DE202011000700U1 - Dosing device and lubrication system - Google Patents

Abstract

Dosing device (100) for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant, having the following features: a lubricant reservoir (110) which is designed to receive a lubricant and to deliver it under pressure via an outlet (120) of the lubricant reservoir (110); and a microvalve (140) which is flow-coupled to the outlet (120) of the lubricant reservoir (110) and is designed to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant in a defined manner.

Description

Embodiments relate to a metering device, a lubrication system and a program for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant.

Many components of machines and machine parts that move relative to one another are guided by bearings, for example, to reduce wear or noise and thus increase the life and / or maintenance intervals of the machine or components concerned. Bearings are used here in a variety of different embodiments, for example as plain bearings or as rolling bearings. The type of relative movement, which is to be led by means of the situation determines the used storage technology at least partially. For example, linear bearings are distinguished from other bearings that allow rotational movements (rotation) between components.

Bearings are thus used in almost all mechanical components where relative movements occur. In this case, the requirements placed on the bearing during use of the machine differ, in some cases very clearly. While there are almost no or rather insignificant loads on the bearings in some applications, there are other areas of use for bearings where, for example, due to static mechanical loading, environmental conditions (eg temperature, corrosive media, jerky movements on the machine) ) or are particularly heavily loaded due to occurring speeds or accelerations.

Especially in the field of such sophisticated bearings, it may be very advisable to ensure a controlled supply of a lubricant to the bearing. For example, studies have shown that a significant proportion of bearing failures are directly or indirectly attributable to inadequate lubrication. In addition to an insufficient supply of the lubricant, so inadequate lubrication in itself, in particular a contamination of the respective bearing can be indirectly attributed to an inadequate lubrication here. Further reasons for bearing failures are often to be found in the area of installation errors, overloading, the occurrence of a mechanical bearing error or even a handling error (handling error).

With increasing demands on the bearings also increase the demands placed on the lubrication of the same. For example, in the field of machine tools today high-speed spindles are increasingly used, the speeds of 20,000, 40,000 or 60,000 revolutions / min and more allow. Some devices even use more than 100000 rpm (eg up to 150000 rpm). On the one hand, because of the high rotational speeds and because of the limited space available, these places very high demands on both the bearing and the lubrication.

However, other technical areas where bearings are used also place increasing demands on metering accuracy, reaction time, mobility and continuity, monitoring, environmental compatibility and the reliability of the lubricant supply. Frequently, moreover, the amount of lubricant used is also to be reduced and the air consumption of the machine to be reduced.

Conventional grease lubrication is often no longer possible at high speeds and may even be detrimental in some applications.

Conventionally, an oil + air lubrication of the bearings is often used today. Here, the bearings are bombarded laterally with an oil mist or a streaks from a nozzle, wherein in the interior of the nozzle oil is introduced, which is then entrained by an auxiliary air flow (eg., Compressed air) and carried through the nozzle to the camp. In addition to a considerable consumption of compressed air, the generation of which leads to a significant energy consumption, moisture and / or impurities can be entrained with the auxiliary air flow, which settle in the warehouse and can lead to damage there.

In oil + air lubrication, the oil is fed into the nozzle where it is gripped by the auxiliary air and accelerated through the nozzle to the rolling bearing as part of a random or statistical process. Here it depends on a variety of barely controllable conditions, which exact amount of oil is transported to the camp. For example, the oil level in the nozzle fluctuates. Likewise, it is a purely statistical process, how much oil is entrained by the auxiliary air flow.

As a result, oil + air lubrication often can not provide a uniform supply of oil and therefore be inaccurate, since it is unclear where exactly in the interior of the nozzle how much oil is and how much therefore exits through the nozzle in the form of a streak at a certain time. Due to this uncertainty, over or under lubrication of the bearing can occur at a certain time, although lubrication is activated. As a result, the oil + air lubrication have a certain latency, so be perceived as sluggish.

On the basis of this, there is a need to enable a more precise or more defined delivery of a lubricant to a machine part of a machine.

This need is met by a metering device according to claim 1, by a lubrication system according to claim 17 or by a program for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant according to claim 25.

A metering device for providing a predetermined amount of lubricant according to an embodiment comprises a lubricant reservoir, which is adapted to receive a lubricant and deliver via an outlet of the lubricant reservoir under pressure, and a micro-valve, which is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the lubricant reservoir and is formed around the defined amount of lubricant defines deliver.

A lubricant system according to an embodiment comprises such a metering device and a machine with a machine part to be lubricated, wherein the machine part is fluidly coupled to the micro-valve of the metering device so that the micro-valve can deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant defined to the machine part.

An embodiment of a program having a program code when the program runs on a programmable hardware component for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant is configured to cause and / or monitor dispensing of lubricant from a lubricant reservoir under pressure to a microvalve and cause and / or monitor a defined dispensing of the predetermined amount of lubricant via the microvalve to a machine part of a machine.

In embodiments, such a method of dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant may be carried out, comprising dispensing a lubricant from a lubricant reservoir under pressure to a microvalve and defining the predetermined amount of lubricant via the microvalve to a machine part of a machine.

Embodiments based on the finding that a more accurate or more defined delivery of a predetermined amount of lubricant by the use of a microvalve is possible. The microvalve is in this case coupled on the input side with an outlet of the lubricant reservoir in terms of flow. The lubricant reservoir releases the lubricant to the microvalve under pressure. In this way, where appropriate, an improved lubrication of a machine part of a machine can be made possible, since the metering can take place close to the relevant machine part.

Here, a predetermined amount of lubricant is understood to mean not only a predetermined amount of lubricant continuously dispensed over a predetermined dispensing period of a single dispensing cycle, but also a corresponding quantity of lubricant discontinuously dispensed or dispensed over more than one dispensing cycle, the dispensing cycles differing in duration can. Also, during one or more dispensing cycles, a time flow rate may be controlled or varied. Likewise, a predetermined amount of lubricant is also understood to mean a lubricant flow delivered over a delivery period which varies continuously or, if appropriate, varies in terms of its time-related flow rate. In other words, the predetermined amount of lubricant is defined and not statistically discharged from the microvalve to a machine part to be lubricated.

The microvalve is in this case coupled to the outlet of the lubricant reservoir such that the pressurized lubricant is available at an inlet of the microvalve. This can then be blocked by the microvalve or transmitted to an outlet of the microvalve. In other words, the microvalve is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the lubricant reservoir.

The microvalve can be implemented, for example, as a piston valve, diaphragm valve, poppet valve, ball valve, slide valve or by means of another valve technology. It can be configured, for example, as a solenoid valve, that is to say as an electromagnetic valve, or else as an electromechanical valve.

The lubricant may be, for example, a liquid medium. These include, for example, oil, but also low-viscosity fats and other liquid lubricants or lubricants.

In other words, the metering device or the micropump is designed to deliver the defined amount of lubricant defined on a machine part of a machine or to dispense defined or eject it defined this defined or bring into this defined, ie in one controlled manner and not just in a statistical medium.

In a metering device according to an embodiment, the microvalve may be configured to deliver a minimum amount of lubricant defined as the predetermined amount of lubricant, which is at most 10 μl. In other embodiments, the smallest amount of lubricant may also correspond to 5 μl, 1 μl, 750 μl, 500 μl, 300 μl, 200 μl, 100 μl or 50 μl. The relationships are 1 μl = 1 mm ³ and 1 nl = 10 ^-3 μl = 10 ^-3 mm ³ .

In a metering device according to an embodiment, the microvalve may be configured to switch from a fully closed state to a fully open state in response to a control signal and deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant over a delivery period. For example, the microvalve may be configured to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant as long as it is in the fully open condition.

In embodiments, the microvalve may in principle also be designed as a sealing control valve, so that it can also assume more than the fully opened and the completely closed state. The microvalve may therefore be configured to permit, at least in part, control of the predetermined amount of lubricant by changing the state of the microvalve at which the microvalve may assume at least one other defined state other than the fully open and fully closed states is. A state is defined here if it can be reached by a targeted control of the microvalve for a definable period of time.

In other embodiments, the microvalve may also be configured to accept only the fully open and fully closed states. In other words, the microvalve may be a 2/2-way microvalve or a check valve.

In this case, a control signal may, for example, be electrical, mechanical, optical or magnetic. It may be generated by providing a signal, changing a signal in terms of a characteristic value (eg, a voltage value, a current value, an intensity, a field strength, a flux density), or even by omitting it.

A metering device according to an embodiment may include a plurality of microvalves, wherein the plurality of microvalves comprises the microvalve, and wherein the microvalves of the plurality of microvalves are fluidly coupled to the outlet of the lubricant reservoir. In this case, the microvalves of the plurality of microvalves may also be designed differently in embodiments. For example, one microvalve of the plurality of microvalves may be designed as a sealing control valve, another microvalve of the plurality of microvalves may be in the form of a 2/2-way microvalve.

As a result, different machine components or components can be supplied with a lubricant from a central lubricant reservoir via a plurality of microvalves.

A metering device according to an embodiment may further comprise a flow sensor which is arranged and designed such that a flow rate of the lubricant can be determined, which leaves the lubricant reservoir through its outlet and / or flows through the microvalve. The flow rate may be a volume or mass of an amount of lubricant flowing through the microvalve. Likewise, it may also be a volume or a mass of the lubricant flowing out of the outlet of the lubricant reservoir.

The flow sensor can in this case for example use a mechanical volumetric measuring method, a differential pressure measuring method or dynamic pressure measuring method, a thermal method, an acoustic measuring method, a magnetic-inductive measuring method, an optical measuring method or a gyroscopic measuring method.

