System for producing and conveying a mixture of at least two substances

Abstract

System (100) for producing and conducting a mixture (10) of at least two substances (111, 112), wherein • a first supply line (121) is set up for the supply of a first substance (111) and leads into a proportional mixing device (13), • a second supply line (122) is provided for the supply of a second substance (112) and leads into the proportional mixing device (13), • the proportional mixing device (13) is set up to mix the first substance (111) and the second substance (112) in a mixing ratio, • an output line (15) is provided for the conveyance of the mixture (10), • the outlet line (15) has a first section (161) that connects the proportional mixing device (13) to a shut-off device (17), • the outlet pipe (15) has a second section (162) that connects the shut-off device (17) to an outlet (18), and • a control unit (19) is set up to open and / or close the shut-off device (17) in response to a control signal.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for producing and conveying a mixture of at least two substances. Technological background

[0002] It is known according to the state of the art that mixtures consumed by industrial plants during normal operation are stored in corresponding plant tanks. These tanks are connected to the plant via fluid lines and usually dispense the required quantity of mixture continuously or in portions, typically via pumps. These mixtures, generally consisting of water and one or more other fluids, such as oil, are passed over the workpieces being processed and any chips that may be generated, or are consumed by evaporation due to heat input. As soon as the tank is empty or a predetermined minimum fill level is reached, it must be refilled with new mixture until the required fill level, as determined by the process or plant, is reached again.If the minimum fill level required by the process is not met, production and process reliability are compromised, as workpiece quality, tool life, and mixture stability deteriorate. If the minimum fill level required by the system is not met, this often leads to machine downtime and production losses. A fill level that is too low also directly impacts the workload for machine operators, as it results not only in unpleasant odors caused by bacteria but also in increased liquid aerosolization and, in cases of over-concentration, irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.

[0003] The level of the system tanks should generally be checked several times a day in well-known systems, but in practice this often happens much less frequently, e.g. only once a week.

[0004] It is known according to the state of the art that the mixtures are prepared on-site by manual stirring or mixing equipment by the operating personnel. In this way, it is often not possible to ensure that the substances are mixed in the correct proportions and homogeneously. These mixtures are then usually fed manually and only rarely via fixed piping systems into the plant tanks. This frequently leads to over- or under-concentration, because the current values ​​of the mixture in the plant tank are unknown or the replenished mixture has an incorrect concentration.

[0005] Overall, the currently known methods for supplying an industrial plant with a mixture have proven to be disadvantageous. In particular, known options involve high planning costs, large storage capacities, and / or high demands on the manual mixing of individual substances. Description of the invention: Problem, solution, advantages

[0006] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, a system is to be provided that enables the supply of an industrial plant with a mixture in a space-saving, low-maintenance, automated, and precise manner. The system should be installable on existing industrial plants with minimal effort. Furthermore, process stability and occupational health and safety for machine operators should be improved.

[0007] This problem is solved by a system for producing and conveying a mixture of at least two substances, wherein a first supply line is provided for conveying a first substance and leads into a proportional mixing device, a second supply line is provided for conveying a second substance and leads into the proportional mixing device, the proportional mixing device is configured to mix the first substance and the second substance in a mixing ratio, in particular one that is individually adjustable, an output line is provided for conveying the mixture, the output line has a first section that connects the proportional mixing device to a shut-off device, the output line has a second section that connects the shut-off device to an outlet, and a control unit is provided to open and / or close the shut-off device in response to a control signal.

[0008] The system is specifically designed to combine two or more substances, preferably exactly two substances, particularly liquids, in a predetermined mixing ratio to form a mixture and to direct this mixture to an outlet. The first inlet serves to supply a first substance, while the second inlet is intended for supplying a second substance. Both inlets open into the proportional mixing device, which is designed such that the supplied substances are homogeneously mixed together in the desired ratio.

[0009] The mixture exiting the proportional mixing device is routed via an outlet line. The outlet line is divided into two sections. A first section connects the proportional mixing device to a shut-off device, while a second section connects the shut-off device to an outlet. The shut-off device is preferably designed as a valve, flap, or gate, and particularly preferably as a pneumatic actuator with a solenoid valve, and allows the controlled opening or closing of the flow of the mixture towards the outlet.

