EP2522429A1 - Dosing container for a roller mill - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (1) has a dosing flap (2), and an operating cylinder (3) i.e. pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, for opening and closing the dosing flap. A path recording device is integrated into the cylinder for adjusting opening width or opening angle of the dosing flap in a reproducible manner. The recording device works according to magneto-resistive principle. Connections i.e. pneumatic or hydraulic connections, together with supply lines of the recording device are guided into a common hose (4), where the cylinder is connected with a control device. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a roller mill for processing fat mass (2) a method for feeding a roller mill.

Description

The invention relates to a metering container for a rolling mill, a rolling mill and a method for feeding a rolling mill.

Multiple rolling mills are used for grinding, dispersing, mixing, homogenizing or the like of pasty masses, in particular chocolate. They have at least two substantially mutually parallel, cooperating, mounted on both end faces rollers whose two end bearings are each connected by a double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly together and by applying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly to each other or away from each other and can be acted upon with a clamping or release force. Such rolling mills are out, for example DE 3016785 or DE19700347 known.

Such rolling mills, generally having two to five roll rolling mills, are used to process liquid to highly pasty masses, e.g. of printing inks, paints, pigment dispersions, colored pencil compounds, coating compositions, toilet soap, cocoa and chocolate masses, confectionery masses. The material to be processed is fed via a dosing into the feed slot on the feed roller and then transferred from one roller to the next. The rollers thereby have increasing speeds from the feeding nip to the take-off roll, i.e. they operate at different speeds.

The metering container has at least one metering flap on the underside. When this is open, the mass may leak from the dosing tank. The further the door is open, the more more mass can escape and the faster the mass leaves the dosing tank. Quantity and exit velocity depend on the viscosity of the mass. The maximum permissible opening is therefore determined depending on the recipe. Flowable materials require a smaller opening than tough masses.

It is known to control the flap opening by means of an inductive measurement at the pivot point of the metering flap and to give a signal for the closure of the flap after determining the specified maximum.

Out CH686231 In addition, a metering container arrangement is known in which a pulse generator designed as an incremental encoder for detecting the angle of rotation is arranged in the pivot point.

These measuring arrangements are located outside the dosing tank and are therefore prone to contamination. A reproducible opening control is thus not always guaranteed. An externally screwed measuring device also interferes with the cleaning of the dosing, which is particularly questionable in the food processing area for reasons of hygiene and thus undesirable.

The invention has for its object to avoid the disadvantages of the known and improve the operability in terms of hygiene and at the same time to guarantee reproducible processes in the methods and devices described above.

The object is achieved by a metering container for a rolling mill for processing disperse masses, in particular chocolate masses, with at least one metering flap and at least one actuating cylinder for opening and closing the metering flap. According to the invention, a travel-receiving device is integrated in the at least one actuating cylinder.

In the Wegaufnahmevorrichtung is a measuring device which detects the adjustment of the actuating cylinder.

With the aid of the position-sensing device, the opening, in particular the opening width or the opening angle, of the dosing flap can be reliably measured and thus also reproducibly adjusted.

The degree of opening of the dosing is no longer measured directly at the opening or on the flap with the inventive device, but indirectly via the adjustment of the actuating cylinder. However, this can be determined very precisely and above all reproducibly. This is mainly because the Wegaufnahmevorrichtung is integrated into actuating cylinder and the measuring assembly is thus not arranged in the outer region of the dosing. Thus, the measuring arrangement is not exposed to the pollution occurring there, does not interfere with the cleaning and there is no risk of maladjustment when external influences act on the dosing, for example during maintenance or cleaning.

The actuating cylinder is in particular a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

In an advantageous embodiment of the dosing, the connections for the actuating cylinder are guided together with the supply lines of the Wegaufnahmevorrichtung from the actuating cylinder.

The connections for the actuating cylinder and for the position detection can be performed in parallel or preferably in a common tube. Thus, provide the leads of the path detection no additional attack surface for pollution or represent an additional obstacle to the cleaning.

The connections for the actuating cylinder and for the position detection are preferably led away axially from the actuating cylinder and can thus be accommodated together with the cylinder in a common housing.

The connections of the actuating cylinder include supply lines, ie air or hydraulic lines, and / or electrical lines.

The travel-sensing device preferably measures the travel traveled by the piston of the actuating cylinder. The data are advantageously collected according to a magneto-sensitive principle.

For this example, a magnet can be mounted on the Kolbestange and the movement of the magnet are detected by a magnetic pickup. For example, sensors with reed contacts, Hall sensors, permaprox sensors or coil sensors come into consideration as transducers.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position sensing device collects data according to the magneto-resistive principle. This sensor concept is based on the change of an electrical resistance, for example in thin ferromagnetic layers, with applied magnetic fields.

In this way, absolute values can be obtained, in this case the completed adjustment of the actuating cylinder.