If the metering device has a plurality of microvalves, this can also have a plurality of flow sensors. Thus, a plurality of these microvalves can be coupled with one flow sensor in each case, or a flow sensor can be associated with a microvalve, so that a lubricant flow can be determined independently of another lubricant flow for each microvalve.

The flow sensor can in this case provide or output a sensor signal which includes information regarding the flow rate.

In this way it may be possible to monitor the amount of lubricant dispensed by the microvalve and to compare it with the predetermined amount of lubricant. This makes it possible to check or calibrate the metering device during operation. Also, if necessary, permanent monitoring and / or or regulating the amount of predetermined lubricant delivered by the microvalve.

Such a metering device according to an embodiment may further comprise a bypass line with a bypass valve, wherein the bypass line is connected in parallel to the flow sensor, so that a flow of the lubricant through the flow sensor is partially or completely switched to the bypass line by the bypass valve. The bypass line may thus be coupled to a first and a second connection of the flow sensor. For example, the bypass valve may be a check valve or a 2/2-way valve disposed in the bypass line to prevent the flow of lubricant through the bypass line. It can also be, for example, a 3/2 valve, in which the lubricant flow is mutually switchable between the flow sensor and the bypass valve. If the dosing device has more than one microvalve and more than one flow sensor, it can optionally also have a bypass line with a bypass valve for more than one flow meter, that is to say for example for some or all flow sensors.

As a result, it may be possible to achieve a reduction of flow resistances or a relief of the flow sensor, which may possibly contribute to an extension and / or protection of the flow sensor.

In a metering device according to an embodiment, the lubricant reservoir may comprise a piston acted upon by a spring element or a membrane acted upon by a spring element, wherein the piston or the membrane is arranged so that it can pressurize the lubricant received, wherein a spring element, for example, a compression spring , a tension spring, an air spring, a gas spring, a torsion spring, a torsion spring, a bending spring or an elastomeric spring or another type of spring may include. In a metering device according to one embodiment, the lubricant reservoir can thus be designed to exert the pressure on the absorbed lubricant. Depending on the type of spring used different spring geometries can be used, so for example coil springs, barrel springs, disc springs or leaf springs, to name just a few examples. As a result, if necessary, an external pressure source, that is, for example, a pump or a compressed air supply can be saved.

In a metering device according to an embodiment, the lubricant reservoir may include a media port for a pressurized medium or fluid, the fluid port being fluidly coupled to a first sub-volume of the lubricant reservoir, the lubricant reservoir including a second sub-volume to receive the lubricant, and wherein the first and the second sub-volume are pressure-moderately coupled together.

The first and the second sub-volume are pressure-moderately coupled to one another, so that therefore a pressure built up in one of the two sub-volumes can be transferred to the other sub-volume. If it is, for example, a gaseous medium, such as air or another gas or gas mixture, the two sub-volumes can be directly, so for example in a common vessel or pressure vessel or via pipe or hose connections with each other. For example, if a separation of the medium of the lubricant advisable or necessary to reduce or prevent, for example, contamination of the lubricant, may be arranged in embodiments between the first subvolume and the second subvolume a displaceable or deformable separating body, so for example a displaceable or deformable Membrane or a displaceable piston, wherein the separating body is formed to prevent or reduce a direct contact of the medium in the first sub-volume and the absorbed lubricant in the second sub-volume.

As the embodiments show by means of displaceable separating bodies, in embodiments the first and the second partial volumes can be variable in terms of their size or volume values.

In this way, it may be possible to provide a larger lubricant reservoir, since an additional installation space for pressure-generating components or devices (eg pumps) can be dispensed with.

In such a metering device according to an embodiment, the medium may be gaseous, and the lubricant reservoir having a valve unit which is adapted to make the media port of the lubricant reservoir separable from the first sub-volume and to make an overpressure in the first sub-volume degradable. The valve unit may for example have a defined leak, through which the gaseous medium can be transferred to the environment or to a collecting or discharge system. In this way, if appropriate, easier maintenance or easier filling or refilling of the lubricant reservoir with the lubricant can be made possible.

In a metering device according to an embodiment, the lubricant reservoir may comprise a level sensor, which is designed to make detectable a supply amount of the lubricant received in the lubricant reservoir and to transmit an information relating to the supply amount comprehensive sensor signal to a control unit, and / or in the the lubricant reservoir comprises a pressure sensor which is designed to detect a pressure of the lubricant received in the lubricant reservoir and to transmit to the control unit a sensor signal which includes information relating to the pressure.

In principle, any type of sensor, that is, for example, an optically, mechanically, thermally or electrically operating sensor, can be used as fill level sensor. Depending on the requirement profile, the sensor signal may in this case only indicate a shortage or exceeding of the stock quantity in relation to a threshold value in different exemplary embodiments. In other words, the sensor signal may include only the information regarding the supply quantity that has fallen below or exceeded a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is predetermined, programmable or changeable.

In other embodiments, the level sensor may also be configured to provide a sensor signal that includes further information regarding the amount of stock. For example, the level sensor may include information regarding the amount of stock that may include continuous values, quasi-continuous values, or a plurality of different discrete values between a minimum and a maximum value.

A pressure sensor can also be designed accordingly by means of different techniques. Such a pressure sensor can be designed, for example, as a piezoresistive pressure sensor, as a piezoelectric pressure sensor, as a frequency-analog pressure sensor, as a Hall element pressure sensor, as a magnetoresistive pressure sensor, as a capacitive pressure sensor or as an inductive pressure sensor.

This sensor can also be designed in such a way that it can only provide an undershooting or exceeding of a threshold value or else further information within the scope of the sensor signal. Therefore, the statements made above also apply to this with regard to a pressure or pressure value of the absorbed lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.

As a result, if appropriate, an operation of the machine to which the metering device is connected or coupled, safer, since a fault, a fault or even an upcoming need for maintenance can be detected early.

A metering device according to one embodiment may comprise a metering device, wherein the metering device comprises the microvalve and the metering device is spatially separable from the lubricant reservoir. In such an embodiment, the microvalve can be arranged as close as possible to a machine part of a machine to be lubricated. As a result, supply lines in which lubricant is lost due to leaks or other undesirable effects, can be shortened, so that a lubricant supply can be achieved with improved accuracy. The lubricant reservoir can be attached to another place where more space is available, if necessary. In such a metering device according to one embodiment, the metering device and the lubricant reservoir can be spatially separated at least 0.5 m from each other. A metering device according to one embodiment can thus not only be designed as a single system component. Rather, it can also be carried out with spatially separable individual components. For example, the metering device can be designed such that the metering device and the lubricant reservoir are spatially separable at least 0.5 m, at least 1 m, at least 2 m, at least 5 m or at least 10 m apart. As a result, a better adaptation of the metering device to boundary conditions can be generated, resulting from the machine or its machine part or from other, for. B. legal boundary conditions.

In such a metering device according to one embodiment, the lubricant reservoir may comprise a first housing and the metering device may comprise a second housing other than the first housing. In embodiments, therefore, the lubricant reservoir and / or the metering device may each have a separate housing. The lubricant reservoir and / or the metering device can in this case be arranged completely or at least partially in the relevant housing. This may possibly result in easier integration into existing systems or machines.

In such a metering device according to an embodiment, the lubricant reservoir and the metering device may each have a connection for a pipeline to make the outlet of the lubricant reservoir with the metering device connectable via a pipeline, wherein the connections for the pipeline are formed to a hollow cylindrical To be able to receive piping with an outer and an inner diameter. In such a metering device according to one embodiment, the outlet of the lubricant reservoir and the metering device may optionally be fluidly coupled to a pipeline, wherein the pipe is designed to be hollow cylindrical at least at one end facing the outlet of the lubricant reservoir and at one end facing the metering device.

By providing connections for a pipeline, the lubricant reservoir and the metering device can thus be connected by means of a pipeline. The pipe is in this case at least partially, in particular in the region of the terminals of a hollow cylinder with an inner and an outer diameter formed. The inner and outer diameters are here adapted to the amount of lubricant to be transported and / or the prevailing pressure conditions, so for example, the pressure of the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir. For example, outer diameters between about 2 mm and about 20 mm can be used. In other embodiments, the upper value of the outer diameter is optionally below, for example, 15 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm or 5 mm. For example, a connection for a pipeline with an outer diameter of 2.5 mm may be provided.

The inner diameter results from a difference of the outer diameter and a double of a wall thickness of the pipeline. Depending on the outside diameter, the wall thicknesses of the pipes can be between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. Depending on the outer diameter used, the conditions of use and the field of application, the minimum value and the maximum value of the wall thicknesses can vary independently of each other, provided that a vanishing (value 0) or even purely mathematically negative inner diameter does not result. Both minimum and maximum values are therefore among others 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm and 2 mm.

A pipeline is in this case at least along the pipeline sections made of a material that has no or a negligible change in the inner and / or outer diameter at the applied pressures, so that no or no by a possibly occurring in the pipeline pressure drop or pressure increase only a negligible change in an internal volume of the pipeline takes place. A change may, for example, be negligible if it is less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than or equal to an average or smallest amount of lubricant 0.2% or less than 0.1%, to allow a supply of the microvalve with the lubricant reliable.

Sectionally, a hose can be used, as far as a certain flexibility is required and no or only a negligible change in an internal volume of the hose or the relevant section is ensured by a suitable choice of material of the hose.

A metering device according to an embodiment may further comprise a control circuit, wherein the microvalve is configured to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant in response to a control signal, the control circuit being coupled to the microvalve and configured to output the control signal to the microvalve. If the dosing device also has a flow sensor, the control circuit can optionally also be coupled thereto and designed to receive the sensor signal from the flow sensor and to provide the control signal based on the sensor signal. For example, the control circuit may determine the discharge duration or also an opening duration or a closure duration of the microvalve on the basis of the sensor signal.

