EP3463680A1

EP3463680A1 - Metering device and metering method

Info

Publication number: EP3463680A1
Application number: EP17725598.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gernot Stelzer; Paul Felix Dollhäubl; Gregor Gerstorfer; Thomas Stepanek
Original assignee: Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH
Current assignee: Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH
Priority date: 2016-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-24
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Also published as: EP3251754A1; CN109195709A; WO2017207397A1; US20190193100A1

Abstract

Metering device for metering a fluid. The invention relates to a metering device (4, 82, 96) for metering a fluid, said device comprising a common supply line (6) and multiple discharge lines (20). According to the invention, in order to improve the metering process, the metering device (4, 82, 96) comprises multiple delivery devices (18) each having a cavity (24) for receiving the fluid and a piston (26) for displacing the fluid, wherein each of the multiple delivery devices (18) is connected on the inlet side to the common supply line (6) and is connected on the outlet side to one of the multiple discharge lines (20).

Description

description

DOSING DEVICE AND DOSING METHOD

The invention relates to a metering device for metering a fluid comprising a common supply line and a plurality of output lines.

The dosage of fluids plays a role in many different fields of application, if certain amounts of a Flu ^¬ ids are needed. As dosing is generally understood a measurement or a dimensioning of a certain amount. For example, in a rolling mill certain amounts of lubricant are needed so that the lubricant is metered. In a rolling mill, the required amount of lubricant is currently being pumped by a pump, which amount is then divided among several nozzles. The nozzles spray the lubricant then on the rolls of the rolling mill or in ei ^¬ nen nip of the rolling mill. In this case, the lubricant can be sprayed in pure form or as a mixture with a carrier medium. When spraying as a mixture, the

Lubricant be mixed before passing through the pump with the carrier medium or the lubricant is mixed in the nozzle with the carrier medium. All spraying variants have in common that the amount of lubricant used must be precisely metered. If too little lubricant is used, it comes to increased wear of the rollers and increased energy consumption during the rolling process in the rolling mill. To compensate for inaccuracies in the metering with a conventional pump, currently more lubricant is used than would be absolutely necessary, which is at the expense of low operating costs and / or a threat to the rolling process, because it can come to gripping problems due to the reduced friction in the nip.

The document WO 2010/0854 89 AI shows a lubrication system with a common supply line and at least one delivery device. Mitteis the lubrication system is a passed certain amount of lubricant to a machine injection point. To be able to accurately monitor the lubricant flow, the lubricating system includes a supply pump which has its output connected with the Zuführungslei ^¬ tung, and a flow-measuring device, which the conveyor device is arranged on the inlet side. About ei ^¬ nen computer the lubricant flow can be monitored and an ^¬ are provided.

An object of the invention is to provide a metering device with an improved dosage.

The object is achieved by a metering device of the abovementioned type, which according to the invention comprises several Fördervorrich ^¬ lines each with a cavity for receiving the fluid and a piston for displacing the fluid, wherein the plurality of conveying devices each inlet side with the common supply line and the outlet side with one each the plurality of output lines are connected.

The invention is based on the consideration that a single pump, as used so far, can dose the required amounts of fluid only inaccurately. Especially for small Need Beer ^¬ saturated amounts more fluid is consumed with such a pump normally, as would be necessary.

By means of the several conveying devices, the amount of fluid is now divided among the several conveying devices. Each of the plurality of conveyors has a smaller void volume than the aforementioned pump. As a cavity volume, the maximum volume of the respective cavity can be considered. Due to the smaller void volume, each conveyor can measure a required amount better than the aforementioned pump. Each of the conveying devices can convey a specific volume flow, which can then be output via the respective output line. In this way, an improved dosage, in particular a more accurate dosage can be ensured. You can also Because of the improved dosage, the operating costs are reduced.

Furthermore, the multiple conveyors allow a variable volume flow of fluid in a wide range. As volume flow, that volume of fluid can be understood, which can be supported by a respective conveyor. In particular, the volume flow which can be conveyed by one of the conveying devices can be for example at least 1 ml / min and / or at most 100 l / min, in particular at most 14 l / min. The volume flow may e.g. be dependent on the respective construction of the conveyor device, in particular of a diameter of the conveyor device, and / or on a drive speed.

At least one, in particular each, of the conveyors may have a polygonal cross-section. Conveniently, at least one, in particular each, of the conveyors has a round cross-section. Preferably, at least one, in particular each, of the conveying devices is cylindrical. Preferably, at least one, in particular each, of the För ^¬ dervorrichtungen (each) designed as a metering cylinder, for example, at least one, in particular each of the conveying devices (each) be a piston pump. Further, for example, at least one, in particular each, of the conveying devices (each) have a piston. Furthermore, the respective cavity, which each of the conveying devices has, can be at least one cylinder chamber.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of conveying devices are identical. Alternatively, the plurality of conveyors may be at least partially different from one another, for example, in their cross-sectional area, in their void volume and / or in other properties. Advantageously, the common supply line opens in the plurality of conveying devices. Further, each of the output lines may terminate in a respective output.

It is expedient if at least two of the conveyor ^devices , in particular all the conveyor devices, are coupled to one another. For example, each gekoppel ^¬ th conveyors can be coupled via a coupling unit.

