DE10352947A1 - Production of aerosol for cooling and lubricating workpiece, tool or machine element comprises controlling injector pressure of aerosol generator during aerosol production depending on parameter given by aerosol consumer - Google Patents

Abstract

The production of an aerosol comprises controlling the injector pressure (PI) of an aerosol generator (10) during aerosol production by changing the starting pressure (PA) of a pressure adjusting valve (17) depending on a parameter given by the aerosol consumer (2). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for producing an aerosol; and (2) a retrofit kit for insertion in to the aerosol-producing device.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for producing an aerosol for cooling and / or lubrication an aerosol consumer such as a workpiece, a tool and / or a machine element, wherein a carrier gas via a pressure adjusting valve with an adjustable output pressure to an aerosol generator with passed an input side injector pressure and there with a liquid is mixed to the aerosol.

The The invention further relates to a device for generating an aerosol for the Cooling and / or Lubrication of aerosol consumers such as tools, workpieces or Machine elements, designed with a permeable by a carrier gas Pressure adjusting valve and with an aerosol generator in which the carrier gas with a liquid is miscible to the aerosol.

Such Methods and apparatus are known in the art. The generated aerosol is used to cool and / or lubricate Tools, workpieces and / or machine elements used, with the aerosol through the tool or machine element through to the lubrication point, for example the location of the cutting or the sliding points, is performed. So is an effective cooling and / or lubrication while minimizing fluid consumption possible.

For generating the aerosol, for example, devices based on the Venturi principle are known, from the DE 195 19 885 A1 , In these devices, the carrier gas, usually compressed air from an already existing at the site compressed air system, passed through a nozzle in which the carrier gas is accelerated. This creates a local negative pressure in the nozzle, through which the liquid, usually a cooling lubricant or like an oil or an oil emulsion, is sucked in and atomized automatically. Other principles for generating an aerosol than the Venturi principle are also used, such as the injection of liquid under pressure.

Important in the case of lubrication by an aerosol, it is in the atomization in the Aerosol generator if possible small drops and a small spread of drop size over the Operating time.

In order to achieve small drops, partially impact body are used in the prior art, as in the DE 196 54 321 A1 and in the DE 102 18 896 A1 are described.

According to another method known from the prior art, small drops of consistent quality are produced by acting on the aerosol a centrifugal force that filters out large and heavy drops from the aerosol. Such methods and devices are for example in the DE 28 47 576 C2 , of the EP 0 941 769 A1 and the EP 1 106 902 A1 described.

Problematic In aerosol generation, however, it is not just the size of the droplets in the air Aerosol, but also the delivery of a constant over the operation and adapted to the aerosol consumer aerosol flow per time unit. Problems with setting the aerosol delivery occur especially when the aerosol generator successively is operated on different aerosol consumers, like this for example, in the lubrication of replacement tools in machining centers the case is.

at Machining centers process different tools one after the other a single workpiece with very high processing speeds. Each of these tools can different aerosol flow rates for one require optimal lubrication and also have different lubricant resistance. The resistance of the lubricant is to be understood as resistance the aerosol consumers and the aerosol lines in front of them and internals of the flow oppose with the aerosol, with the largest share of the lubricity resistance the aerosol consumer himself has. The lubricant resistance is for example, the diameter and / or the length of the aerosol channels, through which the aerosol must be conducted in the aerosol consumer determined.

by virtue of The aerosol generation consists in high lubricity resistances of the Aerosol consumer the danger that is due to the conventional constant injector pressure in the flow path to aerosol consumer builds a back pressure, the aerosol production impaired. at too high a counterpressure then the pressure drop in the ranges Venturi nozzle no longer enough to generate speeds for suction and for atomising the liquid to lead. In addition, the flow velocity of the aerosol drops at a high back pressure, so that larger droplets form can and inherently the amount of aerosol can decrease sharply.

In order to avoid the build-up of high back pressures, the aerosol generators of the EP 1 090 690 A1 and the EP 1 106 902 A1 the internal pressure of a container, in which the aerosol is discharged from the aerosol generator and supplied to the aerosol consumer, kept constant.

Another method to avoid the build-up of a back pressure in the aerosol generator, is the differential pressure on the aerosol generator, z. As the pressure drop across the venturi to keep constant, as for example in the DE 101 64 735 A1 is described. In the DE 101 39 950 A1 the height of the differential pressure is adjusted to changes in the pressure of the supplied compressed air.

