EP0870960B3 - Multi-component metering installation with coupling device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a multi-component metering with a plurality of metering valves and a coupling device for a control valve.

For the preparation of liquid mixtures, such as perfumes, flavors, colors or the like, consisting of a variety of different components, gravimetric or volumetric dosing systems are used in practice. Depending on the number of components, the dosing units have up to 500 individual dosing valves. The arrangement of the metering in the metering is circular, linear or freely selectable, but limited by the size of the container to be filled.

The control valves of the metering valves are located either directly on the individual metering valves or in a separate control cabinet. The direct attachment of the control valves to the associated metering valves is often not possible due to space problems. The accommodation of the control valves in a control cabinet is required in particular in systems that are subject to the special conditions of explosion protection. The control valves are arranged in an explosion-proof area of the control cabinet and connected in each case with a separate electrical wiring and a complex tubing with the respective metering valve. Several hoses are combined into a bundle, whereby the clarity in the dosing is adversely affected.

In the DE 92 09 384 U1 a dispensing device for various liquids via a common dispensing head, each with a metering cylinder per liquid component is described. Each metering cylinder in the dispensing head has a 2/2 valve for controlling the associated metering valve. The purchase of such a metering device is costly due to the large number of control valves.

Furthermore, from the DE 37 09 554 A1 a device for the continuous metering and mixing of liquid mixtures in various mixing containers, in which a separate metering device with a metering cylinder and two associated, the metering cylinder switching control cylinders is provided for each liquid component. Due to its large space requirement, such a metering device is only suitable for use in metering systems for the production of liquid mixtures of a few components.

The known multi-component metering systems therefore have the disadvantage of high costs and a large installation effort. Because of the confusing installation problems occur during the maintenance and repair of the metering device. A clear visual assignment of the individual metering valves to their control valve is not reliably guaranteed.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an alternative to this known prior art, by which the mentioned disadvantages are avoided. This object is achieved by a multi-component dosing with the features of claim 1 or 6.

Through the use of the coupling device for the control valve only a single switching element for all metering valves is required because during the mixing process of the liquid mixture, the vehicle of the coupling device with the control valve belonging to the coupling piece moves sequentially to the position of the coupling counterpart, which predetermined by the recipe program metering valve is assigned, and there in the clutch position, the control valve is connected to the corresponding metering valve, so that the control valve switches the metering valve from the closed position to the delivery position. When coupling the coupling piece is brought by the actuator transverse to the road with the respective coupling counterpart in coverage.

In the uncoupling position all metering valves are closed and in the various coupling positions of the control valve is in each case a connection to the predetermined, to be switched in the dispensing position metering valve. The easily detachable connection between the control valve and the predetermined metering valve due to the coupling device according to the invention makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of control means in the metering, which advantageously has a lower installation costs and lower costs.

The guide for the vehicle of the coupling device is expediently a preferably horizontal rail having holes arranged in series along the roadway. On the vehicle facing the longitudinal side (coupling side) of the rail, the coupling counterparts for the metering valves are arranged and on the opposite longitudinal side (terminal side) of the rail connections for cables are fixed to the holes.

In a preferred embodiment of the coupling device, the coupling counterparts are set directly to the arranged on the coupling side of the rail metering valves and coupled to the closure bodies of the metering valves. In the coupling position, the control valve, a solenoid valve, composed in each case of the two coupling parts, which switches the openable metering valve from the closed position to the delivery position.

It is a solenoid valve used as a control valve, the movable armature fixedly connected as a counterpart coupling with the closure body of the metering valve and the coil is arranged on the coupling piece. In the coupling position, the existing of parts of the coupling piece and the coupling counterpart control valve for the openable metering valve is provided by the coupling device. The metering valve is switched by means of solenoid valve from the initial closed position to the delivery position by the coil current is turned on, whereby the armature is pulled to the coil and at the same time the closure body releases the discharge opening of the metering valve. After switching off the coil current, the armature is returned by a return spring in the closed position of the metering valve and held there, so that the closure body closes the discharge opening.

The armature is on the coupling side advantageously designed as a plate. In order to switch the metering valve from the closed position to the delivery position, it is sufficient if the two coupling parts abut congruently for the most part. As a result, inaccuracies in the positioning of the vehicle in the coupling counterpart of the predetermined metering valve are compensated.

In another embodiment, the coupling mating coupling side is formed as a cooperating with a cavity in the coil in the coupling pin, so that in the coupling position of the coupling device armature and coil form a positive hole-pin connection.