If the dosing device optionally has a fill level sensor and / or a pressure sensor, the control circuit can optionally be configured to also provide or output the control signal on the basis of this or these sensor signals. For example, indicates the sensor signal that no sufficient amount of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir is present, so for example, a lower threshold value of the stock quantity is exceeded, or the pressure at which the lubricant is discharged from the lubricant reservoir, below a threshold, an optionally a control signal on Based on this sensor signal omitted or retained.

Optionally, the control circuit may provide or output an error signal, which may include information indicating an error or an interference condition. Optionally, the control circuit may also output the error signal such that it has information as to what is the problem or what is wrong.

The control circuit may be designed as an independent component of the metering device spatially separated from the lubricant reservoir and / or by the microvalve. However, it can also be used as part of a metering device, the also includes the microvalve, or else be implemented as part of the lubricant reservoir. The control circuit can also be designed as part of a machine, for example as a machine tool, as a PLC or PLC circuit or as a separate control computer (PLC = Programmable Logic Controller = Programmable Logic Controller = PLC).

In a lubricant system according to an embodiment, the machine part may comprise a rolling bearing, a sliding bearing, a linear rolling bearing or a linear sliding bearing, wherein the machine part has a bore in a raceway or a slide track, wherein the bore is fluidly coupled to the microvalve, defined by the predetermined amount of lubricant to leave the track or slideway. The raceway or slideway can be, for example, that of an inner or outer ring of a roller bearing, but also of a profile rail carriage or a profile rail.

The bore can in this case on the track or the slide of the rolling bearing, the plain bearing, the linear roller bearing or the linear sliding bearing a reduction, for example, have a profile reduction to a surface finish of the track or slide, a sliding property of the plain bearing or linear sliding bearing or Abrolligenschaft the rolling elements the raceway of the rolling bearing or the linear roller bearing to improve. In addition to a reduction, the sliding or raceway can also have other deburring.

In a lubricant system according to an exemplary embodiment, the microvalve may be coupled to the machine part via a continuous line system which has no or only a negligible change in a volume of the line system (internal volume) when the predetermined amount of lubricant is dispensed. The continuous line system can thus be made, for example, from one or more materials which have no or only a negligible change in the volume of the line system taking into account the applied pressures. A change may, for example, be negligible if it is less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than or equal to an average or smallest amount of lubricant 0.2% or less than 0.1%.

The continuous line system can be executed in several parts. For example, it may have one or more pipe sections, one or more hose sections, or lines formed in a larger workpiece in the form of bores. This may be, for example, a capillary line.

However, the continuous piping system has no portion where the lubricant is transported across a gap. In particular, such a line system has no nozzle, via which the lubricant is injected onto the machine part to be lubricated.

In this way, a delivery of the predetermined amount of lubricant may optionally be improved, since even small changes in the internal volume of the conduit system may be detrimental to the accuracy in view of the small volumes.

Thus, in a lubricant system according to an embodiment, the outlet of the lubricant reservoir may be fluidly coupled to the microvalve via a conduit system which has no or only a negligible change in a volume of the conduit system (internal volume) upon delivery of the predetermined amount of lubricant.

In a lubricant system according to an embodiment, the metering device may comprise a metering device, wherein the metering device comprises the microvalve, and wherein the lubricant reservoir is arranged spatially separated from the metering device. In such an embodiment, the microvalve can be arranged as close as possible to a machine part of a machine to be lubricated. As a result, supply lines in which lubricant is lost due to leaks or other undesirable effects, can be shortened, so that a lubricant supply can be achieved with improved accuracy. The lubricant reservoir can be attached to another place where more space is available, if necessary. In such a lubricant system according to an embodiment, the metering device may be spatially separated from the lubricant reservoir by a distance, the distance being at least 0.50 m.

In a lubricant system according to an embodiment, the metering device may thus not only be designed as a single system component. Rather, it can also be performed with spatially separable individual components, so that in the lubricant system, the metering device and the lubricant reservoir are spatially separated. The distance between them may be at least 0.5 m, at least 1 m, at least 2 m, at least 5 m or at least 10 m. This allows easier adaptation of the lubricant system to structural, structural, organizational or legal boundary conditions may be possible.

In a lubricant system according to an exemplary embodiment, the lubricant reservoir can be arranged in a hazardous substance space, a hazardous substance cabinet, a lubricant space or a lubricant cabinet. An example of a lubricant or hazardous substance cabinet is thus, for example, an oil cabinet. In this way, an easier adaptation of the lubricant system to structural, organizational or legal boundary conditions may be possible.

In a lubricant system according to an embodiment, the machine part may be a high-speed bearing or a bearing of a spindle, wherein the bearing of the spindle is designed to allow a speed of at least 20,000 rpm. The bearing of the spindle may be further configured to allow speeds of at least 40,000 RPM or at least 60,000 RPM. Such a machine may be, for example, a machine tool. However, even in the case of a high-speed bearing, this may be designed to allow a speed of at least 20,000 rpm, at least 40,000 rpm or at least 60,000 rpm.

An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a program having program code for performing an embodiment of a method when the program is run on a programmable hardware component.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 shows a hydraulic diagram of a metering device according to an embodiment;

2 shows a cross-sectional view of a microvalve of a metering device according to an embodiment in a closed state;

3 shows a cross-sectional view of the microvalve in an open state;

4 shows a time course of a control signal for the microvalve;

5 shows a hydraulic diagram of a metering device according to another embodiment;

6 shows a cross-sectional view of a flow sensor;

7 shows a cross-sectional view of a lubricant reservoir of a metering device according to an embodiment;

8th shows a conceptual representation of a metering device of a metering device according to an embodiment;

9 shows a first cross-sectional view of a metering device of a metering device according to an embodiment;

10 shows a second cross-sectional view of the metering device 9 ;

11 shows a third cross-sectional view of the metering device 9 ;

12 shows a hydraulic diagram of a metering device according to another embodiment;

13 shows a hydraulic diagram of a metering device according to another embodiment;

14 shows an elevational view of a machine tool according to an embodiment; and

15 shows an external view of a metering device according to an embodiment.

Before in connection with the 1 to 15 In the context of the present description, reference numerals for objects, structures and other entities are used when referring to the entity in question, several corresponding entities within a single entity Embodiment or within several embodiments or the type of entities concerned is discussed in more detail. This makes it possible to keep the description concise and shorter, since unnecessary repetitions can be avoided, since descriptions relating to one entity can also be applied to other entities in other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise or deriving from the Context results. In contrast, when individual entities are referred to, individual reference numerals based on the corresponding summary reference numerals are used. Entities that occur multiple times in one embodiment or in different embodiments may be identical and / or different with respect to some of their technical parameters. It is for example possible that several entities within an embodiment may be identical with respect to one parameter, but different with respect to another parameter.

1 shows a hydraulic diagram of a metering device 100 according to an embodiment. The metering device for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant thus comprises a lubricant reservoir 110 , which is adapted to receive a lubricant and via an outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 leave under pressure. The metering device has next to the lubricant reservoir 110 Furthermore, a metering device 130 on, which is also referred to as dosing unit. The metering device 130 includes a microvalve 140 , the input side with the outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 fluidly coupled. The microvalve 140 is further configured to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant defined. The dosing device 100 further includes an optional control circuit 150 , which is also called electronic unit. The control circuit 150 is here with the microvalve 140 coupled to the type, so the control circuit 150 a control signal to the microvalve 140 can spend. For this purpose, the control circuit 150 via a control signal line 160 with a connection of an actuator 170 of the microvalve 140 coupled.

The outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 is here with a first connection 180 of the microvalve 140 coupled fluidly, so that the lubricant from the lubricant reservoir 110 delivered under pressure, at the first port 180 (Inlet) of the microvalve 140 is applied. A second connection 190 of the microvalve 140 is with a connection 200 fluidly coupled to a pipeline.

The microvalve 140 is designed here as a check valve or 2/2-valve, which has two connections 180 . 190 has and can assume two switching states or states. The two states are once a fully opened state and on the other hand a completely closed state. The microvalve 140 as it is in 1 is shown here is designed such that in the case of absence of a control signal via the control signal line 160 this is in the fully closed state.

The connection 200 for the pipeline is in this case designed to accommodate a hollow cylindrical pipe with an outer and an inner diameter can.

As a lubricant, in principle, all liquid lubricants, so for example oil questioned. However, other lubricants with a sufficiently low viscosity (eg low-viscosity fats) can also be used with the aid of a dosing device 100 be dosed according to one embodiment.

2 shows a cross-sectional view of the microvalve 140 in a first state where the microvalve 140 is completely closed. In contrast to this shows 3 the microvalve 140 in a fully open state. The microvalve 140 has a housing 210 with a valve seat 220 on, located in the area of the second port 190 of the microvalve 140 located. The second connection 190 is designed here as a nozzle.

In an interior of the microvalve 140 is a stationary anchor 230 arranged and with the housing 210 mechanically stable connected. The microvalve 140 also has a mobile anchor 240 on, at least with a first section 250 adjacent to the stationary anchor 230 in the interior of the microvalve 140 is arranged. The housing 210 is here rotationally symmetrical designed as a cylinder and a coil 260 surrounded at least in part by at least partially the stationary anchor 230 and the first section 250 of the mobile anchor 240 are arranged. At least the first section 250 of the mobile anchor 240 is made of a magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic material, so that on the coil 260 on this a magnetic force is exercisable.