[0010] A control unit is provided to manage the system. This unit is designed to open and / or close the shut-off device in response to a control signal. The control unit can be implemented, for example, as an electronic controller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), or as part of a higher-level process control system. It receives control signals that can be generated either manually or automatically, for example, depending on process parameters. Upon receiving the control signal, the control unit actuates the shut-off device, thus enabling or interrupting the flow of the mixture to the outlet.

[0011] The described system enables the precise and reproducible production of mixtures from at least two substances and their targeted delivery to a desired outlet point. The combination of a proportional mixer, a controllable shut-off device, and a segmented outlet line ensures high flexibility and process reliability. The system is particularly suitable for applications requiring the mixing and dosing of substances in defined ratios and / or the continuous maintenance of minimum fill levels.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified below and in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a further advantageous design, the system is configured as a refilling system, and the outlet of the second section of the output line is designed to connect to a tank for receiving the mixture. This tank can be directly connected to the industrial plant, which is supplied with the mixture continuously or in portions by means of another pump. The tank thus provides a sufficient buffer for the mixture, enabling the industrial plant to operate continuously and without interruption.

[0014] Preferably, the system has a level sensor configured to send a control signal to open the shut-off device when a minimum level is reached within the tank. This allows the mixture to be automatically refilled as soon as the tank requires refilling. To prevent the tank from overflowing during refilling, the amount of mixture added to the tank in a single refilling process is preferably set according to the system specifications. For example, the volume or mass of the mixture that the system produces and dispenses into the tank after receiving the control signal can be specified. Alternatively, a time period can be specified within which the system produces and dispenses the mixture into the tank after receiving the control signal.Both variants ensure that the tank always maintains the required minimum fill level and does not overflow during refilling. The level sensor is preferably located inside the tank and is furthermore preferably permanently mounted to or on the tank. The outlet pipe, particularly its second section, can preferably run through the level sensor and / or be mounted to it. Most preferably, the level sensor can be mounted at or near the outlet on the outlet pipe. This can be advantageous because it eliminates the need for a separate mounting or fixing step for the outlet pipe on the tank.

[0015] The level sensor is preferably designed as a float switch. Such a float switch comprises a float with a float rod and a sensor activator, as well as a sensor element. This type of float switch is particularly easy to install and provides accurate readings of the current fill level, making it especially effective and precise for triggering a control signal. The float's float body preferably floats on the liquid surface of the mixture in the tank and reacts to fluctuating fill levels by rising or falling. Furthermore, a sensor activator, e.g., designed as a sensor ring, can preferably be provided on the float rod. As soon as the sensor activator on the float rod is activated by falling fill levels (float body descends), e.g.,When the sensor element, designed as a proximity sensor, is reached, a signal is sent to the control unit, the shut-off device opens, and the mixture is replenished until the sensor ring is again farther away from the sensor element. This allows the desired fill level of the system, and thus the start and stop of the replenishment, to be individually adjusted.

[0016] The shut-off device preferably comprises a valve, in particular a pneumatic valve. For this purpose, the valve can be connected to a compressed air supply – either directly or via the control unit – preferably via a pressure line. Such a pneumatic valve is easy to install when a compressed air supply is available, requires little maintenance, and provides particularly precise and reliable control between the two settings, according to which either the mixture is produced and conveyed, or the production and conveyance of the mixture is blocked. Advantageously, such a pneumatic valve also operates when the power supply is briefly interrupted, which has the advantage that the production and conveyance of the mixture is automatically interrupted in the event of a power failure. Furthermore, the shut-off device preferably includes an actuator, in particular a pneumatic actuator, for the valve.