In these embodiments, the compressed air lines are saved from the rail to the metering valves. There is only one product line needed to each reservoir because the control valve and the metering valve both have the same valve body. Consequently, the installation cost is significantly reduced. The reduction in the number of laid lines contributes significantly to the clarity in the metering, as the existing lines can be assigned directly to the corresponding metering valves.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each coupling counterpart on the guide, in particular a rail, a hole and a connection for a pressure line associated with the associated metering valve. In the coupling piece runs a through-line, to the input side via a connection a pressure line is connected to the control valve. In the coupling position, the hole of the guide and the opening of the passage line of the coupling piece are congruent to each other, so that a continuous connection line is made from the control valve to the associated metering valve. The metering valve are designed as a pneumatically switchable from the control valve metering cylinder with connected reservoir. At the piston rod of the metering cylinder a discharge nozzle occlusive or releasing closure body is set. The control valve works as a compressed air valve, which controls the liquid delivery of the metering valve. In this arrangement, the control valve and the respective metering valve are two separate, spatially separated valves.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the coupling device, the coupling piece has a plurality of juxtaposed and / or successively arranged passage lines each having on the input side a connection for a pressure line to a control valve. In the coupling position, the coupling piece engages over a plurality of single or multi-row holes arranged in the rail, so that the passage lines in the coupling piece connect to the holes of the coupling counterparts and in each case a continuous connecting line from the control valves to the metering valves. In a position of the coupling device, the dosages of various liquid components can be made by the successive control of the corresponding metering valves by means of the control valves, without the vehicle must be moved on. As a result, the cycle times between the individual dosages are shortened.

The preparation of the coupling device is simple and inexpensive to carry out as well as the assembly of the coupling device is easy and safe to make. Furthermore, a simple, reliable control of the individual metering valves is achieved by a control valve.

The most important advantage of the invention is that all metering valves are switched only by a control valve, preferably a solenoid valve. Only when a plurality of metering valves are actuated in the same position of the coupling device on the guide, the coupling piece a plurality of control valves are assigned.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method for metering and mixing of liquids in a multi-component metering, in which each individual metering valve, depending on the recipe for the liquid mixture, directly and centrally controlled.

This object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 14.

The subclaims describe features which represent advantageous and expedient embodiments of the multicomponent metering system or of the method.

Fig. 1a

einen Querschnitt durch eine erste Ausführungsform einer auf einer Führung verfahrbaren Kupplungsvorrichtung in Entkupplungsposition und ein Steuer- und Dosierventil in Schließstellung,

Fig. 1b

eine Seitenansicht der Kupplungsvorrichtung gem. Fig. 1a,

Fig. 2

einen Ausschnitt der Kupplungsvorrichtung gem. Fig. 1 a mit dem Steuer- und Dosierventil in Schließstellung,

Fig. 3

einen Ausschnitt der Kupplungsvorrichtung gem. Fig. 1 a mit dem Steuer- und Dosierventil in Abgabestellung,

Fig. 4a

einen Querschnitt durch eine zweite Ausführungsform einer auf einer Führung verfahrbaren Kupplungsvorrichtung in Entkupplungsposition und ein Steuer- und Dosierventil in Schließstellung,

Fig. 4b

eine Seitenansicht der Kupplungsvorrichtung gem. Fig. 4a,

Fig. 5

einen schematischen Aufbau einer Dosieranlage mit einer Kupplungsvorrichtung gem. Fig. 4a sowie einem Steuer- und Dosierventil in Abgabestellung mit zugehörigem Vorratsbehälter und zugeordnetem Mischbehälter,

Fig. 6a

einen Querschnitt durch eine dritte Ausführungsform einer auf einer Führung verfahrbaren Kupplungsvorrichtung in Entkupplungsposition,

Fig. 6b

eine Seitenansicht der Kupplungsvorrichtung gem. Fig. 6a,

Fig. 7

einen schematischen Aufbau einer Dosieranlage mit einer Kupplungsvorrichtung gem. Fig. 6a sowie einem Dosierventil in Abgabestellung mit zugehörigem Vorratsbehälter und zugeordnetem Mischbehälter,

Fig. 8

die Dosieranlage gem. Fig. 7 mit dem Dosierventil in Abgabestellung,

Fig. 9.

einen Querschnitt durch eine vierte Ausführungsform einer auf einer Führung verfahrbaren Kupplungsvorrichtung in Entkupplungsposition,

Fig. 10

eine Gesamtansicht einer Mehrkomponenten-Dosieranlage mit einer Kupplungsvorrichtung für ein einziges Steuerventil zum Schalten der Dosierventile,

Fig. 11

eine Stirnansicht der Mehrkomponenten-Dosieranlage gem. Fig. 10.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. Show it:

Fig. 1a

a cross section through a first embodiment of a movable on a guide coupling device in uncoupling position and a control and metering valve in the closed position,

Fig. 1b

a side view of the coupling device gem. Fig. 1a .

