Quantitative batching valve for quantitative batching device

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing device (1) having at least one dosing device (2), which has at least one dosing system (3), which has at least one dosing valve (4) for releasing an added substance, and at least one replacement system (5) associated with the dosing device (2). The dosing device (1) is designed and can be controlled and driven by a control device (6) in such a way that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to the dosing device (2) during automation via a replacement system (5) in order to release the dosing substance, and / or the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to the dosing device (2) via the replacement system (5) in order to release the dosing substance. In this way, at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to the supply device (7) via the replacement system (5) during automation. The invention further relates to a change system (5) for a dosing device (1), to a dosing device (2) for a dosing device (1), to a dosing system (3) having a dosing valve (4), and to a dosing valve (4) for a dosing system (3). The invention further relates to a method for automatically coupling at least a dosing valve (4) to a dosing device (2) and / or a supply device (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dosing device, which has at least one dosing device and at least one replacement system associated with the dosing device, the dosing device having at least one dosing system with at least one dosing valve for releasing a dosing substance. The invention relates to a replacement system and a dosing device for a dosing device, as well as a dosing system and a dosing valve for a dosing system. The invention also relates to a method for automatically coupling at least one dosing valve to a dosing device and / or to a supply device. Background Art

[0002] The dosing system of the type mentioned at the beginning is usually used to apply the medium to be dosed to the target surface in a targeted manner, i.e. at the right time, in the right place and in the amount of accurate dosing. The dosing system usually includes at least one dosing valve, which is used for the actual release of the dosing material, and depending on the design, also includes other elements, such as a control device and a dosing material storage device for operating the dosing valve. The dosing material release can be achieved by releasing the dosing medium or the dosing material in a drop-like manner through the nozzle of the dosing valve. Depending on the design, the dosing valve can also be called the dosing head of the dosing system.

[0003] Within the framework of so-called "micro-dosing technology", very small quantities of dosing substances often need to be placed on a target surface precisely and contactlessly, i.e. without direct contact between the dosing system and the target surface. Typical examples of this are the dosing of glue dots, solder pastes, paints, etc. when assembling circuit boards or other electronic components, or the application of converter materials for LEDs.

[0004] Such non-contact methods are usually referred to as "spraying methods", and metering valves that work according to the spraying method are called "spraying valves". The release of the dosing medium from the spraying valve usually takes place in such a way that a movable spraying element arranged inside the nozzle of the spraying valve moves at a relatively high speed in the spraying direction toward the nozzle opening, so that individual droplets of the medium are sprayed out of the nozzle. After such a spraying process is completed, the spraying element is retracted again in the opposite retraction direction in order to spray the next drop.

[0005] As an alternative or in addition to a movable ejection element, the nozzle of the injection valve itself can be moved in the ejection or retraction direction to release the dosing substance. To release the dosing substance, the nozzle and the ejection element arranged inside the nozzle can be moved in a relative movement towards or away from each other, wherein the relative movement can be carried out only by the movement of the nozzle or at least partially also by a corresponding movement of the ejection element.

[0006] Instead of the injection valve, the dosing system mentioned at the beginning for releasing the dosing substance may also include a contact dosing valve. In addition, the dosing valve may also be implemented as a needle dosing valve. Correspondingly, although the injection valve described above is preferred, the present invention is not limited to a specific type of dosing valve, but can be applied to all common dosing valves or dosing systems of the above-mentioned type.

[0007] During operation of a dosing system, it is often necessary to clean and / or replace certain parts of the dosing system, in particular certain parts of the dosing valve, regularly or when a fault message is issued. For example, depending on the nature of the dosing substance, it may be necessary to clean the fluid-guiding parts of the dosing valve regularly in order to ensure a constant metering result during operation. It may also be necessary to replace the fluid-guiding elements of the dosing valve before changing the dosing substance. For dosing valves that are equipped with their own dosing substance reserve, it may be necessary to replace the dosing substance cartridge regularly during operation.

[0008] In order to obtain a specific metering diagram, in particular to produce a product with a specific dosing pattern, it may be necessary to modify the dosing system, in particular the configuration of the dosing valve, during operation. The configuration of the dosing valve may involve, for example, the design of the nozzle and / or the ejection element and / or the actuator and / or the nature of the dosing substance.

[0009] In particular with the injection valves mentioned in the introduction, it is necessary during operation for maintenance reasons to replace or exchange certain components, for example components which are subject to significant wear during operation, in order to achieve a constant metering result.

[0010] In known dosing systems, the replacement of a specific component usually requires the removal of the entire dosing system, at least the entire dosing valve of the dosing system, from the upstream device. To this end, for example, an operator manually removes the dosing valve from the upstream device and replaces it with another dosing valve, which usually also requires manual adjustment of the dosing valve. Depending on the design of the dosing valve, the replacement of the dosing valve can require a considerable amount of time, with corresponding interruptions to the production process.

[0011] Particularly in large production plants, in which a plurality of metering valves are integrated in a superordinate device and are operated by the superordinate device, replacing only one metering valve can lead to a downtime of the entire production plant for a certain period of time.

[0012] However, in operation, for a constant metering result, it is always necessary to replace certain parts of the metering valve regularly or as the case may be, for example worn parts. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a dosing device and modules or dosing device components required for operating the dosing device which avoid or at least reduce the above-mentioned disadvantages and enable the most efficient possible operation of the dosing system or dosing valve.

[0014] This object is achieved by a metering device according to claim 1 , a changing system according to claim 5 , a metering device according to claim 6 , a metering valve according to claim 7 and a metering system according to claim 14 and a method according to claim 15 .

[0015] The metering device according to the invention has at least one metering device which, during operation, has at least one metering system for metering a substance or a medium.

[0016] Within the scope of the present invention, a dosing device is understood to be a superordinate unit or device, which at least includes (provides) means by which the dosing substance can be released in accordance with the intended use by at least one dosing valve coupled to the dosing device, preferably a dosing system. The dosing device can preferably include at least one supply device and / or a control device. At least one single, preferably two or more dosing valves can be coupled to the dosing device in operation, i.e. in order to release the dosing substance in accordance with the intended use. The corresponding dosing valve or dosing system is preferably configured to be individually controllable and drivable. Preferably, each dosing valve, which is in active contact with the dosing device by means of coupling to release the dosing substance, can constitute a metering unit that needs to be operated separately.

[0017] Regardless of the specific embodiment, the dosing device may comprise at least one, preferably several, coupling points for detachably coupling a respective dosing valve, preferably a dosing system. Preferably, each coupling point may be assigned a docking interface portion to form an interface between the dosing device and the respective dosing valve. This will be described in detail later.

[0018] The dosing system of the present invention comprises at least one dosing valve, which is configured to release the dosing substance to the substrate in a controlled manner during operation. The dosing valve can be configured according to any of the types mentioned at the beginning. In particular, the dosing valve can be an injection valve. The dosing valve has at least one actuating unit as its subassembly and a fluid unit coupled to the actuating unit and functionally cooperating in operation. The dosing valve at least comprises the components of the dosing system that participate in the actual dosing substance release during operation. In particular, the dosing valve can be configured as a subunit of the dosing system.

[0019] The corresponding dosing system, in addition to the dosing valve, also has at least a dosing material storage and an associated control device for controlling the operation of the dosing valve. The dosing material storage and / or the control device can be assigned to a specific dosing valve, and can be constructed in particular at a specific dosing valve and / or in a specific dosing valve, for example as a carried dosing material cartridge or as a local control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing valve can be coupled to an external, particularly fixed dosing material reserve and / or to a superior, particularly external control device in operation to form a dosing system. Detailed information about the dosing system will be provided later.

[0020] According to the invention, the dosing device comprises at least one replacement system, which during operation is assigned to the dosing device at least for a period of time. In particular, the replacement system can be assigned at least temporarily to a specific dosing system and / or a specific dosing valve during operation of the dosing device. Depending on the embodiment, at least parts of the replacement system can be permanently assigned to a specific dosing valve in order to release the dosing substance.

[0021] According to the present invention, the metering device, in particular the replacement system and / or the metering device and / or the metering valve, is constructed and can be driven by the control device so that at least the metering valve can be coupled to the metering device in a detachable manner, in particular reversibly, via the replacement system, in particular via the mobile replacement device of the replacement system in an automated process to release the dosing substance.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the (corresponding) metering valve can be arranged directly or without intermediate means on the metering device itself for coupling, wherein in the coupled state the dosing substance can be released via the metering valve according to the intended use.

[0023] According to one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the dosing valve can be indirectly connected to the dosing device for coupling. Preferably, such (indirect) coupling can be achieved by a mobile replacement device of the replacement system. For example, the mobile replacement device can be permanently assigned to a specific dosing valve in a dosing operation, wherein the replacement device is coupled to the dosing valve in a detachable manner on the one hand and is in active contact with the dosing device on the other hand. Correspondingly, the dosing valve can also be coupled to the dosing device via coupling with the mobile replacement device. A combination of these two embodiments is also feasible. For example, the dosing device can have at least one dosing valve, which is directly arranged at the dosing device to release the dosing substance, wherein at least another dosing valve for releasing the dosing substance is coupled to the mobile replacement device in a detachable manner.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the metering device, in particular the replacement system and / or the metering device and / or the metering valve, is designed and can be driven controllably by the control device so that at least the metering valve can be coupled to the supply device in a detachable manner, in particular reversibly, via the replacement system in an automated process.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one dosing valve can be arranged directly or without intermediate means at the supply device itself for coupling. Alternatively or additionally, at least one dosing valve can be (indirectly) coupled to the supply device via a mobile changing device, wherein the dosing valve is coupled to the changing device, and wherein the changing device is in active contact with the supply device. Combinations thereof are also possible.

[0026] The supply device can be designed as part of the metering device, wherein the metering valve can be coupled to the supply device in a detachable manner via the metering device.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the preferably separately designed supply device can be connected to a magazine as part of the replacement system, wherein the metering valve can be detachably coupled to the supply device via the magazine. Alternatively or additionally, the supply device can preferably be designed separately from the metering device, wherein the metering valve can be coupled to the supply device (only) via the replacement system, for example during transport of the metering valve in the metering plant. Regardless of the specific embodiment of the supply device, the (corresponding) metering valve can be coupled to the supply device directly or indirectly, for example via a mobile replacement device, in particular in an automated process.

[0028] An automated process is understood to mean a coupling process of a metering valve that is executable or executed without direct human involvement, preferably in accordance with the intended use. Individual method steps based on the automated coupling process and / or means associated with the coupling process can be controlled by a control device, in particular a superordinate control device of the metering system, so that the coupling process of the coupled metering valve and / or the decoupling process of the decoupled metering valve is carried out fully automatically.

[0029] In order to couple at least the dosing valve to the dosing device and / or to the supply device, the replacement system, in particular the mobile replacement device, can functionally interact at least temporarily with the dosing device and / or with at least parts of the dosing valve. In particular, the replacement system provides means, which are designed to couple the dosing valve, in particular by interaction with the dosing device and / or the dosing valve, at least by means of coupling to the dosing device and / or the supply device. Correspondingly, the replacement system preferably also provides means, in order to thereby at least perform a decoupling of the dosing valve from the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0030] According to the invention, the replacement system is designed to removably couple at least the dosing valve to the associated coupling partner in the automated process. Correspondingly, a (complete) dosing system can be formed in the automated process via the replacement system, in particular by coupling the dosing valve to a dosing device, which includes an associated control device and an associated dosing substance reservoir. Furthermore, the replacement system is also designed to removably couple the (complete) dosing system to the dosing device and / or to the supply device in the automated process, in particular when the dosing valve has a local control unit and a carried dosing substance reservoir.

[0031] Advantageously, via the dosing device according to the invention with the dosing device and the correspondingly designed dosing valve, in combination with the replacement system, the coupling and decoupling of the dosing valve and the dosing device can be realized in a fully automated process. For example, the control software for controlling the coupling or decoupling process can be manually created, wherein the actual replacement process in the dosing device can then be carried out via the control device without direct operator involvement.

[0032] Advantageously, by means of the dosing device and other dosing device components according to the invention, the dosing valve can be replaced more quickly than by manual replacement, thereby minimizing interruptions to the dosing operation. In particular in large manufacturing plants with a plurality of dosing valves, downtimes of the dosing device can be reduced, wherein the efficiency of the dosing device is increased. Furthermore, by means of an automated replacement process, sources of human error when replacing the dosing valve can be reduced, which improves the manufacturing quality.

[0033] A further advantage can be derived from this, namely that a dosing valve decoupled from the dosing device can be brought into operative contact with the supply device via the replacement system. Advantageously, a dosing valve that is not in dosing operation can be cleaned and / or heated via the supply device and / or the dosing valve can be driven by the control device, in particular for calibration and teaching processes of the dosing valve. This will be described in more detail later.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a replacement system for a dosing device, in particular for the dosing device of the present invention, wherein the dosing device has at least one dosing device, which contains at least one dosing system during operation, and the dosing system has at least one dosing valve, preferably the dosing valve described above. According to the present invention, the replacement system is configured and can be driven by a control device so that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be coupled to the dosing device in a detachable manner via the replacement system in an automated process to release the dosing substance, and / or so that at least the dosing valve can be coupled to the supply device in a detachable manner via the replacement system in an automated process, in particular reversibly coupled thereto.

[0035] The replacement system is preferably designed and controllably drivable by the control device such that at least the metering valve of the metering system can be decoupled from the metering device and / or from the supply device via the replacement system in an automated process.