Either the control of the differential pressure as well as the control of the internal pressure an aerosol container however, also affect the process of aerosol production, in particular the amount of aerosol discharged by the aerosol generator, so that additional activities are required to be frequent Changing aerosol consumers to adjust the aerosol flow rate.

For example, the device of the EP 0 943 861 B1 a sensor that counts the number of liquid drops that are supplied to the aerosol generator for mixing with the carrier gas. In the DE 101 04 012 A1 a throttle arrangement is provided, by which the volume flow of the carrier gas and the volume flow of the liquid can be adjusted to the aerosol generator. In the DE 102 07 435 A1 an aerosol sensor is described which detects the liquid content in the carrier gas in an aerosol container leading to the aerosol consumer and is used to control the volume flows of the liquid and / or the carrier gas.

But in this solution is, as with the other solutions described above, disadvantageous that when changing the aerosol composition changed the aerosol with the Aerosol composition only after some time at the aerosol consumer is present, especially in machining centers with fast Tool changes lead to problems can.

consequently the invention has the object, a method and a To create a device for aerosol production, which is a fast Adaptation of the aerosol composition to different aerosol consumers enable.

According to the invention this Task for that initially mentioned method solved in that the injector pressure of the aerosol generator by change the output pressure of the pressure adjusting valve during aerosol generation dependent on controlled by at least one parameter predetermined by the aerosol consumer becomes.

For the beginning said device is the object according to the invention thereby solved, a control unit connected to the pressure adjusting valve, through the dependent of at least one, the aerosol consumers predetermined assigned Characteristic of the outlet pressure while the operation of the aerosol generator is variably controllable.

These solution is simple and distinguishes itself from those in the state of the art hitherto pursued solutions characterized in that now targeted the output pressure of the pressure adjusting valve used to control the inlet pressure of the aerosol generator and the injector pressure is adapted to the aerosol consumer. In the prior art, the output pressure of the pressure adjusting valve and thus the injector pressure only to an always constant Value adjusted to compensate for pressure fluctuations in the supply pressure.

The predetermined characteristic of the aerosol consumer represents a parameter that corresponds to that of the respective aerosol consumer required lubrication and / or cooling process so clearly describes that the aerosol production clearly the requirements of the aerosol consumer can be adjusted. Such a parameter can for example, a standardized indicator of the aerosol consumer represent, which is clearly associated with an aerosol consumer.

An essential advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the injector pressure required by the aerosol consumer for an optimal lubrication process is conducted almost immediately to the aerosol consumer. The change in the outlet pressure or injector pressure spreads namely - in contrast to the conventional change in the flow rate as in the DE 102 07 435 A1 - With the pressure propagation speed, so with almost sonic speed, through the lubrication system to the tool continued. Consequently, the solution according to the invention allows fast response times, which is particularly advantageous when the aerosol consumers are constantly changed.

By the solution according to the invention it also no longer necessary, the differential pressure between the injector pressure and to monitor the pressure behind the injector, for example in an aerosol chamber and expensive to control. An increase in the differential pressure is namely in the characteristic that determined by the aerosol consumer is already taken into account.

The inventive method and the device according to the invention can through different, mutually independent and mutually beneficial ones Be further refinements. On these improvements and the benefits associated with each will be briefly discussed below received.

For example can as characteristics of the Aerosol consumers required aerosol delivery and the resistance of the lubricant of the aerosol consumer. With only these two Control parameters, the aerosol generation process to simple Be customized. Alternatively, a pairing of a value for the aerosol delivery and a value for the lubricity resistance also assigned a clear single characteristic which is then used as a control parameter.

Further can the value of the lubricity resistance of each with the aerosol to be supplied Aerosolverbrauchers and / or the value of the aerosol consumer required aerosol delivery or others for these quantities represent representative values, as standardized figures for the lubricant resistance, manually entered on the device be, for example, over Switches, keyboards and other manually operated devices.

Around However, to reduce the operating effort, it is preferable that Characteristic over a data connection automatically to the device. This embodiment has the advantage that when changing the aerosol consumer the Values for the needed aerosol delivery and for the lubricant resistance is automatically directed to the device and these accordingly automatically with no time delay like when manually entering the pressure control can perform.