Fig. 2

a section of the coupling device acc. Fig. 1 a with the control and metering valve in the closed position,

Fig. 3

a section of the coupling device acc. Fig. 1 a with the control and metering valve in delivery position,

Fig. 4a

a cross-section through a second embodiment of a movable on a guide coupling device in uncoupling position and a control and metering valve in the closed position,

Fig. 4b

a side view of the coupling device acc. Fig. 4a .

Fig. 5

a schematic structure of a dosing with a coupling device acc. Fig. 4a and a control and metering valve in dispensing position with associated reservoir and associated mixing container,

Fig. 6a

a cross-section through a third embodiment of a movable on a guide coupling device in uncoupling position,

Fig. 6b

a side view of the coupling device acc. Fig. 6a .

Fig. 7

a schematic structure of a dosing with a coupling device acc. Fig. 6a and a metering valve in dispensing position with associated reservoir and associated mixing container,

Fig. 8

the dosing system acc. Fig. 7 with the metering valve in delivery position,

Fig. 9.

a cross-section through a fourth embodiment of a movable on a guide coupling device in uncoupling position,

Fig. 10

an overall view of a multi-component metering system with a coupling device for a single control valve for switching the metering valves,

Fig. 11

an end view of the multi-component metering acc. Fig. 10 ,

In a multi-component dosing system (10), as shown schematically in FIG Fig. 10 and 11 shown, are made of many different individual components existing liquid mixtures, this are in the longitudinal direction (L) on a frame (50) the metering valves (DV) with its component supply line (8) to a reservoir (VB) of the liquid component set in series. The frame (50) has a horizontal guide (5) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), preferably a rail, for a vehicle (4) of a coupling device (1) (compare Figures 4a, 6a and 9) of the control valve (SV). In the rail (5) through holes (11, 12) extending at right angles to the roadway are equally spaced as holes (11, 12) in preferably two parallel rows, each through hole (11, 12, 17) being fixed to the vehicle (4). the coupling device (1) facing the coupling side (KS) opposite longitudinal side (connection side) (AS) of the rail (5) has a connection (6) for a liquid or pressure line (8, 18) of the associated metering valve (DV). On the coupling side of the rail (5) for each metering valve (DV) with a coupling piece (3) of the coupling device (1) cooperating coupling counterpart (2) is provided.

The coupling device (1) (according to Fig. Via, 4a, 6a and 9) consists of a on the rail (5) mounted vehicle (4) with a lifting cylinder (14) as an actuator for the coupling piece (3), when coupling from the lifting cylinder (14) in the direction of the road to the coupling counterpart (2) of the switching to metering valve (DV) _x is moved.

The vehicle of the coupling device (1) is a foreign or self-propelled slide (4). This carriage (4) has a nearly C-shaped cross-section with an inner wall on the legs of each axis extending in the axial direction as a groove for the rail (5). When mounted on the rail (5) carriage (4) results between the coupling side of the rail (5) and the Innendeckwandung of the web of the C-profile a free space in which the coupling piece (3) at the in a bore of the web mounted piston rod (15) of the lifting cylinder (14) is located.

The lifting cylinder (14) is preferably pneumatically operated, to which the lifting cylinder (14) via a compressed air line (16) is connected to a compressed air network of the dosing (10). To take the clutch position (P1), the lifting cylinder (14) is pressurized, whereby the piston rod (15) against the spring force in the piston chamber of the lifting cylinder (14) arranged return spring (RF) is extended in the working position to the coupling piece (3) to be brought into contact with the coupling counterpart (2). In coupling position (P1), the coupling piece (3) and coupling counterpart (2) connect the control valve (SV) with the respective metering valve (DV _X ) to switch it from the closed position (S0) to the dispensing position (S1). In uncoupling position (P0) of the coupling device (1) causes the return spring of the lifting cylinder (14) that the same held in its end position is, in which the coupling piece (3) to the coupling counterpart (2) is spaced. In this position (P0), the coupling device (1) can be moved along the rail (5) to another location in order to be able to dose another liquid component with the aid of a further metering valve (DV _x ).