[0036] Preferably, the replacement system has at least one docking interface part which is designed to detachably couple the metering valve to the replacement system in an automated process by cooperating with an associated valve interface part of the metering valve while forming an interface.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the replacement system can have at least one, preferably two or more individually controllable mobile replacement devices. Preferably, the corresponding replacement device has a docking interface part that is complementary to the valve interface part. Further preferably, the corresponding mobile replacement device can be in active contact with the dosing device and / or the supply device, wherein the dosing valve can be coupled to the mobile replacement device in a detachable manner via the corresponding docking interface part during the automation process. Correspondingly, the dosing valve can also be (indirectly) coupled to the dosing device and / or the supply device via the coupling with the mobile replacement device. In other words, in order to couple the dosing valve with the dosing device and / or the supply device, an active connection between the dosing valve and the dosing device and / or the supply device can be constructed by the mobile replacement device. This means that the (corresponding) mobile replacement device can provide a docking interface part assigned to the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0038] Preferably, according to this embodiment, the corresponding mobile replacement device can form an intermediate element or connecting element between the dosing valve and the dosing device or the supply device, and is therefore also called a mobile intermediate link. Preferably, the mobile intermediate link can be realized by a controllable robot arm with a docking interface part. Preferably, a part of the robot arm can be arranged in a fixed position in the dosing device, for example via a fixed connection to the dosing device or the supply device, wherein the second part of the same robot arm is movable, in particular movable with respect to the library and / or the dosing device and / or the metering point. Such a mobile intermediate link according to this embodiment is called a "working manipulator". Preferably, a dosing device can be assigned two or more working manipulators that need to be operated separately (as part of the replacement system).

[0039] The present invention further relates to a dosing device for a dosing device, in particular for the dosing device of the present invention, wherein the dosing device has at least one dosing system during operation, the dosing system comprising at least one dosing valve, preferably the dosing valve described above, and wherein the dosing device is constructed and can be driven controllably by a control device so that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be coupled to the dosing device in a detachable manner via a replacement system of the dosing device in an automated process to release the dosing substance, and / or so that at least the dosing valve can be coupled to a supply device in a detachable manner via a replacement system of the dosing device in an automated process, in particular reversibly coupled thereto.

[0040] The dosing device is preferably configured and can be driven controllably by the control device so that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be decoupled from the dosing device and / or the supply device via a replacement system of the dosing device in an automated process. Preferably, the coupling and / or decoupling of the dosing valve can be performed via a mobile replacement device of the replacement system, preferably a working manipulator.

[0041] The invention also relates to a dosing valve for a dosing system, in particular for a dosing device according to the invention. The dosing valve preferably comprises at least one actuating unit and a fluid unit coupled to the actuating unit, in particular in a detachable manner. Such a dosing valve consisting of an actuating unit and a fluid unit can also be synonymously referred to as a dosing head of a dosing system.

[0042] The actuating unit preferably has at least one actuator for moving the ejection element of the dosing valve to release the dosing substance. Preferably, the actuator can be a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator can preferably include a membrane, which can be pressurized and / or deflected by a pressure medium so as to move the ejection element in the ejection direction. Preferably, the actuator can be a piezoelectric actuator. Alternatively, an electromagnetic drive device or a combination of different actuator types can be provided as a drive form. The fluid unit includes at least one conveying channel for dosing the substance and a nozzle for releasing the dosing substance from the dosing valve. The fluid unit and / or the actuating unit can preferably have at least one heating device for regulating the temperature of the dosing substance in the dosing valve. Detailed information about the actuating unit and the fluid unit will be provided later.

[0043] According to the invention, the metering valve has at least one valve interface part, which is configured to couple the metering valve to the metering device and / or to the supply device in a detachable manner in an automated process, in particular in the case of forming an interface, by cooperation with an associated docking interface part assigned to the metering device and / or by cooperation with an associated docking interface part assigned to the supply device, in particular in the case of forming an interface, to release the dosing substance. The valve interface part and the docking interface part are particularly configured so that the metering valve can be connected to the metering device in a detachable manner in an automated process, in the case of forming an interface, for example, it can be detachably arranged at the metering device in order to release the dosing substance according to the intended use.

[0044] The valve interface part can be at least partially configured as a part of the dosing valve itself, in particular as an integral component. Alternatively or additionally, the valve interface part can be at least partially arranged at the dosing valve. Alternatively or additionally, the valve interface part can be at least partially configured at the housing and / or as a part of the housing, which partially or completely surrounds the dosing valve. Preferably, the valve interface part can be configured in the form of an interface module.

[0045] The valve interface part is preferably constructed in a multi-piece manner. In particular, the valve interface part can include two or more elements (referred to as valve interface elements). The corresponding valve interface elements, in particular the connecting elements each formed thereby, can be constructed separately, for example, separated from each other in space.

[0046] The docking interface part is preferably constructed in multiple pieces. In particular, the docking interface part can include two or more elements (referred to as docking interface elements). The corresponding docking interface elements or regions can be constructed separately, for example, spatially separated from each other.

[0047] According to one embodiment, at least one docking interface element assigned to a docking interface part of a metering device and / or a supply device can be designed at least in sections as part of the metering device itself and / or can be arranged at least in sections on the metering device.

[0048] According to one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, at least one docking interface element assigned to a docking interface part of the metering device and / or the supply device can be provided by a replacement system, in particular a mobile replacement device.

[0049] Furthermore, at least one docking interface element assigned to the docking interface portion of the supply device can be configured at least in sections as part of the supply device itself and / or can be arranged at least in sections at the supply device. Alternatively or additionally, the docking interface element can also be provided by a library of the replacement system. Detailed information will be provided later.

[0050] According to the invention, the dosing valve has at least one coupling region, which is configured to interact with a replacement system that is assigned to the dosing valve at least for a period of time in an automated process for coupling the dosing valve to a dosing device and / or for coupling the dosing valve to a supply device. The replacement system is preferably the previously described replacement system of the invention for a dosing device. The replacement system is assigned to a specific dosing valve at least during the replacement period of the corresponding dosing valve. The replacement system can be alternately assigned to different dosing valves and / or different dosing devices.

[0051] The coupling region at the metering valve is preferably designed such that the changing system can interact with the metering valve via the coupling region, in particular can act on the metering valve in such a way that the metering valve is brought into operative contact with the metering device and / or with the supply device. The coupling region is further preferably designed such that the changing system can interact with the metering valve in such a way that a decoupling of the metering valve from the metering device and / or from the supply device can also be performed in an automated process.

[0052] Preferably, the coupling region of the metering valve can be designed as a part of the valve interface part.In principle, the metering valve can have two or more, even different, coupling regions.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the coupling region can be designed in the form of a transport coupling element of the valve interface part. The valve interface part is preferably designed to detachably couple the metering valve to the replacement system in an automated process, in particular for transporting the metering valve in a metering device, by cooperating with an associated docking interface part of the replacement system, in particular in the case of forming an interface.

[0054] In this embodiment, the valve interface part can be constructed in at least three parts. Preferably, the valve interface part comprises three valve interface elements, one of which constitutes a supply connection element, and (another) one of which constitutes a functional connection element, and (another) one of which constitutes a transport connection element. The valve interface part is preferably configured so that the dosing valve simultaneously constitutes (only) one interface via two or more valve interface elements. Correspondingly, an interface can have different designs and / or can include two or more interface sections, in particular depending on the participating valve interface elements. Detailed information will be provided later.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the valve interface part can have two valve interface elements, one of which constitutes a supply coupling element and the other of which constitutes a functional coupling element. Preferably, the coupling region of the dosing valve can be realized here by the functional coupling element of the valve interface part. Preferably, the dosing valve can also interact with the replacement system via the coupling region during the dosing operation, in particular can be arranged in a detachable manner at a mobile replacement device, wherein the dosing valve can be coupled to the dosing device and / or to the supply device via the mobile replacement device.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a dosing system for a dosing device, in particular for a dosing device of the dosing device of the present invention. The dosing system has at least one dosing valve, in particular the dosing valve of the present invention, and an associated control device for controlling the dosing valve. The dosing device can be a control device of the dosing device and / or a control unit of the dosing system itself, for example (local). The dosing system is configured and can be driven by the control device so that at least the dosing valve can be coupled to the dosing device in a detachable manner via a replacement system of the dosing device, in particular via a replacement system of the present invention, in an automated process to release the dosing material, and / or so that at least the dosing valve can be coupled to a supply device in a detachable manner via a replacement system in an automated process.

[0057] Furthermore, the metering system is preferably designed to be controllably drivable by an associated control device so that at least a metering valve of the metering system can be decoupled from the metering device and / or the supply device via a replacement system of the metering device in an automated process.

[0058] Advantageously, all previously described modules of the dosing device or dosing system components are based on the same inventive concept, namely the ability to replace a dosing valve of a dosing system in an automated process. Therefore, the same advantageous effects described for the dosing device according to the invention also apply in a corresponding manner to the dosing device, the replacement system, the dosing system and the dosing valve.

[0059] In a method according to the invention for automatically coupling at least a dosing valve, preferably a dosing valve according to the invention and / or a dosing valve for a dosing device according to the invention, to a dosing device and / or to a supply device, the automated coupling preferably comprises at least replacing the dosing valve. Preferably, the automated coupling can be carried out during operation of the dosing device, in particular during a continued dosing operation of at least one other dosing system of the same dosing device.

[0060] The method may at least include the following steps:

[0061] In an optional step, at least one interface of the assembled dosing valve, which interface has a valve interface part and a docking interface part, can be brought into a transfer state of the interface, so as to enable an automated replacement of the dosing valve with the valve interface part. Preferably, the transfer state can be achieved by switching at least one interface element of at least one (interface) part to be de-energized and / or de-pressurized. Preferably, the supply connection can be switched to be de-energized and / or de-pressurized. In particular, the transfer state of the interface can be established via a control drive of a preferably superior control device assigned to the dosing valve.

[0062] In an optional step, the metering valve can be transferred to the changing system, preferably using a coupling region of the metering valve assigned to the changing system. Preferably, the metering valve can be transferred to a mobile changing manipulator of the changing system.

[0063] In an optional step, the interface can be transferred to the decoupled state, preferably by a control device assigned to the dosing valve. In order to transfer to the decoupled state, the coupling between the valve interface part and the docking interface part can be released, preferably mechanical coupling, in particular the functional coupling can be opened.

[0064] In an optional step, the disengaged or decoupled dosing valve can be transferred to a store, preferably to a store of a replacement system. Preferably, the transfer can be carried out by a mobile component of the replacement system, in particular via a mobile replacement manipulator. The method steps described above can preferably be carried out with a dosing valve that is (directly) coupled to the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, according to an embodiment, the interface of the assembled dosing valve can first be made, as described above, to enter a transfer state, wherein the dosing valve is coupled to a working manipulator as a mobile replacement device. Preferably, the dosing valve can be transferred to the storehouse of the replacement system by the working manipulator. Subsequently, the interface can be made to enter a decoupled state so that the decoupled dosing valve can be placed in the storehouse. It may also be feasible to first place the dosing valve in the storehouse via the working manipulator so that the transfer state and the decoupled state of the interface are established there.

[0066] Preferably, the previously described optional method steps are carried out when a metering valve needs to be replaced, i.e. a metering valve is replaced by another metering valve, for example with the same function, in the same method sequence. The method can therefore be referred to here as a combined decoupling / coupling method or simply as a "replacement method". The previously described steps therefore do not have to be carried out in strict accordance with the described sequence, several steps can also be carried out substantially simultaneously, or individual steps can also be omitted.

[0067] In any case, the method according to the invention comprises the method steps described below. If the method is carried out as a replacement method, the method steps described below can essentially follow directly after the decoupling step described above.

[0068] Alternatively, the subsequent steps can also be carried out independently of the preceding optional steps, for example when equipping a metering device with a metering valve after a longer interruption.

[0069] Firstly, a dosing valve with a valve interface part is provided, preferably by a replacement system. Providing at least means that the replacement system can access the dosing valve, in particular can interact with the dosing valve.

[0070] According to one embodiment, in order to provide, the docking interface part of the replacement system can interact with the valve interface part, in particular with the transport coupling element, when forming an interface, preferably to form a first interface section of the interface. Afterwards, the valve interface part of the dosing valve, in particular the functional coupling element and the supply coupling element, is combined with a complementary docking interface part assigned to the dosing device and / or the supply device by means of the replacement system, in particular to form a second interface section. In this embodiment, the dosing valve can be preferably directly coupled to the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the docking interface part of the working manipulator can interact with the valve interface part in the case of forming an interface. In this case, the valve interface part can be combined with a complementary docking interface part of the working manipulator, i.e., using a replacement system, wherein the docking interface part of the working manipulator is assigned to the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0072] Regardless of the specific embodiment, the snap connection of at least one interface element of the valve interface part and / or the docking interface part assigned to the dosing device and / or the supply device is preferably driven by the control of the control device assigned to the dosing valve so as to couple the dosing valve via the valve interface part in a detachable manner or in a reversible manner with the docking interface part assigned to the dosing device and / or with the docking interface part assigned to the supply device to couple the dosing valve. The coupling can be performed indirectly, wherein the dosing valve can be reversibly coupled to the dosing device and / or the supply device via the working manipulator.

[0073] In an optional step, depending on the embodiment, the connection between the docking interface part and the valve interface part, in particular the transport coupling element, of the exchange system can be released.