Two elements can be considered "coupled" when the two elements are interacting with each other.For two (coupled) elements, the state of one element can affect the state of the other element.

Further, the metering device may comprise a linear guide, at least, by means of which the coupling element zweckmäßi ^¬ gerweise is performed. In this way, the linear guide can cause a mechanical stabilization.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least two of the conveying devices, in particular all conveying devices, are mechanically connected to one another / to one another via a mechanical connection. Conveniently, the mechanical connection is a rigid mechanical connection. For example, the mechanical connection can be made via the coupling unit.

Preferably, the metering device comprises a drive unit. At least two of the conveyors may be connected to the drive unit. Furthermore, the drive unit can drive at least two of the conveying devices.

Advantageously, the drive unit is a common drive unit. Conveniently, the multiple conveyor ^¬ devices are mechanically connected to the common drive unit. In addition, it makes sense if the joint drive unit which drives several conveyors. Ins ^¬ particular, the plurality of conveyors can be synchronously driven / moved, for example, using the common drive unit.

The drive unit may comprise a linear drive. In ^¬ example, the linear drive can convert a rotary motion into a linear motion. Further, the drive unit may be a hydraulic, electrical and / or pneumatic drive ^¬ unit. In addition, the drive unit may have a transmission or be gearless.

On the drive unit and / or on the mechanical connection, in particular on the coupling unit, a sensor may be arranged on ^¬ . Furthermore, the sensor can be integrated in the drive unit. The sensor can be for example a positi ^¬ onssensor and / or a speed sensor. Use of the sensor can be determined, for example, a driving speed of at ^¬ drive unit, a speed of a piston and / or an instantaneous flow rate.

At least one of the conveying devices can be designed as a single-acting metering cylinder. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the conveying devices is designed in each case as a single-acting metering cylinder. Expediently, each of the single-acting metering cylinders comprises a single cylinder chamber, which-in particular successively-can receive and deliver the fluid.

Furthermore, at least one of the conveying devices can be designed as a double-acting metering cylinder. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the conveying devices is designed in each case as a double-acting metering cylinder. Conveniently, each of the doppeltwir ^¬ kenden dosing cylinder comprises two cylindrical compartments. While the first cylinder chamber of a respective double-acting metering cylinder can receive the fluid, it is possible, in particular-especially dere same time - the second cylinder chamber of the same metering cylinder release the fluid and / or vice versa. A dop ^¬ peltwirkender dosing z can. B. a synchronous cylinder, also called synchronizing cylinder, or a differential cylinder.

At least one of the conveying devices, in particular each of the conveying devices, may have a leakage bore, in particular for leakage detection. In addition, the metering device may comprise a manifold. Furthermore, the at least one conveying device, in particular each of the conveying devices, can be connected to the collecting line via the respective leakage bore.

The metering device may comprise a return line, in particular a common return line. In addition, the metering device may comprise at least one pressure relief valve, in particular a plurality of pressure relief valves. Furthermore, the metering device may comprise at least one switching valve, in particular a plurality of switching valves. For example, one of the switching valves can be arranged in each output line.

Conveniently, at least one of the conveyors is connected to the return line. In particular, each of the conveying devices can be connected to the return line. Further, each of the conveying devices can each be connected via one of the plurality of pressure relief valves and / or egg ^¬ nes of the plurality of switching valves to the return line.

Each of the switching valves may, for example, each comprise two positions. The first position may be a passage position, in which the respective conveying device is expediently connected to the respective outlet of the metering device. The second position may be a return position, in which the respective conveyor tion is suitably connected to the return line.

In addition, the dosing device may be a control unit umfas ^¬ sen. The switching valves can verbun to the control unit ^¬ be the. Further, the switching valves can be controlled and / or switched using the control unit.

The metering device may have at least one check valve. Appropriately, the metering device has a plurality of check valves. In each case at least one of meh ^¬ reren check valves may / may be arranged on the inlet side and / or the outlet of a respective conveyor.

Preferably, the metering device comprises at least one measuring coupling, also called Minimessanschluss. Furthermore, the metering device may comprise at least one measuring sensor. The measuring coupling and / or the measuring sensor can be arranged in at least one of the several output lines. The measuring sensor can be, for example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a volumetric flow sensor.

In particular, the dosing device comprises several Messkupp ^¬ lungs and / or a plurality of measuring sensors. At least one of the plurality of measuring couplings and / or at least one of the plurality of measuring sensors may be arranged in at least one of the plurality of output lines. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of measuring couplings and / or at least one of the plurality of measuring sensors is arranged in each of the plurality of output lines. For example, at least one of the plurality of measuring sensors, in particular each of the measuring sensors, may be (in each case) a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a volume flow sensor.

The metering device may comprise a monitoring unit and / or a control unit, in particular for monitoring and / or controlling a parameter of the outgoing fluid. The controller may be at least one controller, in particular a controller. Conveniently, the outgoing fluid is the outgoing fluid via at least one of the output lines. For example, the parameter may be a pressure, a temperature and / or a volumetric flow.

Conveniently, the monitoring unit and / or the control unit is connected to at least one of the measuring sensors. Furthermore, the monitoring unit and / or the control unit can be connected to each of the measuring sensors.