The various liquid components are dispensed via the coupled metering valve (DV) _x in a controlled below the metering valves (DV) on a weighing vehicle (20) mixing container (MB). Preferably, the weighing vehicle (20) and the carriage (5) have a common guide, then the carriage (5) is rigidly connected to the weighing vehicle (20). Of course, each of the two vehicles (4, 20) have their own drive.

In Fig. 5 the separate movability and the rigid connection (51) between carriage (4) and weighing vehicle (20) for common driving in dotted lines is shown.

To deliver the individual liquid components according to the selected recipe program, the weighing vehicle (20) with the mixing container (MB) is always positioned at the location of the frame (50) at which the discharge opening of the metering valve (DV _X ) is located, which is switched next , The various metering valves (DV) are dependent on the embodiment of the coupling device (1), preferably linear or circular, arranged as space-saving units in the longitudinal direction (L) of the frame (50), wherein it is expedient, the distance between the individual metering valves (DV ) to keep in the same position of the weighing vehicle (20) with mixing container (MB) to dose several liquid components in succession, without the weighing vehicle (20) to move.

The in the Fig. 1 to 6 shown coupling devices (1) for the control valve (SV) have as a coupling piece (3) on a coil (S), which is fixed to the coupling end of the piston rod (15) of the lifting cylinder (14). The metering valves (DV) are arranged in a single row on a longitudinal side (coupling side) (KS) of the rail (5) facing the carriage (4), the coupling counterparts (2) each having an armature (A) cooperating with the coil (S), the with the closure body (AK) of the coupling counterpart (2) associated metering valve (DV) are connected. In coupling position (P1), the coupling device (1) from the armature (A) and the coil (S) a control valve (SV) as a switching element for the openable metering valve (DV _x ) in a multi-component metering system (10) in the form of a the solenoid valve (MV) here, both valves (SV, DV _X) have a common, through which liquid flows valve body (VK). In the solenoid valve (MV), the functions of the control valve (SV) and a metering valve (DV _x ) are combined simultaneously.

The rail (5) has per metering valve (DV) in pairs, juxtaposed through holes (11, 12), each with a connection (6, 7) for liquid lines (8, 9), namely for an input-side component supply line (8) from the reservoir (VB) to the valve body (VK) and for an output-side component discharges (9) from the valve body (VK) in the mixing container (MB).

The metering valves (DV) are designed as poppet valves, wherein the closing body (AK) formed by a valve disk is arranged on the rail side on the armature (A) movably guided in the valve body (VK). In the closed position (S0) of the metering valve (DV), a return spring presses the closing body (AK) against the opening of the component outlet (9) and blocks it against the liquid flow. In the delivery position (S1) of the metering valve (DV _X ), the two component lines (8, 9) via the valve body (VK) are interconnected throughout.

The Fig. 1a, 1b and 2 such as Fig. 4a and 4b show the selected metering valve (DV _x ) in the closed position (S0), all other metering valves (DV) in the metering system (10) are also closed, because the coupling device (1) is in the uncoupling position (P0) and the control valve (SV) for the metering valves (DV) is decomposed into its individual components (S, A). The armature (A) of the coupling counterpart (2) is spaced from the coil (S) of the coupling piece (3). Now either the dispensing operation by coupling the coupling device (1) and switching the metering valve (DV _x ) are initiated or the carriage (4) with the coupling piece (3) is positioned at the next, to be switched metering valve (DV).

The Fig. 3 such as Fig. 5 show the coupling device (1) in the coupling position (P1) and the selected according to the recipe program metering valve (DV _x ) in the dispensing position (S1). The lifting cylinder (14) is extended in the working position, so that the coupling piece (3) with the coil (S) and the coupling counterpart (3) with the inner armature (A) cooperates. Only now is the control valve (SV) in the form of an electrically operated solenoid valve (MV) composed so that the associated metering valve (DV _X ) can be unlocked for metering and mixing the selected component to the liquid via the component supply line (8) from an upstream reservoir (VB) after passing through the valve body (VK) via the component outlet line (9) to a below the metering valve (DV _x) positioned mixing vessel (MB), such as containers dispense. When switching the metering valve (DV _x) , the control valve (SV) is directly switched by an electrical control signal. After switching on the coil current, the movable armature (A) is pulled in the direction of the coil (S), whereby in the valve body (VK) of the closure body (AK) is lifted from its valve seat (VS). The metering valve (DV _x ) is in delivery position (S1).