The mobile anchor 240 also has a second section 270 up, facing the first section 250 rejuvenated. A feather 280 (Compression spring) is in this case between a stop surface of the housing 210 and an abutment surface of the second portion 270 of the mobile anchor 240 The kind arranged and biased, so by the spring 280 the mobile anchor 240 in the direction of the valve seat 220 is pressed.

The mobile anchor 240 also has a ruby ball as a sealing body 290 on that over a ball holder 300 with the second section 270 of the mobile anchor 240 mechanically coupled or connected.

At the microvalve 140 it is a miniature solenoid valve, which is operated electromagnetically and flows through the lubricant directly. In a de-energized state becomes the ruby ball 290 against the valve seat 220 from the spring 280 pressed. In the de-energized state is thus the microvalve 140 completely closed. This situation is in 2 shown.

The valve seat 220 In this case, for example, can be made of a hard material, such as sapphire.

The microvalve 140 opens when the coil is energized 260 because, as a result of the generated magnetic field, mutual attraction of the two anchors 230 . 240 comes.

The amount of lubricant metered during an opening cycle is determined as a function of the pressure of the lubricant and the duration of the applied current pulse, that of the coil 260 is impressed and represents the control signal in the present case. In other words, the through the second port 190 delivered amount of lubricant on the one hand by the pressure and on the other hand by the duration of the coil 260 applied voltage pulse determined.

For the case 210 as well as for the two anchors 230 . 240 corresponding materials have been used which have a high chemical resistance to the lubricant used. As materials comes, for example, for the two anchors 230 . 240 and for the housing stainless steel in question. The valve ball can be made of ruby, for example (ruby ball 290 ) while the valve seat 220 can be made of sapphire.

This material combination for the anchors 230 . 240 and the case 210 This not only allows high chemical resistance, but also short response times, allowing very short opening and closing times of the microvalve 140 are feasible.

In the valve area, the materials mentioned allow, for example, to achieve the smallest opening strokes of less than 1/100 mm, while at the same time allowing extremely high wear resistance, which results in a permanently stable valve geometry.

This makes it possible to use the microvalve 140 very small building with a very small internal volume (eg 25 .mu.l) to design. The low valve lift results in typical response times that are in the range of less than 100 μs (eg 200 μs) and thus enable maximum dosing frequencies of up to several kilohertz (eg about 3 kHz). This can be the smallest, from the microvalve 140 deliverable amount of lubricant, which are in the range of the above-mentioned values. For example, it may even be possible, using a correspondingly low-viscosity lubricant with a single opening pulse of 150 microseconds to achieve a minimum lubricant amount of possibly only 20 nl (at a pressure of 1 bar) or 50 nl. The minimum amount of lubricant that can be achieved depends not least on a large number of factors, including, for example, a viscosity of the lubricant in question. Depending on the specific design, very high repetition accuracies may be achieved with deviations in the single-digit percentage range or below (eg less than 0.2%).

The microvalve 140 This is closed when the coil 260 is switched off. Is the coil 260 however, energized, the microvalve 140 so open, maximum flow rates of several milliliters per minute can result (eg, 8 ml / min with a lubricant pressure of 1 bar and a correspondingly low viscosity).

Optionally, the micro valve 140 Of course, also be equipped with filter elements to clog the microvalve 140 to prevent. Other types of microvalves 140 can also be used, as they can be used for example in the field of medical or water technology.

4 shows a time course 310 a control signal in which the in 4 shown course is applied over the time t current I. The control signal is in this case formed over time periodically with a period or cycle time T. A valve opening time To is less than the cycle time T. A difference between the cycle time T and the valve opening time To results in the lubrication interval.

To safely open the microvalve 140 ensure peak over time Tp immediately upon opening the microvalve 140 , So at the beginning of the valve opening time To a peak current Ip as a control signal to the actuator 140 So the coil 260 of the microvalve 140 impressed. After the elapse of the time Tp, a holding current Ih of the coil is maintained for a holding time Th 260 or the actuator 170 of the microvalve 140 imprinted, which is dimensioned such that the mobile anchor 240 securely held in the open state. In contrast, the peak current Ip of the type selected is that of the mobile anchor 240 is moved away from its position in the closed state as quickly as possible, so that the ruby ball 290 from the valve seat 220 safely released. The holding current Ih is less than the peak current Ip to prevent unnecessary heating of the coil 260 or the microvalve 140 to prevent.

The valve opening time To is calculated as the sum of the peak time Tp and the holding time Th, as in 4 is shown. These times are often in the range of a few 100 μs, while the associated currents are in the range of a few 100 mA.

5 shows a hydraulic diagram of a metering device 100 according to a further embodiment. Also in 5 dosing device shown 100 again comprises a lubricant reservoir 110 and a metering device 130 , The lubricant reservoir 110 includes a container 320 , which receives the actual lubricant, as well as an optional level sensor 330 and an optional pressure sensor 340 , Both the level sensor 330 as well as the pressure sensor 340 are with the outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 fluidly coupled. The level sensor 330 as well as the pressure sensor 340 Of course, they can also be inside a container 320 be arranged.

The level sensor 330 includes a sensor circuit 350 connected to the control circuit 150 is coupled in the way, so this sensor circuit 350 to the control circuit 150 a sensor signal can transmit, which information with respect to a supply amount of the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 110 or his container 320 includes.

Accordingly, also the pressure sensors 340 a sensor circuit 360 on, formed in such a way and with the control circuit 150 is coupled, so that these a sensor signal to the control circuit 150 which can convey information relating to a pressure of the lubricant in the lubricant reservoir 110 or in the container 320 or the outlet 120 includes.

The sensor circuits 350 . 360 are here with the control circuit 150 via a sensor signal line 370 coupled. This may be similar to the control signal line 160 out 1 to act an optical, electrical or other type signal line. Also, the two sensors can 330 . 340 via a common sensor signal line 370 or via different sensor signal lines to the control circuit 150 be coupled. In the case of a common sensor signal line 370 For example, a communication with the control circuit can take place via a corresponding communication protocol (eg TCP / IP).

The metering device 130 In contrast to the one in 1 shown embodiment, a plurality of microvalves 140-1 . 140-2 , ..., 140-6 , In this case, in different embodiments of a metering device 100 the exact number of microvalves 140 be different. For example, one crucial embodiment may be a single microvalve 140 , but also several microvalves 140 Thus, for example, two microvalves, three microvalves, four microvalves or more. Because of this, are in 5 only the first two microvalves 140-1 and 140-2 shown with solid lines, while the other four microvalves 140-3 , ..., 140-6 shown as dashed lines as optional microvalves. Also, optionally, in embodiments, the metering device 130 be formed such that these with other micro valves 140 retrofittable or expandable.

The microvalves 140 are each with a first connection 180 fluidly with the outlet 120 coupled to the lubricant reservoir. To simplify the illustration, the first port is 180 only in connection with the microvalve 140-6 marked and designated as such. Accordingly, the microvalves have 140 each also a second connection 190 but only in connection with the microvalve 140-6 as such is identified by a reference numeral. The respective second connections 190 are with appropriate connections for piping 200-1 , ..., 200-6 fluidly coupled to be able to deliver the lubricant to a pipeline or other conduit system.

Also in this embodiment, the actuators 170 the microvalves 140 via a control signal line 160 with the control circuit 150 coupled to the type that this is a control signal from the control circuit 150 can receive. To simplify the illustration in 5 Here too, it's just the actuator 170 a single microvalve, namely the microvalve 140-1 as such, identified by a reference numeral.

The first connections 180 the microvalves 140 are at the in 5 shown embodiment of a metering device 100 each with a flow sensor 380 and a bypass 390 with an outlet of a bypass valve 400 fluidly coupled. More precisely, the first connections 180 the microvalves with a second connection 410 of the flow sensor 380 coupled fluidly, wherein the second port 410 at the in 5 shown dosing device 100 as an outlet of the flow sensor 380 serves. A first connection 420 of the flow sensor 380 is with a first outlet of the bypass valve 400 coupled.

Also the bypass line 390 is - as previously mentioned - with the first connections 180 the microvalves 140 fluidly coupled. The bypass line 390 In addition, there is a second outlet of the bypass valve 400 coupled. An inlet of the bypass valve 400 is fluid with the outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 coupled.

The bypass valve is configured to provide fluid communication either with the bypass line 390 or the flow sensor 380 to accomplish. So it is at the bypass valve 400 around a 3/2 valve with three ports (one inlet and two outlets) and two states where either the inlet to the first outlet or the inlet to the second outlet of the bypass valve 400 fluidly coupled. In other words, a flow of the lubricant through the bypass valve 400 partially or, as in the present case, completely between the bypass 390 and the flow sensor 380 be switched. The bypass line is also called a bypass line, the bypass valve 400 Also referred to as a bypass valve.

The flow sensor 380 has a sensor circuit 430 on that with the control circuit 150 via a sensor signal line 440 the type is coupled to the sensor circuit 430 the control circuit 150 can provide a sensor signal that includes information regarding a flow rate.

Accordingly, also the bypass valve 400 an actuator 450 on that with the control circuit 150 is coupled to a control signal, which is a switching of the bypass valve 400 causes, via a control signal line 460 to be able to receive. The control circuit 150 supplies the actuator 450 during operation of the metering device 100 with the control signal.

6 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the flow sensor 380 as he relates for example in connection with the metering device 100 out 5 can be used. The flow sensor 380 includes a service section 470 through which the lubricant can flow, as indicated by an arrow 480 in 6 is indicated. Outside the line section 470 but adjacent to this is a sensor carrier 490 attached, which may be, for example, a printed circuit board or a chip (eg semiconductor chip). The sensor carrier 490 includes two temperature sensors 500-1 and 500-2 between which are a heating element centrally and symmetrically 510 is arranged.