In addition, the monitoring unit and / or the control unit may be connected to the aforementioned sensor. For example, the monitoring unit and / or the control ^¬ unit, in particular using the sensor, monitor the at ^¬ operating speed of the drive unit, the VELOCITY ^¬ ness of a piston / piston and / or a determined flow rate.

Furthermore, the monitoring unit and / or the control unit can be connected to the drive unit, in particular for controlling a drive speed of the drive unit. The monitoring unit and / or the control unit may comprise the above-mentioned control unit or be a separate unit to the control unit.

Furthermore, the monitoring unit and / or the control unit can operate at least partially automatically. In a semi-automatic monitoring and / or control a part step of monitoring and / or control otherwise than by the monitoring unit and / or the control unit itself being ^¬ leads can be, for example, a person acting. Further, the monitoring and / or control means of the monitoring unit and / or the control unit can be carried out fully automatically ^¬ table, particularly without manual ^¬ A act of a person. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering device comprises a block of material. As a block of material, a block of solid material can be understood. The block of material may have a plurality of bores and / or recesses. Advantageously, the plurality of conveying devices are each at least partially angeord ^¬ net in the block of material, in particular in the holes and / or recesses of the material block. In addition, the pressure limiting valves, the switching valves, the check valves, the measuring coupling, the sensors and / or further elements may be at least partially disposed in the material block and / or on the block of material.

The block of material may allow a compact and / or robust construction of the metering devices. Lines or channels between individual components can be kept short by the design. Thus, sealing points can be reduced and / or avoided. In addition, leaks can be reduced and / or avoided in this way.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a metering system with the metering device according to the invention, in particular with one of the above-described developments of the metering device.

Conveniently, the dispensing system includes a pump inlet ^¬ unit. The pump unit may have a pre-pressure pump. Preferably, the pump unit is connected on the output side to the ^supply line. In addition, the pump unit can be connected on the input side to the return line.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the metering system comprises a fluid tank. Logically, the fluid tank is ausgangssei ^¬ tig connected to the pump unit. Furthermore, the fluid tank can be connected on the input side to the pump unit. The pump unit may include a pressure relief valve. Furthermore, the metering system may comprise a spraying device, in particular with a plurality of nozzles.

For example, the fluid may be a lubricant.

The metering device and / or the metering system may in particular be a metering device / a metering system in a rolling mill. Due to the improved dosage gripping problems due to low friction in a nip of the rolling mill can be avoided.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for metering a fluid, wherein a metering device comprises a common Zu ^¬ guide line and a plurality of output lines, wherein the fluid is supplied via the common supply line and is discharged via the plurality of output lines.

In order to enable improved metering, according to the invention, the metering device comprises a plurality of delivery devices each having a cavity and a piston, and in the method, the fluid is supplied to the plurality of delivery devices, wherein the cavities of the plurality of delivery devices receive the fluid, and each of the delivery devices are predetermined Volume flow to each one of a plurality of output lines, wherein the pistons of the plurality of conveyors displace the fluid.

In particular, when displacing the fluid can be discharged from the plurality of conveyors.

Mentioned in connection with the process of dosing may be particularly the above-described Dosiervorrich ^¬ tung. Consequently, the following elements of the metering device may be the aforementioned elements.

Conveniently, the plurality of conveyors with ^¬ each other / among each other mechanically connected. Further, it is preferable if the plurality of conveying devices are common are driven. In particular, the plurality of conveyors can be synchronously driven and / or moved.

For example, in particular for metering the fluid, the volume flow can be adjusted in time.

Preferably, the volume flow is at least 1 ml / min. Further, it is advantageous if the volume flow is a maximum of 100 1 / min, in particular a maximum of 14 1 / min.

Furthermore, by the choice of the conveying devices, in particular the cavity volume thereof, a spatial spray profile can be set by the connection of the conveying devices to the outlet lines and / or with a spraying device and / or by the arrangement of nozzles in the spraying device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the taking up of the fluid and the displacement of the fluid take place in succession. Each of the conveying devices can be configured, for example, as a single-acting metering cylinder, each with a single cylinder chamber, for example, displacement can be as fast as picking up and up to 280 times slower The design of the plurality of conveying devices in each case as a single-acting metering cylinder can be particularly inexpensive.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the recording of the fluid and the displacement of the fluid take place at the same time. In this case, each of the conveying devices, for example, each be configured as a double-acting metering cylinder, each with two cylinder chambers. In particular, the receiving of the fluid and the Verdrän ^¬ gene of the fluid place simultaneously in different cylinder chambers of a respective conveying device, in particular in the various cylinder chambers of a respective double-acting Dosing cylinder, instead. For example, the first cylinder chamber of a respective double-acting metering cylinder can receive the fluid and at the same time the second cylinder chamber of the same metering cylinder can displace the fluid - and vice versa. In this way, a continuous dosing is possible.

The description of advantageous embodiments of the invention given hitherto contains numerous features which are reproduced in some detail in the individual subclaims. However, these features can expediently also be considered individually and combined into meaningful ^further combinations. In particular, these features can be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the method according to the invention and the metering device according to the invention or the metering system according to the invention. Thus, the process features are formulated as property of the corresponding device unit against ^¬ understandable to see and vice versa.