Fig. 1a, 1b . 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the coupling device (1) whose coupling piece (3) and coupling counterpart (2) on the coupling side have a flat surface which lie in the coupling position (P1) to each other or each other. To the in Fig. 2 and 3 Each coupling counterpart (2) shown in detail includes a multi-part antimagnetic housing which is composed of a cover (21) and a lower part (22) which is sealed in the valve body (VK) and has an inside axial guide for the armature (A). The armature (A) of the coupling counterpart (2) is designed plate-shaped at its coupling end. The stroke of the armature (A) is limited on the coupling side by the cover (21) and on the other side by the valve seat (VS) for the closing body (AK). In the interior of the valve body (VK), the armature (A) is sealed by a bellows (13) or a membrane against the liquid medium.

In the in the Fig. 4a, 4b and 5 illustrated second embodiment of the coupling device (1), the coupling piece (3) is designed as a pot. In coupling position (P1), the coupling piece (3) on the coupling counterpart (2) in the form of a docking pin with the rod-shaped movable armature (A) attached. Only now is the control valve (SV) in the form of an electrically operated solenoid valve (MV) composed and directly switchable by an electrical control signal to bring the selected metering valve (DV _x ) in the dispensing position (S1). When switching on the coil current of the movable armature (A) is drawn into the coil (S) and the closure body (AK) of the valve seat (VS) lifted (see. Fig. 5 ).

The 6a to 9th show a third embodiment of the coupling device (1) for multi-component metering (10) on the frame (50) in the longitudinal direction (L), the vertical metering valves (DV) are fixed in two parallel rows. Further, laterally on the frame (50) a horizontal rail (5) with in two parallel rows, evenly spaced holes (through holes) (17) attached. The coupling counterparts (2) correspond to a defined section on the roadway of the rail (5) arranged. On the connection side (AS) of the rail (5) starts at each through hole (17) a compressed air discharge (18) to the associated metering valve (DV) in the form of a pneumatically actuated metering cylinders (DZ). Depending on whether an embodiment of the coupling device (1) with a a through-line (27) and compressed air supply line (19) for a control valve (SV) having coupling piece (3) (acc. Fig. 6a ) or the coupling device (1) with a plurality of passage lines (27) and compressed air supply lines (19) for different control valves (SV) having coupling piece (3) is used (acc. Fig. 9 ), one or more control valves (SV) are needed to control the metering cylinders (DZ). The metering cylinders (DZ) are pneumatically switched by an electrically actuated control valve (SV) via the compressed air line (18, 19) produced in the coupling position (P1). The coupling device (1) according to Fig. 9 It is suitable for dosing various liquid components via different dosing cylinders (DZ) without changing the coupling position.

The coupling piece (3) is designed such that in the coupling position (P1) its passage line (s) (27) with the through hole (s) (17) in the rail (5), whereby a continuous pressure line (18, 19) from the control valve (SV) to the metering cylinder (DZ) is generated. To seal against the environment is on the coupling piece (3) around the opening of the passage line (s) (27) each set a sealing ring (D).

Fig. 7 shows the coupling device (1) with a coupling piece (3) for a control valve (SV) in the uncoupling position (P0) in which carriage (22) are moved to a predetermined by the recipe program location of the rail (21) for dispensing the desired liquid component can. All dosing cylinders (DV) are in closed position (S0). A return spring (RF) in the metering cylinder (DZ) keeps the piston rod in zero position, which is why the bottom-side discharge nozzle from the closure body (AK) is closed.

None of the compressed air cylinder (DZ) can be switched by the control valve (SV), because the compressed air line (18, 19) from the control valve (SV) to the metering cylinder (DZ) is interrupted. The end of the lifting cylinder (14) arranged coupling piece (3) is lifted from the rail (5) and is held by the return spring in the lifting cylinder (14) in this distance position.