[0017] The first substance is preferably water, in particular tap water, and the second substance is preferably a concentrate, in particular a water-miscible concentrate. The present system is especially advantageous for such mixtures because water is usually readily available near the industrial plant mentioned here. This allows the mixture to be produced precisely and cost-effectively on-site, thus saving on transport and storage costs for a finished mixture whose main component by volume is water.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the mixture is a lubricant, in particular a cooling lubricant, or a cleaning agent. Cooling lubricants are required especially by industrial plants in the form of industrial machine tools. Cleaning agents are typically used by washing systems, especially car washes or washing systems for manufactured workpieces. The system has proven particularly advantageous for such mixtures because concentrates of these mixtures can be produced very efficiently using a proportional mixing device and an existing water source. The first supply line is preferably designed for connection to a water supply and preferably has a shut-off device, which is preferably a ball valve.The second supply line is preferably designed as a suction hose, which is set up for insertion into a container to hold the second substrate. The proportional mixing device described here is specifically designed as a mechanical dosing pump that operates without electricity and feeds a second substrate directly into a water line, with the dosage always being proportional to the flow rate of water. The proportional mixing device uses the water pressure to move a piston or diaphragm, which in turn draws a defined quantity of concentrate from a storage container and mixes it with the water. The desired dosage can be set via an actuator, resulting in a uniform and precise mixture, regardless of fluctuations in the water flow. Proportional mixing devices with an electrically powered pump can also be used for this system.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the proportional mixing device, the control unit, and the shut-off device are mounted on a common mounting plate. Furthermore, preferably at least one section each of the first supply line, the second supply line, and / or the outlet line is attached directly to the mounting plate. This allows the system to be positioned, mounted, and connected to the industrial plant with minimal effort. For example, the mounting plate can be suspended, placed on a suitable stand, or attached directly to the industrial plant. The mounting plate is preferably a perforated plate. Such a perforated plate allows for flexible mounting of the individual system components and can therefore be adapted to specific space requirements during installation.

[0020] A further advantageous development allows the mixing ratio to be preset. This enables the device to be adjusted for different mixtures and / or different applications within the industrial plant. List of characters

[0021] A specific embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1. A schematic view of a system, Fig. 2a a first cross-sectional view of a tank, and Fig. 2b a second cross-sectional view of the tank. Detailed description of the characters

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 100 for producing and conveying a mixture 10 of a first substance 111 and a second substance 112. A first supply line 121 is configured for conveying the first substance 111 and opens into a proportional mixing device 13. A second supply line 122 is configured for conveying the second substance 112 and opens into the proportional mixing device 13. The proportional mixing device 13 is configured to mix the first substance 111 and the second substance 112 in a mixing ratio that, in the illustrated embodiment, can be specified by means of an actuator 14. An outlet line 15 is configured for conveying the mixture 10. The outlet line 15 has a first section 161 that connects the proportional mixing device 13 to a shut-off device 17. The outlet line 15 has a second section 162 which connects the shut-off device 17 with an outlet 18.A control unit 19 is configured to open and / or close the shut-off device 17 in response to a control signal. The control unit 19 is connected to a power source 41 for power supply. The system 100 is designed as a refilling system 20, and the outlet 18 of the second section 162 of the output line 15 is configured to connect to a tank 21 for receiving the mixture 10. The tank 21 is connected via a pump 22 to an industrial plant 23, which consumes the mixture during normal operation. The system 100 includes a level sensor 24, which is configured to detect when a minimum level H is reached. minThe level sensor 24 is to send a control signal from within the tank 21 to open the shut-off device 17. For this purpose, the level sensor 24 is connected to the control unit via a cable connection 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the level sensor 24 is designed as a float switch 241, wherein the float switch 241 comprises a float 25 with a float rod 26 and a sensor activator 27 as well as a sensor element 28. Fig. Figure 2a shows tank 21 with a sufficient fill level H so that the shut-off valve is blocked. Fig. 2b shows the tank with a minimum fill level H reached. minThis causes the float 25 to descend sufficiently for the sensor activator 27 to pass the sensor element 28, thereby triggering the control signal to open the shut-off valve 17. The sensor element 28 can, for example, be designed as an inductive sensor. This opens the shut-off valve 17 for a predetermined period of time, and mixture 10 with the set mixing ratio is added to the tank 21 via the outlet 18.

[0023] The shut-off device 17 is designed as a pneumatic actuator with valve 29, wherein the valve 29 in the illustrated embodiment is a compressed air valve 291. The compressed air valve 291 is connected to a compressed air supply 31 via a pressure line 30.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the first substance 111 is water 32 and the second substance 112 is a concentrate 33, namely a water-miscible concentrate 331. The mixture 10 is a lubricant 34, namely a cooling lubricant 341. Alternatively, the mixture could also be, for example, a cleaner, in particular a water-miscible cleaner. The first supply line 121 is designed for connection to a water supply 35 and has a shut-off device 36, wherein the shut-off device 36 is designed as a ball valve 361 in the illustrated embodiment. The second supply line 122 is designed as a suction hose 37, which is configured for insertion into a container 38 to receive the second substrate 112.