[0074] If the metering valve is coupled to a mobile working actuator, the previously constructed interface can also be connected to the metering valve.

[0075] Keep closed during dosing operation.

[0076] In an optional step, the actuator of the actuation unit can be calibrated. In particular, for injection valves with a movable ejection element, it is advantageous to perform calibration with regard to the dosing accuracy. Preferably, the calibration can be performed in such a way that, in defined operating states of the actuator, in particular in a deflected operating state of the actuator, a specific contact force is generated by the actuator, which presses the ejection element into the nozzle of the fluid unit. Preferably, the calibration process can be controlled via a control device assigned to the dosing valve, preferably a superordinate control device.

[0077] Advantageously, the automated change method or automated change process is also based on the same inventive concept as described with reference to the metering device. Correspondingly, the same advantageous effects also occur for the method.

[0078] The replacement method described above can also be advantageously integrated into a method for controlling at least one, preferably several, dosing systems each having a dosing valve, preferably for controlling a dosing system according to the invention. The control method can preferably be performed in such a way that during operation of at least one dosing system, the dosing material is released from the dosing valve according to the intended use. Preferably, in the control method, the dosing valve can be coupled at least once in an automated process via the valve interface part to a docking interface part assigned to a dosing device and / or a supply device, so that the dosing valve can be coupled to the dosing device and / or to the supply device in a detachable manner. Preferably, the control method can be performed in such a way that the dosing valve is decoupled from the dosing device and / or the supply device in an automated process at least once, in particular the dosing valve can be replaced at least once with another dosing valve.

[0079] The feature "detachable coupling" or "detachable coupling" means in the context of the invention that the metering valve and / or the associated coupling partner, in particular the valve interface part and the docking interface part, are designed so that they can be coupled to one another and can be separated from one another again later. This means that the metering valve can be separated from its coupling partner again, in particular while maintaining its technical specifications. In particular, the decoupling of one metering valve and the subsequent coupling of another metering valve, i.e. the replacement of the metering valve, can be realized in a common method sequence.

[0080] Other particularly advantageous designs and improvements of the present invention are revealed in the dependent claims and the subsequent description, wherein an independent claim of one claim category can also be improved similarly to the dependent claims and embodiments of another claim category, and in particular, individual features of different embodiments or variants can also be combined into new embodiments or variants.

[0081] The dosing device described at the beginning comprises at least one, preferably two or more separate dosing devices. The dosing device can be, for example, a complete production facility and can comprise at least the modules or dosing device components required for implementing the invention. This means that the dosing device preferably comprises at least one dosing device, a replacement system, a dosing system, a dosing valve and a control device.

[0082] If a dosing device has two or more dosing devices, different products can be produced on a single dosing device, for example. Correspondingly, the respective dosing devices can be operated separately from each other and / or can be driven individually by the control device. The dosing devices can be configured differently. For example, the dosing device can be configured such that at least one dosing valve is directly arranged at the dosing device to release the dosing substance, wherein another dosing device is coupled to at least one dosing valve via a mobile intermediate link to release the dosing substance.

[0083] Preferably, the dosing device can have a control device, which can individually control all modules of the dosing device, in particular the corresponding dosing valves. This control device can have all hardware components, such as interfaces with the individual modules of the dosing device, and can be programmed accordingly, so as to apply control signals to the corresponding modules for automating coupling and / or decoupling processes, and / or in order to control the metering process of the individual dosing valves. Such a control device can also be called a "superior" control device and can be implemented as a centralized one. However, it is preferred that the superior control device is configured as a decentralized one.

[0084] For example, the superordinate control device can include a system composed of several cooperating subcontrol devices, which can also be arranged at different locations in the metering device. Preferably, the corresponding subcontrol devices can communicate with each other, in particular to exchange control signals and / or measurement signals.

[0085] Preferably, the superior control device can include at least two sub-control devices that act in concert. Preferably, the (first) sub-control device can be configured here to control specific device functions of the dosing device, in particular device functions that do not involve the metering process itself. Preferably, such a "device control unit" can at least control the positioning of a specific dosing valve in the dosing device and / or the processing of the product, in particular the transportation of the product to or from the metering point, and / or perform monitoring functions, in particular with regard to the dosing accuracy of the corresponding dosing valve. Such a device control unit can be implemented, for example, by a standardized programmable logic controller (SPS). Preferably, the specific design of the dosing device, in particular the position of the module or dosing device component in the dosing device, can be stored in the device control unit.

[0086] Preferably, the device control unit can interact with a (second) subcontrol unit, which controls the actual metering process of the corresponding dosing valve of the dosing device and / or the automatic replacement process of a specific dosing valve (hereinafter referred to as "operating control unit"). Preferably, the device control unit and the operating control unit can communicate with each other, in particular for the purpose of exchanging control signals. The operating control unit can preferably control and drive at least the following elements of the dosing device separately: the replacement system, in particular the library for the dosing valves and the mobile replacement device or the (corresponding) working manipulator, and the corresponding dosing valve of the dosing device, in particular the valve interface part of the corresponding dosing valve and the respectively associated docking interface part.

[0087] In principle, it is possible to control the replacement process of the metering valve solely by operating the control unit.

[0088] However, preferably, two or more sub-control devices cooperate to carry out the automated replacement of the metering valve. Preferably, the device control unit can control the participating modules of the metering device in such a way that the specific (to be replaced) metering valve is placed in the replacement position. In order to carry out the actual replacement method, the operating control unit can, preferably based on control signals of the device control unit, control the driving of the modules participating in the replacement process, i.e. in particular the replacement system and the specific metering valve as well as the participating interface parts. After the replacement process is over, the replaced metering valve can be placed again in the working position from the replacement position by the device control unit, in particular based on control signals of the operating control unit.

[0089] For the sake of completeness, it should be pointed out that in principle it is also possible for a single, if appropriate centralized, superior control device to both execute the method steps of the automated change process and control the metering process of the metering valve, i.e. to control the metering device according to the invention as a whole.

[0090] In the description, it is assumed that a superordinate control device has at least two cooperating subcontrol devices, since this can bring particular advantages, but is not limited to this. For example, when implementing the invention in an existing metering device, it may be possible to use the already existing control device, so that, for example, only a special operating control unit is retrofitted to control the automated change process.

[0091] The superior control device can preferably also have a regulating function. For example, the operating parameters of the corresponding dosing valve or its subassemblies can be fed into the control device and processed there. Preferably, the superior control device can intervene in the dosing operation of a specific dosing valve and / or a specific dosing device in a regulating manner taking into account at least one operating parameter, so that a target value of the operating parameter is achieved. Such an operating parameter may, for example, be an actuator deflection or a plunger stroke in operation.

[0092] Preferably, the superordinate control device can be designed to continuously and actively monitor at least the state value of at least one component of the dosing system, in particular of the dosing valve, during operation of the dosing device. Such state values ​​can be, for example, wear parameters, temperatures or degrees of wear of individual components of the dosing valve, for example the degree of wear of the ejection element.

[0093] Other status values ​​can be the number of injection cycles; the (sensor) signal of the droplet detection, in particular the interruption of a missing droplet; the signal of a flow sensor in the conveying channel, in particular the flow rate deviating from the target value; the signal of a level sensor in the dosing substance cylinder; the expiration of a defined time interval, in particular with regard to the processing time of the dosing substance or the reaching of a scheduled maintenance interval for a component.

[0094] The state value can also be determined in such a way that the dosing accuracy of a specific dosing valve can be determined therefrom. Preferably, the state value can be the mass of feed material released from the dosing valve during the corresponding ejection process and / or can be the shape of the released feed material droplets.

[0095] Preferably, the measured value representing the corresponding state value can be fed to the control device. Preferably, the change process can be triggered by the control device as a function of at least one state value, in particular as a function of the measured value. For example, the operating control unit can generate a control signal as a function of at least one state value and / or transmit the control signal to the device control unit in order to arrange the specific dosing valve in the change position.

[0096] These measured values ​​can be generated via sensors of the metering valve and / or by a weighing device or a camera system as part of the metering device. Preferably, the control device can compare the corresponding state values ​​in operation, preferably in real time, with the associated predetermined target values, whereby the remaining service life of the component can be determined and / or the time point for replacing the metering valve (replacement time point) can be (pre-)determined.

[0097] For example, the control device can perform an automated replacement of the dosing valve when a specific state value of the dosing valve reaches and / or exceeds a maximum permissible value and / or deviates from a specific value of an associated target value. Alternatively, a replacement message or a wear message can be generated in advance by the control device, which message must be confirmed by the user if appropriate.

[0098] Preferably, the control device can be designed to create a process plan for the automated replacement method, in particular if the dosing device comprises several dosing valves and / or dosing devices. Preferably, the control device can plan the replacement process in the dosing device taking into account the state values ​​of the different dosing valves in such a way that the operation of the device can be carried out as uninterrupted as possible. In the process plan, preferably the remaining service life of the component, the type of component to be replaced, the exact time of replacement, the location of replacement, i.e. the spatial position of the dosing valves and / or dosing devices in the dosing device can be taken into account.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can also be programmed to replace a specific dosing valve regularly or at intervals. The corresponding state value can be, for example, the maximum service life of the ejection element, or the maximum permissible number of extension cycles of the piezoelectric actuator, or a specific number of injection cycles. In principle, it is also possible to manually intervene in the automated replacement process, for example when (in exceptional cases) a specific dosing valve is to be replaced regardless of whether a state value has been reached, that is, the replacement method can also be triggered by a manual (user) input.

[0100] For the sake of completeness, it should be pointed out that in a metering device designed for an automated change method, it is also possible to couple and / or decouple the metering valve (purely) manually by the user, in particular when an interface is formed between the metering valve and the metering device and / or the supply device.

[0101] Preferably, the superordinate control device is designed to independently execute all method steps of the method according to the invention for automated coupling and / or decoupling and / or to apply corresponding control signals to the participating modules for executing the method, in particular taking into account a previously generated process plan.

[0102] Preferably, a single dosing system and / or a single dosing device has a respective own, separate (local) control unit, in particular in the form of a sub-control unit. In particular, the respective dosing valve can be assigned its own sub-control unit, so as to thereby constitute a dosing system. For example, a (local) sub-control unit can be arranged in the respective actuating unit of the dosing valve. Preferably, the sub-control unit is at least configured to control the dosing operation of the respective dosing valve locally. For example, the cooling and / or heating device of the dosing valve can be controlled by the sub-control unit, for example, in order to set a specific temperature in the dosing substance and / or the beat frequency of the release of the dosing substance can be controlled.

[0103] Preferably, the respective sub-control unit of the dosing valve or the dosing system can communicate with other sub-control units of the dosing device, in particular also with the operating control unit and / or the device control unit. In particular, the sub-control unit of the dosing valve can form part of a superior control device. In other words, the respective sub-control unit can be configured as a subassembly of the superior control device.

[0104] In principle, it is possible, in particular if a dosing system has only one dosing system, for the control device of the dosing system to be implemented as part of the specific dosing system. For example, the (local) control unit of the dosing system can in principle also be designed to control both the dosing operation of the dosing system and the method of automatic changeover. Furthermore, in principle, it is possible for at least some of the dosing valves of the dosing system to have no own, separately designed subcontrol unit, but to be controlled exclusively by the superordinate control device.

[0105] Within the framework of the present invention, it is preferred that the corresponding metering valve is assigned its own sub-control unit, wherein the metering valve can also be driven by the superior control device. Preferably, the superior control device can control at least the metering valve function related to the coupling and / or decoupling process of the metering valve. This means that the metering system is preferably constructed so that the corresponding metering valve is assigned with, for example, an external, superior control device of the metering device in operation, wherein the metering valve additionally has a (internal) separate sub-control unit, in particular for controlling the metering operation, and wherein the metering valve is assigned with a dosing material storage. The present invention will be described by a kind of such metering valve with a local sub-control unit, but is not limited thereto, which is implemented as a part of the superior control device, wherein the superior control device, at least via the sub-control unit, is also constructed to individually control and / or regulate the metering operation of the corresponding metering valve.

[0106] Within the scope of the present invention, the dosing device can include two or more dosing devices. For ease of understanding, the present invention will be described below by way of example only with a single dosing device having only one dosing system or dosing valve, unless otherwise specified and without limitation thereto. Advantageous improvements of the present invention are also applicable to several dosing devices and / or dosing valves. Correspondingly, the components of the replacement system can also exist multiple times.

[0107] The dosing device can preferably have at least one replacement system, which includes at least one library or (intermediate) warehouse for storing at least one dosing valve. Preferably, the corresponding library can be configured to be able to store two or more dosing valves therein at the same time. Such a library can be realized, for example, in the form of a storage station.

[0108] In its simplest form, the magazine or replacement magazine can be a static, for example linear, magazine with at least one storage location, preferably two or more separate storage locations, for each metering valve. Such a static magazine has the advantage that it is relatively cost-effective and is suitable for situations where only a small number of metering valves need to be stored at the same time.

[0109] However, the storehouse can preferably be configured such that at least one dosing valve is stored in a removable manner in the storehouse. For example, the storehouse can be realized by a rotating disk (rotating disk storehouse), wherein, for example, in operation, a horizontally rotatable wheel disk has several storage locations. Alternatively or additionally, the storehouse can be configured in the form of a "free track" with at least one removable chain, wherein the removable chain has several storage locations for each dosing valve. Storage in a removable manner in the storehouse may be realized, for example, also by a controllable conveyor belt in the storehouse.