Fig. 8 shows the same coupling device (1) in the coupling position (P1) and one of the metering cylinder (DZ _x ) in the dispensing position (S1), while the other metering (DZ) are further in the closed position (S0). In the coupling position (P1), the coupling piece (3) by the lifting cylinder (14) non-positively pressed against the rail (5), so that the passage line (27) of the coupling piece (3) dekkungsgleich on the through hole (17) in the rail ( 5) and the compressed air supply line (19) from the control valve (SV) to the coupling piece (3) and the compressed air discharge (18) from the coupling counterpart (2) to the metering valve (DV _X ) a continuous connecting line as a compressed air line (18, 19) of the Control valve (SV) to the metering valve (DV ₁ ) form. According to the recipe program, the control valve (SV) is actuated by a pulse, whereby the control valve (SV) connected to the metering cylinder (DZ _X) from the closed position (S0) in delivery position (S1) is brought. The metering cylinder (DZ _x ) is controlled via a pressure pulse triggered by the control valve (SV), so that its piston rod is retracted from the zero position against the spring force of the return spring. Then, the liquid component as long as the dispensing nozzle in the mixing container (MB) until the specified quantity has been reached according to the recipe program.

The coupling device (1) acc. Fig. 9 has a coupling piece (3) with four passage lines (27), which allows the sequential control of four different metering cylinders (DZ) by means of various control valves (SV) at a location of the coupling device (1) on the rail (5). In the coupling position (S1), the coupling piece (3) is pressed onto the rail (5), so that the four passage lines (27) are congruent with the four through-holes (17). Then between the control valves (SV) and the metering cylinders (DZ) each composed of a compressed air line (18, 19). One of the control valves (SV) as a pressure or vacuum solenoid valve (MV) is switched according to the recipe program, whereby the associated dosing cylinder (DZ _X ) is released.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 coupling device 2 Coupling counterpart 3 coupling 4 Vehicle, sledge 5 Guide, rail 6 Connection for 8 7 Connection for 9 8th Component lead 9 Component derivative 10 Multi-component metering 11 Holes, through-hole 12 Holes, through-hole 13 bellow 14 lifting cylinder 15 piston rod 16 Compressed air supply to 14 17 Holes, through-hole 18 Compressed air supply to DV 19 Compressed air discharge to SV 20 Wägefahrzeug 21 cover 22 lower part 26 Connection for 19 27 Continuity line in 3 50 frame 51 connection DV Metering valves) DV _x to be switched metering valve DZ metering DZ _x to be switched dosing MV magnetic valve SV control valve MB mixing tank A anchor AK obturator AS connection side KS coupling side D sealing ring L Longitudinal direction (L) S Kitchen sink VK valve body VS valve seat VB reservoir P0 uncoupling P1 clutch position S0 Closed position of the metering valve S1 Delivery position of the metering valve

Claims (16)