Especially can in this embodiment, the device via a data connection, for example in the form of a standardized bus system, with a machine tool data-transmitting be configured connectable. The device can for this purpose a control unit, For example, in the form of a PLC control, which the control the pressure by actuation the pressure adjusting valve then automatically performs and automatically with data replace the machine tool.

The Control unit may further in an embodiment with a storage system be provided in which a characteristic is stored in which of the characteristic one-to-one an output pressure is assigned. In particular, the at the aerosol consumer required aerosol delivery and the lubricant resistance of the aerosol consumer be assigned an output pressure.

A Control of the injector pressure, for example, with the help of a Pressure sensor performed that's the one actually prevailing output pressure of the pressure adjustment valve or the injector pressure of the aerosol generator and in signal form to the control unit passes. If the actual of Pressure sensor directly or indirectly measured injector pressure of the adjusted Pressure deviates, pressed the control unit adjusts the pressure adjusting valve to the deviation compensate. Alternatively, the output pressure of the pressure adjusting valve monitored by a pressure sensor placed in the aerosol consumer leading Aerosolleitung is.

Around a constant aerosol flow rate obtained at the aerosol consumer, according to another advantageous Embodiment of the method according to the invention the outlet pressure of the pressure adjusting valve are automatically increased when the actual Injector pressure under the injector pressure assigned to the parameter falls. Likewise, the output pressure of the pressure adjusting valve can be automatic elevated when an aerosol consumer is substituted, its predetermined aerosol delivery and / or its predetermined flow resistance is larger than the previously connected aerosol consumer.

Corresponding can according to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention the output pressure of the pressure adjusting valve automatically decreases if the actual Injector pressure over assigned to the parameter Injector pressure rises. Likewise, the output pressure of the pressure adjusting valve be automatically reduced when an aerosol consumer comes in is, whose predetermined aerosol delivery and / or its predetermined flow resistance smaller than the previously connected aerosol consumer.

A very precise control of the aerosol delivery rate can be achieved if according to another advantageous embodiment of the injector pressure through the pressure adjustment valve is essentially continuously changed.

Usually The aerosol generators are connected to an existing compressed air system building connected, which works with a central compressor and on provides compressed air to a large number of connection points. Of the Operating pressure of such a compressed air system is usually 6 bar or 8 bar. Since there is no higher outlet pressure at the pressure adjustment valve when the input pressure can be provided, can at a connected to a compressed air system device, the output pressure only limited increases so that the bandwidth of the output pressure control is optimal supplied aerosol consumer is limited.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention, it is therefore present seen to increase the inlet pressure at the pressure adjustment valve against the supply pressure. For this purpose, the device may for example comprise a compressor device which is arranged between the carrier gas source and the pressure adjustment valve. As a result, aerosol consumers with particularly large lubricant resistance and / or particularly high aerosol delivery rates can be supplied with aerosol.

The Compressor device may in one embodiment, an input pressure from Z. B. generate 10 bar. With such an inlet pressure, the vast majority Plurality of tools with in-tool aerosol channels optimal be supplied with aerosol.

The Compressor device may be in addition to a compressed air system at the place of installation or instead of a be used such compressed air system. The compressor device can also be operated so that the inlet pressure is constantly opposite to the Supply pressure increased is. In another embodiment, the compressor device However, only be turned on when the injector pressure must be set to a value that is above the supply pressure.

Between the compressor means and the pressure adjusting valve may further a pressure reservoir may be arranged to control the inlet pressure of the pressure adjusting valve largely constant.

The Work for the pressure increase can in a further advantageous embodiment substantially supplied by the supply pressure, for example, by a pneumatically actuated compressor device is used.

Should an aerosol can be produced with a particularly low aerosol delivery rate, see above In addition, the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator may contain air, so-called additional air, to be mixed. The additional air can thereby in particular in an aerosol container, in which the aerosol collects and formed as a reservoir is to be initiated.

By the introduction of the additional air can be the operating point of the device, around the outlet pressure as a function of the aerosol flow is controlled to be moved towards low aerosol flow rates. Consequently, it is advantageous if the additional air then admixed when the setpoint for the aerosol flow rate below a limit, by the control of the output pressure can be reached without additional air. This way is through the Use of additional air extends the area within which the aerosol delivery can be controlled by controlling the output pressure.