[0110] Regardless of the specific design, the library of the replacement system is preferably configured to store at least two different designs and / or configurations of dosing valves, in particular simultaneously. Correspondingly, at least two storage locations or receiving points in the library can be configured differently so that dosing valves of different embodiments can be stored therein. For example, the library can be configured to accommodate at least one injection valve, contact dosing valve and / or needle dosing valve.

[0111] In principle, the magazine of the dosing device can be designed to accommodate at least one dosing valve and at least one other tool, preferably simultaneously. Such a tool can be, for example, a UV lamp for curing glue or a gripper for moving / placing components.

[0112] In order to deposit the quantitative metering valve in the storehouse, the storehouse may include a snap element and / or a preferably controllable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is preferably configured to keep the quantitative metering valve stored in the storehouse in the storehouse when the storehouse moves according to the intended use, for example when the storehouse moves in the quantitative metering device. Preferably, each storage position in the storehouse may be assigned a sub-locking mechanism that needs to be operated separately. For example, the locking of the corresponding quantitative metering valve in the storehouse may be carried out by a separate quick snap mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, locking may also be carried out by a form-fitting connection. For example, it may be possible to insert a specific quantitative metering valve in the storage position on the counterpart of a complementary structure. In addition, it is also feasible that the quantitative metering valve is hung on the storage position, wherein the quantitative metering valve is kept by its own weight at this.

[0113] Regardless of the specific embodiment, the magazine can be arranged in a fixed position in the dosing device. For example, the fixed position magazine can be arranged in a maintenance area of ​​the dosing device, in particular spatially separated from the dosing valve and / or the dosing device. It is then preferred that the dosing device is designed to be at least partially mobile in order to bring the dosing valve at the dosing device into a specific replacement position, in particular under control actuation via a superior control device.

[0114] Preferably, the dosing device can be designed to be at least partially mobile, in particular mobile with respect to the reservoir, and can be controlled and driven so that in the automated process a dosing valve in the reservoir is brought into operative contact with the dosing device in order to be coupled to the dosing device. In particular, the dosing valve can be coupled due to the operative contact. Preferably, the dosing device can be moved in such a way that a docking interface part of the dosing device is brought into operative contact with a valve interface part of the dosing valve to be coupled.

[0115] Preferably, the dosing device can be controllably drivable by the control device and is configured such that in an automated process a specific dosing valve from the reservoir is brought into operative contact with the dosing device to couple the dosing valve, and / or such that in an automated process a specific dosing valve coupled to the dosing device is placed in the reservoir, preferably at a specific position. In particular, a specific (free) docking interface portion of the dosing device can be brought into operative contact with a specific dosing valve in the reservoir. This means that at least one element of the dosing device, preferably the entire dosing device, can be controlled in such a way that a specific coupling point (as a docking interface portion) is moved to the reservoir to couple the dosing valve.

[0116] The dosing device may comprise, for example, a mobile robotic system or another positioning system, such as a three-axis positioning system. Preferably, at least one mobile part of the dosing device may be configured to be able to approach or go to a specific location in the library.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, the library can be configured to be mobile with respect to the dosing device and can be driven controllably by the control device, so that a specific dosing valve in the library is preferably brought into operative contact with the dosing device in an automated process to couple the dosing valve, which in particular leads to coupling. Preferably, the library can be configured to be mobile so that a valve interface portion of a specific dosing valve in the library is brought into operative contact with a specific docking interface portion of the dosing device.

[0118] Furthermore, the magazine can be designed to be mobile and can be driven in a controlled manner, so that in an automated process a specific metering valve coupled to the metering device is placed in the magazine, preferably at a specific location.

[0119] In this case, the storehouse is thus moved spatially with respect to the dosing device. The mobile storehouse can preferably comprise a controllable and movable robot system in the dosing device. Particularly advantageously, the mobile storehouse can be used in combination with a statically (fixed in position in the dosing device) arranged dosing valve or a "static manipulator". This is the case, for example, with a dosing valve of a dosing device that is metered on a conveyor belt. In principle, a combination of the previously described embodiments may also be possible. For example, it may be possible to place a dosing valve in a specific replacement position by means of an at least partially mobile dosing device, wherein the mobile storehouse is moved to the same replacement position for the replacement process.

[0120] Particularly preferably, the replacement system can have at least one, preferably two or more mobile replacement devices, which are each designed and can be driven controllably by a superior control device so that at least the transfer of the metering valve between the magazine and the metering device can be performed in an automated process by the corresponding replacement device.

[0121] In particular, the corresponding mobile changing device can be designed to be controllably drivable so that a metering valve from a magazine can be brought into operative contact with the metering device for coupling via the changing device in an automated process and / or a metering valve of a metering device, preferably a metering valve to be decoupled, can be transferred to the magazine.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the mobile changing device is preferably a separate, in particular freely movable intermediate system in the metering device and can transport at least the metering valve from the store to the metering device and vice versa. Such a mobile changing device is referred to as a "changing manipulator".

[0123] Preferably, the change manipulator (as part of the change system) is assigned a docking interface part with a transport coupling element to form a transport coupling, wherein the valve interface part can have a complementary transport coupling element. Preferably, the valve interface part and / or the docking interface part are configured to couple the dosing valve in an automated process in a detachable manner to the change system, preferably to the change manipulator, for transporting the dosing valve in the dosing device via interaction between the valve interface part and the docking interface part.

[0124] The change manipulator can be configured to form a transport coupling with two or more metering valves, respectively. Correspondingly, the change manipulator can have two or more individually controllable transport coupling elements.

[0125] The transport coupling can be based on an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connection of the coupling part or the transport coupling element. In principle, a mechanical connection of the coupling part is also feasible. Preferably, the transport coupling, in particular the opening and closing of the coupling, can be controlled by a superior control device.

[0126] The corresponding transport coupling element is preferably configured to establish at least one, preferably several electrical and / or mechanical and / or signal technology and / or pneumatic and / or fluid-guided connections via the transport coupling between the replacement manipulator and the dosing valve, in particular between the dosing valve and the supply device that cooperates with the replacement manipulator. Correspondingly, the transport coupling can be configured to couple the dosing valve with the associated supply device in a detachable manner, in particular during the transport of the dosing valve in the dosing device. Advantageously, the dosing valve can also be powered or supplied with compressed air during the transport in the dosing device, wherein the dosing valve is maintained in, for example, standby mode. Correspondingly, the dosing valve can be put into use directly without preparatory measures after coupling with the dosing device. Further advantageously, the dosing material can be prevented from leaking during transportation via the transport coupling.

[0127] The corresponding change manipulator can include at least one controllable robot, in particular an industrial robot. Preferably, the change manipulator can include a controllable robot arm that can be freely moved in the dosing device, which robot arm has at least one docking interface part arranged there, preferably in combination with a freely movable, for example movable, base in the dosing device. Advantageously, the movement radius in the dosing device can be enlarged and customized as a result.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally, the replacement manipulator can also be realized by a transport device, which can be fixedly mounted in the dosing device. For example, the transport device can have a guide system, wherein at least one docking interface part of the replacement system is configured to be movable along at least one guide surface of the guide system, in particular in a linear motion. Preferably, the guide system can also have two or more guide surfaces or guide axes, wherein the guide system can be configured in particular as a two-axis or three-axis robot (XYZ system). In principle, the dosing device can have two or more, even different, replacement manipulators.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the mobile replacement device of the replacement system can be configured and can be driven by the control device so that at least one metering valve is coupled to the replacement device in a detachable manner to release the added substance. Preferably, the mobile replacement device, in particular the working manipulator, can be configured so that the metering valve is also coupled to the mobile replacement device in order to release the added substance or during the release of the added substance. Preferably, the corresponding working manipulator, unlike the replacement manipulator, can be configured so that an operative connection between the coupled metering valve and the metering device and / or the supply device can be established to release the added substance according to the intended use. Advantageously, the metering valve can be placed at a specific metering point and / or maintained there by a robot arm during operation, and / or the metering valve can be placed between different metering points.

[0130] Preferably, the working manipulator is designed to be controllably drivable so that the dosing valve from the reservoir is brought into operative contact with the dosing device by the working manipulator in the automated process for coupling, wherein the operative contact is achieved by the working manipulator itself. Correspondingly, the working manipulator can be designed and controllably drivable so that the dosing valve to be decoupled from the dosing device is transferred to the reservoir or placed in the reservoir by the working manipulator.

[0131] According to this embodiment, the working manipulator itself, particularly the docking interface part, can implement motion, to couple and / or decouple the dosing valve.Preferably, the dosing valve of coupling can be moved between working position or metering point and change position and / or storehouse by the working manipulator.

[0132] Advantageously, the spatial distance between the storehouse or the replacement position and the specific working position of the metering valve can be overcome by the mobile replacement device. The advantage of doing so is, on the one hand, that the storehouse and / or the metering device can be configured to be fixed in position relative to each other or fixed in position within the metering device (static), which makes the module more cost-effective. Further advantageously, in a fixed-position metering device with several metering valves, it is also possible to replace the metering device during operation, i.e. during the activation of the remaining metering valves. Compared with manually replacing components, in a controllable replacement manipulator, it is not necessary to close the metering device for safety reasons. Further advantageously, the replacement manipulator can be completely removed from the working area of ​​the metering device again after replacing the metering valve, so that no permanent restrictions are caused to the working area.

[0133] It should be noted that the replacement system can also have a combination of at least one working manipulator and at least one replacement manipulator. For example, for a replacement process of a metering valve, it is possible to place the replacement manipulator in a replacement position, wherein the working manipulator brings the metering valve to be replaced from the working position to the same replacement position, and wherein the working manipulator transfers the metering valve to the replacement manipulator. Furthermore, in principle, it is also possible to use a mobile replacement device in combination with a mobile magazine and / or at least part of a mobile metering device, wherein the corresponding components can preferably be brought to the same replacement position for the replacement process.

[0134] Advantageously, regardless of the specific embodiment, the replacement system and / or the dosing device can be configured and can be driven by the control device so that a specific dosing valve from the library is brought into contact with the dosing device, in particular, in contact with a specific coupling point as a docking interface part at the dosing device, or in contact with the docking interface part of the working manipulator, to couple the dosing valve. A "specific" dosing valve can be characterized by this, i.e., a specific metering diagram can be achieved by the dosing valve. For example, a specific dosing valve can have a special nozzle shape and / or a special ejection element to achieve the desired configuration of the dosing system in operation. In addition, the replacement system and / or the dosing device, in particular the replacement manipulator and / or the working manipulator, can be configured to be controllably driven so that the decoupled dosing valve is placed in a specific position in the library, i.e., a defined position.

[0135] In order to selectively couple the dosing valves from the store directly or indirectly to the dosing device, the store can preferably include a (store) internal movement mechanism in order to bring a specific dosing valve and / or a specific (free) storage location to a defined position, in particular to a transfer position. Preferably, the dosing valves can be coupled and / or uncoupled at the transfer position, in particular in a store designed to be partially mobile.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, the replacement manipulator and / or the working manipulator can be configured to be controllably driven so as to selectively extract a specific dosing valve from a library. Preferably, the replacement manipulator and / or the working manipulator can have an integrated tool identification, for example as a part of the docking interface part, to identify different dosing valves. Preferably, the replacement manipulator and / or the working manipulator can have an identification means for contactless identification and / or distribution of a specific dosing valve. Preferably, identification can be performed via an RFID system (radio frequency identification). Preferably, the replacement manipulator and / or the working manipulator, in particular the docking interface part, can include at least one RFID reader to identify the identification code of a specific dosing valve. Correspondingly, the corresponding dosing valve can be assigned an RFID transponder, or the corresponding dosing valve can have such a transponder. Advantageously, via integrated tool identification, a dosing valve with a specific configuration can be identified and / or selected by the replacement manipulator or the working manipulator.

[0137] Alternatively or additionally, the respective dosing valve can be identified, for example, by a machine-readable code such as a barcode, which can be detected by the change manipulator and / or the working manipulator. It may also be possible that the change manipulator and / or the working manipulator has a position determination system and can preferably be driven by the control of the control device to a predetermined position in the dosing device, in particular a specific position in the magazine.

[0138] Advantageously, what can be achieved by this controllable replacement system is that the corresponding library can store a large number of dosing valves at the same time, thereby reducing the required library in the dosing device, wherein the selective coupling of a specific dosing valve is still ensured. Further advantageously, the replacement system, in particular the library, can have at least one sealing element in order to close the nozzle opening of the dosing valve from the outside, in particular during the replacement process and / or during storage in the library. Preferably, the replacement system, in particular the library, can have several individually controllable sealing elements in order to close each associated nozzle opening during temporary storage in the replacement system. Advantageously, leakage of the dosing substance can therefore also be prevented in the dosing valve with a "normally open" position.

[0139] When the mobile replacement manipulator and / or the working manipulator is combined with a library with an internal kinematic mechanism, special advantages are obtained. The library can be controlled in such a way that an idle storage position is arranged in the transfer position, and then it can cooperate with the replacement manipulator or the working manipulator in such a way that the "old", i.e., the decoupled or to-be-decoupled metering valve is accommodated. After the transfer is completed, the "new", i.e., the metering valve to be coupled can be provided at the same transfer position via the internal kinematic mechanism and accommodated by the replacement manipulator or the working manipulator, without the need to move the replacement manipulator or the working manipulator itself for this purpose. Therefore, the replacement process can be accelerated. Preferably, the participating components can be placed in the same replacement position to carry out the replacement process.