Will now during operation of the flow sensor 380 the heating element 510 heated, the heat that is the heating element 510 generated, also to that in the line section 470 optionally released lubricant, which heats them. Now moves the lubricant through the line section 470 , So is a flow of lubricant through the line section 470 before, the two temperature sensors 500-1 and 500-2 measure different temperatures. From a temperature difference between the temperature values, the two temperature sensors 500 measure, then taking into account that of the heating element 510 heat transferred to the lubricant, a flow rate due to the known geometry of the conduit section 470 determine or calculate.

In contrast to the aforementioned case, the lubricant does not flow through the pipe section 470 , the heat will be absorbed by the heating element 510 is discharged, symmetrical to both sides of the heating element 510 So to both temperature sensors 500 spread out symmetrically, so that no temperature difference, ie identical temperatures are detected.

Only for the sake of completeness it should be mentioned at this point that 6 only a simplified representation of a flow sensor 380 shows, in particular, the sensor circuit 430 does not reflect. This can, for example, also on the sensor carrier 490 be integrated. Of course, however, the corresponding sensor circuit can also be designed as a separate circuit, which may also be arranged spatially separated.

7 shows a cross-sectional view of a lubricant reservoir 110 , as can be used, for example, in the context of the embodiments shown above.

The lubricant reservoir 110 includes a hollow cylinder 520 , which may be made of borosilicate glass, for example. To the hollow cylinder 520 close along its cylinder axis on both sides via seals 530-1 . 530-2 sealed closure components 540 on, which together with the hollow cylinder 520 the container 320 the lubricant reservoir 110 form.

More specifically, the lubricant reservoir 110 an upper closure component 540-1 and a lower closure member 540-2 on, on in opposite sides of the hollow cylinder 520 are arranged. The upper closure component 540-1 has a valve unit 550 on, in turn, a stopcock 560 and a multiple connection 570 includes. The stopcock 560 has a media connection 580 on, at which a medium under external pressure to the lubricant reservoir 110 can be applied.

The distance 560 is beyond that with the multiple connection 570 coupled to the type that connects to the media port 580 fitting medium in the multiple connection 570 can occur if the stopcock 560 is accordingly in an open state.

In addition to a connection with which the multiple connection 570 to the stopcock 560 is connected, the multiple connection points 570 also a hole 590 on, via which the medium enters an internal volume of the container 320 can flow in. This is to prevent contamination or ingress of foreign bodies into the container 320 to prevent a coarse filter 600 so with the hole 590 connected that the inflowing medium must pass this before it enters the container 320 arrives.

In addition, the multiple connection points 570 at the in 7 shown variant two more connections 610-1 and 610-2 on. Serves the coarse filter 600 For example, not only for filtering the over the stopcock 560 inflowing medium, which may be, for example, compressed air, compressed air or other pressurized gas or gas mixture, but is also suitable to filter the lubricant, for example, the connection 610-2 , the coarse filter 600 opposite, also for refilling or filling the lubricant reservoir 110 to serve with the lubricant. In this case, for example, a screw plug 620 be designed as lubricant refill screw or as a screw plug of a lubricant filler neck.

About the valve unit 550 So can the pressurized, for example gaseous medium via the media connection 580 in the interior of the container 320 reach. The stopcock 560 hereby serves the media connection 580 from the container 320 to make separable. In addition, the valve unit 550 be designed to provide an overpressure in the region of the multiple connection and possibly also in the region of the container 320 degradable by the valve unit 550 has a defined leak through which a small amount of the medium can escape. To achieve this, for example, the connection 610-1 with a defined leak 630 Thus, for example, be closed with a defined hole or another leak a screw plug. Although this may be during normal operation of the metering device 100 leads to a consumption of the medium, thereby possibly a maintenance of the lubricant reservoir 110 or refilling the same be facilitated.

Of course, in different embodiments, the arrangements or functions of the shut-off screw 620 and the leak 630 be reversed.

The container 320 forms a first partial volume 640 and a second subvolume 650 out, both of which are pressure coupled together. At the in 7 embodiment shown are the two sub-volumes 640 . 650 not separated by a particular component, although this is possible in the case of other embodiments. In the present embodiment, the two sub-volumes 640 . 650 rather, separated from each other by the second subvolume 650 completely filled with the lubricant while the first part volume 640 an area above a mirror 660 or a surface of the lubricant of the container 320 designated. The two partial volumes 640 . 650 are therefore not fixed partial volumes of the container in the present case 320 with fixed volume values, but rather differ in terms of their function.

Therefore, the stopcock separates 560 the media connection 580 from the first subvolume 640 in the case of a corresponding position of the stopcock 560 , Of course, the stopcock can 560 the media connection 580 also with the first partial volume 640 connect or couple fluidly.

The lower closure component 540-2 has a side outlet 670 and a lower outlet 680 on, wherein in different embodiments optionally one of the two outlets 670 . 680 can also be omitted.

At the in 7 shown embodiment, the lower outlet 680 as an outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 used. Accordingly, this has a connection for a pipeline 690 on, with their help, for example, a spatial separation of the lubricant reservoir from the metering device 130 is possible. However, this is an optional component which, for example, in the case of an alternative embodiment of the lower closure component 540-2 can also be omitted.

The side outlet 670 points at the in 7 embodiment shown also a connection for a pipeline 700 on, to which the in 7 only schematically illustrated pressure sensor 340 is connectable. As already related to the connection 690 also explained the connection for the pipeline 700 optionally be executed differently or omitted, for example, if an alternative implementation of the closure member 540-2 is used. For example, the pressure sensor 340 directly as part of the closure component 540 Be executed or be directly connected bypassing a pipe with this.

In addition, the in 7 illustrated lubricant reservoir 110 Further, a level sensor 330 on that in the interior of the container 320 is arranged and over a hole 710 a sensor signal via the sensor signal line 370 (not shown in 7 ) of the control circuit 150 (not shown in 7 ). The level sensor 330 is here as a float switch 715 executed, which falls below the mirror 660 of the lubricant under a certain rules level sensor signal outputs. This can be done for example by opening or closing an electrical circuit. The level sensor 330 thus communicates information regarding the subset amount of the lubricant to the control unit 150 ,

The medium over the media connection 580 to the lubricant reservoir 110 can be applied, is typically provided as a gaseous medium. Frequently, compressed air or compressed air is introduced. However, other gaseous media may also be used. These include all gases or gas mixtures associated with the lubricant and the metering device 100 Total materials used are suitable. These include, for example, nitrogen but also noble gases (eg helium, neon, argon), if there is a corresponding need for this. The gaseous medium is typically at a pressure of a few bar (eg 4-6 bar) to the media port 580 initiated. As a lubricant, an oil is often used.

If other combinations of lubricant and medium are considered, it may be advisable to choose between the first and second sub-volumes 640 . 650 optionally to use a displaceable or deformable separating body in the form of a membrane or a piston in order to prevent an interaction, reaction or mixing of the medium and the lubricant optionally.

Due to the described arrangement and design of the lubricant reservoir 100 This may be - apart from a loss due to the optionally implemented, optional leak 630 - be operated without consumption of the medium.

If, for example, no external, pressurized medium is available, pressure generation in embodiments can also take place within the scope of the lubricant reservoir 110 respectively. The lubricant reservoir 110 may thus comprise a piston acted upon by a spring element or a membrane acted upon by a spring element, the piston or the membrane being arranged so that they can pressurize the lubricant received. The spring element may comprise, for example, a compression spring, a tension spring, an air spring, a gas pressure spring, a torsion spring, a torsion spring, a bending spring or an elastomeric spring or another type of spring. Thus, the lubricant reservoir 110 be designed to exert the pressure on the recorded lubricant. Depending on the type of spring used different spring geometries can be used, so for example coil springs, barrel springs, disc springs or leaf springs, to name just a few examples. As a result, if necessary, an external pressure source, that is, for example, a pump or a compressed air supply can be saved.

Before in connection with the 9 to 11 Based on three different sectional views in different levels a dosing unit 130 should be described in more detail, initially in connection with 8th a conceptual representation of this will be explained.

8th shows a metering device 130 spatially separable from the lubricant reservoir 110 is. As the internal structure of the metering device 130 as he related to the 9 to 11 will be described in more detail, is relatively complex, should initially be in connection with 8th the basic structure in the context of the concept representation shown there are explained.

The metering device 130 has a connection 720 for a pipeline that is connected to the outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 can be coupled. The metering device 130 can therefore over the connection 720 from the lubricant reservoir 110 receive the lubricant. About a line 730 will that be at the port 720 initially provided lubricant to a volume 740 transferred, which via a hole 750 the lubricant to the bypass valve 400 provides. In a position typical for normal operation of the bypass valve 400 (English normally open) connects these the bore 750 with another hole 760 Apply the lubricant through a pipe 770 into an intermediate volume 780 passes. The further drilling 760 is thus typically open during normal operation.

During operation of the dosing device 100 or the metering device 130 can the bypass valve 400 but the lubricant flow also to another hole 790 redirect that into a lead 800 empties. This condition of the bypass valve 400 For example, it can be assumed only to a corresponding control signal. The further drilling 790 is thus closed in normal operation (English: normally closed). The administration 800 in turn flows over a short intermediate supply line 810 in a first cavity 820 to which again a hole 830 followed. In the interior of the hole 830 is the flow sensor 380 arranged. It may be advisable to use the flow sensor 380 opposite the hole 830 seal.