The Pressure adjustment valve can be used as a control valve with a continuously adjustable Be formed valve. The drive of the control valve as a function of Aerosol delivery rate signal can by means of a proportional magnet or, in the embodiment of Pressure adjustment valve as a servo valve, by means of a servo drive like a servomotor. These configurations are short Response times of the pressure adjustment valve safe.

With a retrofit kit, which also includes the pressure adjusting valve and the control unit existing devices are equipped with the inventive solution. Of the retrofit kit can also have a data connection with a machine tool as well Pressure sensors comprise as described above.

in the The method and the device according to the invention are described below of embodiments described by way of example with reference to the drawings. The at the individual embodiments different characteristics can from an embodiment transferred to the other embodiment or omitted, as with the above statements is explained to the respective advantages associated with each feature.

It demonstrate:

1 a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic representation;

2 a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic representation;

3 a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic representation;

4 a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic representation;

5 a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic representation; and

6 a schematic representation of the aerosol delivery of an aerosol generator as a function of the resistance of the lubricant substitute aerosol consumer.

First, the construction of a device according to the invention 1 for making an Aero sols described that for cooling and / or lubricating an aerosol consumer 2 is used. In the embodiment of the 1 is merely an example of a drill as an aerosol consumer 2 shown. The aerosol is passed through a machine tool 3 and a spindle 4 as well as by the aerosol consumer 2 through aerosol channels 5 to outlets 6 passed directly to the location of the chip removal. The aerosol has essentially the properties of a gas, making it easily through the rotating spindle 4 can be directed. Other aerosol consumers 2 that can be cooled and / or lubricated with the aerosol include workpieces and machine elements such as bearings or guides.

From the aerosol generator 1 the aerosol is passed through a sampling line 7 to the aerosol consumer 2 directed.

In the aerosol generator 1 the aerosol gets out of a liquid 8th For example, a lubricant such as oil or an oil emulsion, or a cooling lubricant such as an oil-water emulsion, and a carrier gas source 9 supplied carrier gas formed. As a carrier gas source, for example, a conventional compressed air system with a supply pressure P _V , which can vary according to experience in operation between 4 bar or 10 bar serve.

The formation of the aerosol takes place in an aerosol generator 10 , For example, a Venturi nozzle or an injector or atomizer, which the carrier gas via a carrier gas line 11 and the liquid via a fluid line 12 is supplied.

The injector 10 sucks the liquid 8th due to the negative pressure generated by the flow of the carrier gas through the liquid line 12 at. The carrier gas entrains the liquid in droplet form and atomizes it. From the atomizer, the aerosol is in the form of an aerosol jet 13 in a pressure chamber 14 issued. The pressure chamber 14 serves as an aerosol reservoir in which larger droplets are deposited and collected from the aerosol, and at the same time as a reservoir for the liquid 8th , In the pressure chamber, there is an overpressure, through which the aerosol via the sampling line 7 to the aerosol consumer 2 flows.

The device 1 is with a control unit 15 provided, for example, two manually operable rotary switch 15a and 15b having. The one rotary switch 15a allows, for example, the adjustment of the aerosol delivery rate in ml / h required per unit of time, as required by the aerosol consumer to be supplied with aerosol. The other rotary switch 15b allows the setting of a lubricity resistance w of the currently used aerosol consumer, for example, as the value of the ratio of length to diameters in mm of the aerosol channels in the aerosol consumer. Depending on these two manipulated variables is via a control line 16 a pressure adjusting valve 17 operated so that adjusts an output pressure P _A at the pressure adjustment, which is assigned to the two control variables unique. This assignment can be made, for example, via a characteristic 18 respectively.

The output pressure P _{A of} the pressure adjusting valve 17 is the pressure that is present at the output of the pressure adjustment valve. The input pressure P _{E of} the pressure adjusting valve 17 in the embodiment of the 1 substantially corresponds to the supply pressure P _V at which the carrier gas source 9 provides the carrier gas. The output pressure P _{A of} the pressure adjusting valve corresponds in the embodiment of 1 essentially the injector pressure P _I , as it prevails at the entrance of the injector.

The pressure adjusting valve 17 can be designed as a controllable in both directions electrically operated control valve with infinite adjustability, as in 1 is shown. It is in the carrier gas line 11 preferably immediately before the aerosol generator 10 arranged.