[0140] In principle, it is also possible to combine the embodiments described above. This means that the dosing device can include at least one fixed-position magazine and / or at least one spatially movable magazine, each with or without internal movement mechanisms, and / or at least one at least partially mobile dosing device and / or at least one static dosing device and / or at least one mobile change manipulator and / or at least one working manipulator, which can each interact with one another for automated dosing valve replacement.

[0141] Regardless of the specific design, the magazine of the replacement system can have at least one maintenance coupling element, which is configured to cooperate with an associated coupling element of the dosing valve, preferably at least one supply coupling element of the valve interface part, to form a maintenance coupling. The maintenance coupling element is preferably formed by a docking interface element of the docking interface part.

[0142] The maintenance connection is preferably configured to connect at least one supply line of the dosing valve to a supply device, in particular to a maintenance device, in a detachable manner, particularly during storage in a library. The maintenance device can be a part of the supply device and is preferably individually controllable. In this design, a docking interface element is assigned to the supply device, wherein the docking interface element is provided by the library. In this embodiment, the dosing valve can be coupled to the supply device in a detachable manner (only) via the maintenance connection element in the library in an automated process by replacing the system. Correspondingly, the dosing valve is not coupled to the dosing device at this. Preferably, the supply device of the dosing device can include a separately constructed and controllably driven maintenance device, which supplies the maintenance connection.

[0143] The maintenance coupling element is preferably designed such that, while the metering valve is stored in the magazine, at least one, preferably several electrical and / or mechanical and / or signaling and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic connections, in particular media-conducting connections, are established between the maintenance coupling element and the valve interface part via the maintenance coupling. Preferably, each storage location for a metering valve in the magazine can be assigned an individually controllable maintenance coupling element.

[0144] Preferably, the respective maintenance connection is configured to introduce a cleaning agent into the dosing valve for cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance connection can be configured so that a heating device of the dosing valve can thereby be controlled to be driven and / or a memory of the dosing valve can be read. Preferably, the dosing valve can be controlled to be driven by a control device via the maintenance connection. According to one embodiment, the maintenance connection can also include a functional connection, for example for holding the dosing valve in a reservoir.

[0145] Advantageously, data can be read from the internal EEPROM via the maintenance connection and fed to the control device, for example the following parameters: serial number, injection counter, dosing valve configuration, dosing medium or dosing substance and other data. Thus, the configuration and / or status of the corresponding dosing valve can be presented to the operator of the dosing device in a visual manner, for example, whether a certain dosing valve is functioning properly, when or whether maintenance is required, the filling status of the dosing substance cylinder, etc. In addition, the read information can be processed by the control device in such a way that a specific "suitable" dosing valve is selected for automated replacement when replacement is imminent. Further advantageously, the dosing valve, in particular the fluid unit, can be (pre-) cleaned via the maintenance connection during storage in the warehouse or storage station, thereby preventing the material in the fluid unit from solidifying and simplifying possible subsequent maintenance or further cleaning that may be required.

[0146] Further advantageously, by controlling the actuation of the heating device in the reservoir, the nozzle and / or the entire fluid unit and / or the dosing material in the fluid unit can be preheated to a specific (operating) temperature, in particular immediately before the dosing valve is replaced. Advantageously, a pre-maintained temperature in the dosing valve can be set so that the metering process can be continued directly after the replacement, for example by keeping the dosing valve in the reservoir in standby mode.

[0147] Particularly advantageously, the dosing valve can be calibrated and / or adjusted via the maintenance connection, in particular by means of a control device. Preferably, the actuator can be adjusted via the maintenance connection. In addition, the dosing valve in the reservoir can be powered and / or supplied with compressed air via the maintenance connection.

[0148] To form the service coupling, the corresponding service coupling element in the library is preferably designed complementary to the valve interface part, preferably to the supply coupling element and / or to the functional coupling element, in particular to form the service coupling in an automated process.

[0149] The supply coupling element of the dosing valve can preferably be formed by a valve interface element and is (also) designed to form a supply coupling with a docking interface part in a dosing operation, which docking interface part is preferably assigned to a dosing device, in particular comprising a supply device.

[0150] Preferably, the docking interface part assigned to the dosing device can have a docking interface element, wherein at least one supply coupling element complementary to the supply coupling element of the dosing valve is formed thereby. Preferably, when forming the interface, the supply coupling element of the valve interface part can be brought into active contact with the supply coupling element assigned to the dosing device in an automated process, wherein the supply coupling is formed thereby. The supply coupling element can be arranged at the dosing device itself and / or can be provided by a working manipulator.

[0151] The supply connection is preferably designed to couple at least one, preferably a plurality of, supply lines of the dosing valve to a supply device, preferably to a dosing device, during operation of the dosing valve. The supply line of the dosing valve can be one of the following (operating) lines: a line for the pressure supply of the dosing substance; a line for conveying (pressurizing) the dosing substance; a line for controlling a heating device and / or a cooling device of the dosing valve; a line for feeding a cooling medium into the dosing valve; a line for controlling an actuator, for example for supplying compressed air; a data transmission line, in particular a control signal for controlling the actuator and / or a measured value of a sensor of the dosing valve.

[0152] The supply device can preferably be configured as part of the dosing device and can preferably be driven controllably, so that in operation several dosing valves can be driven controllably individually via corresponding supply connections. In this design, the dosing valve can be coupled to the dosing device and the supply device simultaneously via a docking interface portion assigned to the dosing device. Regardless of the specific design, the supply device can be configured at least to supply the coupled dosing valve with pressure medium for the actuator and / or pressure medium for the dosing substance and / or pressurized dosing substance and / or in particular pre-cooled cooling medium in a controlled and / or regulated manner, wherein the dosing valve is also powered by the supply device.

[0153] Preferably, a corresponding supply coupling element of the dosing valve can be designed to functionally couple two or more separate supply lines of the dosing valve to a respectively associated line in the docking interface part. The supply coupling element of the dosing valve is preferably designed so that during operation of the dosing valve, at least one, preferably several electrical and / or mechanical and / or signaling and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic connections, in particular medium-conducting connections, are established between the valve interface part and the docking interface part via the supply coupling.

[0154] The supply coupling element in the valve interface part can include at least one closing mechanism, which is configured to close at least one supply line to the dosing valve, preferably to the fluid unit, in an airtight and / or liquid-tight manner, in particular in the decoupled state. Preferably, the corresponding fluid-conducting line in the valve interface part can be configured to be self-sealing, so that leakage of the medium from the line is prevented when the interface is opened. Similarly, the interface element of the docking interface part can also have a closing mechanism. For example, the supply coupling element of the valve interface part and / or the docking interface part can be configured as a "self-sealing coupling" or a sealed coupling.

[0155] Preferably, a signaling connection can also be established between the metering valve and the superordinate control device via the supply connection. Preferably, control signals and / or regulating signals can be supplied to the metering valve via the supply connection, wherein sensor signals or measured values ​​of the metering valve can be supplied to the control device. Preferably, the superordinate control device can be designed as part of the metering device, wherein the metering valve can be coupled to the supply device and to the control device (each as part of the metering device) via a docking interface part assigned to the metering device, in particular via a supply connection element.

[0156] Preferably, the valve interface part of the dosing valve has a further valve interface element, via which a (first) functional connection element is formed. Correspondingly, a docking interface part, preferably assigned to the dosing device, cooperating with the valve interface part, can have a further docking interface element, wherein a (second) complementary functional connection element is thereby realized to form a functional connection. The second functional connection element can be arranged at the dosing device itself, depending on the embodiment, or can be provided by a working manipulator.

[0157] Preferably, the valve interface part and / or the docking interface part, in particular the corresponding functional coupling element, is configured to couple the dosing valve to an associated coupling partner in a detachable manner via the interaction between the valve interface part and the docking interface part, in particular in an automated process. For example, the dosing valve can be arranged and / or held at the dosing device in the case of a functional coupling for the dosing operation for the intended purpose. Alternatively, the dosing valve can be held at the working manipulator by the functional coupling for the release of the dosing substance and / or during transportation.

[0158] The functional connection is preferably configured to establish a reversible connection between the metering valve and the metering device or the working manipulator, in particular essentially without play. Preferably, a corresponding connection is established via the functional connection such that the (assembled) metering valve withstands acceleration forces of up to 10 g during operation.

[0159] The supply connection and / or the functional connection are particularly designed to be controllably drivable by a superordinate control device, so that the coupling of the metering valve to the supply device and / or to the metering device is carried out in an automated process via a corresponding coupling system. This coupling can be carried out directly as described or indirectly via a mobile changing device.

[0160] In principle, the functional connection and the supply connection, in particular the corresponding interface elements, can be designed to be spatially separated from one another.

[0161] However, it is preferred that the functional connection elements and / or the supply connection elements of the dosing valve are mutually integrated and / or constitute a combined or multifunctional connection area. Correspondingly, the docking interface part can also form a multifunctional connection area. Preferably, the multifunctional connection area can at least combine the functions of the functional connection element and the supply connection element, and preferably can also combine the function of the coupling area for replacing the system. Preferably, a multifunctional connection part can be formed via two synergistic multifunctional connection areas when forming an interface, wherein one multifunctional connection area is assigned to the dosing valve and the other multifunctional connection area is assigned to the dosing device. A multifunctional connection part or a combined connection part is understood to be a connection system consisting of two connection parts, wherein a functional connection part and / or a supply connection part and / or a transport connection part can be formed via a multifunctional connection part (depending on the design scheme or the control drive mode).

[0162] Preferably, the multifunctional coupling can be configured as a coupling system for automatically changing functions. Preferably, such a multiple coupling can be realized in the form of a quick-change coupling. Preferably, the coupling system can be based on an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connection between two coupling parts to form a coupling, in particular a functional coupling. In principle, a mechanical connection of the coupling parts is also possible.

[0163] Advantageously, in the dosing valve with such valve interface part, the particularly fast replacement of the dosing valve can be realized, because all operations and supply lines of the dosing valve can be constituted in a single automated coupling process, wherein, the dosing valve is safely fixed to the dosing device or the working manipulator at the same time. Advantageously, via the valve interface part, the dosing valve with the (self-sufficient) dosing material supply part carried can be coupled, and the dosing valve of the dosing medium continuously supplied via the supply device can be coupled. In both cases, the entire dosing valve can be quickly and without manual intervention from the dosing device or the working manipulator, and maintenance can be performed outside the working area of ​​the dosing device, thereby not causing delays in operation. When the configuration of the dosing valve is replaced, the equipment time of the equipment can be significantly shortened. Since the docking interface part assigned to the dosing device is preferably compatible with the dosing valve of different working modes, the different types of dosing valves present in the dosing device can be used flexibly.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the docking interface part of the reservoir, in particular the maintenance connection element, can be designed so that a multifunctional connection to the dosing valve can be formed in the automated process, the multifunctional connection comprising a supply connection and a functional connection. In principle, the docking interface part assigned to the reservoir and the docking interface part assigned to the dosing device can then be designed identically. The multifunctional connection can be formed as an alternative or in addition to the locking mechanism present in the reservoir, if appropriate.

[0165] For the detachable coupling, the dosing valve can preferably include a connection mechanism, which has a first functional connection element and / or a second functional connection element, in particular each as part of a multifunctional connection area. The first functional connection element is preferably part of the valve interface part, wherein the second functional connection element can be part of the docking interface part of the dosing device and / or the store and / or the replacement system. The connection mechanism will be described below with reference to the docking interface part of the working manipulator, but is not limited thereto, wherein corresponding features can also be implemented in other docking interface parts.

[0166] The connection mechanism may preferably include a controllable electrical coupling mechanism and / or a pneumatic coupling mechanism and / or a hydraulic coupling mechanism and / or a mechanical coupling mechanism.

[0167] The connection mechanism can have at least one, preferably controllable, locking mechanism for snap-fitting two functional coupling elements, in particular for snap-fitting two multifunctional coupling areas or coupling parts, in a detachable manner. Preferably, the locking mechanism is designed as part of the docking interface part of the dosing device and / or the magazine and / or the replacement system. For example, the locking mechanism can be at least partially arranged at or in the working manipulator. The locking mechanism can be controlled by the control device during operation.

[0168] The locking mechanism may preferably include at least one movable actuator which can interact with an associated, for example complementary, snap-fit ​​element in the functional coupling element of the dosing valve for snap-fit ​​connection. The actuator may be a pneumatic actuator, an electrical actuator, a magnetic actuator and / or a hydraulic actuator.

[0169] Advantageously, a particularly secure connection can be established between the dosing valve and the working manipulator via a controllable locking mechanism in an automated process. By arranging the movable actuator in the docking interface part, the weight of the dosing valve can be kept as low as possible. Further advantageously, the number of actuators required in the dosing device can also be kept as low as possible. Preferably, such a connection mechanism with a locking mechanism can be part of a multifunctional coupling. According to one embodiment, such a connection mechanism can be part of a transport coupling.

[0170] Preferably, the functional coupling element and / or the supply coupling element and / or the transport coupling element are designed and / or arranged so that the dosing valve can be coupled to the respective associated coupling partner via the functional coupling element and / or via the supply coupling element and / or via the transport coupling element, in particular via all three elements at the same time. According to one embodiment, a multifunctional coupling part, preferably a multifunctional coupling part with a working manipulator, can be constructed via the functional coupling element and the supply coupling element in the dosing operation. This can be the case in particular: the functional coupling element also provides a coupling area for the dosing valve. According to another embodiment, the functional coupling element and the supply coupling element can constitute a multifunctional coupling part, for example a multifunctional coupling part with a docking interface part of the dosing device, wherein other multifunctional coupling parts, for example a multifunctional coupling part with a replacement manipulator, can be realized simultaneously via the transport coupling element.