The hole 830 and the flow sensor arranged in it 380 open into a second cavity 840 which in turn has an intermediate line 850 with a line 860 fluidly coupled. The administration 860 flows again into the intermediate volume 780 ,

Thus, the lubricant - depending on the position of the bypass valve 400 either directly over the line 770 into the intermediate volume 780 or via the detour via the flow sensor 380 into the intermediate volume 780 reach. In other words, the line represents 770 the bypass 390 represents.

Via supply bores 870 , of which, to simplify the presentation of the 8th only the supply hole 870 a single microvalve 140-6 labeled with a reference numeral, the lubricant may be the microvalves 140 be provided on the input side. In other words, lead the lead holes 870 the lubricant to the first port 180 the microvalves 140 of which in 8th a total of six, namely the microvalves 140-1 , ..., 140-6 are shown. The second connections 190 the microvalves 140 turn into connections 200 for piping, through which the lubricant can then be delivered to the point to be lubricated or the machine parts to be lubricated.

Again, only the first and second connection are for the sake of simplicity of illustration 180 . 190 of the sixth microvalve 140-6 designated as such with reference numerals.

For the electrical supply of the microvalves 140 In principle, different construction variants can be used. So shows 8th an indicated channel 880 through which the electrical lines for supplying and driving the microvalves 140 are guided. Alternatively or in addition, the electrical leads can also via holes 890 to the microvalves 140 be introduced.

The 9 . 10 and 11 show the metering device 130 each in a cross-sectional view in three different, each mutually perpendicular planes. The 10 and 11 show here only a part of the structures in question. In the presentation of 9 to 11 the sensors and the valves are not shown. Rather, it is only the holes and other structures of the metering device 130 shown. The representations of the 9 to 11 illustrate only the complex interaction of the individual holes, pipes and channels. Particular attention should be paid to the in 8th not shown in details.

Starting from the in 9 only dashed line connection 720 for a pipeline through which the lubricant of the metering device 130 is provided, this passes through an 8-shaped opening 900 into the pipe 730 (please refer 10 ). The administration 730 runs in an interior of a body in which the metering device 130 is trained. For this reason, a production-related hole 910 represented, which is sealed after performing the mechanical production, for example by means of a ball or other seal.

11 shows an enlargement of the area in which the lubricant through the pipe 730 initiated and redistributed. So shows 11 first the volume 740 as well as the hole 750 containing the lubricant to the in 11 not shown by-pass valve 400 transported. 11 However, it shows a space 920 into the bypass valve 400 is einbringbar and mounted. Depending on the position of the bypass valve 400 then can the lubricant through a hole 930 to the further drilling 790 or over a hole 940 to the further drilling 760 pass the lubricant over the two cavities 820 . 840 to that in the 9 to 11 not shown flow sensor 340 or directly into the intermediate volume 780 passes.

9 finally shows the design of the supply holes 870 the total of six, also not in 9 represented in microvalves 140 as well as the channel 880 for electrical supply and control of the microvalves.

Due to the typical transport volumes described above, the bores typically have diameters between 1 mm and about 10 mm, typically between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, for example about 2.8 mm and 4.3 mm.

Of course, different numbers of microvalves may be provided in different embodiments. Likewise, the variations described above can be varied in terms of concrete embodiment in different embodiments.

12 shows a hydraulic diagram of another embodiment of a metering device 100 that is different from the one related to the 5 to 11 embodiment shown only with regard to the embodiment of bypass line 390 , the bypass valve 400 and the flow sensor 380 differs in terms of its arrangement and its fluid coupling. For this reason, the description of the hydraulic circuit is made 5 hereby referred.

In contrast to the dosing device 100 as they are in 5 shown is the bypass valve 400 designed in the present case as a 2/2 valve. It is fluid in the bypass line 390 switched and lies parallel to the flow sensor 380 , So is in the in 12 shown embodiment of a metering device 100 or a metering device 130 the first connection 420 of the flow sensor 380 with the outlet 120 the lubricant reservoir 110 and over a section of the bypass 390 with the inlet of the bypass valve 400 coupled. Accordingly, the second port is 410 of the flow sensor 380 with the first connections of the microvalves 140 and over another section of the bypass 390 with the outlet of the bypass valve 400 coupled.

Unlike the in 5 shown hydraulic plan allows this arrangement and design of the bypass valve basically a constant flow of the lubricant through the flow sensor 380 , A complete switching of the flow is not possible in this embodiment.

The bypass valve 400 is here rather designed to the flow of lubricant partially on the bypass line 390 to relocate by acting on a corresponding control signal of the control circuit 150 towards the actuator 450 the bypass valve 400 opens. As a result, a fast filling of the connected lubrication points or machine parts via the microvalves 140 during commissioning of the metering device 100 possible. The connections for pipelines 200 or - generally speaking - the lubricant outputs are individually adjustable with respect to a volume flow for each output. In the 12 dosing device shown 100 , also referred to as Kleinstmengendosiereinheit, has a monitoring unit in the form of the flow sensor 380 for all volume flows. The bypass valve 400 , which is also referred to as a bypass valve, can allow the already mentioned, fast filling.

Again, in this embodiment, the level and the pressure on the level sensor 330 and the pressure sensor 340 be monitored or recorded. The control circuit 150 can so in addition to the control of the microvalves 140 also take over the bypass valve control or by-pass valve control as well as the flow monitoring or throughflow monitoring. It can be designed as an electronic unit with a microprocessor for controlling and monitoring the valves and the volume flows. It can, as explained above, additionally or alternatively also be embodied as part of a machine tool, as part of an external control or a PLC or the PLC control (PLC = Programmable Logic Controller = Programmable Logic Controller = PLC) ,

13 shows a further embodiment of a metering device 100 that differ from that in the 5 and 12 shown embodiment differs essentially in that in these no longer a common flow sensor 380 but rather for each of the lubricant outlets an individual flow sensor 380 is used. This makes it possible to individually control the volume flow for each output and to make it more precisely adjustable. In other words, shows 13 Embodiment of a metering device 100 , So a Kleinstmengendosiereinheit with a monitoring for each individual flow or lubricant outlet.

So that is different in 13 shown embodiment of a metering device 100 exclusively with regard to the metering device 130 compared to the in 12 shown. So is in the in 13 shown embodiment of the outlet 120 of the lubricant reservoir 110 except for parts of a conduit system - directly to the first ports 180 the microvalves 140 fluidly coupled. In addition, at the in 13 shown embodiment of a metering device 100 the number of micro valves compared to in 12 shown embodiment by two microvalves from six to four microvalves 140-1 , ..., 140-4 which again reduces the flexibility with regard to the number of implemented microvalves 140 in different embodiments of a metering device 100 illustrated.

To each of the second ports 190-1 , ..., 190-4 the microvalves 140 is each a flow sensor 380-1 , ..., 380-4 with a respective first connection 420-1 , ..., 420-4 fluidly coupled. Accordingly, the connections for piping 200-1 , ..., 200-4 fluidly with the second ports 410-1 , ..., 410-4 the flow sensors 380 fluidly coupled.

Therefore, the in 13 shown embodiment of a metering device 100 also no bypass valve 400 and no bypass 390 on. However, in alternative embodiments, these may well be for individual or several flow sensors 380 be implemented. It may also be advisable, if different embodiments not all of the microvalves 140 with an independent flow sensor 380 to equip. For example, it may be advisable to use a subset of microvalves 140 a common flow sensor 380 to be provided, which may optionally also be equipped with a bypass valve and a bypass line. As a result, it may be possible to provide several machine parts, which need only be lubricated together, in parallel with lubricant and at the same time cost-increasing flow sensors 380 save. It may also be advisable, some micro valves 140 completely without a check by a flow sensor 380 to operate.

The flow sensors 380 in turn each have a sensor circuit 430 of which, for the sake of clarity, in 13 only the sensor circuit 430 of the first flow sensor 380-1 marked with a reference numeral as such. The sensor circuit 430 are via one or more sensor lines 440 with the control circuit 150 coupled.

Even if connections for pipelines have been described in the context of the embodiments described above, so for example, the connections 200 In other embodiments, these may be exchanged for other fluidic couplings or conduits. Depending on the type of connection, these can therefore more generally be referred to as inlets, outlets or - in summary - as connections.

14 shows a perspective view of a machine 950 , which is a machine tool 960 is. This shows 14 more precisely, an outline drawing in the area of a spindle 970 and their storage unit 980 with which she faces a case 990 the machine 950 is stored or guided.

The storage unit 980 is designed as a floating support (SLS) using two single-row angular contact ball bearings, each one machine part 1000-1 and 1000-2 represent. The angular contact ball bearings represent special embodiments of rolling bearings 1010-1 . 1010-2 In different embodiments, different rolling bearings, such as deep groove ball bearings, cylindrical bearings or other bearings can be used.

In the present case, the spindle 970 the rotating component while the housing 990 is stationary. For this reason, it may be advisable to fit in one or more raceways of the outer rings 1020 to introduce one or more holes, through which the lubricant directly onto the raceway of the rolling element 1010 and thus brought into direct contact with its rolling elements. If necessary, it may also be advisable to countersink the holes, or use a different method of deburring, to allow for easier rolling of the rolling elements and reduce the risk of rolling elements and the corresponding race.

In the case of a fixed outer ring 1020 Optionally, a raceway of an inner ring 1030 a rolling bearing 1010 be executed without a corresponding hole. This may be different if, unlike in 14 shown embodiment of the inner ring 1030 is stationary and the outer ring 1020 relative to this performs a rotational movement. In such a case, it may be advisable in the raceway of the inner ring 1030 bring in the relevant hole (s).