In the embodiment of the 1 is an example of a conveyor 19 shown as option in dotted lines. The conveyor 19 Can be used to remove the liquid 8th under pressure to the injector 10 to guide them in the injector 10 can be sprayed. At the control of the output pressure P _A according to the invention, nothing changes in this modification.

2 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 for aerosol generation in a schematic representation, wherein for elements whose structure and / or function is identical or similar elements of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as in 1 be used. For the sake of clarity, in the following only the differences from the embodiment of 1 received.

The embodiment of the 2 In contrast to the embodiment of the 1 no manual control unit 15 on. The control unit 15 is rather by means of a data connection 20 with the machine tool 3 signal transmitting connected. About the data connection 20 , which may be configured in the form of data lines, bus systems or radio links, becomes the control unit 15 those of the aerosol consumer 2 required aerosol flow rate n & v and the lubricant resistance w of the aerosol consumer 2 transmitted. Depending on these two sizes then sets the control unit automatically the output pressure P _A , the insurance in the form of the Ausfüh 2 identical to the injector pressure P _I , by the Druckeinstellventil 17 is operated accordingly.

The pressure adjusting valve 17 The second embodiment is a servo valve with very short response times, via a motor 21 , For example, a servo motor is actuated, and thus also the required output pressure P _A sets.

The embodiment of the 2 also points between the pressure adjusting valve 17 and the injector 10 a pressure sensor 22 on, whose output signal for the currently prevailing output _pressure P _Aist or the currently prevailing injector _pressure P _{Iist is} representative and to the control unit 15 is directed. In the control unit 15 is automatically checked whether the measured sensor pressure by the pressure P _Aist from the predetermined pressure P _A, as n of the sizes is determined, and w & v deviates. If there is a deviation, the output pressure is changed by operating the pressure adjusting valve by a correction value ΔP _A which compensates for the deviation.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the pressure sensor 22 also in the withdrawal line 7 , as close as possible or directly to the aerosol consumer 2 be arranged.

To compensate for the measuring characteristics of the pressure sensor and / or the influence of the control, another characteristic 23 be used in the control unit, which compensates for these influences.

In the embodiment of the 2 Consequently, the control unit automatically regulates the outlet pressure P _{A, which is} predetermined as a function of the aerosol consumer.

3 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 for aerosol generation in a schematic representation, wherein for elements whose structure and / or function is identical or similar elements of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the preceding figures are used. For the sake of clarity, only the differences from the preceding embodiments will be discussed below. In 3 is the machine tool for clarity 3 omitted.

The device 1 of the 3 is with a compressor device 24 equipped in the carrier gas line before the pressure adjustment valve 17 is arranged. By the compressor device 24 the input pressure P _E at the pressure adjustment valve 17 to the supply pressure P _V from the carrier gas source 9 increases so that P _E > P _V holds. The compressor device 24 provides a pressure P _E of at least 6 bar. By the compressor device 24 is increased at too low supply pressures P _V, the input pressure P _E , so that the adjustment of the pressure setting 17 increased.

The compressor device 24 is driven by the supply pressure P _V and for this purpose has a powered by the carrier gas source pneumatic motor, which is the actual compressor 26 drives. The compressor 26 can suck the carrier gas from the environment or, as shown, from the carrier gas source 9 be supplied with carrier gas. In the latter case, the carrier gas is already supplied with a pressure P _V , so that the compressor has to perform less work in increasing the pressure than in an intake of the ambient air.

At the outlet of the compressor can in the carrier gas line, a pressure reservoir 27 be arranged, whose internal pressure P _R by a pressure sensor 29 is monitored. If the pressure P _{R drops} below a lower limit, the control device operates 15 the pneumatic motor 25 by switching on the valve 30 until the pressure P _R exceeds an upper limit. This is the compressor device 24 switched back on. In the pressure reservoir 27 can also be a vent valve (not shown) may be provided which opens automatically when exceeding a further limit to avoid damage at high internal pressures P _R.

At the exit of the pressure reservoir 27 , in front of the pressure adjusting valve 17 , can be a constant pressure valve 31 be arranged, which compensates for pressure fluctuations and the input pressure P _E holds substantially constant.