1. A multi-component metering installation (10) with a large number of metering valves (DV) and a coupling device for a control valve, wherein the coupling device has a vehicle (4) which in an uncoupling position (P0) is movable along a guide (5), the vehicle having a coupling portion (3) which is arranged on a setting member (14) and which in the coupling position (P1) respectively co-operates with a counterpart coupling portion (2) of the associated metering valve (DV_x), the counterpart coupling portion being arranged on the guide (5), and in the uncoupling position (P0) all metering valves (DV) are closed and in the various coupling positions (P1) the control valve (SV) is respectively connected to the predetermined metering valve (DV_x) which is to be switched into a delivery position (S1), wherein the control valve (SV) and the metering valve (DV_x) have a common valve body (VK) and the armature of the control valve (SV) is a part of the counterpart coupling portion (2) and the magnet coil (MV) is a part of the coupling portion (3), and in the coupling position (P1) the coupling portion (3) and the counterpart coupling portion (2) of the metering valve (DV_x) constitute the control valve (SV) for the metering valve (DV_x).
2. A multi-component metering installation according to claim 1 characterised in that the guide (5) is a preferably horizontally oriented rail (5) with holes (11, 12, 17) arranged in series along the track, wherein associated with the holes on the longitudinal side towards the vehicle (4) (coupling side) (KS) of the rail (5) are the counterpart coupling portions (2) and associated with the oppositely disposed longitudinal side (connection side) (AS) of the rail (5) are connections (6, 7).
3. A multi-component metering installation according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the metering valves (DV) with a respective counterpart coupling portion (2) rigidly connected to their closure member (AK) are arranged on the coupling side (KS) of the guide (5) and that the guide (5) has for each metering valve (DV) a pair of holes (11, 12) and a connection (6) for a component feed conduit (8) to the associated supply container (VB) and another connection (7) for a component discharge conduit (9), wherein the two holes (11, 12) are respectively connected together by way of the associated metering valve.
4. A multi-component metering installation according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the armature (A) on the coupling side is in the form of a plate which in the coupling position (P1) bears against the coil (S) of the coupling portion (3).
5. A multi-component metering installation according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the armature (A) on the coupling side is in the form of a projection which in the coupling position (P1) engages into the hollow body-like coil (S) of the coupling portion (3).
6. A multi-component metering installation (10) with a large number of metering valves (DV) and a coupling device for a control valve, wherein the coupling device has a vehicle (4) which in an uncoupling position P0) is movable along a guide (5), the vehicle having a coupling portion (3) which is arranged on a setting member (14) and which in the coupling position (P1) respectively co-operates with a counterpart coupling portion (2) of the associated metering valve (DV_x), the counterpart coupling portion being arranged on the guide (5), and in the uncoupling position P0) all metering valves (DV) are closed and in the various coupling positions (P1) the control valve (SV) is respectively connected to the predetermined metering valve (DV_x) which is to be switched into a delivery position (S1), characterised in that associated with each counterpart coupling portion (2) on the guide (5) is a hole (17) and a connection (6) for a compressed air discharge conduit (18) with the associated metering valve (DV) and that extending in the coupling portion (3) is a through conduit (27) which at the entry end has a connection (26) for a compressed air feed conduit (19) to the control valve (SV) and which at the exit end in the coupling position (P1) joins the hole (17) of the predetermined counterpart coupling portion (2).
7. A multi-component metering installation according to claim 6 characterised in that in the coupling position (P1) the coupling portion (3) covers over a portion of the guide (5) with a plurality of counterpart coupling portions (2) and has a plurality of through conduits (27) which respectively have at the entry end a connection (26) for a compressed air feed conduit (19) to a control valve (SV) and which at the exit end in the coupling position (P1) join to the holes (17) of the counterpart coupling portions (2).
8. A multi-component metering installation according to claim 6 or claim 7 characterised in that each metering valve (DV) comprises a metering cylinder (DZ) with connected storage container (VB), which metering cylinder is pneumatically switchable by means of a control valve (SV) and whose piston rod has a closure member (AK) which closes or opens the delivery nozzle.
9. A multi-component metering installation according to one of claims 6 to 8 characterised in that the through conduit or conduits (27) of the coupling portion (3) are sealed relative to the environment at the coupling side by a respective sealing ring (D), preferably an O-ring.
10. A multi-component metering installation according to one of claims 2 to 9 characterised in that the holes (11, 12, 17) in the rail (5) are mutually uniformly spaced through bores (11,12,17).
11. A multi-component metering installation according to one of claims 2 to 10 characterised in that the rail (5) has along the track through bores (11, 12, 17) arranged at least in two rows.
12. A multi-component metering installation according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that the setting member (14) for the coupling portion (3) is a pneumatically actuated stroke cylinder (14).
13. A multi-component metering installation according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the vehicle (5) is a self-driven or externally driven carriage (5).
14. A method of metering and mixing fluids in a multi-component metering installation (10) with many metering valves (DV) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the metering valves (DV) are successively switched in accordance with the predetermined composition program from the closed position (S0) into the delivery position (S1) by the same control valve (SV), for which purpose a coupling device (1) for the control valve (SV) is displaced in its uncoupling position (P0) along a guide (5) to the respective coupling position (P1) of the predetermined metering valve (DV_x) and in the coupling position (P1) thereof connects the control valve (SV) to said metering valve (DV_x) for delivery of the fluid.
15. A method according to claim 14 characterised in that in the coupling position (P1) of the coupling device (1) the control valve (SV) is respectively composed of a counterpart coupling portion (2), arranged on the guide (5), for the associated metering valve (DV), and a coupling portion (3) fixed to the coupling device (1), wherein the guide (5) has a number of counterpart coupling portions (2) corresponding to the number of metering valves (DV).
16. A method according to claim 15 characterised in that in the coupling position (P1) of the coupling device (1) the control valve (SV) is connected to the predetermined metering valve (DV_x) by way of a respective continuous compressed air conduit comprising a compressed air feed conduit (19) from the control valve (SV) to the coupling portion (3) of the coupling device (1) and a compressed air discharge conduit (18) from the counterpart coupling portion (2) to the associated metering valve (DV_x), wherein the guide (5) has a number of counterpart coupling portions (2) corresponding to the number of metering valves (DV).

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