Even if some of the terms are respectively used in the singular or in conjunction with a numeral in the description and in the claims, the scope of the invention for these terms shall not be restricted to the singular or each ^¬ stays awhile numeral.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments which will be described in connection with the drawings. The embodiments serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit the invention to the combination of features specified therein, not even with respect to functional features. In addition, suitable features of each exemplary embodiment can also be considered iso ^¬ liert explicitly, removed from one embodiment, inserted into another embodiment to supplement it. brought and combined with any of the claims ^¬ the.

Show it:

1 shows a circuit diagram of a dosing system;

2 shows a circuit diagram of a metering device; 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the metering device of FIG. 2;

4 shows the exemplary embodiment of the metering device from FIG. 3 in a different perspective;

5 shows a sectional view of the metering device from FIGS. 3 and 4;

6 shows a schematic longitudinal section through one of the conveying devices from FIG. 2 to FIG. 4;

7 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an alterna ^¬ tive embodiment of the conveying devices; 8 shows a circuit diagram of another dosing system;

9 shows a circuit diagram of another metering device;

10 shows a schematic longitudinal section through one of the conveying devices from FIG. 8; and

11 shows a circuit diagram of a further dosing system.

1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a metering system 2. The metering system 2 has a metering device 4 for metering a fluid with a supply line 6 and a return line 8. Furthermore, the dosing system 2 comprises a pump unit 10, which on the output side is connected to the supply tion line 6 and the input side is connected to the return line 8. The pump unit 10 includes a pre-pressure ^¬ pump 12 and a pressure relief valve 14th

In addition, the dosing system 2 comprises a fluid tank 16, which is connected to the pump unit 10 both on the output side and on the input side.

The fluid tank 16 and the pump unit 10 to supply the Do ^¬ metering device 4 with fluid. For example, the fluid on the output side of the pre-pressure pump 12 of the pump unit 10 with about 1 bar to 3 bar pressurized.

Furthermore, the dosing system may comprise a spraying device (not shown) (see FIG.

In this embodiment, the metering system 2 is a do ^¬ metering system 2 in a rolling mill. In particular, the fluid is a lubricant, in particular for lubricating rolls of the rolling mill and / or a roll gap of the rolling mill. In ^¬ play, the rolling mill can be a rolling mill for Warmwal ^¬ zen and / or cold rolling.

2 shows a circuit diagram of the metering device 4 of FIG The metering device 4 comprises a plurality of conveyors 18. The supply line 6 is a common feed line ^¬. 6

The plurality of conveying devices 18 are each connected on the inlet side to the common supply line 6. In particular, the common supply conduit 6 opens into the meh ^¬ reren conveyors 18th

Further comprising the metering device 4 more Ausgangslei ^¬ obligations 20. Each of the output lines opens into a Ausgan 21. Each one of the plurality of conveyors 18 is let out of each other with one of the plurality of output lines 20 are connected. Each of the conveyors 18 has a round cross section and is cylindrical. Furthermore, each of the conveying devices 18 is in each case designed as a metering cylinder. In addition, each of the conveyance devices 18 is a piston pump.

The plurality of conveyors 18 are identically formed and have an identical cross-sectional area and an identical void volume.

Each of the conveyors 18 is each designed as a double-acting ^¬ metering cylinder 22 (see FIG. 6). Each of the double-acting metering cylinders 22 comprises two cylinder chambers 24. The two cylinder chambers 24 form the cavity of the respective double-acting metering cylinder 22. Further, each of the double-acting metering cylinder 22 each comprises a piston 26 which delimits the respective first cylinder chamber 24 from the respective second cylinder chamber 24 , Each of the pistons 26 has a piston seal 27.

Each of the double-acting metering cylinder 22 is called a synchronous cylinder, also called synchronizing cylinder. In addition, each of the double-acting metering cylinders 22 (see FIG. 6) has a continuous piston rod 28. The Kol ^¬ ben 26 is fixedly connected to the piston rod 28th

Further, the plurality (i.e., all) conveying devices 18 are coupled together, in particular via a coupling unit 30. The coupling unit 30 is designed as a coupling plate.

In particular, the plurality (ie all) Fördervorrichtun ^¬ gen 18, mechanically connected to each other / each other via a rigid mechanical connection 32. The mechanical connection 32 is produced via the coupling unit 30.

In addition, the metering device 4 comprises a drive unit 34, which is designed as a common drive unit 34. The plurality of conveyors 18 are mechanically connected to the drive unit 34. The drive unit 34 drives the plurality of conveyors 18 in synchronism. In particular, in each case the piston rod 28 is driven or moved together with the piston 26 by the drive unit 34.

The drive unit 34 includes a linear drive 36 which can convert a rotational movement into a linear movement wel ^¬ cher. Further, the drive unit 34 has a shaft 38, which is designed as a spindle. The drive unit 34 is mechanically connected via the shaft 38 to the coupling unit 30.

In the drive unit 34, a sensor 40 is integrated. The sensor 40 is designed as a speed sensor. Using the sensor 40, a drive speed of the drive unit 34 can first be determined. Using the sensor 40. Further, a speed of the piston 26, in particular ^¬ sondere all of the pistons 26, and hence an instantaneous flow rate can be determined.