The device 1 of the 3 also has a plurality, for example two, parallel operated injector devices 10a and 10b on, each independently through valves 32a and 32b can be connected to the carrier gas line. The one injector 10a can be designed so that it produces a larger aerosol delivery at a given injector pressure P _I than the other injector 10b , By selectively turning on only one or both of the injector devices 10a and 10b by means of the control device 15 Thus, the discharged aerosol delivery at a given, kept injector pressure P _I can be subdivided again, so that a very fine control of the discharged aerosol delivery is possible.

The input pressure P _I is in the embodiment of 3 equal to the pressure P _A at the outlet of the pressure adjusting valve 17 ,

4 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 for aerosol generation in a schematic representation, wherein for elements whose structure and / or function is identical or similar elements of the preceding embodiments, the same reference numerals as in the preceding figures are used. For the sake of clarity, only the differences from the preceding embodiments will be discussed below. In 4 is the machine tool for clarity 3 also omitted.

The device 1 of the 4 is with a compressor device 24 provided, however, an electric motor 33 the compressor 24 drives.

The switching device 15 of the 4 is designed as a self-contained PLC unit in which a single characteristic, which is predetermined by the aerosol consumer, is entered via a keyboard. This characteristic is in the embodiment of 4 a standardized code, which clearly encodes the requirements of the aerosol generator. In particular, this information includes information about the resistance of the lubricant and the required aerosol delivery rate. In response to this one parameter, the control unit then controls the pressure adjustment valve 17 at.

The embodiment of the 4 is also designed to allow a very fine control of aerosol flow. However, this is not done by parallel injectors, but by one between the injector 10 and the pressure adjusting valve 17 in the carrier gas line upstream throttle arrangement 34 allows, by the volume flow of the carrier gas at substantially constant output pressure P _A injector pressure P _{I is} changeable.

For this purpose, the throttle arrangement has several, for example two, parallel branch lines 35a and 35b on that by valves 36a and 36b are independently switchable. There is a throttle in each branch 37a and 37b arranged, for example in the form of a panel. The irises 37a . 37b cause in each branch a predetermined volume flow, which depends essentially on its diameter. If the apertures have different diameters, it depends on the injector 10 derived volume flow of carrier gas from it, in what combination the aperture 37a . 37b are open or closed.

Finally, in the embodiment, the output pressure P _A in dependence is governed by the actually applied at the injector Injektordruck P _Iact. The actual injector _pressure P _iist is established by means of an immediately before the injector _device 10 lying pressure sensor 38 detected.

To control the output pressure is in the control unit 15 a characteristic 18 stored, which also the pressure transmission characteristics of the throttle assembly 34 depending on the currently open valves 36a and 36b considered.

Like all to control the device 1 This characteristic can also be determined beforehand by tests in order to obtain an unambiguous assignment of the injector pressure P _I to the output pressure P _A. Of course, in the embodiment of the 4 also directly the output pressure P _A can be detected by a pressure sensor. However, this is not absolutely necessary since the outlet pressure P _{A is} directly linked to the injector pressure P _I.

In 5 a last embodiment is described, which is a compressor device 24 , parallel injectors 10a and 10b as well as the injectors 10a and 10b respectively upstream throttle arrangements 34a and 34b having. For elements whose structure and / or function is identical or similar to elements of the previous embodiments, are in 5 the same reference numerals used. For the sake of clarity, only the differences from the preceding embodiments will be discussed below.

The embodiment of the 5 in contrast to the previous embodiments is with an additional air line 38 provided by the carrier gas directly into the pressure chamber 14 can be directed. However, the additional air can also be mixed at another point with the discharged aerosol, without basically changing the effect of something. However, the introduction of the carrier gas into the pressure chamber 14 the advantage that a good and controllable mixing with the aerosol takes place. However, if the input pressure P _E in relation to the supply pressure P _V is increased, the carrier gas line with the higher pressure P _E should be applied, as in this case, the pressure may rise in the pressure chamber via the supply pressure P _V. The carrier gas supply into the pressure chamber 14 is through a valve 39 switched on and off, the valve 39 from the controller 15 is pressed.

If the additional air in the pressure chamber 14 the aerosol generation by the injector or injectors remains essentially unaffected. Due to the additional air, therefore, only the aerosol in the pressure chamber is made leaner, ie, the liquid content in the aerosol reduced, so that the per unit time funded aerosol conveyor amount is decreasing. In this way, aerosol flow rates can be promoted that are so small that they come from an injector 10 can no longer be generated because the necessary for this injector pressure P _{I is} too small to cause entrainment of liquid droplets.