But even in the case of plain bearing guides, it may be advisable to provide in the corresponding slideways of the outer or inner ring openings for dispensing the lubricant.

However, corresponding openings are far from limited in stock, which are provided for guiding rotational movements. Rather, they can also be used in the area of linear bearings, wherein lubrication by means of the above-described openings in the slideways or raceways is possible both in the region of the sliding bearings and in the area of the roller bearings.

Regardless of the type of storage, the lubricant may be transported to the respective ports or to the respective bearings by means of a conduit system which is in fluid communication with the second ports of the microvalves 140 or the corresponding connections 200 is coupled. Here, the piping system may include, for example, pipes or pipe sections, hoses or hose sections, as well as capillary lines.

15 shows a metering device 100 according to an embodiment, wherein the lubricant reservoir 110 and the metering device 130 initially not spatially separated, but are implemented in a single housing. Depending on the specific embodiment, the metering device 100 However, have a coupling system, which is a separation of the lubricant reservoir 110 from the metering device 130 allows these two subcomponents to also be spatially separable. The two subcomponents can then be optionally used a conduit system or a pipe to be fluidly coupled again.

The lubricant reservoir 110 points at the 15 embodiment shown a filling coupling 1040 on, which is also referred to as a lubricant filler neck. This allows the lubricant to enter the container 320 , which is also referred to as a lubricant reservoir or lubricant container to bring. The lubricant reservoir 110 , which is also referred to as the oil reservoir due to the lubricant used, may be equipped with an internal or an external (pre-) pressure generation.

The metering device 130 comprises a valve unit with four individually controllable precision valves or microvalves 140 , In addition, it also has a flow sensor unit with four flow sensors, as in connection with 13 has already been explained. These flow sensors are also referred to as flow sensors, the corresponding unit as a flow sensor unit. Accordingly, the metering device 130 also four connections 200-1 , ..., 200-4 for the lubricant, which are also referred to as lubricant outlets or lubricant outlets.

In addition, the metering device has 100 or the metering device 130 via an electrical interface 1050 with a first connection 1060 for a supply voltage and a second connection 1070 for signal and control cables. It may be advisable in this case, in the case of a design of the metering device 100 providing a spatial separation of the lubricant reservoir 110 from the metering device 130 allows, in addition to a fluid coupling also provide a corresponding sensor signal line coupling and / or control signal line coupling or a second corresponding electrical interface.

The already explained above, is a metering device 100 also referred to as microdosing or microdosing. For example, the microdosing system can serve as an alternative to traditional oil + air lubrication. It is a Schmierstoffdosiersystem by which from a common reservoir several, for example, up to four, six, eight or more lubrication points can be supplied individually with the smallest amounts of oil. The lubricant is metered via microvalves, which generate a homogeneous and quasi-continuous volume flow with appropriate control. The continuous volume flow can be monitored by one or more sensors and periodically readjusted. Depending on the lubrication task, the lubricant dosage can also be discontinuous.

For example, in applications with a very high dosing precision, a continuous lubricant requirement, a precise dosing of very small amounts (eg 0.5 to 5 mm ³ / min), a direct adaptation of the dosing quantities or a direct dosing on the running surface (s) of the Bearings are used. Fields of application thus include sophisticated lubrication of high-speed spindles up to high speeds (eg 20,000, 40,000, 60,000 or more revolutions / min) as well as high-speed bearings. You can get by with no air consumption for oil transport, which can mean a cost savings, as a complex installation of compressed air lines can be reduced or completely avoided.

Similarly, a risk of blow-out of the oil film in the warehouse, a risk of introducing contaminants (eg particles, moisture) can be significantly reduced. It can also have a fast reaction time with changed lubricant requirement, eg. B. allow for changed spindle speeds or changes in ambient temperature. A (more expensive) special lubricant can be saved if necessary. Different viscosities, temperatures or back pressures may optionally be compensated internally by the system so that a volume flow can flow evenly. Capillary ducts can lead directly to the tread areas of the bearings. This can mean that a more optimal utilization of minimal quantities of lubricant and a loss-free metering as well as an immediate availability of the lubricant can be achieved. A Mikrodosiergerät or Kleengmengendosiergerät (engl Microdosage Unit) according to one embodiment may thus serve for the airless lubrication of fast-running spindles.

It can be used for the realization of individually adjustable lubricant micro flow volumes in the nl and μl range. A consumption of auxiliary air during transport of the lubricant can be avoided. It is also possible to monitor a plurality of different lubricant flows with one monitoring unit. Smallest, individually adjustable volume flows can thus be provided in a defined manner. A transport medium, such as. As air, is not necessarily required. A monitoring unit for a plurality of volume flows can also be provided.

A miniature dosing system is an (oil) dosing and supply system that can be used to continuously supply multiple lubrication points from a common reservoir with minute amounts of lubricant. The lubricant is metered via special microvalves, which with appropriate control, a homogeneous and can produce quasi-continuous volume flow. The continuous lubricant flow can be monitored and influenced via a flow sensor. Depending on the lubrication task, the lubricant dosage can also be discontinuous. For the transport of the lubricant no compressed air is required as transport medium. Only the lubricant must have a certain form.

Typical fields of application are where smallest quantities of oil are needed (assembly, process control) where the precise and continuous supply of the lubricant is required (eg for high-speed bearings and spindle bearings) where the timely adjustment of the lubricant quantity to the lubrication process is required and where there is no air as a carrier medium or air is impractical. Embodiments may use air as medium for homogenizing the oil dosage and for transport (OLA), possibly as advantages no air consumption for the oil transport, no costs for the treatment of purified compressed air, a direct, immediate system response to changing requirements, Do not allow the oil film to blow away or allow contamination (eg particles or moisture) by compressed air. The micro-valves used for micro-dosing may replace oil-air lubrication, provide flow monitoring for spindle lubrication, continuous lubricant supply to spindle bearings, monitored lubricant supply to spindle bearings and controlled lubricant supply to spindle bearings or high-speed spindle bearings.

A microdosing system can thus ensure a precise and continuous lubricant supply in the μl range. An exact dosage of the lubricant in the smallest amounts and its continuous feeding is in demand in the above-mentioned application scenarios. Embodiments can work with such a high degree of precision as is otherwise customary only in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. With such a system, up to four, six, eight or more lubrication points can be individually supplied with oil. It can be transported via capillary tubes, which can be routed directly to the bearing surfaces of the bearings. This enables precise and demand-based lubricant supply and effective use of the lubricant in extremely small quantities.

The lubricant is metered in via microvalves whose throughputs can be controlled individually and which, depending on requirements, meter the lubricant batch by batch or in a continuous volume flow. It can be set individually for each lubrication point in the range from 0.5 to 5 μl / min. For comparison, a normal drop of oil has a volume of about 50 μl. Thus, a lubrication system according to an embodiment can dose amounts that correspond to 1/100 to 1/10 of a drop - and stretched over one minute -. The lubricant reservoir of the system is under pre-pressure and generates a defined oil volume flow in interaction with the valve control. Depending on the system variant, the form generation can be done internally by a pressure spring piston or externally by the connection of compressed air. The variant with an internal pre-pressure generation can be recommended in cases where no compressed air is available at the place of use. In the case of external form pressure generation by compressed air, the connection actually serves only to maintain the pressure; no air is used.

To ensure that the volume flow remains constant independent of pressure, temperature and viscosity, the system can be monitored by means of a flow sensor and, if necessary, readjusted by a PLC or machine control. So can be achieved so that it can come in the spindle bearing to any additional heat development due to uneven oil dosage.

Compared to conventional oil + air lubrication systems, the microdosing system for oil transport requires no expensive compressed air. Thus, there is no danger that the oil film is blown away by compressed air. Nor can particles or moisture with the air reach the lubrication point.

Another advantage may be that the absence of air as a carrier medium, the system can change the amount of lubricant highly dynamic if necessary, and thus can respond directly to oil demand changes by changing spindle speeds or changes in viscosity of the lubricant. Compared to conventional lubrication, the minimum amount of oil that the system works with makes an additional contribution to protecting the environment. In addition, the system does not require expensive specialty lubricants. Commercially available spindle oils, as used in machine tools, may suffice. The micro dosing system can be used wherever a precise oil feed in the smallest quantities is required. So not only on spindle bearings, but z. B also in automated parts assembly on assembly lines and cycle lines.

Prototypes have shown that it is possible to provide a microdosing apparatus according to an embodiment having the following specifications: lubricant: oil; Capacities: 125 ml with internal pressure generation and 350 ml with a version with auxiliary air with a pressure of more than 3 bar; Dosage: continuous 0.5-5 mm ³ / min; Outlets: 4; Form pressure generation: internal or external (in a version with auxiliary air at a pressure of more than 3 bar); Outlet pressure: 1-3 bar; Operating voltage: 12/24 VDC; Control: PLC / PLC compatible; Operating temperatures: 10 to 50 ° C; Operating viscosity: 20-200 mm ² / s; Level monitoring: yes. However, it should be noted that these technical data are only those of prototypes. Other embodiments may have different technical data, as the above description has also shown.

The built prototypes can include a homogeneous and continuous lubricant supply, a high-precision dosing of smallest lubricant quantities, an immediate availability of the lubricant at the friction surface, a highly accurate adjustment of the required lubricant quantity, an immediate reaction to changed process parameters, an individual adjustment of the lubricant quantities for each outlet , a lower installation cost without compressed air, low operating costs due to the lack of compressed air consumption, a supply of 12/24 volts, optimal lubricant use through direct feed and improved environmental friendliness due to lower lubricant and air consumption. In this case, however, embodiments by far not all possible, not even realize several advantages.

