time, evacuation and cleaning of the transmission line is insufficient, lack of easy installation possibility in reconfiguring the system for distribution and cleaning, failure to achieve effective cleaning. As a result, a multi-functional apparatus with unidirectional passage control and easy connection, which prevents feeding material losses, provides ease of cleaning, has different and easy installation properties in dispensing and washing processes so as to exceed the state of the art, to overcome the inadequacies and problems of dosing guns used in current milk preparation and dispensing machines, is required.

AIMS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-functional apparatus with unidirectional liquid flow control and easy connection property that improves the situation obtained with the existing technique and technology explained in the previous section, also eliminates insufficiencies and/or gains new additional properties, is active in the delivery of feeding material and washing process. A plurality of processes developed within the scope of the invention and mentioned above is improved with the functions given to a single apparatus.

The main aims of the inventive multifunctional apparatus are as follows;

1 . Performing the fluid flow control function unidirectionally,

2. Preventing different materials from mixing with the feeding material and escaping into the system due to the back flow, in addition to the air entry into the distribution transmission line,

3. Providing energy saving by eliminating the re-pressurizing requirement for the back flowing liquid that occurs in case air enters the distribution transmission line,

4. Minimizing the feeding material losses caused by dripping from the dosing gun end during dosing,

5. Changing the dosing amount with the air inlet to the transmission line or making Improper dosing caused by differences between dosages and reducing nutritional problems in baby animals, 6. Providing easy disassembly and assembly with manual power without requiring any key,

7. Providing ease of use with its fewer parts and simple structure, The other aims of the inventive multifunctional apparatus are preferably as follows;

1 . Helping effective cleaning with washing assembly,

2. Providing easy and simple new installation so as to wash the system after the feeding material has been distributed,

3. Making easy assembly on the combination of the locked inlet structure on the tank and the washing ball so as to locate the dispensing gun on the reservoir during washing,

4. Providing air entry to the transmission line with a manual and simple movement without requiring any tools, equipment or application to the system for the discharge of feeding material after dispensing or wash water after cleaning.

Preferably another aim of the inventive multifunctional apparatus is to prevent the entry of any undesired material into the tank by closing the plug on the washing mechanism, except washing, whose outer body is designed with the same unique form on the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves an apparatus that facilitates and improves operations with its facilitating functional properties and processes during the distribution of feeding material (milk or animal food) containing potable composition for feeding the baby animals grown in the intensive dairy and meat production enterprises and assembly functions. The invention is a multi-functional apparatus that is combined with a structure in a form with easy connection to the outer wall that provides unidirectional flow control connected to the end of the dosing gun and locked input structure where the apparatus is placed with easy connection property in re-assembly of the system for washing. Moreover, the combined structure is completed with a plug with easy connection structure that covers the locked input structure against the escape of dust, particles and unwanted materials into the tank except during washing.

As a result, inventive multi-functional apparatus provides advantages such as labor, energy and feeding material saving with its simple and fewer- element structure and characteristic properties that provides installation in two different ways with its functional and easy connection features in dispensing and washing processes, allows unidirectional passage in distribution, as well as allowing the discharge of fluids in transmission lines when necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The figures of the invention are attached hereto;

Figure 1. Position of the unidirectional flow control end of the multifunctional apparatus at the end of the dosing gun

Figure 2. Unidirectional flow control end of the multi-functional apparatus Figure 3. Locked washing input mechanism of multi-functional apparatus Figure 4. Installation of the multi-functional apparatus on the tank for washing

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1. Unidirectional flow control end

1.1. Main body

1.2. Nipple

1.3. Sealing gasket

1 .4. Movable cover

1.5. Spring 2. Washing input mechanism

2.1 . Locked tank inlet element

2.2. Locking element

2.3. Tank fixing element

2.4. Washing ball

2.5. Plug

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventive multifunctional apparatus consists of two main parts; one of which is a unidirectional flow control end (1 ) (Figure 1 ) positioned at the outlet of the dosing gun and the washing input mechanism (2) (Figure 3) located on the tank.