The control unit 15 opens the valve 39 if the at the aerosol consumer 2 required aerosol delivery n & v or the injector pressure associated with this aerosol delivery rate and the lubricant resistance of the tool falls below a limit value.

On the basis of in 6 schematically illustrated characteristic 18 Now the control according to the invention will be described.

The characteristic 18 shows the aerosol delivery rate n & v as a function of the lubricant resistance w of the aerosol consumer. In the characteristic 18 hatched represent the areas in which by pressure control, the aerosol flow rate can be adapted to the resistance of the lubricant. These ranges are limited in each case by the highest adjustable injector pressure P _Imax and the lowest injector pressure that _{can be} set at the pressure adjustment valve P _Imin . Both values correspond to a maximum output pressure P _{Amax which can be} set at the pressure _{adjustment valve} and a minimum output pressure P _Imin which can be set at the pressure adjustment _valve. The highest adjustable injector pressure P _Imax is either the supply pressure P _V at which the carrier gas is supplied from the carrier gas source or the increased input pressure P _E Use of a compressor device 24 , As in 6 can be seen, the pressure increase the adjustable range around the area 40 extended upwards, so that higher aerosol delivery rates n & v can be promoted given a predetermined resistance to lubricant.

In the direction of lower aerosol flow rates, the adjustable range is around the range 41 extended when the aerosol additional air is mixed.

If a predetermined aerosol delivery rate n & v _{1 is} required for a particular aerosol consumer with a predetermined lubricant resistance w ₁ , then these two parameters are determined by the characteristic 18 an outlet pressure P _A and this an injector pressure P _I at the operating point BP1 of the aerosol generator 10 uniquely assigned. Will this output pressure P _A or injector pressure P _I at the injector 10 set by pressing the Druckeinstellventils, the aerosol consumer is optimally lubricated or cooled.

Will be another aerosol consumer 2 changed, for example, has the same lubricity resistance w ₁ , but in operation requires a lower predetermined aerosol flow n & v ₂ , the injector pressure P _{I is} reduced by appropriate closing of the pressure adjustment valve to the new setpoint at the operating point BP2. Is the new setpoint for the injector pressure in the range 41 so will automatically from the control unit 15 the additional air is actuated.

Then becomes another aerosol generator 2 which has a lubricant resistance w ₂ and requires a very high aerosol delivery rate n & v ₃ , the injector pressure P _I assigned to this operating point BP3 is set. If the operating point BP3 falls within the range 40 , the associated injector pressure P _{I is} greater than the supply pressure P _V of z. B. 8 bar. Here is the injector 10 be operated with the compressor device. The pressure adjustment valve is opened accordingly.

Of the The advantage of this pressure control is the very short response time. Because the change the output pressure and thus injector pressure spreads as a pressure wave, immediately increases the aerosol consumer discharged aerosol flow at.

The above embodiments represent only exemplary embodiments whose characteristics can be combined and modified as desired.

For example, the number of injector devices in the embodiment of FIG 3 and the number of parallel branches in the throttle assembly of 2 any. The additional air can also in the embodiments of 1 to 5 be used. Instead of the shut-off valves shown in the figures, other shut-off valves such as slides or taps can be used.

Claims (25)