[0171] Preferably, the respective coupling elements and also the respective couplings can be controlled individually by the control device. For example, a specific coupling can be formed or released again, depending on the operating state of the dosing valve. The respective coupling is particularly configured to form an interface between the dosing valve and the associated coupling partner. An interface is understood to be a place or area in which the dosing valve interacts with an associated device, for example with another machine. Depending on the coupling state of the dosing valve, the interface can also include two or more, for example spatially separated (interface) sections.

[0172] Advantageously, the replacement process of the metering valve can be further optimized via such an interface. For example, in order to decouple the metering valve, before the (multifunctional) connection between the metering valve and the metering device is switched to a power-free and / or pressure-free state, as an optional method step, a (multifunctional) connection to the replacement manipulator can first be formed, wherein the metering valve is also coupled to the supply device. Only after this interface section has been formed can the connection to the metering device be opened in order to remove the metering valve from the metering device and transfer it to the library. Thus, during the entire replacement process, the metering valve can be connected to the supply device essentially uninterruptedly.

[0173] Preferably, the valve interface part, in particular the functional coupling element and / or the supply coupling element and / or the transport coupling element and / or the coupling region can each be designed as a part of the metering valve itself, in particular as an integral component of the metering valve, for automated replacement via a replacement system.

[0174] Advantageously, by integrating at least one of the coupling elements into the metering valve, the weight of the metering valve can be kept as low as possible. For example, at least one coupling element can be formed by the metering valve itself, for example by the actuator housing.

[0175] Correspondingly, at least the docking interface part assigned to the replacement system can possibly be at least partially formed by the replacement system itself, preferably by the working manipulator and / or the replacement manipulator, in particular as an integral component. Alternatively, the docking interface part can be at least partially arranged at the working manipulator and / or the replacement manipulator, for example attached externally.

[0176] The dosing valve can have a signal generator for the teaching program of the replacement system, in particular for programming the working manipulator and / or the replacement manipulator. Preferably, the dosing valve can have a controllable laser as a signal generator. Such a laser can be integrated in the corresponding dosing valve, or can be retrofittable. Preferably, the laser beam can be substantially parallel to the ejection direction of the dosing material from the nozzle, or substantially parallel to the movement of the ejection element of the dosing valve. It may also be feasible to set a specific dosing valve in the dosing device so that it is only constructed for the teaching program. For example, in such a dosing valve, a laser rather than a nozzle can be particularly set at the same position. Advantageously, using such a dosing valve configured for the teaching program, the programming workload of the replacement system, in particular the programming workload of the working manipulator and / or the replacement manipulator, can be reduced by trajectory tracking. For example, a specific metering position on the substrate and / or the position of the dosing valve about the replacement system can be learned thereby.

[0177] Preferably, the dosing valve can be provided with at least one passive and / or active noise reduction device, in particular in order to reduce noise emissions during operation of the dosing valve. Passive noise reduction can be achieved, for example, by sound insulation, wherein active noise reduction can be achieved by anti-phase sound waves. For example, the (corresponding) dosing valve can be arranged in a housing with a valve interface part, wherein the housing has a (passive) sound insulation and / or active noise suppression.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the docking interface part can include at least one (other) interface element in order to couple and / or operate (another) tool, such as a UV lamp, in a detachable manner. Preferably, the docking interface part, in particular the multifunctional connection area of ​​the working manipulator, in addition to the described components for coupling the dosing valve in a detachable manner, can also have at least one individually controllable element, which can cooperate with a complementary element of the tool in order to supply the tool during operation. In order to couple in a detachable manner, the tool can be (functionally) coupled to the working manipulator via a functional connection element of the multifunctional connection area. Advantageously, in this improvement, the working manipulator can, on the one hand, be detachably coupled to the dosing valve via the docking interface part for performing a dosing operation according to the intended purpose, wherein, on the other hand, for example after completion of the metering task, the same working manipulator can be coupled to another tool, for example for post-processing of the previously metered dosing substance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0179] The present invention will be described in more detail again below by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this regard, in different drawings, the same components are marked with the same reference numerals. These drawings are generally not drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings show:

[0180] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a dosing device according to the present invention is shown;

[0181] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a dosing system according to the invention;

[0182] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a quantitative dosing system according to the present invention is shown;

[0183] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a dosing valve with a valve interface portion according to the present invention is shown;

[0184] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Detailed view of the valve interface section in;

[0185] Figure 7 A schematic view of a dosing valve and a replacement system according to the invention is shown;

[0186] Figure 8 A schematic view of a dosing valve according to the invention is shown in a magazine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0187] according to Figure 1 An embodiment of a dosing device 1 according to the invention is described. The dosing device 1 is shown purely schematically and comprises as essential components a dosing device 2, a replacement system 5 and a maintenance device 7', which has several dosing systems 3. In contrast to what is shown in this figure, the dosing device 1 can form a complete production facility and can have two or more dosing devices 2. In principle, however, it is also possible for the dosing device 1 to have only one dosing device 2, which contains only one dosing system 3.

[0188] The quantitative batching device 2 is Figure 1 There are five individual dosing systems 3, which are arranged in a detachable manner at the dosing device 2 during the dosing operation. The individual dosing systems 3 here each have a fluid unit 60 and an actuating unit 30 that cooperates functionally with the fluid unit. These two components 30, 60 together form a dosing valve 4. The dosing valve 4 includes all components that actively participate in the release of the dosing substance and can also be synonymously called a dosing head.

[0189] The individual metering valves 4 are here coupled, by way of example, in each case in a switching or control manner to a higher-level, decentralized control device 6. Since the control device 6 also has a regulating function here, in which corresponding electrical signals can be transmitted in both directions between the control device 6 and the metering valves 4, the flow of data D or control data D is symbolically indicated by a double arrow.

[0190] The superior control device 6 is simultaneously assigned to several metering valves 4 during operation and can control their metering operation individually. The respective metering valves 4 and the associated control device 6 together with the feed material storage device (not shown here) form a metering system 3, respectively, which can be configured as part of the metering device 2, for example, via a supply device.

[0191] The control device 6 Figure 1 The control device 6 is schematically shown here as having two sub-control devices, wherein the control device 6 can also be configured, for example, so that several sub-control devices are arranged at different positions in the metering device 1 and cooperate to form a (whole) control device 6.

[0192] exist Figure 1 In the figure, a change system 5 with a magazine 50 and a change device 51, for example a movable change manipulator 51, is shown on the left. The change manipulator 51 can be, for example, an industrial robot 51 that is movable in the metering device 1. The change system 5, in particular the magazine 50 and the change manipulator 51, are connected to the control device 6 in a signaling manner and can be driven via corresponding data D and can also send data D to the control device 6.

[0193] The magazine 50 comprises two receiving positions for each metering valve 4 by way of example in this figure. Each receiving position in the magazine 50 is assigned a maintenance coupling element 52. The metering valves 4 are positioned in the magazine 50 in such a way that the supply coupling element 14 and the functional coupling element 16 of the corresponding metering valve 4 cooperate with each maintenance coupling element 52, so as to form each maintenance coupling 8. The supply coupling element 14 and the functional coupling element 16 can preferably be designed as a multifunctional coupling area 18.

[0194] Via the maintenance connection 8, a connection with the control device 6, for example for signaling, can be established during storage in the reservoir 50. Furthermore, cleaning fluid can be supplied to specific metering valves 4 in the reservoir 50 via the maintenance connection 8, which is schematically shown here via a fluid flow FS between the maintenance device 7' and the reservoir 50. The maintenance device 7' can be part of the supply device 7 ( Figure 3), and is designed separately here, wherein the maintenance device 7' can have the same function as the supply device. The maintenance device 7' comprises a cleaning mechanism, not shown in detail, wherein the maintenance device 7' is connected to the control device 6 in a signaling manner and can exchange data D with it, for example in order to flush a specific metering valve 4 in the reservoir 50 according to a cleaning program. In addition, the actuator of the specific metering valve 4 can also be adjusted via the maintenance connection 8.

[0195] exist Figure 2 Detailed description of the invention is provided in FIG. 3 , which schematically shows a section through a portion of a metering system 3 having an injection valve 4. Since the basic structure of an injection valve is known, only the essential elements are described below.

[0196] The dosing valve 4 has an actuation unit 30 and a fluid unit 60 as main components. Further, the dosing valve 4 has a local control unit 44 and a dosing substance cartridge 80 carried during operation, wherein the dosing system 3 is constructed thereby. The dosing system 3 is also additionally connected to a superordinate control device (not shown here) during operation, as previously described according to Figure 1 As described.

[0197] The actuation unit 30 comprises essentially all components responsible for driving or moving the ejection element 61 or plunger 61 of the fluid unit 60 in the nozzle 70. In addition to the nozzle 70 and the delivery channel 73 for delivering the feed substance to the nozzle 70, the fluid unit 60 also comprises all other components that come into direct contact with the feed substance, and furthermore the elements required for assembling the components involved that come into contact with the feed substance together.

[0198] In the embodiment shown in this figure, the actuation unit 30 comprises a housing block 31 with two internal cavities. An actuator 34, here a piezoelectric actuator 34, is arranged in the actuator cavity 32, wherein the actuator 34 is supported upwardly inside the actuator cavity 32. The metering valve 4 comprises a cooling device with a cooling medium supply 46 and a cooling medium discharge 46', so that during operation, the heat generated by the actuator 34 can be discharged from the actuator cavity 32 and the metering valve 4 by the cooling medium flowing through the housing block 31.

[0199] The housing block 31 also includes an actuating chamber 33, into which extends a movable ejection element 61 of the fluid unit 60, here a plunger 61. The plunger 61 is actuated by the actuator 34 via a lever 39 extending from the actuator chamber 32 through the notch 41 into the actuating chamber 33, so that the dosing substance to be metered is ejected from the fluid unit 60 in the desired amount at the desired time point via the nozzle 70 in the ejection direction SR. The plunger 61 can close the nozzle opening 71 and thus also serves as a sealing element 61. However, since most of the medium is ejected from the nozzle opening 71 through the plunger 61 when the plunger 61 moves toward the nozzle opening 71 according to the ejection movement direction SR, it is referred to as an ejection element 61 here.

[0200] In order to drive and control the piezoelectric actuator 34, the actuator unit 30 can be connected to a superior control device (not shown here) in an electrical or signal technology manner. For this purpose, the actuator unit 30 has a supply connection element 14, which is arranged purely schematically outside the housing block 31. Through the cooperation with the complementary connection elements of the docking interface part (not shown here), a functional connection can be formed via the supply connection element 14, wherein in the case shown in this figure, several electrical connections and one pneumatic connection can be formed, for example, a connection with the control device 6 and the supply device 7 ( Figure 3 ).

[0201] The supply connection element 14 contacts two piezoelectric actuator control interfaces 36', which in each case contact an electrical interface 35' or a contact pin 35' of the actuator 34, in order to thereby control the piezoelectric actuator 34 during operation and / or to connect it to a control device in a signal-technical manner. In addition, the supply connection element 14 contacts a temperature sensor via a temperature sensor interface 36 and a contact pin 35, for example in the piezoelectric actuator 34 (not shown), wherein corresponding measured values ​​can be transmitted to the control device via the supply connection element 14.

[0202] Via the supply connection element 14, a pneumatic connection is also provided in order to supply a cooling medium, for example precooled compressed air or uncooled compressed air, to the cooling medium conveyor 46 in the housing block 31. In addition, the local control unit 44 of the metering valve 4 can also be connected to a superordinate control device in a signaling manner via the supply connection element 14, wherein the superordinate control device and the local control unit 44 can interact. In contrast to the purely schematic representation in this figure, it is also possible to apply pressure medium to the feed substance in the feed substance cartridge 80 via the supply connection element 14.

[0203] On the actuation unit 30, a functional coupling element 16, which is designed separately here, is also arranged, by which the metering valve 4 can be coupled in a removable manner, for example, to a metering device during operation. Figure 3Give a description.

[0204] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric actuator 34 can be expanded or stretched and retracted again according to the wiring of the control device. The actuator 34 is inserted into the actuator chamber 32 from above and supported therein in a height-adjustable manner, wherein the actuator 34 is supported on a lever 39 via a pressure piece 37 with a tapered bottom in this figure, and the lever is supported on a lever bearing 40. Via this lever bearing 40, the lever 39 can be tilted about the tilting axis K so that the lever arm of the lever 39 extends into the actuation chamber 33 through a notch 41. The lever arm has a contact surface 42 at its end that points to the plunger 61 of the fluid unit 60 coupled to the actuation unit 30, and the contact surface presses on the contact surface 64 of the plunger head 63.

[0205] In the embodiment shown, it is provided that the contact surface 42 of the lever 39 is in permanent contact with the contact surface 64 of the plunger head 63, in that the plunger head 63 is pressed from below by the plunger spring 65 against the lever 39. In principle, however, it is also possible that when the plunger spring 65 is in the initial position or rest position, there is a spacing between the plunger 61 and the lever 39. In order to enable an almost constant preload of the drive system, the end of the lever 39 that is in contact with the plunger 61 is pushed upwards here by the actuator spring 66.