Although some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it will be understood that these aspects also constitute a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or a component of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device.

Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation may be performed using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or FLASH memory, a hard disk, or other magnetic disk or optical memory are stored on the electronically readable control signals, which can cooperate with a programmable hardware component or cooperate such that the respective method is performed.

A programmable hardware component can be implemented by a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit ( IC = Integrated Circuit), a system on chip (SOC), a programmable logic element or a field programmable gate array with a microprocessor (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array) may be formed.

The digital storage medium may therefore be machine or computer readable. Thus, some embodiments include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or programmable hardware component such that one of the methods described herein is performed. One embodiment is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer readable medium) on which the program is recorded for performing any of the methods described herein.

In general, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program, or computer program product having program code or data, the program code or data operative to perform one of the methods when the program resides on a processor or a computer programmable hardware component expires. The program code or the data can also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier or data carrier. The program code or the data may be present, inter alia, as source code, machine code or bytecode as well as other intermediate code.

Another embodiment is further a data stream, a signal sequence, or a sequence of signals that represents the program for performing any of the methods described herein. The data stream, the signal sequence or the sequence of signals can be configured, for example, to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet or another network. Embodiments are also data representing signal sequences that are suitable for transmission over a network or a data communication connection, the data representing the program.

A program according to an exemplary embodiment may implement one of the methods during its execution, for example by reading out or writing into these memory locations one or more data, whereby switching operations or other operations in transistor structures, in amplifier structures or in other electrical, optical, magnetic or other processes caused by another working principle working components. Accordingly, by reading a memory location, data, values, sensor values or other information can be detected, determined or measured by a program. A program can therefore acquire, determine or measure quantities, values, measured variables and other information by reading from one or more storage locations, as well as effect, initiate or execute an action by writing to one or more storage locations and control other devices, machines and components ,

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It will be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims, and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

metering

110

lubricant reservoir

120

outlet

130

metering

140

microvalve

150

control circuit

160

Control signal line

170

actuator

180

first connection

190

second connection

200

connection

210

casing

220

valve seat

230

stationary anchor

240

mobile anchor

250

first section

260

Kitchen sink

270

second part

280

feather

290

ruby ball

300

ball retainer

310

time course

320

container

330

level sensor

340

pressure sensor

350

sensor circuit

360

sensor circuit

370

Sensor signal line

380

Flow Sensor

390

bypass line

400

bypass valve

410

second connection

420

first connection

430

sensor circuit

440

Sensor signal line

450

actuator

460

Control signal line

470

line section

480

arrow

490

sensor support

500

temperature sensor

510

heating element

520

hollow cylinder

530

poetry

540

closing member

550

valve unit

560

stopcock

570

Manifold

580

media connection

590

drilling

600

coarse filter

610

connection

620

Screw

630

leak

640

first partial volume

650

second partial volume

660

mirror

670

lateral outlet

680

vertical outlet

690

connection

700

connection

710

drilling

715

float switch

720

connection

730

management

740

volume

750

drilling

760

further drilling

770

management

780

intermediate volume

790

further drilling

800

management

810

between supply

820

first cavity

830

drilling

840

second cavity

850

intermediate line

860

management

870

feed hole

880

channel

890

drilling

900

opening

910

drilling

920

space

930

drilling

940

drilling

950

machine

960

machine tool

970

spindle

980

storage unit

990

casing

1000

machinery

1010

roller bearing

1020

outer ring

1030

inner ring

1040

filler coupling

1050

electrical interface

1060

first connection

1070

second connection

ip

peak current

ih

holder current

T

cycle time

to

Valve opening time

tp

peak time

th

hold time

Claims (25)

Dosing device ( 100 ) for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant, comprising: a lubricant reservoir ( 110 ), which is adapted to receive a lubricant and via an outlet ( 120 ) of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) under pressure; and a microvalve ( 140 ), with the outlet ( 120 ) of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) is fluidly coupled and adapted to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant defined. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the microvalve ( 140 ) is configured to deliver a minimum amount of lubricant defined as the predetermined amount of lubricant, which is at most 10 ul. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the microvalve ( 140 ) is adapted to switch from a fully closed state to a fully open state in response to a control signal and to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant over a delivery period (To). Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of microvalves ( 140 ), wherein the plurality of microvalves the microvalve ( 140 ), and wherein the microvalves ( 140 ) of the plurality of microvalves with the outlet ( 120 ) of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) are coupled fluidly. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flow sensor ( 380 ), which is arranged and designed so that a flow rate of the lubricant can be determined, the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) by its output ( 120 ) leaves and / or through the microvalve ( 140 ) flows. Dosing device according to claim 5, further comprising a bypass ( 390 ) with a bypass valve ( 400 ), wherein the bypass line ( 390 ) parallel to the flow sensor ( 380 ), so that a flow of the lubricant through the flow sensor ( 380 ) partially or completely on the bypass ( 390 ) by the bypass valve ( 400 ) is switchable. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) comprises a piston acted upon by a spring element or a membrane acted upon by a spring element, wherein the piston or the membrane is arranged so that it can pressurize the recorded lubricant, wherein a spring element, for example, a compression spring, a tension spring, an air spring, a Gas spring, a torsion spring, a torsion spring, a bending spring or an elastomeric spring may include. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lubricant reservoir has a media connection ( 580 ) for a medium under external pressure, the media connection ( 580 ) with a first partial volume ( 640 ) of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) is fluidly coupled, wherein the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) a second partial volume ( 650 ) to receive the lubricant, and wherein the first ( 640 ) and the second subvolume ( 650 ) are coupled together in terms of pressure. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 8, in which the medium is gaseous, and the lubricant reservoir is a valve unit ( 550 ), which is adapted to the media connection ( 580 ) of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) from the first partial volume ( 640 ) and to make an overpressure in the first partial volume ( 640 ) degradable. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lubricant reservoir is a level sensor ( 330 ), which is adapted to a supply amount of in the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) recorded lubricant and to a comprehensive information on the amount of stock sensor signal to a control unit ( 150 ), and / or in which the Lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) a pressure sensor ( 340 ), which is adapted to a pressure of the in the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) recorded and a comprehensive information about the pressure sensor signal to the control unit ( 150 ). Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a metering device ( 130 ), wherein the metering device ( 130 ) the microvalve ( 140 ) and the metering device ( 130 ) from the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) is spatially separable. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to claim 11, wherein the metering device ( 130 ) and the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) are at least 0.5 m apart from each other spatially. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 11 or 12, in which the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) a first housing and the metering device ( 130 ) comprises a second housing other than the first housing. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) and the metering device ( 130 ) each have a connection for a pipeline to the outlet of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) with the metering device ( 130 ) to make connectable via a pipe, wherein the connections for the pipe are formed to accommodate a hollow cylindrical pipe having an outer and an inner diameter can. Dosing device ( 110 ) according to one of claims 11 to 14, in which the outlet ( 120 ) of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) and the metering device ( 130 ) are fluidly coupled to a pipeline, wherein the pipe is designed to be hollow cylindrical at least at one end facing the outlet of the lubricant reservoir and at one end facing the metering device. Dosing device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control circuit ( 150 ), wherein the microvalve ( 140 ) is adapted to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant in response to a control signal, the control circuit ( 150 ) with the microvalve ( 140 ) is coupled and configured to supply the control signal to the microvalve ( 140 ). Lubricant system comprising: a metering device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims; and a machine ( 950 ) with a machine part to be lubricated ( 1000 ), whereby the machine part ( 1000 ) with the microvalve ( 140 ) of the dosing device ( 100 ) is fluidly coupled so that the microvalve ( 140 ) the predetermined amount of lubricant defined on the machine part ( 1000 ). A lubricant system according to claim 17, wherein the machine part ( 1000 ) a rolling bearing ( 1010 ), a plain bearing, a linear roller bearing or a linear plain bearing, wherein the machine part ( 1000 ) has a bore in a raceway or a slideway, wherein the bore with the microvalve ( 140 ) is fluidly coupled to deliver the predetermined amount of lubricant defined to the track or the slideway. Lubricant system according to one of claims 17 or 18, in which the microvalve ( 140 ) with the machine part ( 1000 ) is coupled via a continuous line system, which has no or only a negligible change in a volume of the line system at a delivery of the predetermined amount of lubricant. A lubricant system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the outlet ( 120 ) of the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) with the microvalve ( 140 ) is coupled in terms of flow via a line system which has no or only a negligible change in a volume of the line system at a delivery of the predetermined amount of lubricant. Lubricant system according to one of Claims 17 to 20, in which the metering device ( 100 ) a metering device ( 130 ), wherein the metering device ( 130 ) the microvalve ( 140 ), and wherein the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) spatially separated from the metering device ( 130 ) is arranged. A lubricant system according to claim 21, wherein the metering device ( 130 ) from the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) is spatially separated by a distance, wherein the distance is at least 0.50 m. Lubricant system according to one of claims 21 or 22, in which the lubricant reservoir ( 110 ) is arranged in a hazardous substance space, a hazardous materials cabinet, a lubricant space or a lubricant cabinet. Lubricant system according to one of Claims 17 to 23, in which the machine part ( 1000 ) is a high-speed bearing or a bearing of a spindle, wherein the bearing of the spindle is formed is to allow a speed of at least 20,000 rpm. A program having a program code, when the program runs on a programmable hardware component, for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant, the program being adapted to dispense a lubricant from a lubricant reservoir (10). 110 ) under pressure to a microvalve ( 140 ) to effect and / or monitor; and by a defined dispensing of the predetermined amount of lubricant via the microvalve ( 140 ) to a machine part ( 1000 ) of a machine ( 950 ) to effect and / or monitor.

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