[0025] The proportional mixing device 13, the control unit 19, and the shut-off device 17 are attached to a common mounting plate 39. A section 40 of the first supply line 121 is directly attached to the mounting plate 39 by means of the shut-off device 36, in the form of a ball valve 361, being attached to the mounting plate 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 39 is a perforated plate 391. Reference symbol list 100 System 10 Mixture 111 first substance 112 second substance 121 first supply line 122 second supply line 13 Proportional mixing device 14 Actuator 15 Output line 161 first section 162 second section 17 Shut-off device 18 Outlet 19 Control unit 20 Refill system 21 Tank 22 Pump 23 industrial plant 24 Level sensor 241 Float switch 25 swimmers 26 swimming poles 27 Sensor activator 28 sensor elements 29 valve 291 Compressed air valve 30 Pressure line 31 Compressed air supply 32 Water 33 Concentrate 331 water-miscible concentrate 34 Lubricant 341 Cooling lubricant 35 Water supply 36 Shut-off device 361 Ball valve 37 Suction hose 38 containers 39 Mounting plate 391 Perforated plate Section 40 41 Power source 42 cable connection H Filling level H min Minimum filling level

Claims

[1] System (100) for producing and conducting a mixture (10) of at least two substances (111, 112), wherein • a first supply line (121) is set up for the supply of a first substance (111) and leads into a proportional mixing device (13), • a second supply line (122) is provided for the supply of a second substance (112) and leads into the proportional mixing device (13), • the proportional mixing device (13) is set up to mix the first substance (111) and the second substance (112) in a mixing ratio, • an output line (15) is provided for the conveyance of the mixture (10), • the outlet line (15) has a first section (161) that connects the proportional mixing device (13) to a shut-off device (17), • the outlet pipe (15) has a second section (162) that connects the shut-off device (17) to an outlet (18), and • a control unit (19) is set up to open and / or close the shut-off device (17) in response to a control signal. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the system (100) is designed as a refilling system (20) and the outlet (18) of the second section (162) of the outlet line (15) is configured for connection to a tank (21) for receiving the mixture (10). [3] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims with a level sensor (24) which is configured to detect when a minimum level (H) is reached min ) within the tank (21) to send a control signal to open the shut-off device (17). [4] System (100) according to claim 3, wherein the level sensor (24) is designed as a float switch (241). [5] System (100) according to claim 4, wherein the float switch (241) comprises a float (25) with a float rod (26) and a sensor activator (27) and a sensor element (28). [6] System (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the output line (15), in particular its second section (162), passes through the level sensor (24) and / or is mounted on it, wherein preferably the output line (15) is mounted in the area of ​​the outlet (18) on the level sensor. [7] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shut-off device (17) comprises a valve (29), preferably a compressed air valve (291), and wherein the shut-off device (17) preferably comprises an actuator for the valve, in particular a pneumatic actuator. [8] System (100) according to claim 7, wherein the shut-off device (17) can be connected to a compressed air supply (31) via a pressure line (30). [9] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first substance (111) is water (32) and the second substance (112) is a concentrate (33), preferably a water-miscible concentrate (331). [10] System (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mixture (10) is a lubricant (34), in particular a cooling lubricant (341), or a cleaning agent. [11] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first supply line (121) is designed for connection to a water supply (35). [12] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first supply line (121) has a shut-off device (36), wherein the shut-off device (36) is preferably designed as a ball valve (361). [13] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second supply line (122) is designed as a suction hose (37) which is configured for insertion into a container (38) for receiving the second substrate (112). [14] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the proportional mixing device (13), the control unit (19) and the shut-off device (17) are attached to a common mounting plate (39). [15] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one section (40) of the first supply line (121), the second supply line (122) and / or the output line (15) is attached directly to the mounting plate (39). [16] System (100) according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the mounting plate (39) is a perforated plate (391). [17] System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing ratio can be specified.

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