[0206] The plunger 61 is supported on the plunger bearing 67 by the plunger spring 65, and connected to the lower part of the plunger bearing is the plunger seal 68. The plunger spring 65 pushes the plunger head 63 upwardly from the plunger bearing 67 in the axial direction. Therefore, the plunger tip 62 is also pushed away from the sealing seat 69 of the nozzle 70. That is, when there is no external pressure on the plunger head 63 from above, when the piezoelectric actuator 34 is in a static state (unextended state), the nozzle opening 71 is also not closed.

[0207] The feed substance is delivered to the nozzle 70 via a nozzle chamber 72 and a delivery channel 73 connected to the nozzle chamber, which is connected to a feed substance cartridge 80. The fluid unit 60 comprises a frame part 74, which contains a heating device 79, which is connected to a control device via a heating connection cable 75, and the fluid unit may also have other components in addition. Different from what is shown in this figure, the heating connection cable 75 and the feed substance cartridge 80 can usually be coupled to a control device or a supply device via a supply connection element 14, as described below according to Figure 3 As described.

[0208] exist Figure 3, a schematic diagram of a dosing system 3 having a dosing valve 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The dosing valve 4 comprises a fluid unit 60 having a dosing substance cartridge 80 which is carried during operation. The dosing substance cartridge 80 is coupled to the fluid unit 60 during dosing operation on the one hand and is connected to the first interface part 10 via a supply line 76 (here a medium pressure line 76) in the region of a connection point 47' on the other hand. The first interface part 10 or valve interface part 10 comprises three separate and spatially separated valve interface elements 10', 10", 10'", which thereby form a supply connection element 14 (middle right in this figure), a functional connection element 16 (lower right in this figure) and a transport connection element 19 (topmost in this figure).

[0209] The medium pressure line 76 is connected to the supply connection element 14 via the connection point 47', wherein the specific structure of the valve interface part 10 is Figure 3 The supply connection element 14 is also connected to a heating control interface 77 via a connection point 47″, which is in contact with the fluid unit 60 via a heating connection cable 75. The heating control interface 77 here includes a readable EEPROM 78. The supply connection element 14 is also connected to a piezoelectric actuator control interface 36' in the area of ​​the connection point 47 so as to apply a control signal to the piezoelectric actuator of the actuator unit 30 during operation. The supply connection element 14 is also connected to a cooling medium delivery section 46 via a connection point 47'″ so as to deliver a cooling medium, such as pre-cooling, to the actuator unit 30 in a controlled and / or regulated manner during operation.

[0210] In order to form the supply connection 15, the supply connection element 14 of the metering valve 4 is coupled to a complementary supply connection element 14' of a docking interface part 11 while forming the interface 12, wherein the docking interface part 11 is assigned to the metering device 2. The docking interface part 11 is designed in a multi-part manner and comprises a docking interface element 11', which is located at the top in this figure, via which the supply connection element 14' is formed, and a separate docking interface element 11", which is located at the bottom in this figure, via which the functional connection element 16' is formed. The docking interface part, in particular the two connection elements 14', 16', is arranged here by way of example outside the metering device 2.

[0211] The dosing device 2 comprises a schematically shown superordinate control device 6 and a supply device 7. The described electrical and pneumatic supply lines 36 ', 46, 75, 76 of the dosing valve 4 and, if appropriate, other operating lines of the dosing valve 4 can be functionally connected to the control device 6 or the supply device 7 via the supply connection 15 during operation of the dosing valve 4, as indicated by the double arrows in the figure. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the dosing valve 4 is arranged directly at the dosing device 2. An example of application of such a "static" dosing valve 4 is the metering of dosing material onto a conveyor belt.

[0212] The valve interface part 10 includes a separate valve interface element 10 ″, via which a functional connection element 16 is constructed. The functional connection element 16 of the metering valve 4 and the functional connection element 16 ′ in the docking interface part 11 form a functional connection part 17. Via the functional connection part 17, in the case shown in this figure, the metering valve 4 is arranged in a detachable manner at the metering device 2 or at least temporarily retained there for releasing the added substance according to the intended use. The detachable coupling via the functional connection part 17 is shown in this figure by a double arrow. The functional connection part 17 forms the (other) part of the same interface 12, wherein the interface 12 is constructed in a multi-piece manner or includes several interface sections.

[0213] According to this embodiment, the valve interface part 10 comprises a valve interface element 10"', which is formed separately in this figure, and which forms a transport coupling element 19. The transport coupling element 19 can cooperate with a complementary coupling element in the docking interface part 11 to form a transport coupling part, such as according to Figure 4 As described. The transport coupling element 19 forms the coupling region 13 of the metering valve 4 for the automated replacement of the metering valve 4. In the state shown in the figure, the metering valve 4 is coupled to the metering device 2 via the interface 12 for the metering operation and is thus also coupled to the control device 6 and the supply device 7, so that the coupling region 13 or the transport coupling element 19 is temporarily in an idle state.

[0214] exist Figure 4 4 shows the dosing valve 4 in a decoupled state, for example before being coupled to the dosing device 2 for its intended use. Figure 3 Basically the same, only the differences are described below.

[0215] The valve interface part 10 includes a valve interface element 10"', via which a transport coupling element 19 is constructed. In the case shown in this figure, the transport coupling element 19 and the complementary transport coupling element 19' of the docking interface part 11 form a transport coupling portion 19", wherein the docking interface part 11 includes a corresponding docking interface element 11"'. Through the transport coupling portion 19", an interface 12 of the metering valve 4 is formed.

[0216] In this figure, the transport coupling element 19' of the docking interface part 11 is arranged at the replacement manipulator 51, for example, at a freely movable industrial robot in a metering device. For example, the docking interface element 11'' can be installed, for example, screwed on the outside of the replacement manipulator 51. Through the cooperation of the docking interface element 11'' of the replacement manipulator 51 and the valve interface element 10'' of the metering valve 4, the metering valve 4 can be coupled to the replacement manipulator 51 in a detachable manner for an automated replacement process.

[0217] The change manipulator 51, for example an industrial robot, is designed to be controllable so that the metering valve 4 is moved in the coupling direction KR toward the metering device 2. The change manipulator 51 can move the metering valve 4 in the direction KR until a coupling position according to the intended use is reached, in which the valve interface element 10* and the docking interface element 11* of the metering device 2 are in active contact. Once the coupling position is reached, the multifunctional coupling can be closed by the control device 6, in which the metering valve 4 is coupled to the metering device 2 and thus also to the control device 6 and the supply device 7.

[0218] exist Figure 4 In, with Figure 3 Differently, the valve interface part 10 (right side) comprises a continuous valve interface element 10*, in which a multifunctional connection element or a multifunctional connection area 18 is constructed. Correspondingly, the docking interface part 11 only comprises a continuous docking interface element 11*, which has a multifunctional connection area 18'. Via two multifunctional connection areas 18, 18', a multifunctional connection part can be formed between the dosing valve 4 and the dosing device 2, wherein the multifunctional connection part has the functions of a supply connection part and a functional connection part. Once the dosing valve 4 is connected to the control device 6 and the supply device 7 (as part of the dosing device 2) via the multifunctional connection part, a complete dosing system 3 is constructed.

[0219] exist Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a quantitative dosing valve 4 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the quantitative dosing valve 4 itself is as shown in FIG. Figure 2The dosing valve 4 is similarly constructed as described. The dosing valve 4 is surrounded by a partially shown housing 21 in this figure, wherein the housing 21 forms the valve interface part 10. The valve interface part 10 may also be arranged on the housing 21 (outside). In this embodiment, the dosing valve 4 forms a coupling module 20 or a coupling unit with the housing 21 and the valve interface part 10 formed thereby.

[0220] The housing 21 comprises two housing half shells, which can be made of plastic or metal (e.g. aluminum, steel, stainless steel) or a mixture of different materials, for example, wherein the housing 21 can be reversibly opened for maintenance purposes. The metering valve 4 is held in the housing 21 via the valve holder 22. In order to supply the dosing material, the metering valve 4 is connected to the valve interface part 10 via the medium line 76'. In addition, the connection between the valve interface part 10 and the metering valve 4 is not shown in detail in this figure. Advantageously, the metering valve 4 is protected from environmental influences to a great extent by the housing 21, wherein the housing 21 can also be configured to reduce the noise generated by the metering valve 4 during the metering operation, for example, by active noise suppression or sound insulation.

[0221] exist Figure 6 middle, Figure 5 The valve interface part 10 in the embodiment is shown in detail in a top view. According to a preferred design, the valve interface part 10 is constructed as an interface module. For this purpose, the valve interface part 10 is constructed in the form of a multifunctional connection area 18 and includes several components with different functions. The individual components can constitute an interface individually and are called sub-interfaces or (interface) subunits. Preferably, the corresponding (interface) subunits can be controlled individually. The individual sub-interfaces can be connected to the respective associated elements ( Figure 5 )connect.

[0222] The first sub-connection 23 is concerned with conveying the dosing substance to the metering valve, wherein the sub-connection 23 can be connected to the medium line 76' on the rear side (not visible here) of the valve connecting part 10. Figure 5 ). The metering valve can be electrically contacted via a further two-part sub-interface 23' or an electrical sub-interface 23'. The further multi-part sub-interface 23" is designed to supply the metering valve with compressed air, for example for cooling purposes. For example, compressed air can be introduced into the metering valve via the upper section of the sub-interface 23" in this figure and discharged from it again through the lower section in this figure. The previously described sub-interfaces 23, 23', 23" here form a supply connection element 14 according to a preferred embodiment as a component of the multifunctional connection area 18.

[0223] The valve interface part 10 also includes a sub-interface 24 for mechanically coupling the valve interface part 10 with the associated docking interface part. The sub-interface 24 has a connecting mechanism 25 here, and the connecting mechanism has two snap-on lugs 25' (as a part of the locking mechanism 25') for snap-on connection of two coupling halves in a detachable manner. Different from what is shown in this figure, the locking mechanism 25' can include, for example, one or more controllable electrical or pneumatic actuators or control elements, which are preferably provided by the docking interface part, for example, provided by a robot arm. Preferably, the valve interface part 10 has a corresponding number of complementary accommodating parts as a part of the locking mechanism 25', in which actuators, such as pins (not shown) can be embedded respectively. The valve interface part 10 additionally includes a sub-interface 24' here, which is used to simplify the coupling process in the form of a centering hole. In this embodiment, the sub-interfaces 24, 24' with the connecting mechanism 25 described above form a functional coupling element 16 as a part of the multifunctional coupling area 18. As shown in this figure, the valve connection part 10 can optionally have further sub-connections 26 , for example for compressed air, for adding substances, etc.

[0224] In the preferred embodiment shown in this figure, the coupling region 13 is formed by a functional coupling element 16, here by a sub-interface 24, for the automated replacement of the metering valve via a replacement system. This means that the functional coupling element 16 can be incorporated into the automated replacement process on the one hand, wherein it functions as a coupling region 13, and on the other hand can form a functional connection in order to hold the metering valve on the mobile replacement device during the metering operation.

[0225] exist Figure 7 Schematically shown in FIG. 2 is a coupling module 20 which is coupled to a working manipulator 53 as part of a replacement system 5. The coupling module 20 may correspond, for example, to Figure 5 The coupling module 20 is permanently connected to the working manipulator 53 via the multifunctional coupling portion 18 ″ during the period of the dosing operation through the cooperation of the valve interface portion 10 and the docking interface portion 11 arranged at the working manipulator 53 .

[0226] The working manipulator 53 is preferably a multi-axis articulated arm robot 53, for example, with 6 axes, wherein the docking interface part 11 is rotatably supported at the articulated arm robot 53. The docking interface part 11 includes a drive device for, for example, a mechanical locking mechanism (not shown). The docking interface part 11 can be installed, for example, screwed, and fixed, for example, outside the articulated arm robot 53, as schematically shown in this figure. On the side opposite to the docking interface part 11, the articulated arm robot 53 is connected (for example, fixedly) to the metering device 2. In the coupled state, the metering valve in the coupling module 20 can be coupled to the metering device 2, in particular to the control device 6 and the supply device 7 (indirectly) via the interface 12 to establish an operative connection. The connecting pipeline between the metering device 2 and the docking interface part 11 can be guided, for example, via a drag chain or inside the articulated arm robot 53. The state shown in this figure may represent, for example, the metering operation of the metering valve in the coupling module 20, wherein the coupling module 20, the working manipulator 53 and the metering device 2 constitute a metering unit. In contrast to what is shown in this figure, the metering device 2 could possibly be connected to a plurality of such working manipulators 53 .

[0227] exist Figure 8 5 shows a coupling module 20 during storage in a magazine 50. The coupling module 20 here as part of the valve interface part 10 has two oppositely disposed grooves 27 (only one is visible), which are designed to hang the coupling module 20 in the magazine 50. The magazine 50 here has only one storage position by way of example, wherein in general, several coupling modules 20 or metering valves can be stored simultaneously. The valve interface part 10 here has a schematically shown RFID transponder, which is used in the form of an RFID chip 28 to identify or assign a metering valve of the coupling module 20 by a working manipulator in an automated process. The magazine 50 here includes an RFID reader 54 assigned to the storage position in order to read the RFID chip 28 of the coupling module 20 or the metering valve. Different from what is shown in this figure, the information read in this way can be supplied to the control device 6.