In addition, the metering device 4 comprises a plurality of pressure relief valves 42. The return line 8 is the Common ^¬ me return line 8. Each of the conveyors 18 is connected to the return line 8 via one of the plurality of pressure relief valves 42nd If a pressure in one of the output lines 20 rises above a threshold value, then the respective pressure-limiting valve 42 ensures that the fluid can drain off via the return line 8.

On the common return line 8 is fluid which is discharged from the respective conveyor 18 / transported out, but is not discharged via the respective ^¬ from output line 20, returned to the pump unit.

Further, the metering device 4 comprises a plurality of switching valves 44. For example, in each output line 20 each one of the switching valves 44 is arranged. Each of the switching Le 44 has an electrical coil 46, via which the respective switching valve 44 is switched.

Each of the switching valves 44 each includes two positions. The first position of the switching valve 44 is a passage ^¬ position, in which the respective conveyor device 18 is connected to the respective output 21 of the metering device 4. The second position of the switching valve 44 is a return ^¬ running position in which the respective conveyor device 18 is connected to the return line 8. Accordingly, each of the conveying devices 18 can be connected to the return line 8 via the respective switching valve 44 (depending on the position of the respective switching valve 44). Furthermore, the dosing device 4 comprises a control unit 48, which is connected to the plurality of switching valves 44 via a data connection 50. The data connection 50 may be via a cable and / or wirelessly. The switching valves 44 are controlled and / or switched using the control unit 48.

For example, when rolling a wide band, all the switching valves 44 may be in the on-position. Further, for example, during rolling of a narrow band, the switching valves 44, which be found according to the drawing the right and left ^¬ be brought into the return position, while the drawing in accordance with centrally disposed switching valves are in the forward position 44th In addition, for example, during maintenance of the rolling mill and / or during maintenance of the metering device all switching valves can be brought to the return position.

The metering device 4 has a plurality of check valves 52, which are respectively arranged on the inlet side or outlet side of a respective conveyor device 18.

Furthermore, the metering device 4 comprises a plurality of measuring couplings 54 and a plurality of measuring sensors 56. In each of the several embodiments 1, one of the plurality of measuring couplings 54 and one of the plurality of measuring sensors 56 is arranged. For example, each of the measuring sensors 56 is each a volume flow sensor. Furthermore, a further measuring sensor 58, which is, for example, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor, is arranged / connected to one of the measuring couplings 54. In principle, a further measuring sensor 58 can be arranged on each of the measuring couplings 54.

The metering device 4 comprises a control unit 60 for monitoring and / or controlling a parameter of the outgoing fluid. For example, the parameter may be a pressure, a temperature and / or a volumetric flow.

The control unit 60 is connected to each of the volume flow sensors 56 via a data link 50. In this way, the volume flow can be monitored at each of the output lines 20, in particular using the control unit 60. Further, the control unit 60 is connected via a data link 50 to the drive unit 34, in particular for controlling a drive speed of the drive unit 34. In this way, the Volume flow can be adjusted or regulated.

Furthermore, the control unit 60 is connected to the further measuring sensor 58, which is a pressure and / or a temperature sensor. In this way, the pressure and / or the temperature can be monitored on one of the output lines 20, in particular using the control unit 60. In this way, a disturbance, for example a pressure increase due ^¬ constipation and / or a pressure drop due ei ^¬ ner Leakage, be detected early.

The aforementioned sensor 40 is also connected to the control unit 60 via a data connection 50. The sensor measures the current speed of the drive unit 34 or the drive speed of the drive unit 34, which is monitored by the control unit 60. In this embodiment, the control unit 60 includes the above-mentioned control unit 48 for adjusting the switching valves 44.

The control unit 60 or the control unit 48 is the width of a rolled strip, which is / is to be rolled, known. The switching valves are switched accordingly. Further, the control unit 60 is a rolling speed loading known, from which the control unit 60 may close to a required Volu ^¬ volume flow of fluid. A required driving speed of at ^¬ drive unit 34 is calculated from the required flow rate. The control unit 60 controls the drive unit 34 accordingly. The set drive speed is checked by means of the sensor 40 and readjusted if necessary. By means of one of the current sensors 56 volume ^¬ a need of the volume flow deviate flow rate measured, in turn, the control unit 60 can re-adjust the drive speed of the drive unit 34th

3 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of the metering device 4 from FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows the same exemplary design of the metering device 4 as FIG. 3, only from a different perspective. The metering device 4 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 comprises a material block 62. The material block is a block of solid material, eg of steel, in particular of stainless steel. The several ^¬ ren conveyors 18 are each at least partially disposed in the block of material 62nd In particular, the block of material 62 comprises cylindrical bores 64 (cf., FIGS. 5 and 6), which penetrate the block of material 62. In each of these bore 64, one of the conveying devices 18 is arranged. Further, each of the conveying devices 18 comprises two fixing elements 66, which are each formed as a cylinder head. At both ends of bore 64, each of the devices is Fördervor- 18 respectively through one of the fixing elements 66 fi xed ^¬ or held. The fixing elements 66 are connected to the mate ^¬ rialblock 62, in particular screwed. In this way, a simple and quick replacement of the individual conveyor devices 18 or parts thereof is made possible.