With a detected path length in the range of 100-500mm, the error is typically only in the mm range. With magneto-resistive displacement measurement, accuracies can be achieved down to the μm range.

In an advantageous embodiment of the metering container, the actuating cylinder is functionally connectable to a control device in which the values detected by the position sensing device serve as a controlled variable, on the basis of which the actuating cylinder is actuated. The control unit can be located in the control unit of the dosing.

In particular, the control device comprises a memory in which a desired value representing a maximum opening degree is stored, or setpoint values representing a maximum and minimum opening degree are stored.

The metering flaps are preferably attached to the metering container such that the adjustment path of the actuating cylinder is in a direct, preferably linear, relationship with the degree of opening of the metering flaps. The actual variable to be controlled, namely the opening width or the opening angle of the metering flap, can be represented by the adjustment path detected by the position sensing device.

Preferably, the setpoint stored in the memory, or the setpoints, depending on the recipe can be selected.

The values detected by the position sensing device can be compared with the reference value or the reference values and, depending on whether the reference value is reached, the manipulated variable is changed. In the present case, the actuating cylinder is activated, ie in particular the air or hydraulic pressure is increased or decreased.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a rolling mill for processing of disperse masses, in particular chocolate masses, in particular 2-roll mill or 5-roll mill, with a dosing as described above.

Rolling mills with such metering containers can be charged more reliably because the required opening of the metering container for providing the replenishment is reproducible. This allows a uniform operation of the rolling mill and thus a constant quality of the processed product.

According to the invention, a signal pick-up, in particular a filling level meter, is arranged in the roller trough and indicates how much mass is in the nip of the first pair of rollers, and in particular interacts with a control device which causes the metering flap to open.

If the value falls below a certain predetermined value, a mass must be added.

For this purpose, an opening mechanism for the dosing is set in motion, which opens the at least one metering flap to the previously defined maximum opening, ie the maximum opening width or the maximum opening angle. The mass can then escape. When the maximum opening is reached, the dosing damper closes usually again. However, it can remain open until it receives a closing signal, for example.

The level measurement can also influence the maximum opening degree of the metering valves, which is stored as a setpoint in the memory of the control device of the dosing. In this way, errors that arise due to deviations of the actual inflowing material from the formulation according to the material can be compensated.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a method for feeding a rolling mill as described above with the following steps.

First, the setpoint for a maximum Dosierklappenöffnung is set. This is preferably done by the operator, who determines the value as a function of a recipe, or of the mass to be filled, and enters into the control device.

The one or more actuation cylinders on the metering container are activated to open the metering flap. Preferably, a pneumatic cylinder is pressurized with compressed air.

The completed path or stroke of the actuating cylinder is detected by the Wegaufnahmevorrichtung.

It is checked whether the completed path corresponds to the setpoint for the maximum metering valve opening. If the measured value is still below the desired value, then the actuating cylinder is actuated further to open the metering flap.

If the setpoint is reached, however, the further opening of the dosing is prevented.

Preferably, the actuation cylinder is actuated on the metering container for closing the metering flap. In the case of a pneumatic cylinder can either be reduced for a single-acting cylinder, the pressure or for a double-acting cylinder, a pressure on the other side are applied.

The method can equally be used for closing the metering container if the metering container is considered to be closed at a predetermined minimum value. Alternatively, the actuating cylinder can drive in the closing direction up to a mechanical stop.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, a signal is also detected in the roller trough, wherein the undershooting or exceeding a predetermined value by the signal triggers the activation of the actuating cylinder to open the metering flap. Preferably, the level between the first and second roller is measured and compared with a predetermined, minimum allowable level value.

The level can be measured without contact, for example optically or acoustically.

Preferably, the level is measured with an infrared probe. It does not matter that the surface of the mass is not flat as a rule.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by the use of an actuating cylinder, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, with Wegaufnahmevorrichtung for actuating a dosing of a dosing for a rolling mill.

Actuating cylinder and Wegaufnahmevorrichtung form a structural unit. In addition, if all the necessary lines, for example, in a common hose or a double hose, are summarized, the actuating cylinder, the Wegaufnahmevorrichtung and the lines are mounted as a contiguous component together to a dosing.

The actuating cylinder with Wegaufnahmevorrichtung is thus also suitable as a retrofit package to replace existing solutions and upgrading already in operation dosing.

The invention is explained in more detail below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing.

Figur 1

eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines erfindungsge-mässen Dosierbehälters;

Figur 2

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Pneumatikzy-linders;

Figur 3

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines erfindungs-gemässen Walzwerks mit Dosierbehälter;

Figur 4

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäs-sen Walzwerks mit Dosierbehälter.

