Teat catcher for a milking machine and a process for milking by using such a teat catcher

摘要

A milking machine is provided with a teat cup containing a teat catcher for guiding the teat into the teat cup. The teat catcher comprises an annular flexible element with an opening the dimension of which is variable. This opening can be given a large dimension when the teat is being taken in, and a smaller dimension after the teat has been accommodated in said opening. In this way, a smaller central opening is formed directly above the teat cup. The flexible element is also movable axially in the teat cup, in order to move at least partially with the teat towards the teat cup when the teat is drawn into the teat cup under influence of a vacuum.