Further, the block of material 62 recesses, which are each formed as a blind hole. In addition, the pressure ^¬ limit valves 42, the switching valves 44, the check ^¬ valves 52, the measuring coupling 54, the measuring sensors 56 at least partially in the material block 62, in particular in the recesses, arranged, for example, screwed.

In this way, the block of material 62 is formed as a cylinder and valve housing.

The material block 62 enables a compact and robust construction of the metering 4. Lines or channels between individual components are performed by drilling in the material block 62 and are kept short by this construction, so that leakage can be reduced and / or avoided.

Furthermore, the metering device 4 comprises linear guides 68. The coupling unit 30 is guided by means of the linear guides 68. 68 In this way, increase the linear guides me ^¬ chanical stability of the metering device. 4

The coupling unit is transparent in FIG 3 and FIG 4 Darge ^¬ provides to see the linear guides 68 and the piston rods 28 better.

The block of material 62 with its holes 64 and recesses can be produced inexpensively and automatically. 5 shows a section through the metering device 4 from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 along two conveying devices 18. In this illustration, the material block 62 is shown transparently. Furthermore, it was dispensed hatching of ge ^¬ cut elements a better clarity. In this figure, the cylindrical holes 64, which penetrate the block of material 62, can be seen. In each of these bore 64, one of the conveying devices 18 is arranged. Furthermore, it can be seen in this figure that the

Pressure control valves 42, the switching valves 44, the return ^¬ check valves 52 and the measuring coupling 54 at least partially in the material block 62, in particular in the recesses, which are each formed as a blind hole, are arranged.

The check valves 52 are arranged completely in the material block 62. When the switching valves 44, a part, into ^¬ particular the electrical part (46 and coil electrical connections, the end) of the switching valves, from the material block 62 out. The pressure-limiting valves 42 also project partially out of the material block 62, in particular in order to be able to set their threshold value or their switching time. The measuring couplings 54 likewise protrude partially out of the material block 62. Thus, a measuring sensor 58 (cf., FIG. 2) can be connected to the respective measuring coupling 54.

6 shows a schematic longitudinal section through one of the conveying devices 18 from FIG. 2 to FIG. 5. The conveying device 18 is arranged in the cylindrical bore 64, which penetrates the material block 62. The conveying device 18 is designed as a double-acting metering cylinder 22. Further, the double-acting Do ^¬ sierzylinder comprises the piston rod 28 which is fixedly connected to the piston 26, and a cylinder tube 70, which forms the outer ßenwand. The piston 26 moves within the Zy ^¬ linderrohrs 70 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylinder tube 70 back and forth. According to the drawing, the piston 26 moves in ^¬ within the cylinder tube 70 in the vertical direction to the right and left.

The double-acting metering cylinder 22 comprises two cylinder chambers 24. The piston 26 separates the first cylinder chamber 24 from the second cylinder chamber 24. Each of the cylinder chambers is connected to the supply line 6 via an inlet 72 and to the respective output line 20 via an outlet 74. During the first cylinder chamber 24 of the double-acting ^¬ metering cylinder 22 receives the fluid are ^¬ time equal to the second cylinder chamber 24 of the same metering cylinder 22 from the fluid and vice versa.

The conveying device 18 is fixed by means of the two fixing elements 66 (in this case cylinder heads). The fixing elements 66 are screwed to the block of material 62. Further, each of the fixing elements 66 comprises a plurality of seals 76, which are formed as sealing rings. In addition, each of the fixing elements 66 comprises a scraper 78. The respective scraper 78 is designed as a rubber ring. The scrapers 78 also ensure a tightness of the conveying device 18. The cylinder tube 70 also includes a seal 76, which seals the fixing element 66 to the material block 62.

In FIG. 6, according to the drawing, the left cylinder chamber 24, which represents the first cylinder chamber 24, is completely filled. Furthermore, the cylinder chamber 24 according to the drawing, which represents the second cylinder chamber 24, is completely emptied. The piston 26 is accordingly according to the drawing right in the end position. The following is through the drive unit moves the piston rod 28 together with the piston 26 as indicated to the left, so that the lin ^¬ ke, first cylinder chamber 24 of the double-acting metering cylinder discharges the fluid via the left-hand outlet 74 as shown. At the same time, the right-hand, second cylinder chamber 24 receives the fluid via the inlet 72, which is the right-handmost according to the drawing. The piston rod 28 with the piston 26 moves to the left until the left, first cylinder chamber 24 is completely emptied and the right cylinder chamber is completely filled.

In the following, the piston rod 28 moves with the piston 26 to the right, so that the left, first cylinder chamber 24 of the double-acting metering cylinder receives the fluid via the left inlet 72 according to the drawing and at the same time the right, second cylinder chamber 24 the fluid on the right according to the drawing Outlet 74 releases until the drawing ^¬ initially left, first cylinder chamber 24 is completely filled and the right in the drawing, second cylinder chamber 24 is completely emptied. The process is repeated in a cycle. In this way, a continuous dosage is possible.

By way of example, the piston 26 has an outer diameter of 14 mm. Next example, the piston rod 28 a

Diameter of 10 mm. The so-called stroke of the conveyor 18 is z. B. 160 mm. As a stroke, that route can be referred to, the piston 26 can cover a maximum in one direction. Thus, the void volume of the conveying device 18 is for example 12 ml.