Show it

FIG. 1

a schematic perspective view of an inventive dosing container;

FIG. 2

a schematic sectional view of a Pneumatikzy- Linders;

FIG. 3

a schematic sectional view of a rolling mill according to the invention with dosing;

FIG. 4

a schematic side view of a erfindungsgemääs-sen rolling mill with dosing.

FIG. 1 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a metering container 1 according to the invention. The metering container 1 has a Dosing on 2, which is moved by an actuating cylinder 3, here a pneumatic cylinder. The metering flap 2 and the pneumatic cylinder 3 are rotatably mounted such that the displacement of the piston rod is in direct proportion to the opening degree of the metering flap 2.

In the actuating cylinder 3 is not explicitly shown in the figure Wegaufnahmevorrichtung integrated.

In a common tube 4, the connections for the pneumatic cylinder 3 are guided axially out of the pneumatic cylinder 3 together with the supply lines of the travel device.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a pneumatic cylinder. 3

In the pneumatic cylinder 3 is two concentrically arranged cylinder sleeves 10a, 10b, the gap 11 as a guide element for guiding the pneumatic air we used. The piston rod 12 can be supplied with compressed air from this area. It is therefore only required an arranged in the top plate 14 interface 13 for supplying both compressed air lines.

The head plate 14 and the bottom member 15 of the pneumatic cylinder 3 are formed in a fit and adhesively bonded to the respective cylinder sleeves 10a, 10b.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a rolling mill 5 according to the invention with dosing container 1.

The metering container 1 is attached to the roller trough 6 in such a way that, when the dosing flap 2 is opened, a thrust mass passes into the gap 7 between the first roller 8 and the second roller 9.

In the roller trough 6, a not explicitly shown level sensor is mounted.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a rolling mill 5 with metering container 1 according to the invention.

The actual rolling mill 5 is indicated in the drawing only by a first roller 8, which is attached to a left and a right stand 16a, 16b. The stands 16a, 16b are parts of a frame 17, which also includes an upper cross member 18 and a base plate 19.

The level sensor 20 is attached to the frame 17 on one of the stands 16a.

The level sensor 20 measures the level height 21 in the roller trough 6. As soon as it is determined that a predetermined filling amount is exceeded, for example, the level 21 is less than 10 cm, receives a not explicitly shown control device for controlling the metering 2, a signal for actuating the metering cylinder 3 and thus to open the metering 2.

The pneumatic cylinder 3 stops until the control device signals to it that the travel detection device not explicitly shown has detected a value which corresponds to the predetermined maximum opening value.

For example, for a metering vessel having an opening angle of 60 degrees, a stroke of the piston of 340 mm is provided.

The adjustment path is measured magneto-resitive.

The calibration is done at an opening angle of 0 degrees and 60 degrees by measuring the current that varies linearly with the angle.

Claims (9)

Dosing container for a rolling mill for processing disperse fat masses, in particular chocolate masses,
with at least one metering flap and at least one actuating cylinder (3), in particular a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, for opening and closing the metering flap (2),
characterized in that
in the at least one actuating cylinder (3) a Wegaufnahmevorrichtung is integrated, by means of which the opening, in particular the opening width or the opening angle of the metering flap (2) is reproducibly adjustable. Dosing container according to claim 1, characterized in that the connections for the actuating cylinder, in particular the pneumatic or hydraulic connections, are guided together with the supply lines of the travel device, in particular axially, from the actuating cylinder (3), in particular in a common tube (4). Dosing container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a device is provided as Wegaufnahmevorrichtung, which data according to a magneto-sensitive, in particular magneto-resistive principle, elevates. Dosing container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating cylinder (39) is connectable to a control device, in which the values detected by the position sensing device serve as a controlled variable, on the basis of which the actuating cylinder (3) is activated. Rolling mill for processing disperse masses, in particular chocolate masses, in particular 2-rolling mill or 5-rolling mill, with a metering container (1) according to one of claims 1-4. Rolling mill according to claim 5, characterized in that in the roller trough (6) a signal sensor, in particular a level gauge, is arranged, which cooperates in particular with a control device which causes an opening of the metering flap (2). Method for feeding a rolling mill according to claims 5 or 6, characterized by the following steps: (i) providing a maximum metering orifice opening; (ii) driving the actuating cylinder (3) on the dosing container (1) to open the dosing flap (2); (iii) detecting the completed path through the path picking device; (iv) checking that the distance traveled corresponds to the maximum metering orifice opening; if not, continue with (ii); (V) In particular driving the actuating cylinder (3) on the metering container (1) for closing the metering flap (2). A method according to claim 7, characterized in that in the roller trough a signal is detected, and the undershooting or exceeding a predetermined setpoint by the signal step (ii) triggers. Use of an actuating cylinder (3), in particular of a pneumatic cylinder, with a travel-receiving device for actuating a metering flap (2) of a metering container (3) for a rolling mill (5).

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