Method for producing an aerosol for the cooling and / or lubrication of an aerosol consumer ( 2 ), such as a workpiece, a tool and / or a machine element, wherein a carrier gas via a pressure adjustment ( 17 ) with an adjustable outlet pressure (P _A ) to an aerosol generator ( 10 ) with an input-side injector pressure (P _I ) and where it is mixed with a liquid to form the aerosol, characterized in that the injector pressure (P _I ) of the aerosol generator (P ₁ ) 10 ) during the generation of aerosol by changing the outlet pressure (P _A ) of the pressure adjusting valve ( 17 ) as a function of at least one of the aerosol consumers ( 2 ) predetermined characteristic (n & v, w) is controlled. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that as parameters of the aerosol consumer required during operation of the aerosol consumer aerosol flow (n & v) and one for the lubricating resistor (w) of the aerosol consumer ( 2 ) representative size can be used. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one characteristic value (n v, w) an output pressure (P _A) is uniquely assigned to and associated output pressure (P _A) the pressure adjusting ( 17 ) is set. Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the at least one parameter (n & v, w) the output pressure (P _A ) and / or the injector pressure (P _I ) by a predetermined characteristic ( 18 ) be assigned. Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the actual output pressure (P _Aist ) and / or injector pressure (P _I ) is detected and a deviation (ΔP) from the desired value (P _A , P _I ) at the pressure setting valve ( 17 ) is corrected. Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the outlet pressure (P _A ) of the pressure adjustment valve ( 17 ) is automatically reduced if the aerosol delivery rate (n & v) of the aerosol during operation is above a setpoint value (ρ _S ). Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the outlet pressure (P _A ) of the pressure adjustment valve ( 17 ) is automatically increased when the aerosol delivery rate (n & v) during operation falls below the value associated with the parameter (n & v, w). Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the characteristic of the aerosol consumer ( 2 ) automatically via a data line ( 20 ) to the device ( 1 ) is transmitted. Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the inlet pressure (P _E ), with the carrier gas, the pressure adjusting valve ( 17 ) is supplied to the supply pressure (P _V ) with which the carrier gas from a carrier gas source ( 9 ) is supplied by means of a compressor device ( 24 ) is increased. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the work for the pressure increase substantially from the supply pressure (P _V ) is made. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the compressor device ( 24 ) is automatically switched on by the control unit. Method according to one of the above claims, characterized characterized in that the aerosol depending on from the at least one parameter (n & v, w) additionally air is added. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the additional air in an aerosol chamber ( 14 ) in which the aerosol is collected is admixed. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized that extra Air is automatically switched on by the control unit. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the additional air is switched on when the said at least one parameter (n & v, w) associated output pressure (P _A ) falls below a limit value (P _Imin , P _Amin ). Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that when changing the aerosol consumer ( 2 ) the output pressure (P _A ) is adjusted automatically. Method according to one of the above claims, characterized in that when changing the aerosol consumer ( 2 ) the at least one parameter (n & v, w) corresponding to the newly loaded aerosol consumer ( 2 ) is transmitted automatically. Contraption ( 1 ) for the production of an aerosol for the cooling and / or lubrication of aerosol consumers ( 2 ), such as tools or workpieces, or machine elements, with a through-flow of a carrier gas designed adjustment valve ( 17 ), at whose output an outlet pressure (P _A ) of the carrier gas is adjustable, and with an aerosol generator ( 10 ), in which the carrier gas is mixable with a liquid to the aerosol, characterized by a with the Druckeinstellventil ( 17 ) connected control unit ( 15 ), by the output pressure (P _A ) during operation of the aerosol generator as a function of at least one parameter (n & v, w) which is predetermined in accordance with the aerosol consumer ( 10 ) is changeable controllable. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the pressure adjustment valve ( 17 ) to a carrier gas source which supplies the carrier gas under a supply pressure (P _V ) ( 9 ) and that between the carrier gas source ( 9 ) and the pressure adjustment valve ( 17 ) a Kompressoreinrich device ( 24 ) is arranged through which the inlet pressure (P _E ) relative to the supply pressure (P _V ) can be raised. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that an opening in the region of the aerosol additional air line ( 54 provided by the aerosol during operation of the aerosol generator ( 1 ) Air is immiscible. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the control unit ( 15 ) via a data connection ( 20 ) with a machine tool ( 3 ), wherein the at least one parameter (n & v, w) is transmitted to the control unit via the data line ( 15 ) is essentially automatically transferable. Device according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the control unit ( 20 ) Comprises input means via which the at least one parameter (n & v, w) can be entered manually. Device according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that at least one pressure sensor ( 22 ) provided with the control unit ( 15 ) is data transmitting connected and by the one for the output pressure (P _A ) representative pressure can be monitored. Retrofit kit inserted into a device ( 1 ) can be installed to produce an aerosol, characterized by a pressure adjustment valve ( 17 ) introduced into a carrier gas line ( 11 ) of the device ( 1 ) is installable, and by a control unit ( 15 ), by the output pressure (P _A ) during operation of the aerosol generator as a function of at least one predetermined parameter (n & v, w), which is assigned to the aerosol consumer ( 10 ) is changeable controllable. Retrofit kit according to claim 24, characterized by a data connection ( 20 ), with which the control unit ( 15 ) data transmitting to a machine tool ( 3 ) is connectable.