The fluid received by the respective cylinder chamber 24 is pressurized, for example, at 1 bar to 3 bar. Further, the bar bar pressure is restored to strike ^¬ from the respective cylinder chamber 24 angegebe- ne fluid, for example having 5 to 10 degrees. The threshold value of the check valves 52 is adapted to the pressure conditions of the fluid. Entspre ^¬ accordingly, the outlet side of the respective cylinder chamber 24 arranged respective check valve 52 has a larger threshold than the inlet side of the respective Zylin ^¬ derkammer 24 arranged respective check valve 52nd

The volumetric flow, which in each case can be conveyed by a delivery device 18 (hereinafter simply referred to as "volumetric flow"), corresponds in this embodiment to the volumetric flow which can be delivered via one of the delivery lines 20. The volumetric flow can be dependent on the drive speed Drive unit 34. For example, the volume flow can be adjusted in a range of 3.5 ml / min to 64 ml / min.

7 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an al ^¬ ternative embodiment of the conveying devices 18 6 of FIG The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the conveyor devices 18 of FIG 6, reference is made to remain the same features and functions. Essentially the same elements are always denoted by the same reference numerals and features not mentioned are taken over into the following Ausführungsbei ^¬ game, without being described again.

Each of the cylinder chambers 24 has an inlet 72, which simultaneously acts as an outlet 74.

8 shows a schematic diagram of another Do ^¬ siersystems 80 with another metering device 82 for dispensing a fluid. The following description will be limited ^¬ mainly to the differences from ^¬ exemplary implementation of Figures 1 to 6, to remain the same features and functions, reference is made. Substantially the same elements are always referred to the same reference characters and not mentioned features are taken in the following embodiment, without being described again. The supply line 6 of the metering device 82 acts simultaneously as a return line 8. In principle, an embodiment in which the supply line 6 and the return line 8 are present separately (analogous to the first embodiment) possible.

9 shows a circuit diagram of the metering device 82 from FIG. 8. Each of the conveying devices 18 is designed in each case as a single-acting metering cylinder 84 (see FIG. Each of the single-acting metering cylinders 84 expediently comprises a piston 26 and a piston rod 86

Piston rod 86 is connected, wherein the piston rod 86 is located only on one side of the piston 26.

Each of the conveying devices 18 has a leakage bore 88. Further, the metering device 82 comprises a Sammellei ^¬ device 90, which is connected to the Leckageborungen 88.

At the mechanical connection 32, in particular at the coupling unit 30, a sensor 92 is arranged (instead of the sensor 40 on the drive unit 34 in the first embodiment). The sensor 92 is a position sensor. The sensor 92 can determine the position of the coupling unit 30 and thus the speed of the coupling unit 30 or the speed of the piston 26 and / or the volume flow.

Also, the sensor 92 is connected to the control unit 60 via a ^¬ Since tenverbindung 50th The sensor 92 measures the position of the coupling unit 30 and thus the speed of Koppe ^¬ leinheit 30 and the speed of the piston 26, which is monitored by the control unit 60th

In this embodiment, metering device 82 does not include pressure relief valves (as opposed to the first Embodiment in FIG 1 to FIG 6), although this would be prinzi ^¬ piell possible.

For example, the metering device 82 is used in a hot rolling process, in particular for rolling individual

Rolled strips of slabs. If the respective delivery devices 18 are completely filled with fluid, the amount of fluid for an entire rolled strip is sufficient. The filling of the conveying devices 18 can then take place, for example, between the rolling of a first belt and the rolling of a second belt.

FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section through one of the conveying devices 18 from FIG. 9. The conveying device 18 is designed as a single-acting metering cylinder 84 and comprises a single cylinder chamber 24. The cylinder chamber 24 forms the cavity of the single-acting metering cylinder 84. The cylinder chamber 24 can receive the fluid in succession and deliver.

In FIG. 10, the cylinder chamber 24 is partially filled. The piston 26 is located according to the drawing center.

Subsequently, the piston rod 86 moves with the piston 26 to the right, so that the cylinder chamber 24 receives the fluid through the inlet 72 until the cylinder chamber 24 is completely filled.

In the following, the piston rod 86 is moved together with the piston 26 according to the drawing be left ^¬, so that the cylinder chamber 24 discharges the fluid through the outlet 74 by the drive unit. In this way, the dosage of the fluid takes place. The piston rod 86 with the piston 26 can move to the left until the cylinder chamber 24 is completely emptied. Subsequently, the cylinder chamber 24 must be refilled. The process is repeated in a cycle. In this way, a discontinuous dosage is possible. For example, the cylinder chamber 24 can be completely filled in 11 seconds. Next, the cylinder chamber is dependent on the set volume flow z. B. in 11 s to 205 s completely emptied.

The conveying device 18 has a leakage bore 88 for leakage detection. Further, the conveying device 18 is connected via the leakage bore 88 with the manifold 90 of the metering device 82.

In the event of leakage from the delivery device 18, some fluid exits via the leakage bore 88. The leaked due to the leak ^¬ ge fluid accumulates in the manifold 90 and can be detected visually and / or with a meter who ^¬ . In this way, in the event of a defect of one of the conveying devices 18, an early replacement of this defective conveying device 18 can be ensured.