In the assembly status and usage of the multi-functional apparatus for distribution, the unidirectional flow control end (1 ) located at the end of the dosing gun at the end of the transmission line is in a position open to the atmosphere. In this installation form, unidirectional flow is allowed and the desired amount of feeding material is transferred from the reservoir to the container of the baby animal as a result of the pressurizing means triggering the dosing of feeding material ready for distribution in the reservoir.

Another installation of the multi-functional apparatus is performed by positioning the unidirectional flow control end (1 ) to the washing input mechanism (2) on the reservoir for washing the system after distribution with the help of the easy connection and bringing the same to the washing position (Figure 4).

Another application of the multi-functional apparatus is discharging liquids such as feeding material or wash water remaining in the distribution line after dispensing and washing operations and pulling the movable cover

(1.4) shaft located at the unidirectional flow control end (1) with two finger movements for complete discharge from the system and providing air inlet to the transmission line.

Unidirectional flow control end (1 ), which is modeled to perform functions within the scope of the invention; is designed to have fewer parts, including main body (1.1 ), nipple (1.2), sealing gasket (1.3), movable cover (1.4), spring (1.5). In the same way, the washing input mechanism (2) structure is combined with the locked tank inlet element (2.1 ), the locking element (2.2), the plug (2.5) and the washing ball (2.4) (Figure 2).

A part or the entire tool can be manufactured from different materials. Main body form may vary, provided that the inner structure remains the same. Design properties of the movable cover surface and shaft function may vary provided that they remain the same. The present invention can be reconfigured by using connection elements such as joint, bracket, T etc. or sizes, parts in different combinations, changing the installation in different types and different order and numbers when the functional apparatus structure requires.

The unidirectional flow control end (1 ) positioned at the outlet of the dosing gun of the apparatus; is mounted between the main body (1.1 ), the outer wall of which has been specially formed for quick and easy connection and nipple (1.2) connection element with a sealing gasket (1.3) in a leak-proof manner and with pass. The movable cover (1.4) is located by passing through the main body (1.1 ); the centering hole in the main body (1.1 ) together with the spring (1.5) attached to the shaft of the movable cover

(1.4). The end of the movable cover (1.4) shaft is open to the atmosphere and can be accessed manually. Spring (1.5) presses the movable cover

(1.4) on the seating surface on the connection element of unique design nipple (1.2). When the liquid in the tank is pressurized, when the force of the spring (1.5) pressing the moving cover (1.4) is overcome, the movable cover (1.4) opens and it is possible to fill the liquid into a container by providing unidirectional passage of the same.

In case the pressure of the fluid decreases, the spring (1.5) adheres the movable cover (1.4), which prevents the back flow of the liquid, to the seating surface on the nipple (1.2). In this case, the flow of the liquid to the external environment and also the flow of air into the system by back flow in the transmission line is prevented.

Unidirectional flow control end (1) can be easily disassembled manually so as to separate the main body (1.1 ) from nipple (1.2) in case cleaning control of the inner elements or spring replacement is required.

In case it is used for distribution, a plug (2.5) with a specially formed external wall for quick and easy installation is located on the locked tank inlet element (2.1 ) contained in the washing input mechanism (2) on the tank and is kept in a locked position with the locking element (2.2).

In case it is used for washing, the plug (2.5) attached to the locked tank inlet element (2.1 ) is removed by opening the locking element (2.2) and instead, the unidirectional flow control end (1 ) of the dosing gun located at the end of the transmission line is attached to the locked tank inlet element (2.1) and locked with the locking element (2.2). After the assembly is completed, since the transmission line is directed into the tank in the event of pressurization, the circulation of the fluid is provided. Inside of the tank is washed by spraying the wash water from unidirectional flow control end (1 ) through the washing ball (2.4) with pressurization. After delivery or washing processes, pulling the movable cover (1.4) shaft of the unidirectional flow control end (1) manually, which is open to the outside environment, is sufficient to discharge the liquid kept in the transmission line.

In case there is a back flow, it is possible that functional disorders may occur when unwanted dust, particles and solid or liquid parts not suitable for food enter the system from the external environment. For this reason, the unidirectional flow control end (1 ) should be prevented from being left or coming into contact with areas where such materials are intensive.