[0228] Finally, it is pointed out again that the dosing valve described in detail above is only an embodiment, which can be modified in various ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the interface elements shown in the corresponding embodiments can also exist multiple times and / or be positioned in different positions. In addition, it is also feasible to combine the interface elements shown. In addition, the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude that the relevant features can also exist multiple times.

[0229] Reference numerals list

[0230] 1. Dosing equipment

[0231] 2. Dosing device

[0232] 3. Dosing system

[0233] 4 Dosing valve

[0234] 5 Replacement system

[0235] 6 Control device

[0236] 7 Supply device

[0237] 7' Maintenance Device

[0238] 8 Maintenance connection

[0239] 9 Multifunctional connection

[0240] 10 Valve interface part

[0241] 10', 10", 10"', 10* valve interface components

[0242] 11 Docking interface

[0243] 11', 11", 11"', 11* docking interface components

[0244] 12 interfaces

[0245] 13 Coupling region

[0246] 14, 14' Supply of connecting elements

[0247] 15 Supply connection

[0248] 16, 16' functional connection element

[0249] 17 Functional connection part

[0250] 18, 18' multifunctional connection area

[0251] 18” multifunctional connection

[0252] 19, 19' transport coupling element

[0253] 19” transport connection

[0254] 20 Coupling modules

[0255] 21 Housing

[0256] 22 Valve holding part

[0257] 23, 23', 23" sub-interface

[0258] 24, 24' sub-interface

[0259] 25Connection mechanism

[0260] 25' locking mechanism

[0261] 26 sub-interfaces

[0262] 27 slots

[0263] 28RFID chip

[0264] 30 Actuation unit

[0265] 31 housing block

[0266] 32 Actuator chamber

[0267] 33 Action Chamber

[0268] 34 Piezoelectric Actuator

[0269] 35, 35' contact pin

[0270] 36 Temperature sensor interface

[0271] 36' Piezoelectric Actuator Control Interface

[0272] 37 Pressure piece

[0273] 38 Sports Organization

[0274] 39 Leverage

[0275] 40 Lever bearing

[0276] 41 Gap

[0277] 42 Contact surface

[0278] 44 Control Unit

[0279] 46 Cooling medium delivery unit

[0280] 46' Cooling medium discharge section

[0281] 47, 47', 47", 47' connection points

[0282] 50 libraries

[0283] 51 Replacement device / Replacement of manipulator

[0284] 52 Maintenance connection element

[0285] 53 Work manipulator

[0286] 54RFID Reader

[0287] 60 fluid units

[0288] 61 ejection element / plunger

[0289] 62 Plunger tip

[0290] 63 Plunger head

[0291] 64 contact surface

[0292] 65 Plunger Spring

[0293] 66 Actuator spring

[0294] 67 Plunger bearing

[0295] 68 Plunger seal

[0296] 69 Sealing seat

[0297] 70 Nozzle

[0298] 71 Nozzle opening

[0299] 72 Nozzle chamber

[0300] 73 Conveyor Channel

[0301] 74 Frame Parts

[0302] 75 Heating connection cable

[0303] 76 Medium pressure pipeline

[0304] 76' medium pipeline

[0305] 77 Heating control interface

[0306] 78EEPROM

[0307] 79 Heating device

[0308] 80 dosing material cylinder

[0309] D data / control data

[0310] FS Fluid Flow

[0311] K Tilt axis

[0312] KR coupling direction

[0313] SR: The ejection direction of the dosing material / the ejection movement direction of the ejection element.

Claims

1. A dosing device (1), comprising at least one dosing device (2) and at least one replacement system (5) assigned to the dosing device (2), the dosing device (2) comprising at least one dosing system (3), the dosing system comprising at least one dosing valve (4) for releasing a dosing substance, in, The metering device (1) is constructed and can be driven by a control device (6) so that at least the metering valve (4) can be coupled to the metering device (2) in a detachable manner via the replacement system (5) during an automated process to release the dosing substance, and / or so that at least the metering valve (4) can be coupled to the supply device (7) in a detachable manner via the replacement system (5) during an automated process.

2. The dosing device according to claim 1, wherein the replacement system (5) has at least one library (50) for at least one dosing valve (4), and wherein preferably - the magazine (50) is arranged in a fixed position in the metering device (1), and the metering device (2) is designed to be mobile and can be driven by the control device (6), so that in the automation process, the metering valve (4) in the magazine (50) is brought into active contact with the metering device (2) to couple the metering valve (4), and / or the metering valve (4) is placed in the magazine (50) in the automation process, and / or - the magazine (50) is configured to be movable relative to the metering device (2) and can be driven by the control device (6), so that the metering valve (4) in the magazine (50) is brought into active contact with the metering device (2) in the automation process to couple the metering valve (4), and / or the metering valve (4) is placed in the magazine (50) in the automation process, and / or - the replacement system (5) has a mobile replacement device (51, 53), which is configured and can be driven by the control device (6) so that in the automated process, at least one metering valve (4) is transferred between the library (50) and the metering device (2) by the replacement device (51, 53), in particular, the metering valve (4) from the library (50) is brought into operative contact with the metering device (2) to couple the metering valve (4), and / or the metering valve (4) is transferred from the metering device (2) to the library (50). and / or The mobile replacement device (53) of the replacement system (5) is designed and can be driven by the control device (6) so that at least one metering valve (4) is detachably coupled to the mobile replacement device (53) to release the dosing material.

3. Dosing device according to claim 2, wherein the magazine (50) of the replacement system (5) has at least one maintenance coupling element (52), which cooperates with the associated coupling element (14, 16, 18) of the dosing valve (4) to form a maintenance coupling (8), wherein the maintenance coupling (8) is designed to connect at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the dosing valve (4) to a supply device (7), in particular to a maintenance device (7'), wherein preferably, via the maintenance coupling (8), cleaning agent can be introduced into the dosing valve (4) and / or a heating device (79) of the dosing valve (4) can be controlled and driven and / or a memory (78) assigned to the dosing valve (4) can be read and / or the dosing valve (4) can be controlled and driven by the control device (6).

4. The metering device according to claim 2 , wherein the store ( 50 ) of the replacement system ( 5 ) is designed to store metering valves ( 4 ) of different designs, in particular to store them simultaneously. and / or The replacement system (5) and / or the metering device (2) are configured and can be driven controllably by the control device (6) so that a specific metering valve (4) from the reservoir (50) is brought into operative contact with the metering device (2) to couple the metering valve (4).

5. A replacement system (5) for a metering device (1), in particular for a metering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the metering device (1) has at least one metering device (2), the metering device has at least one metering system (3), the metering system (3) has at least one metering valve (4), wherein the replacement system (5) is designed and can be driven by a control device (6) so that at least the metering valve (4) can be coupled to the metering device (2) in a detachable manner via the replacement system (5) in an automated process to release the dosing substance, and / or so that at least the metering valve (4) can be coupled to a supply device (7) in a detachable manner via the replacement system (5) in an automated process, Preferably, the replacement system (5) has a docking interface part (11), which is configured to couple the metering valve (4) to the replacement system (5) in a detachable manner in an automated process through cooperation with an associated valve interface part (10) of the metering valve (4).

6. A dosing device (2) for a dosing device (1), in particular for a dosing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing device (2) has at least one dosing system (3), the dosing system has at least one dosing valve (4), and wherein the dosing device (2) is constructed and can be driven by a control device (6) so that at least the dosing valve (4) can be coupled to the dosing device (2) in a detachable manner via a replacement system (5) in an automated process to release the dosing substance, and / or so that at least the dosing valve (4) can be coupled to a supply device (7) in a detachable manner via a replacement system (5) in an automated process.

7. A dosing valve (4) for a dosing system (3), in particular for a dosing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, - wherein the metering valve (4) has a valve interface part (10) which is designed to couple the metering valve (4) to the metering device (2) and / or to the supply device (7) in a detachable manner in an automated process in cooperation with an associated docking interface part (11) assigned to the metering device (2) and / or the supply device (7), and - wherein the metering valve (4) has a coupling region (13, 19) which is designed to interact with a replacement system (5) which is assigned to the metering valve (4) at least for a period of time in an automated process for coupling the metering valve (4) to the metering device (2) and / or to the supply device (7).

8. The metering valve according to claim 7, wherein the valve interface part (10) and / or the docking interface part (11) are constructed in multiple parts. and / or The valve interface part (10) has a supply coupling element (14) to form a supply coupling portion (15), which is configured to couple at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the dosing valve (4) to a supply device (7), preferably to the dosing device (2) during operation, and / or wherein the valve interface part (10) has a functional coupling element (16), and wherein a docking interface part (11) cooperating with the valve interface part (10) has a further functional coupling element (16') to form a functional coupling portion (17), and wherein the valve interface part (10) and / or the docking interface part (11) are configured to couple the metering valve (4) to an associated coupling partner (2, 5, 53) in a detachable manner via interaction between the valve interface part (10) and the docking interface part (11), and / or The valve interface part (10) has a transport coupling element (19), and a docking interface part (11) which cooperates with the valve interface part (10) and has a further transport coupling element (19') to form a transport coupling portion (19") is assigned to a replacement system (5), and the valve interface part (10) and / or the docking interface part (11) are configured to couple the metering valve (4) to the replacement system (5) in a detachable manner via interaction between the valve interface part (10) and the docking interface part (11).

9. The metering valve according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the coupling region (13, 19) of the metering valve (4) is part of the valve interface part (10), wherein the coupling region (13) is preferably formed by the functional coupling element (16), and / or The supply coupling element (14) and / or the functional coupling element (16) and / or the coupling region (13) constitute a multifunctional coupling region (18) to form a multifunctional coupling portion (18").

10. The metering valve according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, comprising a connection mechanism (25), the connection mechanism comprising a first functional connection element (16) and / or a second functional connection element (16'), wherein the connection mechanism (25) comprises an electrical connection mechanism and / or a pneumatic connection mechanism and / or a hydraulic connection mechanism and / or a mechanical connection mechanism, and / or The connecting mechanism (25) has a preferably controllable locking mechanism (25') for snap-connecting two functional connecting elements (16, 16'), wherein the locking mechanism (25') is preferably configured as part of the docking interface part (11), in particular as part of the metering device (2) or as part of the replacement system (5, 53).

11. Dosing valve according to any of the preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein the supply coupling element (14) and / or the transport coupling element (19) is designed to establish at least one, preferably several electrical and / or mechanical and / or signaling and / or pneumatic and / or fluid-conducting connections (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') via the supply coupling (15) and / or via the transport coupling (19"), and / or The supply coupling element (14) comprises a closing mechanism which is designed to close at least one supply line (46, 76, 76') to the metering valve (4), in particular to a fluid unit (60) of the metering valve (4), in an air-tight and / or liquid-tight manner, and / or The supply coupling element (14) is designed to cooperate with a maintenance coupling element (52) of a magazine (50) of a replacement system (5) to form a maintenance coupling (8), wherein the maintenance coupling (8) is designed to connect at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the metering valve (4) to a supply device (7), in particular to a maintenance device (7').

12. The dosing valve according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, wherein the transport coupling (19") is configured to detachably couple the dosing valve (4) to an associated supply device (7), in particular during transport of the dosing valve (4) in the dosing device (1). and / or The transport coupling element (19) and / or the functional coupling element (16) and / or the supply coupling element (14) are constructed and / or arranged so that the metering valve (4) can be coupled to the associated coupling partner (2, 5, 6, 7, 51, 53) simultaneously via the transport coupling element (19) and / or via the functional coupling element (16) and / or via the supply coupling element (14).

13. A metering valve according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 12, wherein the valve interface part (10), in particular the transport coupling element (19) and / or the functional coupling element (16) and / or the supply coupling element (14) and / or the coupling area (13) are configured as part of the metering valve (4), in particular as an integral component.

14. A dosing system (3) for a dosing device of a dosing apparatus (1), in particular for a dosing device (2) of a dosing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing system (3) has a dosing valve (4), in particular a dosing valve (4) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 13, and an associated control device (6, 44) for controlling the dosing valve (4), wherein the dosing system (3) is designed and can be driven by the control device (6, 44) so ​​that at least the dosing valve (4) can be coupled to the dosing device (2) in an automated process via a replacement system (5) of the dosing apparatus (1) in a detachable manner to release the dosing substance, and / or so that at least the dosing valve (4) can be coupled to a supply device (7) in an automated process via the replacement system (5).

15. A method for automatically coupling at least a dosing valve (4), preferably a dosing valve (4) for a dosing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, to a dosing device (2) and / or to a supply device (7), wherein the automated coupling preferably comprises at least a replacement of the dosing valve (4) and / or is performed during operation of the dosing device (1), wherein the method at least The following steps are involved: - providing at least one dosing valve (4) with a valve interface part (10), preferably via a replacement system (5), - using the replacement system (5) to connect the valve interface part (10) of the metering valve (4) to a docking interface part (11) assigned to the metering device (2) and / or the supply device (7), - snap-fitting at least one interface element (10', 10", 10*, 11', 11", 11*) of the valve interface part (10) and / or the docking interface part (11), preferably by means of a control device (6), so as to couple the dosing valve (4) via the valve interface part (10) in a detachable manner to the docking interface part (11) assigned to the dosing device (2) and / or to the supply device (7), so as to couple the dosing valve (4), - Optionally, the actuator (34) of the actuating unit (30) is calibrated so that in a defined operating state of the actuator (34), in particular in a deflected operating state, a specific pressing force is generated by the actuator (34) to press the ejection element (61) into the nozzle (70), wherein the calibration process is preferably controlled by the control device (6).

Images