FIG. 11 shows a further dosing system 94 with a dosing device 96. The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, to which reference is made with regard to features and functions that remain the same. Essentially identical elements are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and features not mentioned are taken over into the following exemplary embodiment without being described again.

Some elements (such as a pump unit, a fluid tank, a drive unit, a return line, pressure limiting valves, switching valves, measuring couplings, Messenso- ren, etc.) are not shown in FIG 11, but can prinzi- piell - individually or in any combination - can be taken from the other application examples.

The dosing system 94 comprises a spray device 98 with a plurality of nozzles 100. Further, the spray device 98 with the a plurality of output lines 20 of the metering device 96 connected.

The metering device 96 includes a plurality of conveyors 18 which extend at least partly from each other at the failed ^¬, for example in their cross-sectional area and in its void volume. For example, the respective cross ^¬ sectional area and the respective cavity volume of drawing ^¬ voltage according to the left and right arranged conveying devices 18 is smaller than in the drawing in accordance with centrally disposed conveyors 18. The cross-sectional areas conveying devices 18 and the various void volume of the conveying devices 18 allow for different flow rates ,

Further more nozzles 100 of the spray device are connected to the drawing in accordance with centrally disposed För ^¬ of the devices 18 as according to the drawing, right and left ^¬ arranged conveyors 18th

By appropriate interconnection with the nozzles 100 and a corresponding arrangement of the nozzles 100, a desired spatial spray profile can be adjusted.

While the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2 dosing system

4 dosing device

6 supply line 8 return line

10 pump unit

12 pre-pressure pump

14 pressure relief valve

16 fluid tank

18 conveyor device

20 output line

21 output

22 dosing cylinder

24 cylinder chamber

26 pistons

27 piston seal

28 piston rod

30 coupling unit

32 mechanical connection

34 drive unit

36 linear drive

38 wave

40 sensor

42 pressure relief valve

44 switching valve

46 coil

48 control unit

50 data connection

52 check valve

54 Mes coupling

56 measuring sensor

58 measuring sensor

60 control unit 62 material block

64 hole

66 fixing element (cylinder head)

68 linear guides

70 cylinder tube

72 inlet

74 outlet

76 seal

78 contestants

80 dosing system

82 dosing device

84 dosing cylinder

86 piston rod

88 leakage bore

90 manifold

92 sensor

94 dosing system

96 dosing device

98 spray device

100 nozzles

Claims

Patent claims

1. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) for dosing a fluid comprising a common supply line (6) and a plurality of output lines (20),

marked by

a plurality of conveying devices (18), each with a cavity (24) for receiving the fluid and a piston (26) for displacing the fluid, the plurality of conveying devices (18) each having the common feed ^line (6) on the inlet side and each with one on the outlet side the several output lines (20) are connected.

2. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to claim 1,

characterized in that at least two of the conveying ^devices (18), in particular all conveying devices (18), are coupled to one another.

3. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a common drive unit (34), wherein the plurality of conveying devices (18) are mechanically connected to the common drive unit (34).

4. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that each of the conveying devices (18) is designed as a single-acting metering cylinder (84) and / or as a double-acting metering cylinder (22).

5. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a common return line (8) and a plurality of pressure relief valves (42) and/or a plurality of switching valves (44), each of the conveying devices (18) being connected via one of the several pressure relief valves (42) and/or via one of the several switching valves (44). is connected to the return line (8).

6. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a plurality of check valves (52), at least one of the plurality of check valves (52) being arranged on the inlet side and/or outlet side of a respective conveying device (18).

7. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by at least one measuring coupling (54) and/or at least one measuring sensor (58), wherein the measuring ^coupling (54) and/or the measuring sensor (58) is/are arranged in at least one of the plurality of output lines (20).

8. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a monitoring unit and/or ^control unit (60) for monitoring and/or controlling a parameter of the outgoing fluid.

9. Dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a material block (62), the plurality of conveying devices (18) each being at least partially arranged in the material block (18).

10. Dosing system (2, 80, 94) with a dosing device (4, 82, 96) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a pump unit (10), which is connected to the supply line (6) on the output side, and a fluid tank (16), which is connected to the pump unit (10) on the output side.

11. Method for metering a fluid, wherein a metering device (4, 82, 96) comprises a common supply line (6) and a plurality of output lines (20), in which the fluid is supplied via the common supply line (6) and is delivered via the multiple output lines (20), characterized in that

the metering device (4, 82, 96) comprises a plurality of conveying devices (18), each with a cavity (24) and a piston (26), in which the fluid is supplied to the plurality of conveying devices (18), the cavities (24) of the plurality of Conveying devices (18) receive the fluid, and each of the conveying devices (18) delivers a predetermined volume flow to one of a plurality of output lines (18), the pistons (26) of the plurality of conveying devices (18) displacing the fluid.

12. Method according to claim 11,

characterized in that the plurality of conveying devices (18) are driven and/or moved synchronously.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12,

characterized in that the volume flow is at least 1 ml/min and a maximum of 100 1/min.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13,

characterized in that the absorption of the fluid and the displacement of the fluid take place one after the other.

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14,

characterized in that the absorption of the fluid and the displacement of the fluid take place at the same time.